Added on January 3, 2019  The News Wheel   , , , , , , ,
No Comments

Toyota Partners with Governing Bodies Ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
2018 Toyota RAV4 Olympic Design USA

Toyota showcased this Olympic-themed RAV4 at the Chicago Auto Show last year

It might just be a few days into 2019, but Toyota already has its sights on the upcoming 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. As of yesterday, the automaker announced six new partnerships with U.S. governing bodies for new and existing sports in the games. The National Governing Body partnerships include the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, USA Skateboarding, USA Surfing, USA Swimming, USA Track & Field, and USA Triathlon.

In Case You Missed It: Toyota Everyday Heroes announced at espnW Summit

The six new partnerships join 10 others Toyota already has with other winter and summer Paralympic and Olympic sports. Not only will Toyota promote each sport, but it will also promote individual athletes within those sports and their competitive successes. Through local marketing and community-based events at dealerships within the U.S., Toyota will have the ability to bring awareness to this lucrative partnership.

USA Womens Wheelchair Basketball Olympic Team

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association is enthusiastic about the new partnership with Toyota
Photo: Sport the Library

“As we look toward the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, Toyota’s partnership with these six summer NGBs allows us to reinforce our mobility message to new audiences,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “By working with traditional Olympic and Paralympic sports, as well as new and exciting additions to the Olympic Games, we can expand our reach in key markets and tap into the passionate fanbase that can be found within each of these NGBs.”

Hello, It’s Me: Have you met the redesigned 2019 RAV4?

All of the newly endorsed NGBs are excited to partner with Toyota, hoping to demonstrate how important and special each sport is. NWBA board member and two-time Paralympian Will Waller said, “All 3,000 members of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) across the country, their families, and the thousands of alumni from our first 70 years are thrilled to begin this meaningful partnership. Wheelchair basketball has been a vehicle for many impossible journeys, and the support of Toyota will enable future members to ‘start their impossible’.”