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Mazda Reports December and Full Year 2020 Sales Results

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total December sales of 31,308 vehicles, achieving best-ever December results and an increase of 18.2 percent compared to December 2019. Full year sales in 2020 totaled 279,076 vehicles sold, an increase of 0.2 percent compared to 2019. With 28 selling days in December, compared to 25 in 2019, the company posted an increase of 5.5 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis in December. With 309 selling days in 2020, compared to 307 in 2019, the company posted a decrease of 0.5 percent on a DSR basis for the year.

«Overall, our sales improved in 2020, which is remarkable when you consider the events of the year,» MNAO President Jeff Guyton said. «This isn’t the year anyone expected, and Mazda’s approach to 2020 was informed by 100 years of operations and always finding innovative ways to brighten people’s lives. Our dynamic product lineup, purposeful community programs, enhanced dealership experience, and new financial partner have led to our success.»

Sales Highlights

Sales of Mazda’s family of crossovers, including the CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, and CX-9, totaled 220,457 for the year, an increase of 11 percent compared to 2019. December sales of all crossovers increased 20.8 percent with 25,671 vehicles sold.
Sales of the CX-9 increased 2.9 percent in 2020 with 27,638 vehicles sold.
The CX-5 saw its best month ever in December, with sales increasing 14.1 percent with 17,954 vehicles sold.
CX-30 saw its best month in December with 4,408 vehicles sold. Sales of the CX-30 totaled 38,064 in 2020.
Sales of the MX-5 Miata increased 13.6 percent in 2020 with 8,807 vehicles sold. December sales totaled 694 vehicles, an increase of 58.1 percent.
Full year CPO sales totaled 66,193 vehicles, an increase of 8.4 percent compared to 2019. CPO sales totaled 5,945 vehicles in December, an increase of 23.9 percent compared to December 2019.

Despite its challenges, 2020 was a memorable year for Mazda, as the brand focused on community efforts and achieved many milestones in the US. Major announcements included:

The launch of Mazda’s new financial services provider, Mazda Financial Services.
The celebration of Mazda’s centennial with the announcement of the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata 100^th Anniversary Special Edition.
The announcement of the Mazda3 winning World Car Design of the Year.
The launch of the Essential Car Care Program, which helped provide free oil changes and enhanced cleaning to thousands of healthcare heroes.
The launch of Mazda3 Turbo and CX-30 Turbo.
The launch of the Mazda Heroes Program.
The CX-30 joined the list of Mazda vehicles awarded by IIHS as 2020 TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipients.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported December sales of 4,843 vehicles, a decrease of 18 percent compared to December 2019. Full year sales decreased 23.2 percent, with 46,117 vehicles sold.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.



	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	December	December	YOY %	% MTD	December	December	YOY %	% MTD
	2020	2019	Change	DSR	2020	2019	Change	DSR

Mazda3	3,256	3,175	2.6%	(8.4)%	33,608	50,741	(33.8)%	(34.2)%
Mazda6	1,687	1,630	3.5%	(7.6)%	16,204	21,524	(24.7)%	(25.2)%
MX-5 Miata	694	439	58.1%	41.1%	8,807	7,753	13.6%	12.9%
CX-3	437	1,409	(69.0)%	(72.3)%	8,335	16,229	(48.6)%	(49.0)%
CX-30	4,408	868			38,064	899
CX-5	17,954	15,734	14.1%	1.9%	146,420	154,545	(5.3)%	(5.9)%
CX-9	2,872	3,236	(11.2)%	(20.8)%	27,638	26,861	2.9%	2.2%


CARS	5,637	5,244	7.5%	(4.0)%	58,619	80,018	(26.7)%	(27.2)%
TRUCKS	25,671	21,247	20.8%	7.9%	220,457	198,534	11.0%	10.3%

TOTAL	31,308	26,491	18.2%	5.5%	279,076	278,552	0.2%	(0.5)%


*Selling Days	28	25			309	307

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

MyPlates.com, the one-stop-plate shop in Texas!

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Looking for a specialty license plate in Texas? Well, it’s easier to find one now than ever before! The website of the state’s official specialty license plate vendor, My Plates, is now home to all 450+ specialty license plates in Texas. The new site launch achieves the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) objective for the plate vendor to build a new online store that…

My Plates New TV Advertisement promoting the one-stop-plate shop launches January 2021.

