Toyota Motor Stock Price, News & Analysis

On Nov 23, 2020, a partnership involving Toyota, Cisco, and Merit Network announced the expansion of free Wi-Fi access across more than 50 community locations in Southeast Michigan, addressing the digital divide highlighted by the pandemic. Key statistics reveal that 82,894 households in Detroit lack internet access. The initiative is part of the Michigan Moonshot program aimed at facilitating connectivity for educational purposes, with funding provided by the Toyota USA Foundation supporting similar efforts in 13 states.

Toyota Motor North America (TM) has announced significant executive changes within its manufacturing sector, effective January 4, 2021. David Fernandes, previously with Toyota South Africa Motors, will become the president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi (TMMMS), overseeing the Corolla production. Jason Puckett will take the helm at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama (TMMAL), which is expanding operations. Sean Suggs transitions to a new role related to social innovation. David Finch returns to South Africa after a key $288 million expansion at TMMAL, creating 450 jobs.

Toyota's Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) announced four new research projects on World Usability Day, aimed at enhancing advanced technology designs for safer mobility. The company is investing $1 million in collaboration with the University of Michigan, Miami University, University of Nebraska, Texas Transportation Institute, and State Farm. Projects will explore driver behavior, health monitoring, and error identification in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). CSRC has launched 63 projects since 2011, contributing to safety research across the automotive industry.

On November 12, 2020, Iwatani Corporation of America and Toyota Motor North America announced a significant partnership to expand hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Southern California. This collaboration will add seven new retail hydrogen fueling stations, increasing hydrogen dispensing capacity by 6,300 kilograms per day—an almost 25% enhancement. The stations are slated for construction in early 2021 and will support zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicles. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly transportation solutions and aims to foster job creation in California.

The Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest opens for submissions on November 16, 2020, inviting U.S. youth aged 4-15 to share their artwork until January 31, 2021. This contest, now in its 10th year, encourages creativity around the theme of environmental protection. Participants are judged in three categories based on uniqueness and artistic execution. The contest has seen participation from nearly 90 countries since its inception in 2004. Detailed rules and guidelines are available at www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com.

Toyota's 2021 RAV4 TRD Off-Road was awarded as the Compact SUV of Texas for the second consecutive year during the Texas Truck Rodeo hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).

The vehicle is praised for its off-road performance, featuring TRD-tuned suspension and a robust design, capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Among 39 evaluated models, the RAV4 TRD stood out, demonstrating impressive capabilities.

Other Toyota vehicles, including the 4Runner TRD Pro and Tacoma Trail Special Edition, were also finalists in their categories.

Toyota Motor North America (TM) announced the retirement of Edward Laukes, group vice president of Toyota Division Marketing, effective January 4, 2021. Laukes has been with the company since 1989, holding key positions in marketing and integrated operations. His leadership significantly impacted Toyota's brand perception in terms of safety, quality, and reliability and contributed to 29 NASCAR championships since 2007. A successor for Laukes will be named later. Toyota continues to commit to sustainable mobility and operates over 1,800 dealerships across North America.

Toyota, showcasing its commitment to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), unveiled new models at the SEMA360 Showcase from Nov. 2-6, 2020, including three Supras and an overlanding concept. The company aims to celebrate performance both on and off-road, featuring builds like the Overland-Ready Tacoma and artistically enhanced GR Supra models. Toyota's ongoing dedication reflects their resilience in the face of the year's challenges, engaging enthusiasts with innovative designs and experiences.

Toyota has announced its partnership with the new NASCAR team 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The team will debut at the Daytona 500 in 2021, featuring Bubba Wallace as the driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry. Toyota Racing Development will provide engines, technology, and technical support. Joe Gibbs Racing will assist with chassis and services. The collaboration aims to leverage the expertise and resources of both Toyota and JGR to achieve competitive success in NASCAR.