Toyota recently participated in the Idemitsu Super Endurance Southeast Asia Trophy 2023 10-hour endurance race in Thailand’s Chang International Circuit, in which the company fielded three alternative fuel-powered cars in the race.
All three of its cars – a Toyota GR86 and a hybrid Prius running on carbon-neutral fuel, as well as a hydrogen-powered GR Corolla – successfully completed the race, and even though they didn’t make it up to the podium, it was still a major win for Toyota’s multi-pathway approach towards carbon neutrality, especially in terms of motorsports.
Toyota’s entry in this year’s race was done in partnership with Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), with the latter’s excutive board member Kachorn Chiaravanont taking driver duty alongside Toyota’s Chairman, Akio Toyoda – or rather Morizo as he likes to be known when he’s donning his racing suit.
The two companies previously signed an agreement to jointly explore methods in achieving carbon neutrality in Thailand, specifically in the areas of renewable energy, data-driven process optimisations, and mobility solutions. The hydrogen fuel used to power the GR Corolla was produced locally in Thailand, using chicken manure-generated biogas from CP Group’s poultry farms.
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Commenting on their achievements, Morizo said, “The message of participating in this race was to show hydrogen and hybrids as carbon-neutral options. Despite some trouble, we were able to complete the race. In addition to the hydrogen engine, which raced for the second year, I had the impression that the Prius and hybrid cars were well received by the Thai people this year.
“It is difficult for a single company to create a carbon-neutral movement and the future of mobility alone. People who produce, transport, and use energy as well as the people who make cars; I believe that if many people cooperate and take action, the number of like-minded partners will increase, and the landscape of the future will definitely change.
“Thai people positively support people who take action. I would like to live in a world where we all create the future together and support those who are working hard toward this aim,” he added, reiterating on the company’s commitment to creating “fun to drive” cars for the mass market, while also continuing its multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality.
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