Until now, the state’s TxDMV-hosted website store offered more than 350 specialty plates, while separately the My Plates vendor website store offered an additional 120+ plates. Now Texans can simply go to the one online plate store that has it all, www.myplates.com .

When shopping the new www.myplates.com, Texans can be assured that all plates previously hosted on the TxDMV site remain at that same pricing, nothing has changed, except for convenience! Plates on the new site now range from as low as $30 a year, with the addition of personalization for as little as $40 a year. The new www.myplates.com also hosts all the state qualifying and military plates that the TxDMV previously hosted; these often available at no cost to qualifying Texans.

Also new is the responsive nature of the revamped My Plates website, making it simple for Texans to view, create and order their desired specialty plates across multiple different screen platforms. Now shop easily on your laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

A new marketing campaign is planned to launch in January 2021 that will showcase the new one-stop-shop for specialty license plates, letting Texans know that My Plates has got it all. Whether you’re looking for a military plate, a conservation plate or a cause related charity plate, My Plates has got that. Importantly, My Plates will still offer their existing range of exciting vendor plate designs including Texas’ most popular, Classic Black, that can hold a seven-letter personalized message.

My Plates launched in November 2009 and has sold close to 500,000 specialty plates across the state raising over $100M for the General Revenue of Texas. In addition to those revenues, they have also raised millions for various colleges, charities and scholarships.

«We’re very pleased with the success of the program to date, all thanks to the many Texans that have embraced and supported this program and we look forward to delivering continued success for the State of Texas» said My Plates President Steve Farrar.

Texans wanting to know more can go online to www.myplates.com, or call the My Plates customer service center at 888-769-7528 (M-F 8a-5p) or visit your local county tax office.

My Plates designs and markets new specialty license plates as a vendor for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Texans have bought more than 495,000 My Plates since November 2009, putting more than $100M in the state general revenue fund. My Plates’ goal is to create a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship designed to maximize revenues for the state through the sale of My Plates specialty plates. www.myplates.com.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles registers and titles motor vehicles, licenses motor vehicle dealers, credentials motor carriers, issues oversize/overweight permits, investigates complaints against dealers and motor carriers, and awards grants to law enforcement agencies to reduce vehicle burglaries and thefts. Learn more at www.txdmv.gov.

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SOURCE My Plates

Toyota’s «The Sienna Life» Campaign Celebrates Life’s Spontaneous Moments

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The adventurous life awaits! «The Sienna Life» campaign, kicking off today, welcomes a refined and versatile minivan featuring bold design, available all-wheel drive, and enhanced fuel efficiency: the all-hybrid and all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: <a target="_blank"…

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8829951-toyota-the-sienna-life-campaign/

«The new campaign is inspired by our guests living their ‘Sienna life’ to the fullest, across a wide range of life stages and activities,» said Cynthia Tenhouse, vice president, Vehicle Marketing and Communications, Toyota Motor North America. «We hope ‘The Sienna Life’ campaign encourages viewers to discover a new appreciation for life’s special moments, no matter how large or small.»

The fully integrated Sienna campaign was developed against Toyota’s long-standing Total Toyota (T²) marketing model, fully considering the transcultural mainstream audiences across America. Toyota campaigns are integrated through one strategic brief, creative idea, and media plan – and create a cohesive marketing approach inclusive of multicultural marketing and the total market model. The T²agency team includes Saatchi & Saatchi, Burrell Communications, Conill Advertising and Intertrend, with ZenithMedia placing TV and outdoor media buys.

The campaign showcases a unified style across all creative throughout the T²agency broadcast spots, which are highlighted below:

In the spots created by Saatchi & Saatchi and directed by Dave Meyers, «Lakeside» features a group of girlfriends spontaneously pulling over to jump into a cold lake after one friend dares everyone — even though one opts to stay behind and enjoy the Sienna’s comfort. «Lucky» shows a number of friends arriving to a concert venue in full VIP style, complete with security waving them to premier parking right outside the backstage entrance.

