september/october2017 THE MAGAZINE FOR DEALERSHIPS

TH ANNIVERSARY TOYOTA TAKES BOLD STEPS ALONG ITS 60-YEAR JOURNEY IN AMERICA

2018 Camry 7 1 0

2 13 Passion Play Craig Zinn owns one of the largest collections of 2000GTs and considers it the perfect . Photo by Koichi Shinohara Sixty years ago, Toyota OUR embarked on a bold journey. Here’s a look sept/oct AMERICAN back on how it went and a glimpse at where JOURNEY it’s going. by Dan Miller and Dan Nied

2 American Journey 17 Rugged and Revered Toyota celebrates 60 years of doing business in Enthusiasts around the globe understand why Land the U.S., leaving an indelible mark along the way. Cruiser is the longest-running Toyota in production. When Jim Lentz announced in 2014 that Toyota U.S. marketplace. Then, as now, there was great would establish an all-new North American risk. But it was outweighed by the promise of far 2017 11 Staying Power 19 Leap of Faith headquarters in Plano, Texas, the Toyota Motor greater reward. sept/oct Longo Toyota and Le Mieux Toyota are among After 20 years, the Prius continues to raise the bar North America CEO said the bold move would set No one can say for certain where the current the oldest dealerships in the country. on sustainable transportation. the stage for the next generation of the company’s journey to One Toyota lead. But, as Toyota 2 12 Test of Time 21 Lean and Green customers, dealers, leaders and team members. celebrates its 60th year of doing business in the Talk about history repeating itself. U.S., we can look back at the twists and turns Johnstons Toyota, with John and Steve Jardine Toyota’s commitment to the environment is evident t oy ota today at the helm, is 60 years strong. in its places, products and people. That’s because in 1957, Lentz’s predecessors that led us to this point. Henry Ford once said made a similarly bold move — leaving their that “history is bunk.” For Toyota, though, there’s 15 Best is Yet to Come comfort zone of success in Japan in hopes of every reason to believe that the past will be the Dealers and executives share their favorite memories establishing a foothold in the vast but foreign prologue to an even brighter future. from back in the day. continued on page 3

EDITORIAL STAFF toyotatoday.com Sr. Manager Scott DeYager Published six times per year for Toyota dealers and dealership personnel by the Corporate Communications Division of Toyota Motor North America. Manager Lisa Yamada Copyright ©2017 by Toyota Motor North America. Contents may be reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. Editor Karen Nielsen Address magazine inquiries to: Writers Dan Miller Karen Nielsen Dan Nied TEL: 469.292.2659 eMAIL: [email protected] Brin Wall For customer inquiries please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center: Design AkinsParker TEL: 800.331.4331 For product and company information: WEB: toyota.com TEL: 800.GO.TOYOTA

Hollywood Toyota Motor opened for business in 1958. CULTURAL TRENDS later, Toyota stopped selling the Toyopet in 1960 until it could come up with a vehicle suited to this market. Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser, and then the Stout pickup, kept operations afloat and helped promote a gradual build-up of a U.S. dealer network. Johnstons Toyota in Maybrook, New York, (see related story on page 12) was a typical example. It operated for several years as little more than an adjunct to a Texaco station before the gas pumps were replaced by a two-car showroom. Elvis hit the scene, rocking jailhouses and poodle skirts simultaneously. Jack Kerouac hit the road in 1957, the Then came 1965 and the debut of the Corona. same year Toyota found its way to America. Its 90-horsepower engine outgunned the , the import leader at the time. Toyopet Crown A heater and radio were standard equipment and air conditioning was an option, a rarity for an entry-level car. Toyota promoted it with its first U.S. television commercials and print ads in such 2017 continued from page 2 magazines as Life, Time, Newsweek and Look.

sept/oct Humble Beginnings (1957–1969) “This thing is underpowered, overpriced and Americans loved it. By the close of the decade, 3 Toyota’s American adventure got off to a it won’t sell. And the name’s all wrong,” said James Toyota had 792 dealers selling more than 130,000 decidedly rocky start. At the time, full-sized gas McGraw, the sales administrator at Toyota’s first vehicles annually. guzzlers heavily outnumbered small cars. So, in U.S. facility, a converted dealership in And Detroit took notice. In 1969, Ford

t oy ota today retrospect, perhaps it shouldn’t have come as a Hollywood, California. introduced the Maverick, the domestics’ first surprise that Toyota’s initial entry — the Toyopet McGraw was right. Americans purchased just significant response to the imports’ domination In 1967, the (Sean Connery) film You Only Live Crown — failed to find its footing. 288 of them in 1958. And while sales tripled a year of the emerging small-car market. Twice showed the world just how cool the Toyota 2000GT was.

