Jan. 30, 2014
Video: TMC Executive Vice President Mitsuhisa Kato speech on Toyota Motorsports
EVP Mitsuhisa Kato’s Prepared Remarks
I’m Mitsuhisa Kato. Thank you for your continued support of Toyota’s motorsport activities.
President Toyoda just spoke about how Toyota’s motorsports will be “ReBORN”. Now, I would like to talk about the organizational changes in more detail.
Through Lexus Racing and Toyota Racing, Toyota has participated at the top level of motorsports, providing excitement and inspiring consumers. Through GAZOO Racing, we have surpassed the norms of automakers to attract a wide range of car enthusiasts and to expand the reach of motorsports.
Previously, activity planning, product development, race participation and marketing for Lexus Racing and Toyota Racing were overseen by the Motor Sports Division, a former engineering division.
Now, we will transfer control of these functions to Toyota Motor Sales and Marketing (TMSM), a company responsible for our global marketing. Through this, we hope to become closer with consumers.
This will allow us to utilize the many connections and the expertise cultivated over the years and help us focus not only on existing motorsports fans, but also to reach out to the public and show them the fun of watching and participating in motorsports.
The former Motor Sports Division is now the Motor Sports Unit Development Division, which focuses on technological development and race support. These changes are aimed to enable us to more quickly implement the technologies developed for motorsports into our production vehicles, contributing to our pursuit of ever-better cars.
TMSM will begin with Lexus Racing and Toyota Racing, and then take over GAZOO Racing and the motorsports activities of other affiliated companies sometime in the future. Through this, we hope to raise worldwide awareness of Toyota’s motorsports activities and foster new Toyota fans. Here in Japan, through our grassroots activities, we aim to both attract new car fans and further develop car culture.
Now, I will give a brief summary of our activities for 2014.
Firstly, outside Japan:
Using TMG in Germany as a base, we have fielded two cars in all rounds of the World Endurance Championship. This year, our third year in WEC, we are aiming for victory at Le Mans.
In the U.S., through Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and TRD-USA we will again compete in NASCAR.
As announced on January 10 at Tokyo Auto Salon, 2014 will be our eighth year participating at 24 Hours Nürburgring, an ideal location to develop both our cars and personnel. This year we will be competing with three vehicles.
This year’s Dakar Rally finished on January 18. Toyota Auto Body has long competed in the rally with Land Cruisers, and this year secured first and second place in the production vehicle category.
In Japan, we are again participating through Toyota Technocraft (TRD) in Super GT, and supplying engines in the Super Formula Series. We are fielding new vehicles and engines in both series this year, and we are aiming to win both.
In this year’s Super GT, we will field a new two-door Lexus RC F coupe. We hope to use this participation and many other initiatives to underscore Lexus’ sporty image.
At the grassroots level, we have the 86/BRZ and Vitz one-make races; “Waku-doki Driving” events, the TRD Rally Challenge and others. By hosting these events, we aim to exceed the traditional expectations of automakers and provide more opportunities for people to enjoy cars.
From top-level professional racing to grassroots events, we hope that all of you here today will continue to support Toyota’s “ReBORN” motorsports activities.
Later today, we’ll hold an event to present today’s information to the public here as well. With our drivers participating, I believe an enjoyable time will be had.
Thank you.