CFAO Mobility is excited to sponsor the 3rd Eagle Nationals 2024 Zambia, happening from July 18th to 20th at Bonanza Golf Club. This three-day event combines great golf with an opportunity to see our latest Toyota models.
Showcasing Our Top Models
At the clubhouse, you’ll find a display of our finest vehicles:
- Toyota Corolla Quest: Reliable and stylish, perfect for everyday use.
- Corolla Cross GR: Sporty and robust, ideal for adventure seekers.
- Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Eco-friendly, offering excellent fuel efficiency and performance.
- RAV4 Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Spacious and versatile, blending performance with sustainability.
Special Offers You Can’t Miss
We invite customers and golfers to visit our stand to learn about special offers on these models. Our team will be available to provide detailed information and answer any questions. Whether you’re looking for a new family car or an eco-friendly option, we have something for everyone.
About the Event
The 3rd Eagle Nationals 2024 Zambia is set to be an unforgettable event, featuring:
- Golf Tournaments: Enjoy three days of thrilling golf matches with 174 players from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with golf enthusiasts and players from different countries.
- Automotive Showcase: Explore the latest advancements in automotive technology at our display.
Why You Should Attend
Attending the Eagle Nationals is a great way to enjoy top-tier golf while exploring the latest Toyota models. Here’s why you should join us:
- Exclusive Offers: Take advantage of special deals on our vehicles.
- Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable team will help you find the perfect car.
- Community and Networking: Enjoy the event with fellow golf lovers and make new connections.
- Beautiful Venue: The Bonanza Golf Club provides a stunning setting for both golf and relaxation.
Invitation
Join us from July 18th to 20th at Bonanza Golf Club. Don’t miss out on three days of fantastic golf, great deals and a much more
See you on the green at the 3rd Eagle Nationals 2024 Zambia!
Jul
18
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The Easy Buy-Bye Advantage
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Accident-Free History and Rigorous Inspections
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Automark Warranty for Peace of Mind
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Nationwide Service Network
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To Diplomats and Expatriates
Automark’s Easy Buy-Bye program is tailored to meet your unique needs. By purchasing a vehicle from Automark and maintaining it through the CFAO Mobility Toyota Network, you ensure that when it’s time to leave Zambia, you can sell your vehicle back at the prevailing market price. With an accident-free history, thorough inspections, a solid warranty, and a reliable nationwide service network, Automark provides a seamless and stress-free vehicle ownership experience. WIN when you BUY and say BYE with Automark
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing won the 6 Hours of São Paulo to ignite its 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) title challenge on a dramatic day at Interlagos.
At the scene of Toyota’s first-ever hybrid-powered WEC victory in 2012, World Champions Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa earned their first win of the season in the #8 GR010 HYBRID in front of a passionate 73,205 Brazilian crowd.
Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries, in the pole position-winning #7 GR010 HYBRID, were on course for victory until a long pit stop for a technical issue dropped them down the field. However, a stunning fight back delivered fourth place and 12 valuable World Championship points.
A hard-earned second victory of the year, courtesy of flawless driving, strong team work and a superior tyre strategy, earned maximum points for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and reduced the gap to leaders Porsche to only four points in the manufacturers’ standings with three races remaining in the season.
For the first time since Bahrain last November, an all-Toyota front row led the field away at the start. Mike made a clean getaway and began building a cushion over the chasing pack. Brendon recovered after running wide into the first turn and settled into second.
Mike took care to preserve his medium compound tyres in hot temperatures on the abrasive Interlagos track surface and plotted a safe course through the traffic. In the opening hour he built an 11-second advantage over Brendon, who was successfully holding the #5 Porsche at arm’s length.
The #7 was still comfortably in control at the 90-minute mark but suffered its first blow when a drive-through penalty for a full course yellow infringement wiped out Mike’s advantage. A more significant issue came early in the third hour when repairs were needed on a control unit and Nyck resumed in 18th.
By then Ryo was at the wheel of the #8 to take up the team’s victory challenge and he soon moved to the front. By half distance he had extended his lead to 30secs and he pitted for new Michelin tyres on the right-hand side only; a strategy to maintain tyre temperature and manage degradation.