Toyota opens for business in California, TOYOTA MOTOR SALES and first five dealers offer Toyopet Crown CORONA hard-top sedan 50FOUNDED IN CALIFORNIAS for sale 2000GT introduced joins product lineup 1957 1958 1959 1964 1967 1968

Toyota sales for 1959 totals pickup truck 1,028 from 97 dealers STOUT introduced to U.S. market

Advertising slogan “Get Your Hands on a Toyota Two sedans First sold in the U.S. TOYOPET CROWN LAND CRUISER and You’ll Never Let Go,” introduced. New arrive in the United States TMS sales for 1958 total 288 headquarters dedicated in Torrance, California. continued from page 4 CULTURAL TRENDS Gaining Traction (1970–1988) Whether you were Once Toyota got rolling, it soon got up to full Toyota had the right product at the right time. into Led Zeppelin or speed. In 1972, it sold its 1 millionth vehicle in the Increasingly, it also had the right message. Classic Donna Summer, the U.S. Just four years after that, it passed the 2 million advertising campaigns in the 1970s, such as “You ’70s was a pretty fun milestone. And it took only two more years to reach Asked For It, You Got It” and “Oh, What a Feeling!” decade. Not only was the music amazing, 3 million in cumulative sales. connected with a car-buying public that wasn’t the clothes alone In part, the growth was fueled by the 1973 accustomed to an automaker that actually paid are enough to take oil crisis, leading to gasoline shortages and price close attention to their needs and wants. a time-traveling increases. But it took a second oil shock, in 1979, A few classic Toyota models showed their face field trip. A group of upstart rebels took on Darth Vader’s to shift small efficient cars from novelty to necessity. in the ’70s. The Celica got sporty in, the Cressida empire in 1977, just a year after Rocky went the distance named against Apollo Creed, proving he wasn’t just another bum luxury division from the neighborhood.

In the ’80s, people went to the movies to see the cutest extra- came aboard, while the Supra and Tercel took to terrestrial ever in the nation’s highways. 1982. And, somehow, And the Calty design studio opened, playing a even the least cool major influence in Toyota’s design going forward. among us identified with Ferris Bueller. Meanwhile, Toyota began to lay the groundwork for local production. In 1983, it entered into a joint Everyone freaked out over Thriller, and the Nintendo agreement with to build Corollas Entertainment System gave us 8-bits of awesome. sept/oct2017 in California. In 1986, it broke ground on its first Fashion wasn’t the greatest in the ’80s. Basically, you could 5 get by on loose and puffy. And the looser and puffier your stand-alone U.S. manufacturing plant to build clothes were, the cooler you were. And that seems a little odd. Camrys in Kentucky, investing $800 million and Gas was $1.03 per gallon, which seems about right. So, you creating 3,000 jobs. The first unit rolled off the t oy ota today didn’t have to pay too much to drive around town blasting line in 1988. Hungry Like the Wolf on the radio. Rap like Run-DMC was mainstream now. You might see a Camry gas pedal pressed to the metal by Adidas tennis shoes, sans laces. 1981 Celica Supra

NUMMI launches the Ad slogan “You Asked Toyota Racing Development Toyota sells For It, You Got It!” U.S.A. established COROLLA FX16 1 MILLIONTH established in Southern helps launch Toyota’s CELICA SUPRA the first Toyota vehicle vehicle in the U.S. California 22-model lineup introduced produced in America 1971 1972 1973 1975 1976 1979 1981 1982 1983 1984 1986 1987 Ad slogan The first Toyota Technical Center Toyota becomes No. 1 in CAMRY LEXUS opens its first U.S. R&D import vehicle sales in the “OH, WHAT introduced to the U.S. 4RUNNER named the luxury facility in Michigan U.S. with total annual retail as a replacement for hits showroom car division sales of 328,918 A FEELING!” the Corona floors of Toyota debuts the “Toyota Jump” Toyota Financial Services opens its door Atlas Fabricators of Long Beach Toyota national headquarters Groundbreaking is held on Toyota’s is signed to produce truck beds building and complex opens $800 million manufacturing plant for pickups, marking Toyota’s in Torrance, California in Georgetown, Kentucky first U.S. production (name later changed to TABC) The RAV4 was introduced Toyota enters NASCAR CULTURAL TRENDS in 1996 and continues to be Cup Series in 2007. a top-selling crossover.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc/Getty Images

Nirvana and Pearl Jam made the early ’90s grungy. Friends made the rest of the decade, well, friendly. And made the decade about nothing. Amazon.com came online In 1997, Camry became the best-selling car in and Apple released the iMac in 1998, its cute colors and America — a title it still holds to this day. Yaris came quirky shape making the internet a not-so-scary place. aboard. And in 2003, Toyota launched the SUVs became more popular, the golden age of minivans brand to attract younger buyers, experimenting with was upon us, and jellybean-shaped sedans took over. pure pricing and personalization. Scion sales topped

continued from page 6 the million-mile mark over its 13-year run, including the iconic xB. Robust Growth (1989–2007) By 2006, annual sales topped 2.5 million. Toyota really kicked it into gear over the next Toyota was ahead of its time, launching what Lexus outpaced every luxury nameplate, import and