In «Bold Statement,» created by Burrell Communications and directed by The Mill, a hip couple takes the «scenic route» on a drive through the city, giving everyone else an up-close look at their stylish Sienna.

Conill developed two spots, «Phone» and «Cold,» that highlight the all-new Sienna’s available AWD capabilities allowing passengers to live memorable moments in the outdoors. In «Phone,» friends venture to a forest for a remarkable adventure only to swiftly leave as they discover that bears really can be found in caves. In «Cold,» a couple’s adventure takes them farther and into a colder environment than planned, demonstrating the Sienna’s AWD capability and best-in-class combined miles per gallon (MPG). The spots were directed by Nicolai Fuglsig.

Intertrend created two spots for the campaign: «Marathon,» where a family uses unique features available in the Sienna to relive moments from their favorite Korean drama; and «Team Outing,» which highlights a new way to work remotely and redefine work-life balance thanks to what the Sienna has to offer. The spots were directed by Gevorg Karensky.

Media Placements
«The Sienna Life» is a fully-integrated campaign extending across linear TV, digital video, digital content, programmatic, paid social, audio, and out-of-home. High-profile prime and sports programming includes the NBA, NFL, Daytona 500, Univision, CBS All Access, HGTV, ESPN Deportes, Discovery en Español, India Tour of Australia Cricket games on WillowTV, and more. Digital content/video includes partners such as Condé Nast, Refinery29, Tastemade, Hulu and Hulu Latino, Pinterest, PopSugar, Thrillist, Disney’s Mira the Royal Detective, DisneyNow and more. Partnerships include Stranger Things: The Drive-Into Experience, BET NAACP Image Awards, Vox, Curbed, Hola!, Amazon, and Spotify, among others. Social is across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Reddit.

«The Sienna Life» spots are available for viewing here. For images and credits, please click here.

About the 2021 Toyota Sienna
Designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S., the all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna raises the bar for style, safety, comfort, versatility and fuel efficiency in its segment. With a standard hybrid powertrain and an array of new technology and amenities, the fourth-generation Sienna comes in a choice of five grades — LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum — and is available at dealerships now.

Key features include:

Standard hybrid powertrain with class-leading EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG
Available All-Wheel Drive available on all grades
Available 20″ Wheels
Standard 10 Airbags
Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with Automatic Emergency Braking
Standard Blind Spot Monitor on all grades
Available dual power sliding doors and rear liftgate, with kick-motion open and close feature
Available super-long-slide seats and captain’s chairs with built-in ottomans
Equipped for all facets of life with a standard tow rating up to 3,500 pounds
Factory optional 1500W power inverter with two outlets

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contacts:
Leigh Anne Sessions
Toyota Motor North America
469-292-5849
leigh.sessions@toyota.com

Marissa Borjon
Toyota Motor North America
469-292-6395
marissa.borjon@toyota.com

Kimberly Harms
Saatchi for Toyota
702-234-9517
kimberly.harms@saatchi.com

For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

Kia Motors America Readies To Turn The Page On 2020 With A Massive New Year’s Celebration In Times Square

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia Motors America, the Official Sponsor of the New Year’s Eve Countdown, will ring in the arrival of 2021 with a groundbreaking effort for the all-new Sorento SUV. The campaign began in early-December with a Sorento embarking on a coast-to-coast tour of the U.S. on a mission to deliver the iconic «2021» New Year’s Eve numerals to One Times Square in time for the Ball Drop. Joining Kia on the cross-country trip were photographers from…

On New Year’s Eve, a new creative campaign featuring the most rugged and refined Sorento to-date will air on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021 on ABC. Created by David & Goliath, Kia’s creative agency of record, the campaign includes a 30-second spot entitled, «The World’s First Storytelling Machine.» The spot shows that the all-new 2021 Sorento is much more than an SUV, it is a powerful, highly sophisticated tool – a Storytelling Machine – to help us all discover stories worth telling, especially at a time when experiences are limited. In addition to the broadcast campaign, the Sorento will be featured on New Tradition’s spectacular digital billboards on the north façade of One Times Square, the building that launched the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop tradition in 1907. Sorento’s digital billboards will be on display through January.