Ryo put in a fast stint on his Interlagos debut to build a lead of over 40 seconds going into the final two hours before handing over to Sébastien. Nyck’s battling performance brought the #7 back into the fight for points and Kamui took the wheel for the final two stints.
Sébastien maintained the #8’s consistent speed at the front, making a final fuel stop with an hour remaining and resuming with a clear lead. He protected that until the chequered flag, finishing 1min 8.811secs ahead of the #6 Porsche.
The #7’s determined fight back continued until the flag and Kamui hunted down the #51 Ferrari in the closing laps, forcing his way past with a breathtaking overtake for fourth place inside the last five minutes.
After a productive visit to South America, the team’s bid to retain its World Championship titles moves to North America for the next race, when the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas hosts the Lone Star Le Mans on 1 September.
Akio Toyoda (Team Founder):
“Congratulations to Séb, Brendon, Ryo, and everyone in the #8 car for winning!
Everyone was motivated by the disappointment of Le Mans and you made up for the disappointment of not only the WEC team but also everyone at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Thank you very much!
Everyone in car #7 may not have gotten over their frustration yet. However, the way they fought back to fourth position even though they had dropped to 17th was fantastic. Especially Kamui’s overtake at the end was really great!
His determination as a driver, his sense of responsibility as a team principal, his unique talent as an entertainer, and his unusual habit of always making waves! I really love Kamui Kobayashi and the #7 car. Maybe it’s because they are a little like me….
In fact, Morizo is even happier than usual about the Brazilian result. Not only because of the frustration of Le Mans, but also for several other reasons.
One is Mike’s return. I was really sorry to see him miss Le Mans but I am so glad to see him back in one piece. I heard that he is not completely healed yet, but I hope he will recover well and I look forward to seeing him in the next race.
On the other hand, it was a little disappointing that Jose had not chance to race in his home continent of South America in the #7 car due to Mike’s return. It was the first WEC race in South America in 10 years and I think Jose himself would have really wanted to race in the #7. Jose went out of his way to visit his friends at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and he also encouraged the local Brazilian supporters. I am once again thankful to have José as a family member.
And Ryan, who stood on the podium with the drivers as the engineer of the #8 car. Congratulations on your first podium! He came to Japan without a break after Le Mans and also engineered for us in Super Formula. His presence has brought the WEC team and me even closer together. I know it is hard for him to travel back and forth to Japan but I ask for his continued support.
Last but not least, there was big cheering section in Brazil, where Toyota friends gathered at the circuit for the first time in 10 years. South America is some distance from Japan and that makes it difficult for me to visit but I often feel the warmth of my friends in South America, who call me Morizo instead of Akio. This time, the support of these friends was undoubtedly the driving force behind car #8’s victory and car #7’s amazing pursuit of the lead. Thank you so much for your enthusiastic support, my Brazilian friends!
Although the race was held at a distance, I felt as if I was fighting right beside the team. Kamui has built this team, and I would like to continue to fight right beside them as I aim for the championship.”
Kamui Kobayashi (Team Principal and driver, car #7):
“For the team, this was definitely our week. We had good pace in qualifying then both cars were really strong in the race and we managed the tyre degradation really well. Congratulations to car #8 for the victory; they drove a great race. Obviously, car #7 had the potential to win but unfortunately we had an issue and that cost us time in the pits. From then on it was a difficult situation for us but we tried our best to come back, and fourth was the best we could realistically achieve. Thanks to the team for all their hard work. We will analyse what happened on our car and come back even stronger for the next races.”
Mike Conway (Driver, car #7):
“We had such a strong car all day. I made a mistake with the FCY, just over-speeding slightly, but we managed to get back into the lead anyway. We had really good tyre wear at that point and thought we were looking good. But at the end of my stint, we started to notice the issue. The team tried to fix it and we lost time, so we went all the way to the back. Kamui and Nyck drove well to get us back up to fourth. We couldn’t do any better in terms of a recovery, but we still feel like this one got away from us.”