2017 two decades, leading off with the debut of the Lexus might be the most iconic and meaningful car of the domestic. So, Toyota set its sights on the 3 million brand and the LS 400 and ES 250 in 1989. It took decade — the Prius, first globally in 1997 and in the mark, expanding its product line with such models

sept/oct Lexus just three years to become the No. 1 luxury U.S. in 2000. Other new Toyota models in North as the groundbreaking Prius, Sequoia, Highlander, The 2000s was a new millennium and a decade marked by 7 import brand. America at the time included the Avalon, Sienna, Yaris and, in 2007, a full-size Tundra pickup tragedy — 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq War. But it also Toyota, though, remained the core of the Tacoma and Tundra. assembled at a $1 billion plant in San Antonio. saw the advent of social networking. Facebook started at business. In 1996, it pioneered what would become Lexus struck crossover SUV gold with the RX. And motorsports went all in on NASCAR, a Harvard, spread to colleges around America, and now your grandma can’t stop poking you. (Hi, Grandma!) Boy bands t oy ota today a crossover craze with the U.S. introduction of the It also released the LX full-size SUV and the GS sedan. high-profile sign that Toyota had arrived as a full- were popular. NSync’s hearts were torn, Backstreet Boys original RAV4. It invested $2 billion to build new Toyota also said hello to Toyota Motor fledged U.S. car company. So far, we’ve won more wanted it that way. Cars? More SUVs. More hybrids. Speed plants in Indiana and West Virginia. Manufacturing, Indiana. than 100 NASCAR races. was big, thanks to the Fast and Furious movie franchises.

1 millionth Camry rolls off Toyota Motor Corporation the line at Toyota Motor is listed on the New York SCION 90S Manufacturing, Kentucky Stock Exchange launches with xA and xB 1990 1993 1996 1997 1999 2000 2003 2006 2007

Ad slogan Toyota enters IndyCar racing Camry becomes the Camry begins competing

“I Love What You best-selling car in PRIUS TUNDRA in NASCAR Hits the road in the U.S. production begins at Do For Me, Toyota” America RAV4 introduced Toyota Motor Manufacturing, showcases 1990 North American Parts Center, Texas (TMMTX) vehicles Two new plants – Kentucky, opens Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (assembly) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia (engine) – break ground continued from page 8 CULTURAL TRENDS New Challenges (2008–2013) One Toyota (2014–present) Just when it seemed the sky was the limit, Toyota emerged from those trying times The 2010s are Toyota, along with virtually every other automaker, determined to not only regain its sales momentum a golden age of suffered a sales decline in 2008 due to a severe but to reposition itself as a leader in global mobility. television, with shows like Breaking economic downturn. Still, Toyota outsold Guided by Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the Bad and Game of that year to become the No. 1 automotive brand company’s founder, the company pushed ahead with Thrones dominating in the U.S. And it passed GM in global sales to the unification of its North American operations in the landscape. AF archive / Alamy Stock Photo become the world’s largest automaker. Plano, the introduction of the Mirai hydrogen fuel Wars rebooted with well-received Then, in 2010, Toyota was hit with a series cell vehicle, the formation of the Toyota Research sequels. Superhero movies joined forces so Batman and of recalls related to reports of sudden unintended Institute — with its focus on artificial intelligence Superman could face off, and the Avengers and Guardians acceleration. That led to Congressional hearings and robotics — and, to leverage breakthroughs in of the Galaxy could take turns saving the world. and federal fines. While weathering that storm, an big data, the creation of Toyota Connected. TMNA headquarters opens in 2017. earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan in Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, 2011 destroyed four of Toyota’s plants. Flooding in Kentucky (TMMK), now the largest Toyota plant in Thailand suspended operations at two more. Yet, the world, produced its 10 millionth vehicle. And by year’s end, production returned to near-normal nine of Toyota’s North American manufacturing levels, a testament to the company’s resiliency. facilities exported nine different models to some TOYOTA'S U.S. And, in a true test of physics, a 2012 Tundra 32 countries worldwide. Sixty years after offloading ECONOMIC IMPACT towed the space shuttle Endeavour to its final its first shipment of Toyopet Crowns at a California destination at the California Science Center. port, Toyota had come full circle. 2017 • $23.4 billion in direct investment

oct Looking ahead, Toyota said it will invest an additional $10 billion in capital investments in • 10 manufacturing and assembly facilities sept/ Tundra makes the U.S. over the next five years. • Nearly 1,500 Toyota and Lexus dealerships 9 history towing So what awaits Toyota around the next bend Endeavour space • 136,000 direct, dealer and supplier jobs shuttle in 2012. in its ongoing American journey? Odds are, breakthroughs and innovations we can’t even • More than $921 million donated to U.S. t oy ota today imagine. nonprofits Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride!

