Our vision is to deliver better mobility for all. That’s not just about making cars. It’s about developing solutions that enable everyone to enjoy the freedom of mobility, regardless of age or physical ability.

Our commitment to ever-better mobility for all is strongly linked to our Olympics and Paralympics partnerships. We feel very close to the athletes and para-athletes around the world. It’s feeling captured in our ‘Start Your Impossible’ message. It’s about our belief that everyone should aspire to achieve their life’s ambitions, however challenging.

Turning for a moment to our business performance in 2017. We broke through the one million sales mark in Europe again. That gave us a 4.8 per cent market share. With almost 80 per cent of Toyota vehicles having been built right here in Europe. That shows how dedicated we are to local manufacturing.

It’s our hybrid electric models that are powering our growth. Last year, they accounted for 41 per cent of our total European sales. In Western European markets, it was more than 50 per cent. That’s due to a 38 per cent year on year increase in the number we have sold.

Models that make a strong emotional connection with owners have also boosted our performance in 2017. Specifically the C-HR and RAV4, cars that are great to own, and to drive.

Looking ahead, we want to sustain our growth, both in sales and profit. This year, we again plan to sell more than one million vehicles. And this time we expect the hybrid mix above 47%.

Let’s now talk about the future! Here, to my right, you can see how we expect to achieve our mobility goals. Starting with the new Concept-i.

With Concept-i we are building a new relationship between the driver and the car. In effect, they become partners. Concept-i uses artificial intelligence and advanced connectivity. So it will get to know and understand the driver’s habits and preferences. Its automated driving functions will make journeys easier, safer and more enjoyable.

We have made the Concept-i RIDE fully accessible for people with limited personal mobility, such as wheelchair users. And the Concept-i WALK is compact, adaptable and easy to manoeuvre. So it’s great for moving around pedestrian areas. These 3 concepts are battery electric vehicles. But we are also working on our next generation fuel cell electric technology. That has been applied here in the Fine-Comfort Ride. It looks to the future of premium sedan design. And it’s practical, with a range of more than 1,000 kilometres, fast refuelling and, of course, zero emissions.

Toyota started the electrification revolution more than 20 years ago. We began with Prius. Then we rapidly expanded into core European segments. By the end of the month, we will have sold close to 12 million electrified vehicles worldwide. In Europe the figure is 1.8 million.

Our President Akio Toyoda announced our ambition of selling 5.5 million electrified vehicles a year, by 2030. These will include 1 million Fuel cell and Battery electric vehicles. In Europe, Hybrid electric will remain the primary vector for our future growth, as you can see outlined on the chart behind me.

When we look at the success of our hybrids in Europe, Auris is the model which moved the technology from niche to mainstream. We launched the first Auris Hybrid in 2010. It was aimed right at the heart of the important European C-segment market. Since then we have sold more than 460 thousand Auris hybrids.

It’s been a breakthrough car for Toyota. Because most have been bought by people new to the model, or to the technology. Now it is time for a new chapter in the Auris story.

Ladies and gentleman, I am pleased to present the new, third generation Auris.

As we recently confirmed, the new Auris will be made at our Burnaston factory in the UK and sales in Europe will start early next year. Its main strengths are founded on two innovations: the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and the 4th generation hybrid electric powertrain.

TNGA gives the car rigidity and a low centre of gravity. These are the qualities you need for outstanding comfort, handling and driving pleasure. Thanks to TNGA we have been able to create a premium, dynamic design. And achieve top class NVH performance. These are key to giving the new Auris a stronger emotional appeal.

Six months ago in Frankfurt we announced a second hybrid electric powertrain for all our core models in the future. And here it is! The new Auris will be the first Toyota to offer the choice of two hybrid electric powertrains. It will have the super-efficient 1.8-litre system, the same as in the Prius and C-HR. And it will also be available with a new 2.0-litre hybrid with 180hp.

Yes, it’s more powerful. But of course it is fuel efficient. And a new Hybrid Transmission will make it even more enjoyable and engaging to drive. The current 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine will complete the range. But, you may ask, where’s the diesel powertrain? The answer is simple : there isn’t one.

We are carrying on a strategy we started with the launch of the C-HR. We are building on the success of our hybrid line-up, and phasing out Diesel engines from our passenger cars in Europe. Customer demand is a clear sign that our petrol-electric hybrids are a strong and popular alternative.

I am also pleased to introduce new upgrades for the smallest member of our range, the AYGO. The current model has done a great job for our brand. It has brought many new, younger and style-conscious customers to Toyota. Across Europe we sold more than 85,000 AYGOs last year.

Now we want to build on that momentum by giving the car even more appeal. On the outside there’s a stronger look for the famous frontal X. Inside there are new colours, patterns and upholsteries. The engine has been made quieter and more responsive. And suspension changes make for a more comfortable ride.

I have talked about the emotional appeal we are bringing to our cars. But we want to add excitement as well. That’s where the work of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is playing a key role. We launched TOYOTA GAZOO Racing as a brand in Europe last year. Because we know that taking part in motorsports is a great way to make Ever-Better Cars for the road. This year, we have already had great success. Second and third for the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa Hilux on the Dakar Rally. It’s a super tough event, but more than 40% of the vehicles which made it to the finish were Toyotas!

In WRC, after an exciting start of the season with strong performances in both Monte Carlo and Sweden, TOYOTA is running second in the Manufacturers Championship!

And for our World Endurance Championship team, a full season lies ahead. Including the Le Mans 24-hours. And we are very excited that double Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso will be in our drivers’ line-up! With him, we will further enhance our Hybrid Electric technologies for our future road cars.