Nyck de Vries (Driver, car #7):
“I think overall the weekend has been very positive. The performance has been great and the team did a stellar job. Kamui obviously qualified the car on pole, and all was looking positive. Unfortunately, this technical issue took away our opportunity to finish the job. It’s a pity. We did a very strong recovery between us to come back from last to fourth which was impressive. It hurts that we didn’t bring home the victory but I am very happy for car #8 to bring home the win for the team.”
Sébastien Buemi (Driver, car #8):
“It is an amazing day for us on car #8, winning a race for the first time this year. We had a great car. Tyre management was one of our strengths, particularly the fact we could use the medium compound throughout the race which really helped us have good pace. I’m so happy to finally have a weekend without any issues after a tricky start to the season. We had a strong qualifying with the one-two but car #7 was unlucky with their issue. They were very fast and deserved a much better result than that. We scored good points in the manufacturers’ World Championship, and we will go to the next race aiming to keep that going.”
Brendon Hartley (Driver, car #8):
“It feels great to get the first win of the season. We haven’t had the best of seasons up to now on car #8 so to get this win is fantastic. Car #7 did an amazing race, they were flying today, so I feel bad for them. My first stint at the start was not easy, with a lot of tyre degradation but we got on top of that and had a nice, clean race. We got the win and that’s what matters. We also scored good points for the World Championship, so we want to keep this momentum for the next races.”
Ryo Hirakawa (Driver, car #8):
“I am so happy for our first victory of the year. It has been a long time since Bahrain when we last won but we never gave up and always pushed hard. My stint was not easy with the degradation, so I needed to look after the tyres. I had the chance to change tyres on the right-hand side but I still had to manage the tyres a lot, so I was happy I could keep the gap to the car behind. For the team in the manufacturers’ World Championship, it was important that we won the race, and I am happy we did it. Thanks to the fans for their support all weekend and thanks to the whole team for their huge effort this week. There are three races to go so we will keep pushing for the title.”
6 Hours of São Paulo – Result
1st #8 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 236 laps
2nd #6 Porsche Penske (Estre/Lotterer/Vanthoor) +1min 8.811secs
3rd #5 Porsche Penske (Campbell/Christensen/Makowiecki) +1min 15.993secs
4th #7 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing +1min 23.571secs
5th #51 Ferrari AF Corse (Pier Guidi/Calado/Giovinazzi) +1min 27.395secs
6th #50 Ferrari AF Corse (Fuoco/Molina/Nielsen) +1 lap
For the final part of our series on the 2024 General Shareholders’ Meeting, we look at Toyota’s carmaking perspective through the comments of Operating Officer Kazuaki Shingo and Hydrogen Factory President Mitsumasa Yamagata.
“How are you going to keep developing products that excite car lovers?” In the wake of certification issues and other events, there is concern among Toyota’s shareholders. Shingo, who serves as Chief Production Officer, fielded the question, drawing on his experience leading the development of the Prius.
The never-ending pursuit
Operating Officer Shingo
Allow me to share some of my thoughts on car development.
Having spent a long time developing cars at Toyota, I think that in the last 15 years or so (the company’s carmaking) has changed drastically.
I strongly feel that Chairman Akio Toyoda’s calls to “make ever-better cars” and become the best in each region were a major turning point.
Until then, the company was organized by function, with production plants wanting to make cars that were easy to build and the accounting department pushing for cars that made more money. We were divided by functions.
Yet when we received the challenge to “make ever-better cars,” we all got to thinking: how do we make our cars better?
What is needed to create ever-better cars from the customers’ perspective?
While we were figuring this out, Toyota started its in-house company system, and we shifted from that function-oriented mindset to everyone thinking about products—some people concentrating on commercial vehicles, others exclusively Lexus, while still others thought only about compact cars. I believe this product-focused approach gradually established the ever-better carmaking we have today, creating vehicles that delight customers in each region.
I would like to share an episode from the development of the current Prius. Since hybrids have become a widespread commodity, the Chairman suggested, “Why don’t we make the next Prius a taxi?”
