Toyota Introduces New Segment to Showcase Their Sports Enthusiasm

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Team Toyota athletes continue to push boundaries and aim high, embodying the spirit of resilience and teamwork that has been a cornerstone of the company since its inception.

Tracing back to 1937, Toyota's passion for sports can be traced to its roots, with the establishment of the first sports club, track and field, within the company the same year. This early commitment to sports marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition that would shape Toyota's culture and identity.

By 1974, Toyota had expanded its sports offerings significantly, boasting as many as 35 different sports clubs across its primary working locations in Japan. The roster included clubs for Judo, soccer, rugby, and volleyball, among others.

The company's commitment to sports extended beyond its internal teams, as evidenced by the first-ever "All-Toyota Games" held in 1951. This event brought together Toyota Group companies to compete in various athletic activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition within the Toyota family.

Fast forward to the present day, and Toyota's dedication to sports is still evident. Akio Toyoda, the grandson of Kiichiro Toyoda and current Toyota President, has expressed his thoughts on the integral role sports have played in the company's history. He believes that the spirits of "never giving up" and "for the team" were essential for Toyota's founding members in establishing the automotive industry in Japan.

In line with this philosophy, Toyota has launched a new section on Toyota Times, named "TEAMS & ATHLETES." This section focuses on the company's athletes and those in the motorsports world, providing insights into their actions and spirit.

The "TEAMS & ATHLETES" section features approximately 240 Global Team Toyota Athletes, which can be sorted by specific competitions and regions. Notable athletes include Cristiano Ronaldo, who led Portugal to victory in the 2016 European Championship and multiple Nations League titles, and Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players. Both have excelled in their respective countries and sports through extraordinary performances and records in football.

The section also provides information about Toyota's sports teams in Japan, including baseball, women's basketball, soccer, and basketball teams. It offers background stories about some of these athletes, showcasing their challenges and ambitious goals.

Professional soccer and basketball teams like Nagoya Grampus and Alvark Tokyo are among those mentioned, highlighting Toyota's continued support for these teams.

In a world where challenges abound, Toyota remains committed to keeping its internal sports teams, recognising sports as a way of bringing people together. The company's enduring passion for sports serves as a testament to its resilience and commitment to teamwork, values that have been instrumental in its success over the years.