THE MAGAZINE FOR MARCH 2021 TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS in this issue: click on headlines to quickly access Hero Worthy: 5 Reasons Why the Super-Capable 2021 4Runner Is Fit for Trey McDaniel Right Place, Right Time: A Deadly Pileup Crash Destroyed Trey McDaniel’s Beloved FJ Cruiser, Throwback Alert: FJ Cruiser: Rewind to 2005, and What Happened Next Earned the Paramedic When Toyota Unveiled a New Mid-Size SUV with a New Vehicle, Compliments of Toyota a Decidedly Retro Feel (cover feature) RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME A deadly pileup crash destroyed Trey McDaniel’s beloved FJ Cruiser. What happened next earned the paramedic A HERO’S REWARD Toyota presented Trey McDaniel with a a new vehicle, compliments of Toyota. 2021 4Runner TRD Pro at Texas Toyota of Grapevine. “I still can’t believe it,” says McDaniel. “This is the most incredible by Kristen Orsborn thing that has ever happened to me.” TOYOTA TODAY COVER FEATURE | 02 February 11 began just as any other day for Trey McDaniel. The paramedic was headed to a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Fort Worth, Texas, to help administer shots. It was an unusually frigid morning, but his pre-dawn drive down I-35 was going smoothly — until McDaniel noticed a pile-up crash in the distance. By then, it was too late. McDaniel hit a patch of black ice, sending his 2011 FJ Cruiser into a skid. He slammed his brakes and tapped the car in front of him. But in his rear-view mirror, McDaniel saw an out-of-control 18-wheeler hurtling toward him. “I just took a moment to grip the steering wheel and braced myself for impact,” McDaniel says. “I can’t even find the words to describe how it felt. At first, I wasn’t even sure I survived.” But he did. The FJ Cruiser was destroyed. But McDaniel was OK. He wiggled his toes, flexed his legs, and realized he could escape. McDaniel crawled out the window of his mangled FJ Cruiser. That’s when he understood the full scope of the crash: more than 100 vehicles piled up. There was wreckage as far as he could see. “Everywhere I looked, I just saw more cars, and more people who needed help,” he says. “I heard people screaming to be rescued, which I’ll never forget. My adrenaline was pumping, and I just felt, as a paramedic, I had to do something. I’ve seen bad crashes before. But this was on a totally different level.” “I can’t even find the words to describe how it felt. At first, I wasn’t even sure I survived.” McDaniel connected with emergency crews arriving at the scene, assisting with rescues and keeping crash survivors calm. “To me, it was a no-brainer,” McDaniel says. “As a paramedic, it’s my duty to help people in their time of need.” McDaniel was grateful to survive the crash. But his FJ Cruiser was totaled. He spent much of his free time working on the vehicle and enjoyed taking it on trails and the open road. Disclaimer: Image comes from a specific crash involving a 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Vehicle He shared his experience on an FJ Cruiser online fan performance and injury outcome will vary by forum, and the reaction was swift. Word eventually reached crash due to differences in variables such as Toyota’s corporate headquarters. After learning of crash forces, vehicle design, and any given individual’s injury tolerance. Toyota cannot McDaniel’s heroic decision to help others, the company guarantee any specific outcome in a crash. responded to his online post: click arrow to return to TOC TOYOTA TODAY COVER FEATURE | 03 “We’re just glad you’re safe and inspired that you chose to help others in need. We’re happy you’re part of the Toyota family. So, don’t worry about replacing your vehicle — it would be an honor for us to get you a new one!” While Toyota no longer sells the FJ Cruiser, the team quickly found a replacement for McDaniel: a 2021 4Runner TRD Pro in Lunar Rock. The vehicle was delivered to McDaniel at Texas Toyota of Grapevine in late February. In fact, it was a bit of a full circle moment for McDaniel. Before becoming a paramedic, he worked as a sales associate at the dealership. For Toyota’s leadership, the decision to give McDaniel the 4Runner was easy. A FAN FOR LIFE “Despite having freezing temperatures, when I first heard McDaniel’s 2011 FJ Cruiser was destroyed in the crash, but he about your heroic action, my heart warmed up,” says Toyota says “it did its job.” McDaniel says he’s a Toyota customer Motor North America President and CEO Tetsuo “Ted” because of the company’s commitment to quality, durability, and reliability. Ogawa. “Your story melted all our hearts at Toyota. Our company has a long-standing