By contrast, as developers, we thought that hybrids reaching maturity gave us the chance to take on the challenge of ever-better carmaking that could only be done with the Prius.
It was more of a discussion than a dispute, and when the Chairman saw the car that came out of it, he responded, “If that’s what you all want to make, then let’s make it.”
I think that through the pursuit of ever-better carmaking, we became a company where leaders and frontline members can have such conversations.
The making of ever-better cars through honest dialogue between company leaders and the genba. Like the Prius, this process also gave rise to the new Crown series, unveiled in 2022.
Later that year, on the first episode of Toyota Times News, host Yuta Tomikawa, Chairman Toyoda, and Executive Vice President & Mid-size Vehicle Company President Hiroki Nakajima reflected on the development of the Prius and Crown. They revealed that the new Crown started out with just a Crossover, but after a test drive, Chairman Toyoda placed an additional order for a Sedan—on top of which the development team proposed the Sport and Estate variations.
Chairman Toyoda said they “had gotten carried away,” and he was “honestly surprised.” “I think it was an eruption of energy from the development team, made possible by a relationship that allows for these kinds of conversations,” recalled Vice President Nakajima. “I finally understood what the president had been saying all this time about ‘making ever-better cars.’”
Such is the origin story of the latest Prius and Crown. During a Toyota Times Sports livestream from Rally Hokkaido 2023, Chairman Toyoda cited these two models as examples of ever-better carmaking.
Chairman Toyoda
Photo:Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK PHOTO AGENCY
I won on the Crown, but the Prius was claimed by people who didn’t want to side with me. I think it’s good that we became a product-centered company capable of having such discussions for the sake of making ever-better cars.
When I said we’re going to make ever-better cars, I was often asked, “What is a good car to you, Morizo?” My only response was, “You’ll have to figure that out for yourself.”
Yet, even though it took us 14 years, I feel we’ve become a company that produces many of what I consider to be ever-better cars. I believe we need to ensure that our product-centered approach and commitment to the genba continue to be passed down.
“Making ever-better cars” was established as a core concept by Chairman Toyoda and passed down to the current leadership team. At the shareholder meeting, Operating Officer Shingo wrapped up his response with the following words:
“I see ever-better carmaking as a never-ending pursuit. We will continue working as one to create cars that bring even greater happiness and make our customers feel they were worth the wait.”
Like flowers and bees
Shareholders also voiced concerns that, despite alternative fuels being developed, the lack of progress in providing refueling stations could leave gasoline vehicle users unable to drive their cars in the future.
Hydrogen Factory President Mitsumasa Yamagata said he foresees “a shift from fossil fuels to an era of electricity and hydrogen” before adding “However…”
President Yamagata
However, this process will involve effectively using various fuels, including synthetic fuels and biofuels, in combination with electric capabilities. We believe that depending on the circumstances of different people around the world, hybrids and plug-in hybrids can also help achieve carbon neutrality more quickly.
I believe your question was, “What are you going to do about stations for all these different fuels that are being developed?” Take for example Brazil, which uses ethanol, a biofuel made from grains. In fact, gasoline in Japan already contains a certain percentage of (ETBE synthesized from) this ethanol.
Here, we believe work can be done with the fuel industry to gradually increase ethanol use.
Similarly, refueling stations pose a major challenge for hydrogen and must be developed in tandem. We make the Mirai, the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle, which runs by converting hydrogen into electricity.
By expanding the use of this technology more broadly to heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles, we hope to spur the spread of refueling stations as well.
Stations and mobility always go hand in hand, like flowers and bees. I ask for your understanding so that we can work together to create that relationship and advance a carbon-neutral future.
As Toyota strives to provide “Mobility for All,” President Yamagata highlighted the importance of developing not only fuels but also the accompanying infrastructure.
In this final article of our four-part feature on the 2024 General Shareholders’ Meeting, we shared responses by Operating Officer Shingo and President Yamagata, as they sought to allay shareholder concerns about the future of cars.