«Like everyone, we are ready to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to the new opportunities that 2021 will bring, including the arrival of all-new Sorento, the most advanced SUV Kia has ever built,» said Russell Wager, director, marketing operations, Kia Motors America. «New Year’s Eve marks a fresh start and a new beginning. It’s another chance for us to write our own story. The Kia Sorento, with its rugged capability and comfortable and flexible interior is perfectly equipped to take you anywhere your story leads.»

To recognize and thank them for their hard work and dedication, Kia will host frontline workers and their families so they can safely experience the thrill of New Year’s in Times Square for themselves. The families will be shuttled to and from Times Square for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a fleet of 2021 Kia Sorento and Telluride SUVs.

Kia’s New Year’s Eve campaign started on December 1 with an all-new Sorento SUV and «2021» Times Square Numerals in tow, embarking from Kia’s Irvine, California, headquarters on a cross-country road trip to deliver the numerals to One Times Square. Along the way, the Sorento stopped at Kia dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. At select points along the route, National Geographic documented the Sorento’s journey to help bring the stories from these locations to life through photography and video.

Throughout the road trip and on New Year’s Eve in Times Square, Kia has and will adhere to CDC recommended protocols regarding face masks and social distancing guidelines. Times Square New Year’s Eve on December 31, 2021 is a broadcast event and is not open to the public.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1392718/2021_Sorento_Line_Up.jpg
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SOURCE Kia Motors America

Kia K5 Picks Up CarBuzz’s 2020 People’s Car Award

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The all-new Kia K5 has been named a winner in CarBuzz’s 2020 People’s Car Awards, which recognizes the best all-around vehicle selling for less than the average new car transaction price. This year, editors pegged that price at around $38,000 in the U.S., but the boldly designed and turbocharged K5 undercuts that by thousands – in even the top-trim level.

<div id="prni_dvprnejpg9450left"…

Kia K5 picks up CarBuzz’s 2020 People’s Car Award.

«A lot has changed with Kia over the last decade in terms of design and performance, but the incredible value we offer to our customers will never change,» said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors North America. «The K5 had big shoes to fill, but our team of designers and engineers were more than up to the task and we’re honored the driving enthusiasts at CarBuzz have recognized the hard work.»

New for the 2021 model year, the K5 is the brand’s most powerful mid-size sedan ever with turbocharged engines across the board, available all-wheel drive, and a technology-packed premium interior that’s not far off from what you’d find inside a much higher priced luxury vehicle.

«The K5 proves that the sedan still holds an important place in a crossover-dominated market,» said CarBuzz Senior Editor, Jared Rosenholtz. «After driving the new K5, we came away impressed with its unique style, well-organized interior, premium materials, sporty driving manners, and outstanding safety technology. Unlike the Optima before it, the K5 offers optional all-wheel drive, opening it to new customers in colder climates who would have otherwise only considered a crossover. The addition of the sporty GT model with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque will even give enthusiasts something to lust over at an affordable price point. We think the K5 offers the best blend of features and fun on a budget, making it the clear winner of this year’s People’s Car category.»

The K5 starts at $23,490, with the premium K5 EX starting at $27,990 and the sporty GT model priced at $30,490. For more information on CarBuzz’s People’s Car, visit https://carbuzz.com/cars/kia/k5.

About Kia Motors America

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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SOURCE Kia Motors America

Acura Now Offers Non-Certified Used-Vehicle Inventory Online

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Starting this week, Acura is offering non-certified used Acura vehicles on AcuraCertified.com, aligned with the brand’s effort to create a more comprehensive and streamlined method for customers to shop and purchase Acura pre-owned vehicles. Acura’s latest initiative is an expansion of Acura Precision Certified, the brand’s award-winning Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle Program, enhancing the brand’s sales portal by incorporating non-certified used Acura vehicles.

The addition of used vehicles to AcuraCertified.com is the latest step in Acura’s comprehensive approach to attract young and first-time buyers to the premium brand. Acura’s award-winning CPO program has experienced tremendous success over the past several years and is currently on pace for a fourth straight year of sales growth. Acura is one of a few luxury brands in positive CPO sales territory this year, and with an all-time record month in August, Acura CPO vehicles have the potential to set a new annual sales mark in 2020.