2016 Mirai

sold 3 MILLION HYBRIDS Toyota becomes first-ever mobility partner of the International Toyota begins partnership with Ground breaks on 15th manufacturing plant Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee Hiring Our Heroes program for in North America, Toyota Motor Manufacturing military vets and their families hydrogen-powered vehicle introduced de Guanajuato C-HR CROSSOVER is introduced 2010 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017

Tundra tows the space shuttle Toyota announces new North Toyota Research Institute begins operations

SIENNA Endeavour to the California American headquarters and LEXUS ES minivan launches rolls off the line Science Center consolidation of operations at TMMTX The company establishes in Plano, Texas Toyota Connected Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center REDESIGNED CAMRY launches launches TMNA opens new HQ in Plano, Texas Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, hits 5 million engine production milestone Le Mieux & Son

Bob Le Mieux Sr. acquired his Toyota dealership in July 1966, with only five Toyota vehicles to sell for the year. It took him a year to sell them, but he was eager to take more product and become the first Toyota dealership in the state of Wisconsin. Le Mieux still has the first Corona he sold in GAMBLE 1966 and has restored it to impeccable condition (you can find it on the showroom floor right next to a new 2018 Camry). He spends his time restoring Land Cruisers and a plethora of other vintage vehicles. PAYS OFF Longo Toyota His son Bob Le Mieux II is found on the sales After 60 Years, Johnstons Toyota floor selling Tundras (by far his favorite vehicle) and Still Going Strong Longo Toyota is an institution in the Toyota family. has been helping customers in the Green Bay area In its first year of operation, the Los Angeles- by Karen Nielsen Family Affair find the perfect vehicle since 1989. John Jardine (right) started working at Johnstons Toyota as a car area dealership became the No. 1 volume Toyota Bob’s son Bob Le Mieux III now works in one cleaner. His son, Steve, joined the business in 1983 and is now dealership in the nation by selling 469 new and the general manager and vice president. Johnstons Toyota (left) of the Toyota Express Maintenance service bays, Johnstons Toyota is one of the oldest Toyota got its start in Maybrook, New York, in a converted Texaco gas used vehicles. Now in its 50th year, Longo has learning how to service and eventually dealerships in the country, starting out as a two-car station in 1960. consecutively held its rank as the No. 1 Toyota move up to repair and diagnose vehicles in the main showroom in May 1960, in Maybrook, New York, Photo by Rex Curry

2017 dealer in the world. repair shop. that was staffed by volunteer firemen. When a call The Penske family purchased the dealership Customers walking through the showroom can came in, the dealership often closed shop so its sept/oct from the Longo family in 1985 and has since sold appreciate the old diner setting, designed by Bob volunteers could tend to the community’s needs. over 593,000 vehicles. In March, Penske Auto “We didn’t want to change the name because 11 These days the New Hampton, New York, Group made history when it broke ground on its Sr. himself, and named “Dea’s Diner” after his wife, it was well known and everybody recognized us for dealership has 100 employees and remains family first dealership in Texas. Located north of Dallas, who is the office manager. who we are and what we do,” John says. owned and operated by Steve and John Jardine. Longo Toyota of Prosper is the first Longo-branded Bob’s sister, Kristen, is the dealership’s controller John’s son, Steve, began working at the t oy ota today Among the showroom’s 50 display vehicles is one dealership outside of California. It’s expected to and has learned everything she knows from her dealership in 1983 as a greeter, and worked his of the first 1972 Coronas sold, and John Jardine’s open this fall. mother, Dea. The entire family is truly hands on way through the ranks to general manager. prized 1985 Celica convertible that he likes to drive Penske Motor Group also owns El Monte, with the store and each of them play an integral role “I sold a car each day for the first 14 days in parades. California-based Longo Lexus, which is the No. 1 in making Le Mieux & Son Toyota a gem in the and I knew I wanted to do that for a living,” John Jardine’s first experience at the dealership volume Lexus dealer in the Western U.S. Green Bay, Wisconsin, community. Steve says. “The community here has grown over was in 1968 as a car cleaner. By trade he was a chief chemical operator at a local plant, but during a two- the years, but we know our market really well and week shutdown he took a side job at the dealership how they want to do a transaction. We are straight helping remove Cosmoline. The clear, tar-like up and transparent. We’re also really involved in the substance coated the vehicles to protect them from community and believe in giving back.” exposure to salt during their 45-day ship transport Over the last 60 years, the dealership has grown from Japan. up with the Toyota brand. “Toyota started out just like we did,” John says. Harold and Bob Le Mieux in 1974 “Then they needed someone in sales, so I took the gamble and here I am,” says John, who was They’ve paid attention to what works and they’ve promoted to general manager in 1981. done it right.” The Johnstons didn’t have any children and, Adds Steve: “Toyota is the greatest company. after so many years of working together, George They’re always moving forward, innovating and “Sonny” Johnston gave John a chance to invest and always trying to be better. We look forward to the later sold it outright to him in 1994. next 60 years.”