“We will continue working as one to create cars that bring even greater happiness.” (Operating Officer Shingo)
“We can work together to advance a carbon-neutral future.” (President Yamagata)
Even as the auto industry undergoes a once-in-a-century transformation, their words seem to reflect Toyota’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.
Source: https://toyotatimes.jp/
As part of our feature on the 2024 General Shareholders’ Meeting, this time, we’re highlighting a dialogue with shareholders about the redistribution of profits centered on comments by Executive Vice President Yoichi Miyazaki.
He spoke about the business foundations inherited from Chairman Akio Toyoda and his determination to make the auto industry an even more exciting sector.
Is Toyota only looking out for itself?
A month prior to the general meeting, Toyota announced an operating income of 5.3529 trillion yen for the fiscal year to March 2024. While a weak yen also played in the company’s favor, this result stems from the product- and region-centered management established together with Toyota’s stakeholders.
At the meeting, shareholders wanted to know how profits would be passed on to those stakeholders.
Vice President Miyazaki
Toyota is working to strengthen its business foundations and produce happiness for all through our product- and region-centered management.
On a personal note, prior to receiving my current role, I spent many years supervising our overseas business and was based abroad as Chief Officer for the Asia region. During that time, I had the experience of working with suppliers, dealers, and local communities as we supported and helped each other through the challenging circumstances of a pandemic, chip shortages, and natural disasters.
I believe it is thanks to these relationships of mutual gratitude in each country and region—along with the ongoing support of the 100 million global customers who choose Toyota vehicles and our shareholders, who have now grown to number 1 million—that the company has achieved sustained growth to this day.
At the same time, our consolidated staff has increased by 60,000 employees. Based on average annual salaries in Japan, this amounts to generating additional returns of some 300 billion yen per year. With the rise in our stock valuation, Toyota’s market capitalization is currently nearing 50 trillion yen. Once again, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for your support.
As pointed out, our consolidated results for the past fiscal year included sales of 45 trillion yen, with 5 trillion yen in income. The difference of 40 trillion yen consists mainly of the costs we paid to our suppliers for parts and equipment, returns to employees, and contributions to national and regional governments in the form of tax payments. In addition, the year’s income helps to fund the dividends paid to you, our shareholders.
The auto industry is known for having very widespread roots, with its economic ripple effect said to be 2.5 times greater than the industry itself. We believe that we have contributed to economic ripple effects totaling nearly 100 trillion yen. Even as Japan’s GDP remains stagnant, Toyota’s returns to stakeholders have tripled (over the past 20 years).
It gives me great pleasure to know that Toyota’s hard work and growth can be used to give back and repay all those who support us, helping Japan become a more vibrant country.
Over the past 15 years, I have been entrusted with the genba where products evolve and where members have regained their smiles and confidence. I have also witnessed the growth of our overseas colleagues.
Similarly, regarding the current certification issues, all of our employees are united as one, working to make sure that the results speak for themselves. As the past 15 years, we will strive to maintain our unique growth and returns, ensuring you can all be proud to stand by Toyota for a long time to come. We look forward to your continued support.
The “15 years” that Miyazaki spoke of overlap neatly with Akio Toyoda’s term as president (2009-2023).
In responding to the shareholder’s question, Vice President Miyazaki touched on his own genchi-genbutsu experience during that time, while also providing figures on employment, tax payments, and Toyota’s other economic ripple effects.
When the company reports strong performance, it is often criticized as only looking out for itself. Indeed, at this year’s general meeting, shareholders again commented that the financial results had sparked talk of a “winner-takes-all” attitude.
For Toyota, however, “winning” means redistributing profits to the auto industry and, thereby, the countries and regions where it operates.
Take the following words, spoken at a general shareholders’ meeting by then-President Toyoda. He was responding to a suggestion that suppliers and dealerships might be unhappy with the way Toyota alone was raking in profits.
Then-President Toyoda
I’ve heard people talk of Toyota’s “winner-take-all” attitude, but what would happen if this country had no winners at all?
And what use would winning be for that sole company?
I believe that Toyota is transforming into a company capable of using this strength not for our own sake, but to benefit the people who continually support us and the wider world.