The enhanced Acura Certified website enables customers to shop dealer inventories of Acura used vehicles that include up to 10 previous model years. Used and CPO vehicles are becoming an important gateway to vehicle ownership for young and first-time buyers, stemming from the ever-increasing new-vehicle transaction prices, making Acura’s effort to offer used vehicles on its website an important opportunity to attract new buyers.

Acura’s pre-owned vehicle initiative will continue to add enhancements in the near future, including aligning with Acura’s Precision Purchase online buying tool. This will take the process of purchasing a used Acura vehicle to the next level by enabling customers to complete most of the purchase process online.

For more information about the latest enhancements and existing Acura Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, visit www.AcuraCertified.com.

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the ILX and TLX sport sedans, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All 2021 model Acura vehicles sold in North America are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

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SOURCE Acura

Toyota Reveals Additional SEMA Builds Based on Supra and Tacoma

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota’s second wave of custom SEMA vehicles break cover today, just in time for the holidays. The 2021 GR Supra Sport Top and overlanding-ready TRD-Sport Trailer ensure that Toyota’s on- and off-road performance and adventure concepts continue to inspire Toyota fans and the automotive aftermarket.

<img id="prnejpge574left" title="2021 GR Supra Sport Top…

This year Toyota’s two-wave release plans mean that SEMA lives on long after the show. The company previously unveiled four builds in its wave one SEMA360 Showcase presentation, held Nov. 2, 2020. SEMA360 is the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) online program connecting the automotive aftermarket industry in a year that makes the traditional SEMA Show impossible.

«Our wave one reveals whet Toyota fans’ appetite with four creations – a bold, hand-painted GR Supra, two GR Supra drift cars, and an outrageous overlanding-ready Tacoma pickup,» said Ed Laukes, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. «But we saved the best for last, and today we’re proud to show off our latest creations, the 2021 GR Supra Sport Top and the TRD-Sport Trailer, among some additional content as well.»

The new 2021 GR Supra Sport Top concept is a perfect follow up to the wildly popular 2020 GR Supra Heritage Edition that debuted at Toyota’s 2019 SEMA Show display, exciting Supra fans worldwide with its custom visual and performance upgrades paying homage to the iconic MKIV Supra from the late ’90s. And Toyota’s TRD-Sport Trailer answers the backroads adventure calling and the growing popularity of overlanding getaways in a year where socializing with family and friends is a challenge.

Highlights from Toyota’s second wave of SEMA360 Showcase creations include:

2021 GR Supra Sport Top
Inspired by the overwhelming response to the GR Supra Heritage Edition that debuted last year, Toyota set out to dream up a fitting companion. Conceptualizing an open-air tribute to removable-top Supra models of the past, the team put much thought into the unprecedented task of removing the roof and a significant part of the GR Supra’s structure. The crew ensured structural rigidity by reinforcing large sections of the vehicle’s frame. The now iconic removeable roof includes two composite panels that can be stored in the car’s trunk. Unlike a «T-Top» car, there is no center bar down the middle, just open air as far as the eye can see. As a sibling to the GR Supra Heritage Edition, the Sport Top delivers similar styling cues like the MKIV-inspired basket handle wing and round taillights. At the same time, it has a striking profile all its own that includes a sexy black piano-finish canopy over the top.

TRD-Sport Trailer
Overlanding’s growing popularity inspired the Toyota team to think outside the box, as they sought to make a true overland trailer out of a Tacoma pickup bed. The truly over-the-top TRD-Sport Trailer concept serves as a base camp to extend adventurers’ off-highway fun while being pulled by a Toyota truck or SUV. It features a remote-operated scissor-lift that raises an innovative platform several feet out of the bed. There’s a Yakima four-person tent with an awning and fly fishing-pole holders, a custom-built toilet and trash can, a refrigerator, a hot water heater, fresh and gray water holding tanks, a slide-out sink and stove, and efficient campsite lighting. And that’s just getting started, as the details and campsite features are nearly endless.