The first shipment for Le Mieux arrived in 1966. Iconic Coupes Craig Zinn owns 11 2000GTs, including Zinn owns 11, including a replica of the a replica of the convertible model James Bond made famous in You Only Live Twice. convertible model James Bond made famous in The iconic two-seat sports coupes are stored You Only Live Twice in his toy room, which holds about 60 exotic . Zinn also is responsible for two sports cars. other 2000GTs owned by his brothers. His favorite:

Photos by Downtown Photo a Bellatrix Yellow coupe gifted in 1979 by his father, Dave, owner of the first Toyota dealership in Florida. The exotic sports cars are stored in Zinn’s “toy room” next to classic Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Ferraris and Jaguars. The collection is 60 vehicles deep and they’re not just for show. Zinn regularly drives his toys, maintains mile logs, conditions them and is constantly tinkering. “I love driving the hell out of them. With 6000 rpms, “The key is they cannot sit, they must be driven,” it’s the most incredible sound you’ve ever heard.” he says. This summer he shipped his special edition Over the last 25 years, Zinn’s amassed thousands Carroll Shelby 2000GT race car to Japan to of 2000GT parts plus spare engines, ignition and participate in 50th anniversary festivities held braking systems. The interiors remain beautifully at the Yamaha Test Course. Toyota designed the intact, with an all-wood dashboard, steering wheel 2000GT in collaboration with Yamaha. gear shift and center console, and accents. “What an honor it was to be invited as the Zinn and his 2000GTs are regulars at vintage 2000GT American representative,” Zinn says. “It 2017 track events, which are mostly designed for exhibition goes back to my love for the product. It’s the perfect sept/oct laps, but he’s not afraid to open it up a little. sports car. It’s just beautiful and fun to drive.” “Everybody is amazed that I thrash my cars a bit, 14 For more photos of Zinn’s 2000GT collection, but they’re meant to be driven that way,” he says. visit toyotatoday.com. t oy ota today

Hot Commodity Only 351 2000GTs were produced between 1967-1970 and their value has soared to more than $1 million.

VintageAfter 50 years, Craig Zinn’s love affair Vehicles with the 2000GT is still in high gear

by Karen Nielsen

Craig Zinn remembers the first time he laid eyes watch, it clicked perfectly. I remember thinking as a on the Toyota 2000GT. He was 10. It was 1967, kid how much better built it was than anything else two years after the two-seat sports coupe debuted out there.” at the , and he was awestruck. Fast forward to 2017. The 2000GT is celebrating “It was the most beautiful car,” says Zinn of its 50th anniversary and with a limited quantity Craig Zinn Automotive Group, which includes in play — only 351 were built — they’re like Fabergé Toyota of Hollywood in Florida. “When you closed eggs, rarely traded and selling for upwards of the door on the 2000GT, it was like a finely made $1 million. ANNIVERSARY We asked Toyota dealers and executives about their fondest memories from back in the day. REFLECTIONS They took a trip down memory lane — and shared their outlook. LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD

Jim Lentz Rob Ginis Katherine Johnson Cannata Bill Fay Chief Executive Officer General Manager, Avondale Toyota Dealer Principal, Wyatt Johnson Senior Vice President, Automotive Operations TMNA Avondale, Arizona Clarksville, Tennessee TMNA

What year did you start working for Toyota? 1982 What year did you start working for Toyota? 2004 What year did you start working for Toyota? 2012 What year did you start working for Toyota? 1982 What was your job? Merchandising manager What was your job? We opened the dealership in What was your job? Dealer principal What was your job? Distribution analyst in the February 2005 and my position at that time was New York Region assisting the regional operation What is your best memory from back in the day? finance director. What is your best memory from back in the day? at Port Newark When I was working in the office early one day in The first day I became an official Toyota dealer, no less the Portland Region, Toyota Motor Sales President What is your best memory from back in the day? than 10 Toyota reps came to visit. I was so amazed at What is your best memory from back in Isao Makino and his wife showed up and asked for a Starting a business from the ground up with a One the amount of support given to us from day one. That the day? Watching a succession of events

car and a map so he could visit dealers to find out Price/One Person sales process that was revolutionary support continues today. that allowed the company to grow, develop 2017 what was going on with customers. So, I gave him a Cressida and a map, in the industry. None of us had the recipe and we were all working together and mature as an industry leader that centered around our products and he spent a week visiting with dealers. No advance calls, no entourage, to build a unique and special business platform. What message do you have for other dealers as we celebrate our and people both internally and in our dealerships. just plain talk with our dealers. That’s when it hit me that Toyota was a very 60th anniversary in America? sept/oct different kind of car company. It made a huge, positive impression on me. What do you love about the company now? Toyota’s Live it up! Being a Toyota dealer is an incredible gift and opportunity What do you love about the company now? How forward-thinking Toyota is, not only in the , that most people don’t have. Use your voice and your dollars to support this Toyota’s willingness to invest in new things such as our new 16 What do you love about the company now? but from a massive international company perspective. Toyota looks to great country in which we live. North American headquarters, Toyota Research Institute and Toyota Developing our people and seeing them progress in the company. the future and is always pursuing R&D to improve and prepare for the Connected. And also, our focus on our team members. next generation. t oy ota today

Bob Carter Matthew Casebeer Jack Hollis Fred Marks Executive Vice President – Sales General Manager, Capitol Vice President and General Manager General Manager, Classic Toyota TMNA Salem, Oregon Toyota Division Waukegan, Illinois

What year did you start working for Toyota? 1981 What year did you start working for Toyota? 1995 What year did you start working for Toyota? 1992 What year did you start working for Toyota? 1997