Without any winners, I don’t think this industry nor this country can be sustained.
We couldn’t even sustain our goal of being “best in town.”
(2020 General Shareholders’ Meeting)
This time, too, Vice President Miyazaki emphasized that Toyota had grown through mutual support with various stakeholders and asked the shareholders to acknowledge the significant role it plays in the economy and society.
Achieving sustainable growth
What, then, must be done to sustain growth for Toyota and the auto industry as a whole?
As the manufacturing sector grapples with chronic worker shortages, how is Toyota approaching this problem? Once again, Vice President Miyazaki took up the microphone.
Vice President Miyazaki
I believe that, in order for a company to grow sustainably, it must create a vibrant, fun, dynamic environment where every employee can apply themselves to their work while harnessing their individuality.
To do that, first we need to create conditions that make us a company people want to join and work for. From there, we must firmly establish systems and infrastructure that ensure individuals remain fulfilled and highly motivated to continue giving their best for a long time. That’s what we are currently working on.
To create a supportive work environment where diverse individuals can flourish regardless of age, gender, or physical ability, we are enhancing toilets, dormitories, and company housing, and promoting childcare leave for both male and female employees. Efforts are also underway to reduce workloads by redesigning vehicle structures and production line processes.
At the same time, given the auto industry’s extremely broad roots, the labor force issue affects not only us but also our suppliers and the industry as a whole. To boost the entire sector’s appeal and inspire people to join our 5.5 million colleagues, we are focused on ensuring that the effects of wage increases reach our primary, secondary, and tertiary suppliers and far beyond.
At Toyota, we believe people are priceless and employees are family. Toyota cannot create the auto industry’s future alone. We want to work with many others to build the future, pass on our skills and technologies across the industry, and continue developing Japanese monozukuri. To that end, we will keep investing heavily in people. I hope we can count on your continued support.
“Investing in people” was also a key topic raised at this year’s labor-management discussions. At the third round of talks in March, participants shared issues related to heat management in production plants and working conditions for logistics area contractors. Then, in April, dealers and suppliers joined in the first “expanded labor-management roundtable” as part of improvements targeting the entire auto industry.
As for the idea that “employees are family,” this stems from the words of Kiichiro Toyoda, who founded the Toyota Motor Corporation. The company’s Five Main Principles* include the following:
“Always strive to build a homelike atmosphere at work that is warm and friendly.”
＊The teachings of Group founder Sakichi Toyoda, compiled by Kiichiro Toyoda and others.
Vice President Miyazaki’s responses revealed a commitment to building on not just the company’s business foundations, but also their underlying spirit, for the benefit of future generations.
Source: https://toyotatimes.jp/
“It’s been 15 years since the chairperson last called on me—I forgot how nerve-wracking it is…”
So remarked Akio Toyoda as he was put on the spot by President Koji Sato, speaking from the chairperson’s seat at Toyota’s General Shareholders’ Meeting. After a string of questions about certification issues and shareholder returns, the room’s tense atmosphere lightened for a moment.
Akio was appointed president of Toyota at the general meeting in 2009 and chaired every subsequent session until 2023. Now, at last, he is back to simply being a respondent. His calm expression belied his talk of feeling nervous.
Among the questions raised at this year’s General Shareholders’ Meeting, Chairman Toyoda provided two responses. In this article, we highlight those moments.
A city built on a history of passion
――What efforts are being made to implement autonomous driving in Woven City, and how will they be commercialized?
First came this question.
The Woven City concept was unveiled at CES 2020. Chairman Toyoda has a strong attachment to the project, going so far as to personally invest in the company behind it, Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development (now Woven by Toyota) * .
*In September 2023, Toyota Motor Corporation announced that Woven by Toyota would become a wholly owned subsidiary. As part of this move, Akio Toyoda also relinquished his shareholdings. At the time, he emphasized that “my feelings toward Woven by Toyota, which I consider like my own child, have not changed.”
This connection explains why, in response to the shareholder’s question, President Sato passed the microphone over, saying, “I would like to call on Chairman Toyoda, the owner and founding member of the Woven City project.”
