From AutomotiveArticles.com
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Goes Green April 18-20
By
Apr 17, 2008, 19:41
Torrance, Calif. – April 14, 2008 – The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will once again deliver an action-packed weekend for race fans April 18-20 and this year’s series of events also will feature an environmental theme for the first time in its 34-year history. The sustainability theme is highlighted by the on-site Green Power Prix-View, featuring displays of advanced technology vehicles and on-circuit activities.
“Toyota’s various displays at the Green Power Prix-View will help attendees learn more about the benefits and technology of hybrid vehicles,” said Les Unger, National Motorsports Manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Two of our key goals are to provide people the opportunity to take an up-close look at alternative fuel vehicles and encourage lifestyle changes that can help protect the environment.
Toyota will showcase its entire hybrid vehicle lineup at the Green Power Prix-View, along with the “Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience,” a nationally touring exhibit designed to provide visitors with a firsthand opportunity to experience automotive hybrid technology. Also on hand will be Toyota’s fuel cell-powered Highlander Hybrid which made a 2,300 mile trek on the Alaska-Canadian highway last year and the Land Speed Prius – known for setting the record and establishing the hybrid class at Bonneville. On April 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., a hands-on ride and drive opportunity including Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles will be available to all race attendees.
“We are thrilled that Toyota has a strong presence in The Green Power Prix-View,” said Jim Michaelian, CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. “This exhibit is an exciting addition to race weekend that will give our fans an opportunity to see the advanced technology vehicles available now and in the future.”
A key element at the Green Power Prix-View is Toyota’s Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience, which serves as an exhibit on the environment and hybrid technology. It will be available during regular expo hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 18 and 19, and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on April 20 at the Long Beach Convention Center.
The exhibit features four distinct learning areas:
* "Regenerate Your Future" describes and identifies the differences in conventional and alternative fuels.
* "Regenerate Your Planet” shares Toyota's commitment to lowering its carbon footprint across its operations.
* "Regenerate Your Ride" gives visitors a better understanding of the various hybrid technology options on the market.
* "Regenerate Your Thinking" provides visitors information on Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive heritage, quality and benefits to the driver and the environment.
The hybrid experience is stopping at numerous public events nationwide in 2008, and it is designed to minimize its own environmental impact. Toyota will plant 50,000 trees in honor of those visiting the experience in conjunction with the National Arbor Day Foundation. These 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. For more information or the schedule of events, please visit www.toyota.com/highway.
About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2007. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.toyota.com/, http://www.lexus.com/ and http://www.scion.com/.
About the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach
The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach owns and operates the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach which runs for the 34th time April 18-20. Ticket prices for the three-day event, featuring six races including the finale of the Champ Car World Series, range from $25 for a Friday General Admission ticket (no reserved seat) to $125 for a three-day ticket that includes Saturday and Sunday reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Pre-paid parking packages are also available. Credit card orders for the 2008 event can be placed by calling the toll-free ticket hotline – (888) 82-SPEED – or online by visiting www.gplb.com. Handicapped seating, Champ Car Paddock Passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of Hospitality Club packages are also available. A ticket brochure that includes a circuit map, ticket prices and order form can be obtained by calling the hotline.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Lee
GolinHarris for Toyota
213.438.8827
rlee@golinharris.com
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