What was your job? Warranty processor What was your job? Lot attendant What was your job? Management trainee in What was your job? Sales distribution and sales What is your best memory from back in the day? What is your best memory from back in the day? What is your best memory from back in the day? I’m a product person so my best memories involve some It was always exciting as a kid to see the customers What is your best memory from back in the day? Growing our business from about 50 new Toyotas of the iconic vehicles in my 36 years at Toyota: the 1993 all around the store and getting in the new cars with It was my second or third day in the sales department. a month to over 100. We did this out of a 7,500- fourth-generation Supra, the first-generation Prius in that new-car smell. I was to put the daily sales report on each executive’s square-foot building. Today we operate out of a 1997, the introduction of Lexus in 1989 and the first desk by 5 a.m. On this day, I went to Mr. (Bob) 50,000-square-foot facility. RAV4 in 1996. These are the vehicles that really changed the industry. What do you love about the company now? McCurry’s office by 4:45 a.m. and he was already waiting for me. He simply Toyota does a great job making every interaction (whether at the dealer level said, ‘Jack, (I couldn’t believe that he remembered my name) you know why I What do you love about the company now? What do you love about the company now? or at the national level) genuine and personal. love athletes? Because they are always competing. Go and compete and enjoy Toyota’s commitment to the future of mobility whether it’s conventional Toyota is built on relationships, internally among team members, and also Toyota.’ That memory has always been vivid to me. vehicles, hybrid, fuel cell or electric. They are focused on being a with our dealers, suppliers and parent company in Japan. It’s been a pleasure difference maker in whatever the future might be. for me to witness all of the entities of Toyota coming together in one location. What do you love about the company now? We’re becoming much more nimble and able to react to the marketplace. The same as when I started — the people! This ultimate 4×4 has come a long way from its Worldwide sales continued to gain steam, hitting Testing Terrain humble beginnings in 1950 as a development project, the 1 million mark in 1981 and then 2 million in 1990. Lone Star Land Cruisers rock crawl during a recent round up. originally dubbed Model BJ. Its off-road abilities In 1993, Land Cruiser grew up even further initially drew the attention of police and forestry sporting a 24-valve, DOHC inline six-cylinder departments, who were among the first to place an engine displacing 4.5L, producing 212 horsepower order. But, it didn’t take long for the fervor to take hold. and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. The Land Cruiser was the best-selling Toyota The fifth-generation Land Cruiser, a larger, in the U.S. from 1961 to 1965. During that time, heavier, structurally more solid and substantially the lineup consisted of soft-top, open and pickup more powerful than its predecessor, arrived in versions. Well-kept early models are cult car classics 1998. It delivered improved fuel efficiency, lower & among enthusiasts. emissions and considerably quicker acceleration. After a 60-plus year lifespan, the Land Cruiser’s capabilities In 1967, it moved toward the mainstream It also sported the Toyota brand’s first V-8 engine. are still legendary U.S. market with the introduction of the five-door The 2013 model received significant exterior wagon. Competent enough to trek through the back and interior styling enhancements. And U.S. News by Karen Nielsen country, the Land Cruiser was comfortable enough and World Report named it the “Best Large Luxury to carpool the kiddos. By 1973, more than 300,000 SUV for Families” in 2014. Land Cruisers were sold worldwide. A major update came for the 2016 model year. In 1975, the 3.8L engine was replaced by a The Land Cruiser body, new from the A-pillar larger 4.2L version, making the Land Cruiser more forward, was a whole new look for this iconic powerful and easier to drive. Since 1980, the U.S.- vehicle. The hood’s distinctive power bulges convey spec Land Cruiser has only been available in one the potential of the 381-horsepower V-8 that lies 2017 body style: the five-door wagon. But in 1991, it was beneath. Teamed to that power plant for 2016 replaced by a larger, more luxurious model — was the Toyota brand’s first 8-speed automatic sept/oct the FJ80 — that sported full-time four-wheel drive , which helps enhance acceleration. and a fully independent four-wheel coil-spring Toyota’s longest-running SUV continues to 18 suspension. That same year, the Land Cruiser offer a full assortment of standard luxury amenities was named “Best Full-Size SUV in Customer and advanced Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P)