2020 GR Supra Heritage Edition
This 500-plus horsepower sports car wowed Toyota Supra fans when it debuted late last year, and it makes an encore appearance in 2020 as the ‘take it to the next level’ inspiration for this year’s GR Supra Sport Top. Returning to the spotlight for Toyota’s second wave of content, this one-off creation painted in Re-entry Red continues to excite fans with its retro-inspired custom headlights, taillights, and MKIV-style rear wing. Upgrades such as bigger brakes, tuned engine, turbocharger and ECU, and custom front and rear suspension ensure it performs as spectacularly as it looks.

The Ornamental Conifer Supra and the 4WD Overland-Ready Tacoma also get a reprise from last month with a freshening of new materials.

The final episodes for the GR Supra Sport Top and TRD-Sport Trailer can be found here:

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contacts:

Zachary Reed
zachary.reed@toyota.com
469-292-3499

Joshua Burns
joshua.burns@toyota.com
469-292-6449

For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331
Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll can be found on ToyotaNewsroom.com

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SOURCE Toyota

Kia Motors America Announces Executive Management Team Appointments

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced two executive-level promotions to support the fast-growing organization’s needs as its product portfolio, customer base and units in operation continue to expand. Both appointments are effective January 1, 2021.

<img id="prnejpg4da3left" title="Kia Motors America announces…

Bill Peffer, who joined KMA in July 2017, has been named chief operating officer and executive vice president. Peffer will lead all customer facing functions – sales, marketing, and service – in the U.S., and will report to Sean Yoon, the president and CEO of Kia Motors America and Kia Motors North America. Under Peffer’s leadership as vice president of sales operations, KMA is on the cusp of achieving the highest retail sales total in company history through the development of a consistent and sustainable partnership with the dealer network.

«In the most difficult of circumstances, Kia’s U.S. sales have outperformed the industry throughout 2020 under Bill’s leadership,» said Yoon. «This promotion is well deserved, and with five all-new and significantly redesigned vehicles slated for introduction in 2021 Bill will play an increasingly important role in the growth and maturation of the Kia brand.»

Russell Wager, who joined KMA in July 2019, has been promoted to the position of vice president of marketing. In this position, Wager will lead and unify the marketing operations, customer journey, and public relations areas for KMA. As director of marketing operations, Wager forged a first-of-its-kind partnership with the 72^nd Emmy^® Awards telecast and played a key role in KMA’s Accelerate the Good pandemic response. Wager will report to Bill Peffer.

«Russell has instilled new energy into Kia’s U.S. marketing activities and played a significant role in driving more first-time Kia shoppers to our showrooms,» said Yoon. «With his commitment to innovation and disruption, Russell will continue improving perception as Kia’s next generation of world-class products come to market,» said Yoon.

About Kia Motors America

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1388731/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Kia Earns 2021 IntelliChoice Certified Pre-Owned Car Awards

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia Motors has won two out of three awards in the Popular Brand Category in the 22^nd annual IntelliChoice Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Awards. The Korean brand known for value, quality, and craftsmanship, was honored for Best Popular CPO Warranty and Best Popular Brand Used Ownership Costs. IntelliChoice is a leading provider of automotive cost and value analysis and part of the MotorTrend Group.

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«We’re proud to be recognized by IntelliChoice for our CPO program as it is an important component of Kia’s overall commitment to our customers,» said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors North America. «Similar to our new car offerings, it is our aim to provide the highest quality, best warranty, and lowest cost-of ownership for every pre-owned vehicle we sell.»

Kia has now won the Best Popular CPO Warranty award for four consecutive years. Kia’s CPO warranty provides coverage for 10 years/100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first, and an additional one year/12,000 miles of Platinum Coverage beginning at time/mileage of CPO purchase. Kia’s win of the Best Popular Brand Used Ownership Costs award for 2021 makes it a two-time winner in this category.

For the CPO car awards, IntelliChoice evaluates 26 manufacturer-backed programs in two categories—Premium and Popular—based on overall market position and vehicle price range. Key components analyzed include extended manufacturer warranties, used car ownership costs, inspection process comprehensiveness, and special financing incentives. Overall, nine areas are assessed. Furthermore, this year consisted of over 160 hours of research, 50 email surveys, the tracking of over 300 special financing and cash offers for CPO purchases, and the calculation of ownership costs for 6,572 vehicles.