core value of respect and care for people. On behalf of all of us at Toyota, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are a true hero.” “On behalf of all of us at Toyota, McDaniel was overcome with emotion as he received the keys to his new vehicle. And while he’s grateful for the thank you from the bottom of gift, he’s especially thankful for his beloved FJ Cruiser. our hearts. You are a true hero.” “It did its job,” McDaniel says. “And I’ll always be thankful … for the rest of my life.” — Toyota Motor North America President and CEO Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa click arrow to return to TOC HERO WORTHY WHY THE SUPER-CAPABLE 2021 4RUNNER IS FIT FOR 5 REASONS TREY MCDANIEL. TOYOTA TODAY 4RUNNER TRD PRO | 05 Toyota rewarded a Texas paramedic with a free 4Runner TRD Pro after he selflessly stepped into action to save lives. Here’s why we think he’ll love his new ride. 1. SAFETY The 2021 4Runner earned a four-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And every model comes standard with a host of key safety features including: • Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking • Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist • Adaptive cruise control 2. HE CAN GO (ALMOST) ANYWHERE 4Runner’s tough body-on-frame construction and rugged suspension allow it to cross rough terrain that would sideline most other SUVs. It laughs at rocks and makes towing easy. 3. IT’S THE PERFECT PLACE TO KEEP STUFF 4Runner offers 47 cubic feet of cargo capacity — notably more than primary competitors and most mid-size SUVs — with optional third-row seats or a sliding floor. Perfect for someone like Trey, who may want to keep medical supplies in the back in case he has to save lives again. 4. TORQUE Torque rules and 4Runner’s 4.0-liter V-6 makes 278 lb.-ft of it, echoing the old hot-rodders’ claim there is no replacement for displacement. It doesn’t need high-octane fuel to run well or deliver advertised horsepower, and a generous 23-gallon tank lets you leave highways behind. 5. LIKE TREY, THE 4RUNNER IS READY FOR ANYTHING While a few companies build desert-ready vehicles, only the 4Runner’s TRD Pro package offers a substantial suspension upgrade for those who treat their vehicle like a surf or snowboard: Until you’ve flown one, you have no idea what you’re missing. Bottom line? The 4Runner’s awesome for taking the path less traveled, as well as a commute on the I-35. We hope you enjoy it, Trey! TOYOTA TODAY THROWBACK ALERT: FJ CRUISER | 06 by Kristen Orsborn Rewind to 2005, when Toyota unveiled a new mid-size SUV with a decidedly retro feel. Today, we take a look back at the FJ Cruiser. While it’s no longer in production, it still has a very loyal following. The FJ Cruiser was first introduced as a concept vehicle in 2003. Calty Design Research looked to the legendary FJ 40, original 4Runner and 4x4 compact pickups for inspiration. Designers wanted to create a basic and affordable off-roader, targeting young buyers with a love of the outdoors. The consumer response was overwhelmingly positive, and the vehicle officially entered production in 2005. “The FJ Cruiser effectively fills a gap in the Toyota lineup which was once our core heritage — capable, affordable and durable vehicles that are youthful, fun-to-drive, aggressive and tough,” said Don Esmond, then the senior vice president and general manager THROWBACK of the Toyota Division, at the vehicle’s reveal in 2005. Trey McDaniel’s FJ Cruiser, which he loved to take on trails and the open road. “The FJ Cruiser will deliver true off-road ruggedness, image and performance at a very low price, making it highly accessible Disclaimer: Vehicle shown has been modified with non-Genuine Toyota parts and accessories that may affect performance. for a large volume of young buyers.” FJ Cruiser went on to sell more than 200,000 units before riding off into the sunset in 2014. click arrow to return to TOC EDITORIAL STAFF Senior Manager Manager Editor Writers Design SCOTT DEYAGER LISA YAMADA MARJORIE OWENS DAN MILLER, DAN NIED AKINSPARKER AND KRISTEN ORSBORN toyotatoday.com Published for Toyota dealers and dealership personnel by the Corporate Communications Division of Toyota Motor North America. Copyright ©2021 by Toyota Motor North America. Contents may be reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. Address magazine inquiries to: Marjorie Owens • tel: 469.292.2973 • email: [email protected] • For customer inquiries, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center: tel: 800.331.4331 • For product and company information: web: toyota.com • tel: 800.GO.TOYOTA click arrow to return to TOC.