Satisfaction” by J.D. Power & Associates. technologies, all packaged inside an updated, t oy ota today understated and bold design. It’s this inimitable blend of premium appointments and off-road aptitude that has made the Land Cruiser The utilitarian go-anywhere 1958 Land Cruiser was “We have many passionate Land Cruiser an immensely versatile vehicle that’s adored by its loyal and discerning customers the world over. the second Toyota model sold in the United States supporters who have been doing this for 30 or and is the longest-running Toyota in production today. 40 years,” says TLCA President Ross Woody, After six decades, the four-wheel-drive sport- who owns a 1972 FJ40 and 2007 TRD FJ Cruiser. utility vehicle has evolved into one of the most “We have one member who owned every model luxurious full-capability SUVs on the market. sold from 1957 to the late 1970s. Another member The Land Cruiser has amassed an almost cult-like owns a shop and hosts world travelers who are following of thousands of enthusiasts who revere passionate about their Cruisers. Yet another buys the Land Cruiser for its durability, reliability and every part he can possibly find because he likes to rugged sensibility. They spend their weekends exploring off-road keep his vehicles on the road. It’s a never-leave- terrain and overlanding to remote destinations in you-behind, tight-knit community.” search of adventure. Many of those “Cruiser Heads” In July, TLCA hosted its 29th Rubithon are members of the international Toyota Land event along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Cruiser Association (TLCA) and related chapters California, attracting enthusiasts willing to put across the country. their vehicles to the test on the taxing trailhead. 1958 Land Cruiser Early Innovation in Detroit at the start of 2009 and went on sale in In its initial iteration, the Prius was positioned the fall. The hybrid system’s output jumped to 134 as a practical family vehicle. Its innovative Toyota horsepower and fuel efficiency improved to 50 mpg. An Automotive Icon Hybrid System combined a 1.5-liter gas-fueled That same year, Toyota’s global hybrid sales passed the The Prius marks 20 years of reduced emissions, saved gasoline and — engine with an electric motor powered by a nickel- 2 million-unit milestone. even more importantly — a reimagining of what a car can be metal hydride battery pack. What it might have Meanwhile, Toyota began to broaden the Prius lacked in power it more than made up for in brand with a family of hybrid vehicles, including by Dan Miller efficiency, returning an EPA-estimated fuel economy the Prius Plug-in that could be driven in full electric rating of 41 mpg. mode, the compact and affordable Prius c and the Toyota brought the first Prius to the U.S. versatile and roomier Prius v. Global hybrid sales in 2000, the same year the massive H2 topped 4 million units in 2012, 5 million in 2013 and was the hit of the North American International 7 million in 2014. Auto Show and gasoline cost just $1.50 per gallon. Then, in 2015, the company raised the bar once Yet it was embraced by leading-edge environmentalists again when it rolled out the fourth-generation and tech-savvy professionals intrigued by its “Prius/ Prius. It was the first Toyota vehicle to benefit from Genius” ad campaign. Two years later, Toyota’s the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) with worldwide hybrid sales topped 100,000 units. improved dynamic performance, a lower center of Then, in the fall of 2003, the second-generation gravity and a stronger structure. The nickel-metal Prius went on sale and hybrid technology went hydride battery pack was replaced with lithium- mainstream. It was more powerful, yet even more ion. A wrap-around dash, form-hugging seats and efficient. And its

a lighter, more compact 2017 distinctive wedge and more efficient hybrid profile was even more

powertrain delivered better sept/oct slippery. Motor Trend fuel economy, reduced named it the “2004 Car 20 emissions and lower cost. of the Year.” Car and A year later, the Driver added it to its Prius Prime — a plug- prestigious “10 Best” list. t oy ota today in version of this highly And the Detroit auto refined hybrid — joined writers named it the the fold, along with its “North American Car 2017 Prius Prime 2001 Prius 25-mile EV-only range of the Year.” and 133 MPGe (miles Hybrid Family per gallon equivalent) Meanwhile, the Prius became the first hybrid fuel economy rating. It earned “World Green Car” The Ford Model T. The . The The need for alternative fuel vehicles that go to be certified by the IRS for a tax deduction. The status in April this year, one month after Toyota 911. The . further and pollute less seems obvious today given California Department of Motor Vehicles said its sold its 10 millionth hybrid vehicle worldwide. What do these four fundamentally different vehicles the heightened awareness of carbon dioxide’s impact owners could get a sticker that would allow them It’s been a remarkable run for a remarkable car. have in common? All are automotive icons. And the on the world’s climate. But the first steps in 1990 that to drive solo in carpool lanes. And the car secured And while the millions of tons of reduced carbon last on that short list is celebrating its 20th birthday. would lead to the launch of the original Prius seven its status as an automotive icon when Hasbro dioxide emissions and millions of gallons of reduced Yes, a full two decades have passed since the years later were, in truth, more like a leap of faith. announced it would make a Prius-shaped game piece gasoline consumption are impressive, its lasting original Prius — code named G21, for “a car for the “Toyota recognized in the 1990s that sustainable for its similarly iconic board game “Monopoly.” impact will likely be far more profound. After all, it 21st century” — made its debut in 1997 in Japan. transportation would become a huge challenge In 2005, Toyota’s worldwide hybrid sales topped delivered on the original project team’s ambitious And Toyota vehicles that employ its breakthrough in the coming decades,” says Jim Lentz, CEO of 500,000 units. Just three years later that cumulative dream to do what was necessary, rather than simply hybrid powertrain, scoffed at by some industry Toyota Motor North America. “Those realizations total doubled to 1 million. what was possible at the time. experts as a mere science experiment, have now proved accurate and, if anything, even more The third-generation Prius made its world debut So happy birthday, Prius! We can hardly wait to eclipsed the 10 million-unit mark. profound considering what we know today.” at the North American International Auto Show see what your next 20 years will bring. efforts, in keeping with its commitment to give back Project Portal concept hybrid truck to the communities in which it does business. For instance, every year since 1999, Toyota has been a sponsor of National Public Lands Day — with team members volunteering thousands of hours to maintain hiking trails, clean stream beds, remove trash and plant trees. The Next 60 Years Toyota has done far more than can be summarized here to operate in a responsible and million gallons of water, the amount used by more sustainable manner. But it’s committed to going Toyota’s commitment to the than 900 families in a year. In 2012, 10 of Toyota’s even further in the years ahead. The ultimate environment is evident in its North American manufacturing plants achieved LEEDing places, products and people objective? Operations that shift from a negative to a zero waste to landfill. And since 2015, 96 percent of true net-positive impact. The Toyota Environmental by Dan Miller all of Toyota’s U.S. facilities’ nonregulated waste has Challenge 2050 serves as the roadmap to get from been reduced, reused or recycled. the Way Toyota of Corvallis here to there. Hello, Hydrogen “To achieve our goal, we’ll continue to Toyota pushes the environmental envelope make consistent, incremental improvements,”