Chairman Toyoda
I’m Akio Toyoda. Allow me to answer your question.
It’s been 15 years since the chairperson last called on me—I forgot how nerve-wracking it is.
Thank you greatly for continuing to choose Toyota cars over so many years. And thank you also for taking an interest in Woven City.
Although I was just introduced as one of the project’s founding members, the idea for Woven City, in fact, originated from a question from an employee at the former Kanto Auto Works (now Toyota Motor East Japan).
When we made the decision to close the Kanto Auto Higashi-Fuji Plant, many of the employees were concerned about what would become of the facility.
I visited the site, and while speaking in front of the entire plant staff, the words just slipped out: “I want to turn this into a test course for the future.”
I believe that’s where the idea for Woven City began. Over the six years since, countless people have contributed to making it a reality.
The first phase of construction will be completed next year. However, Woven City is not being built on vacant land but upon half a century of history, during which our colleagues worked passionately for the benefit of the community and the auto industry.
In that sense, this is the site of carmakers’ dreams. I hope that Woven City will be a place where those who come after us can think, deliberate, and fail together as they keep striving to create the future.
And being a carmaker down to my bones, I hope the city will give birth to new forms of mobility that can astonish a car guy like me.
The Woven City project is being led by young people. We are making this investment in the future certainly not because we know the right answers, but in the belief that our actions today will change how the future looks.
I also believe that such future investments are made possible only through the support provided by you, our shareholders. Next year, as the city becomes home to inventors and other residents, I hope Woven City will continue to receive your interest and endorsement.
At Toyota, we want to show that the future can be created right here in Japan. As our shareholders, I would like to ask for your ongoing support, understanding, and encouragement.
The corner of Susono City, Shizuoka, where Woven City will stand, was once home to the Kanto Auto Works Higashi-Fuji Plant. After Kanto Auto merged with Central Motor and Toyota Motor Tohoku to become Toyota Motor East Japan, the Higashi-Fuji Plant closed its doors in 2018, ending a 53-year history.
Source: https://toyotatimes.jp/
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an annual endurance sports car race held near Le Mans, France. Renowned as one of the most prestigious races in the world, it is also considered the oldest active endurance racing event. This iconic race spans 24 hours, with the car covering the greatest distance during this time declared the winner.
This year’s race is scheduled to commence on June 15 at 4 p.m. and conclude on June 16 at 4 p.m. Among the competing vehicles is the advanced Toyota GR010 Hybrid, participating in the Hypercar class. This high-performance car features a 200 kW (272 PS) hybrid motor on the front axle, delivering four-wheel drive, complemented by a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine that runs on 100% renewable biofuel.
The inclusion of the Toyota GR010 Hybrid highlights the ongoing innovation and commitment to sustainability in the world of endurance racing. We look forward to witnessing another thrilling chapter in the legacy of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Kitwe, Zambia – June 13-19, 2024
CFAO Mobility Zambia Limited is pleased to announce its Platinum sponsorship of the prestigious Mopani Zambia Open 2024 golf tournament where it has also staked a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This esteemed event will be held from June 13th to 19th at Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe and is part of the Sunshine Tour, attracting both local and international golf players.
As a highlight of our sponsorship, CFAO Mobility will be offering the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle valued at $48,200.00 as a hole-in-one prize for hole 7, along with an additional $2,000.00 in cash. This generous prize underscores our commitment as a Platinum sponsor. The hole-in-one contest provides participants with an exciting opportunity to win a significant prize, enhancing their tournament experience.
CFAO Mobility’s hole-in-one sponsorship of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle aligns with our dedication to environmental sustainability and the Zambian government policy of a green economy and participating the electric vehicle value chain. This initiative promotes cleaner air through fewer harmful emissions, fuel savings, higher average engine load efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and increased vehicle uptime.
“At CFAO Mobility we thrive to positively contribute to the community we operate from; therefore, this gesture is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility initiative as a way of giving back to society and supporting sporting sports development. This is also testament of our belief in the economic resurgence of the Copperbelt province” said a CFAO Mobility spokesperson.