«Congratulations go to Kia which continues to perform strongly in IntelliChoice’s annual CPO Awards, winning the 2021 Best Warranty Award and Best Brand Used Ownership Costs Award,» said IntelliChoice Analyst Debbie Eldridge. «This year’s CPO study revealed a 38% increase in the number of Excellent values for Kia over last year on a per-trim basis. What this means is, this year, more Kias scored the highest rating possible in IntelliChoice’s Used Cost of Ownership analysis, sealing the deal on Kia’s Used Ownership Costs award and making the purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Kia a wise choice.»

About Kia Motors America

About IntelliChoice

IntelliChoice, part of the MotorTrend Group, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and car value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the motortrend.com website, consumers can research, compare, and price new cars and the cost of ownership.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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SOURCE Kia Motors America

Mobility Unlimited Challenge Winner Receives $1M for Ultra-lightweight Intelligent Wheelchair

LONDON, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The winner of the three-year Mobility Unlimited Challenge has now been announced with Phoenix Instinct from the UK receiving $1 million to further develop their intelligent ultra-light carbon fiber wheelchair, bring it to market, and ultimately, transform millions of lives in the disability community for the greater good.

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The Toyota Mobility Foundation, established by Toyota in 2014, launched the $4 million global challenge back in 2017 in partnership with Nesta Challenges, in a bid to drive innovation in the field of assistive technologies for people with lower-limb paralysis in a demonstration of Toyota’s mission of Mobility for All and further vision of producing happiness for all.

The Challenge called for talented engineers, innovators, and designers from around the world to submit their designs for groundbreaking devices, integrated with the latest technologies, to enhance the mobility and independence of end users. Over eighty teams from 28 countries around the world entered.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) led the assessment of the entries and provided mentorship alongside a team of Toyota subject matter experts, and the winner was chosen by a panel of expert judges (see Notes to Editors below for details).

Designed by Phoenix Instinct, the Phoenix i uses intelligent systems to automatically adjust its center of gravity, making the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber frame extremely stable and easier to maneuver. It uses front-wheel power-assist to reduce painful vibrations and minimize strain on the user. The chair’s intelligent powered braking system automatically detects when the user is going downhill and adjusts to manage the user’s descent.

Andrew Slorance from Phoenix Instinct said: «Winning the Toyota Mobility Unlimited Challenge is incredible for Phoenix Instinct and for wheelchair users. The wheelchair as we know it has been technologically unchanged for decades. The funding we received through the Challenge allowed us to prove smart technology makes for an easier to use and safer wheelchair with the potential for a suite of new features. With the prize money we can now advance this work and bring the Phoenix I wheelchair to the consumer.

It’s a very exciting time with Toyota moving into the mobility sector, we’re going to see significant advances in mobility devices. At Phoenix Instinct we’re thrilled to be leading the smart wheelchair revolution.»

Sir Philip Craven, member of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation and former President of the International Paralympic Committee shared: «Mobility means freedom. It means liberation from being limited in life. As we believe at Toyota, when we are free to move, we are able to fully participate in society, and I’m excited for each of these devices supported by the Mobility Unlimited Challenge, particularly the winning device, because of how it will allow so many people to better do what they want to do.»

Ryan Klem, Director of Programs for Toyota Mobility Foundation commented: «The entire competition has been an enriching journey for us all, bringing together the efforts of many experts, mentors, advocates, and more to invest in the five finalists to develop their devices and bring them into the lives of people that need them. We are thrilled to announce Phoenix Instinct as the winner of the Mobility Unlimited Challenge. The judges were impressed by the way the device incorporated intelligent systems in its design in a way that represents a true advance for the wheelchair and could see it having a clear route to market. TMF is dedicated to continuing to support these passionate teams, and we hope, through this process, that all the teams are able to find resources to do the same as they have all shown incredible creativity and innovation. We believe this Challenge will result in huge improvements in assistive technology and are extremely proud of what all of the teams have achieved.»

Liz Vossen of Nesta Challenges said: «For too long, the disability community has faced restricted mobility and accessibility. The coronavirus pandemic has forced a change in attitudes towards remote working, showing that it is possible to be present and productive at home. However, the pandemic also highlighted the need for non-disabled people to have a better understanding of the importance of mobility for all. We hope that these devices will improve the mobility of people across the world and contribute to a more inclusive future.»

