Toyota's nationwide tour of hybrid technology gives consumers a hands-on experience of hybrid technology.
Aug 7, 2007
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 7 -- Toyota has launched a nationwide tour of its hybrid drive technology. The tour is called "Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience,". It's designed to provide consumers a hands-on experience of hybrid technology.
The tour, which will run 18 months, debuted Jan. 11, 2007 at the San Jose International Auto Show and is traveling to more than 150 events throughout the country. Consumers have a chance to test drive Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system in many venues, and learn about hybrid technology through a number of interactive educational exhibits.
The hybrid experience offers more than just interesting educational activities; it also is designed to minimize its own environmental impact. Toyota will plant more than 50,000 trees to offset the tours carbon footprint and to honor those visiting -- in cooperation with the National Arbor Day Foundation. The trees will help offset the "carbon footprint" of the trucks transporting the tour across the country and will continue to have a positive impact on the environment for years to come.
"Most people have heard of hybrid technology and probably have a vague idea of how it works, but few have actually driven a hybrid and or taken an up-close look at its operation," said Keith Dahl, Toyota's National Engagement Marketing Manager. "This tour allows consumers to learn more about the technology behind this system and the benefits of hybrid vehicles."
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Toyota built a mobile museum for the tour. It focuses on the the environment and alternative fuels. The exhibit will be at the Illinois State Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on August 16 through the 19th.
There are four distinct interactive learning areas within the exhibit.
-- "Alternative Fuels: Fueling the Future," identifies the differences in
the various types of alternative fuels and how they are produced.
-- "Environment and Resources: Small Steps, Big Difference," shows
attendees what they can do to make a difference to the environment.
-- "The Prius Driving Experience" simulates the current Hybrid Synergy
Drive technology allowing visitors to interact with the system while
on-screen instructions offer driving tips.
-- Hybrid Technology: Not All Hybrids are Created Equal" exhibit gives
visitors a better understanding of the various hybrid technology options on the market and how hybrids benefit the consumer and the environment.
Toyota's Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience will travel to more than 150 events across the 48 contiguous United States through mid-2008. For more information or the schedule of events please visit www.toyota.com/highway.
About Toyota
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,427 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motor sports, and research and development.
For more information: http://www.toyota.com/highway