The Pro-Am tournaments will take place on 11th and 12th June 2024. Following these, the junior golf events will be held, culminating in the Final Round of the Mopani Zambia Open 2024. The tournament will conclude with a prize-giving ceremony.
Contact Information:
Marketing Department, CFAO Mobility Zambia
Email: contact-toyota-zambia@cfao.co.zm
Phone: +260 971 268 000
About CFAO Mobility Zambia:
CFAO Mobility Zambia, a subsidiary of the global CFAO Group, is a leader in the Zambian automotive sector, offering a wide range of vehicles and services designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, CFAO Mobility Zambia is dedicated to enhancing the mobility experience in Zambia and beyond.
Subaru Corporation (Subaru), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) have each committed to developing new engines tailored to electrification and the pursuit of carbon neutrality. With these engines, each of the three companies will aim to optimize integration with motors, batteries, and other electric drive units. While transforming vehicle packaging with more compact engines, these efforts will also decarbonize ICEs by making them compatible with various carbon-neutral (CN) fuels.*1.
Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have always been driven by a deep understanding of their customers’ diverse lifestyles. This understanding has led the three companies to develop signature engines*2 that not only represent their respective brands but also cater to their customers’ unique needs and preferences.
In pursuing decarbonization, all three companies have focused on carbon as the enemy and sought to expand options by acting with passion and purpose. This mindset has driven efforts to ensure a future for the supply chains and jobs that underpin engines. Under the extreme conditions of racing, the companies have worked to broaden powertrain and fuel options by competing with vehicles running on liquid hydrogen and CN fuels.
This process has clarified the role that future engines will play in achieving carbon neutrality. With the next generation of engines, the three companies will seek to not only improve standalone engine performance but also optimize their integration with electric drive units, harnessing the advantages of each.
While being highly efficient and powerful, the new engines will also revolutionize vehicle packaging by being more compact than existing models. Smaller engines will allow for even lower hoods, improving design possibilities and aerodynamic performance while contributing to better fuel efficiency. The development will also emphasize compliance with increasingly strict emissions regulations.
At the same time, the new engines will be made carbon neutral by shifting away from fossil fuels and offering compatibility with various alternatives, including e-fuel (synthetic fuel), biofuels, and liquid hydrogen. In doing so, these engines will contribute to the broader adoption of CN fuels.
Upon this announcement, the CEOs of the three companies made the following comments:
“Achieving a carbon-neutral society is a challenge that must be undertaken by all of Japan’s industries and society as a whole. As we continue to refine electrification technology, we will also enhance our horizontally-opposed engines with an aim to use carbon-neutral fuels in the future. Moving forward, the three companies sharing the same aspiration will continue to advance the pursuit of sustainable excellence in Japanese car manufacturing.”
(Atsushi Osaki, Representative Director, President and CEO, Subaru Corporation)
“In order to provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future. The three companies, which share the same aspirations, will refine engine technologies through friendly competition.”
(Koji Sato, President, Member of the Board of Directors and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation)
“We will continue to offer customers exciting cars by honing internal combustion engines for the electrification era and expanding the multi-pathway possibilities for achieving carbon neutrality. Given the rotary engine’s compatibility with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, Mazda will continue to develop the technology through co-creation and competition to ensure it can contribute broadly to society.”
(Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation)
Even as Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda compete in the product arena with unique engines and cars, the companies have a shared dedication to achieving carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach. Together with like-minded partners similarly skilled and passionate about engines, they will work to create the future of Japan’s auto industry.
| *1 | Fuels with net zero CO2 emissions into the atmosphere across their lifecycle, from manufacture to use. These include e-fuel, made from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and biofuels derived from biomass (plants, etc.). |
|---|---|
| *2 | Each company’s iconic engines SubaruHorizontally-opposed engine. Pistons move horizontally, resulting in a low-profile engine with less vibration & lower center of gravity. ToyotaInline-four engine. Achieves both high output and high thermal efficiency. MazdaRotary engine. Compact and lightweight, yet powerful. Currently used for generators. |
Source: global.toyota/en/newsroom