Mention Toyota and the environment in the same landfill waste. The initiative is generating enough when it comes to its products. Most notable of late says Kevin Butt, Toyota Motor North America 2017 sentence and talk of the Prius invariably follows. electricity to power the production of 10,000 is the Mirai, Toyota’s first-ever production hydrogen regional environmental director. “These constant sept/oct But the company’s commitment to doing the right vehicles annually. fuel cell vehicle, launched in 2015. Some 20 years in improvements, supported by innovative projects across Toyota operations in North America, will thing for the planet extends well beyond its iconic Similarly, Toyota Motor North America’s the making, this zero-emission, electric sedan has 22 create positive change and a more sustainable hybrid vehicle. new state-of-the-art headquarters in Plano, Texas, a range of about 300 miles and can be refueled in future.” Eleven of Toyota’s facilities in this country have includes a 7.75-megawatt solar system. It’s the three to five minutes. t oy ota today achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental largest onsite solar installation among non-utility Much work needs to be done to establish a Design (LEED) certification, including seven at the companies in the state. When fully operational, national network of hydrogen refueling stations. gold level. it’s expected to reduce annual carbon emissions But Toyota believes that infrastructure will come Meanwhile, 51 U.S. Toyota and Lexus dealerships by 7,122 metric tons, or the equivalent of the in time and that fuel cell technology will be a key have also earned LEED certification, more than any electricity used by almost 1,000 homes in a year. contributor to a sustainable future. other automaker. That includes Toyota of Corvallis. Conservation, on the other side of the ledger, That’s why, among other initiatives, it joined The Oregon dealership opened in 2016 and is on track has also been an area of focus. In 2016 alone, forces with the Port of Los Angeles on Project Portal Indiana plant team members to become the first automotive retailer to ascend to Toyota’s North American facilities saved nearly 100 to conduct a real-world test of a high-output version on National Public Lands Day the highest rung on the LEED ladder: Platinum Net of the company’s hydrogen fuel cell system geared to Zero. That means the store generates more energy Landfill gas generator at Kentucky plant heavy truck use. than it consumes. Simultaneously, Toyota has continued to invest in battery-electric vehicles, most notably forming Here Comes the Sun an in-house venture company for EV development Producing sustainable power is a key contributor in 2016. to this equation. Case in point: Toyota Motor

Manufacturing, Kentucky, the largest Toyota plant Hands-on Help Repurposed Camry batteries in the world, recently teamed up with Waste Services Toyota has played a leading role in support of at Yellowstone National Park of the Bluegrass to generate methane gas from local U.S. environmental organizations and outreach

Facilities incorporate features to enhance customer experience

by Brin Wall

Missions were big in the late ’60s: from NASA’s Shift forward to the new millennium, and Toyota manned moon missions to an iconic TV show about launches another facility program, this one designed agents tackling nearly impossible operations. to update the brand’s presence in the marketplace Toyota was on a mission, too. Its goal, to and expand capacity to handle increasing units in blanket the nation with easily recognized facilities. operation. Image USA II launched in September In 1968, the company commissioned architectural 2004, and to date more than 80 percent of firm R. C. Qvale & Associates to develop a building dealerships have completed projects, for a total program for its dealers. Nine plans were created: investment (building and land) of $6.7 billion. small, medium or large, depending on projected The current Image USA II program features market volume, and for each size, a design to a prototypical design that can be tailored to the facilitate efficient operation in severe, moderate individual dealer’s business requirements and and tropical climates. adapted for site specific needs. The plan also factors in environmental impact with dozens of dealership facilities certified by the U.S. Green Building Council as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and dozens more striving toward it. Every aspect of the design is geared toward redefining and improving the customer experience, from the service lanes to the Toyota portal (entry). And it has opened the door to Toyota setting another benchmark for the industry. Mission accomplished.

As the national manager heading the program explained at the time, the main tenet was to offer Toyota dealers an ideal facility encompassing the three basic rules of a successful dealership — the flow of cars, the flow of people and the flow of paperwork.