Toyota finishes Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race with carbon-neutral racing cars

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota reaffirms its strong commitment to environmental sustainability by participating in the IDEMITSU SUPER ENDURANCE SOUTHEAST ASIA TROPHY 2023 (Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race) with eco-friendly cars. 

The race was held on December 22 and 23 at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit, in which Toyota competed with a three-vehicle setup for ROOKIE Racing, including -

• ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF concept, a GR86 powered by carbon-neutral fuel.
• ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept, a hydrogen-powered Corolla that partially uses hydrogen made with chicken manure generated biogas from poultry farms of the CP (Charoen Pokphand Group), a local partner who joined hands with Toyota for a carbon-neutral society 
• CP ROOKIE PRIUS CNF-HEV GR concept, a Prius HEV running on carbon-neutral fuel

Although none of these vehicles managed to get a place on the podium, it is noteworthy that all three successfully completed the race.

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While commenting on this achievement, Toyota’s chairman Akio Toyoda (aka Driver 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.”

Before the race, Toyota Motor Thailand conducted the GR FESTIVAL 2023 on December 19 in Bangkok, drawing an attendance of approximately 2500 motorsports fans. At the event, drivers from ROOKIE Racing, Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Thailand, and D1 took part in team performances, time attacks, and a drift show. They also introduced the IMV0 pickup truck and expressed their gratitude to the people of Thailand. 

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