The four other finalists were:

The Evowalk: Evolution Devices (United States) – a smart wearable simulator that goes right below the knee and uses artificial intelligence to support your muscles at the right time aiding in rehabilitating walking and preventing falls for people with foot drop.
Qolo (Quality of Life with Locomotion): Team Qolo, University of Tsukuba (Japan) – a standing mobility device that integrates exoskeleton and wheelchair functions. It supports the function of standing and sitting with a passive assist mechanism for people with lower limb paralysis.
Quix: IHMC & MYOLYN (United States) – a highly mobile, powered exoskeleton offering fast, stable and agile upright mobility.
Wheem-i: Italdesign (Italy) – a wheel-on semi-autonomous electric device that provides ride sharing for wheelchair users. It is primarily designed for micro mobility and is usable on a variety of surfaces.

At its core, the Challenge was developed to highlight the importance of collaboration with end-users and create inventions with the disability community in mind. It supports the UN’s Sustainable Development goals, specifically Goal #10 of reducing inequalities in supporting devices that help people with paralysis better access society for economic, social, educational and other opportunities. Key specifications for choosing the winning invention included devices that will integrate seamlessly into people’s lives and environments while being comfortable and easy to use, enabling greater independence and increased participation in daily life. The judging criteria was based on innovation, insight and impact, functionality and usability, quality and safety, and market potential and affordability.

Around the world, millions of people are living with lower-limb paralysis (the most common causes being strokes, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis). While there are no statistics on paralysis worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates there are 250,000-500,000 new cases of spinal cord injury globally every year.

Mobility Unlimited Challenge Judging Panel:

Professor Linamara Battistella, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine doctor at the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Winfried Beigel, Director of Research and Development for Otto Bock Mobility Solutions (Germany)
Dr. Mary Ellen Buning, President-elect for the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (United States)
Dr. Kay Kim, President of NT Robot Co (South Korea)
Dr. Eric Krotkov, Chief Science Officer at Toyota Research Institute (United States)
Eric LeGrand, disability rights advocate (United States)
Sophie Morgan, television presenter and disability advocate (United Kingdom)
Ruth Peachment, Occupational Therapy Clinical Specialist at the National Spinal Injuries Centre (United Kingdom)
Matthew Reeve, Director of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation (United States)
Dr. Yoshiyuki Sankai, President of robotics company Cyberdyne (Japan)
Dr. Lloyd Walker, professional rehabilitation engineer at Tech4Life (Australia)

About Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, governments, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Programs include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilization of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next generation mobility.

Learn more at www.toyotamobilityfoundation.org.

About Nesta Challenges
Across the world, there are many people and communities that are overlooked and underserved, facing ever more complex challenges. Nesta Challenges tackles some of these problems by harnessing and fostering innovation, fresh thinking and technology to achieve positive impact.

From health to conservation, finance to agriculture, assistive technology to education, we connect people, businesses and experts to drive fresh thinking and deliver systemic change.

Nesta Challenges uses prizes to stimulate innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face, including:

The Longitude Prize, created to tackle growing levels of antimicrobial resistance and reduce the use of antibiotics.
The Inclusive Technology Prize, a challenge prize to encourage innovations that gives disabled people equal access to life’s opportunities.
The UNDP’s Renewable Energy Challenge Prize, to find a renewable energy solution capable of providing off-grid power to cover the needs of war-returnee families in rural Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Dynamic Demand Challenge Prize, created to reduce carbon emissions by shifting energy demand to off peak times or through excess renewable generation.

To find out more visit https://www.nesta.org.uk/project/nesta-challenges/

About HERL
The Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) has been at the forefront of assistive technology research for 25 years. A collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh, the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, and the UPMC Health System, HERL is dedicated to wheelchair and mobility research, specifically by improving the mobility and function of Veterans and all people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation on local, national, and international levels. Using state-of-the-art laboratories and research instruments, HERL also studies robotics in assistive technology, athletics in rehabilitation, assistive living spaces, wheelchair transfer efficiency, clinician training, and force and vibration on wheelchair users.

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SOURCE Toyota Mobility Foundation