And today, with the concept car I am about to reveal, we are preparing for an exciting new sports car that we will be launching soon. Ladies and gentlemen, the new GR Supra Racing Concept.

Yes, the Supra is returning. This concept is a clear signal of our intention to bring back one of our most legendary sports cars to the market. This baby, developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, is a thoroughbred designed for the race track.

The best way of taking our ‘Supra Hero’ into a new era. It has been made light, compact and, of course, fast.I think you will agree it looks amazing!

So to conclude, our future will seize the opportunities the Toyota New Global Architecture gives us. To create new cars with emotional designs. Cars that are desirable and genuinely rewarding to own and great to drive. We will accelerate the electrification of our model range. Not just by using our world-leading hybrid electric technology. We will also introduce new battery electric vehicles.

And we will make sure that “Fun to drive” and Proud to Own will be associated with Toyota. Just like Quality and Durability already are.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for your kind attention.

And now for your photographs, first of all I would now like to invite Ueda-san, Chief Engineer of the new Auris, to join me here on stage.

Tada-san, Chief Engineer of Supra, will be available next to the GR Supra Concept,

and Terai-san, Chief Engineer of AYGO will be next to the New Aygos.

Thank you very much.

The Concept-i WALK can rotate on the spot, is shorter than an average stride and narrower than a person’s shoulder width. On the street it, takes up about the same space as a walk-ing pedestrian. It also understands its driver, based on conversations with the AI Agent and data obtained from sensors in its handles, and can guide the user safely should the situation demand. If the vehicle senses danger while in motion, it will warn the driver and automati-cally take avoiding measures. The three wheels and the change in wheelbase according to vehicle speed ensure stability when driving and stopping.

EASY FOR ANYONE TO USE

The steering function means that Concept-i WALK riders don’t have to shift their body weight to negotiate bends and turns. The low floor makes it easy for people to get on and off, with no restriction of age, gender or even clothing.

Again, Toyota anticipates the vehicle will be suitable for shared services. The aim is to pro-vide a vehicle for short distance mobility, co-or-dinated with other transport facilities at leisure spots and other popular outdoor locations.

The Concept-i RIDE has gull-wing doors to provide easy access and an electric seat that slides towards the door opening so that people who might feel uneasy moving between their wheelchair and the car can make the transfer with ease. The opening/closing of the doors accommodates loading and unloading of the wheelchair; this can be easily stored in the rear thanks to the vehicle’s seat design.

The car is controlled using a joystick instead of a steering wheel and accelerator and brake pedals, and its compact dimensions make it easy to navigate in and out of single-car park-ing spaces. The emphasis has been placed on ease-of-use when driving, stopping or parking.

The AI Agent, a feature of all the Concept-i series vehicles, is positioned on a large display in the instrument panel. It actively presents information to support and enhance journeys, such as details of facilities with access provi-sions for disabled people.

SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND

The driver’s is positioned centrally when the ve-hicle is being driven. Assistance functions such as automated parking/automated valet parking are provided so that anyone, not only wheel-chair users (elderly people, for example) can drive safely and with peace of mind.

Toyota envisions the Concept-i RIDE being used for vehicle sharing schemes, giving more people the chance to enjoy the freedom of mobility – something that is currently acces-sible mainly through individual vehicle own-ership.

Concept-i gauges the driver’s alertness and emotional state using a complex reading and interpretation of their expressions, actions and tone of voice. It compares general information, such as news bulletins on the web, with infor-mation on individuals, such as their social me-dia activity, GPS information and conversation history in the car, estimating their preferences based on topics that re-occur.

The technology that understands people (LEARN) uses deep learning, such as meas-uring emotions and estimating preferences. Based on this, the Toyota Concept-i series achieves innovation value in areas of safety and security (PROTECT) and fun-to-drive ex-periences (INSPIRE).

SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND (PROTECT) As well as taking into account the car’s ex-ternal conditions, Concept-i uses technology that understands people to gauge the driver’s personal state, and monitors the reliability of both driver and car. For example, if the car’s reliability is high and support is deemed neces-sary, such as when the driver is in a dangerous or highly stressed state, Concept-i switches to automated driving. Operation is based on Toyota’s Mobility Teammate Concept for auto-mated driving, which is designed to both watch over and assist drivers as required.

It also provides support by stimulating the senses, including sight, touch and smell, ac-cording to the driver’s mood and levels of alertness and fatigue. This can help drivers feel more relaxed and combat drowsiness.

FUN-TO-DRIVE (INSPIRE)

Concept-i can engage in conversations based on its understanding of the driver’s mood and preferences. The car suggests topics of inter-est, creating a new style of two-way, free con-versation. It can also create an “emotion map,” periodically charting the driver’s emotional state and GPS information. Applying the infor-mation it gathers as big data, the Concept-i se-ries can suggest new, enjoyable routes as slight detours from planned journeys.

The vehicle has a forward-projecting, fu-turistic silhouette and a simple, open interior. Starting from the Agent at the centre of the instrument panel, the design theme flows from the inside out, with seamless styling that con-nects the design of the instrument panel to the exterior bodywork. It provides a new user experience through intuitive HMI interaction with the Agent, using a 3D head-up display.

Toyota plans to be road-testing some of the concept car’s functions by around 2020.

At the end of 2017, Toyota Motor Corporation announced its intention to increase the pace of its electrified vehicle development, targeting more than 5.5 million sales by around 2030. More than one million of these are expected to be battery electric or fuel cell electric vehicles (BEVs and FCEVs) with zero emissions.

This ambition, which will help deliver the Toyota Environmental Challenge of a 90 per cent reduction in global average emissions from new vehicles by 2050 (based on 2010 levels), will see all Toyota models being electrified, or having an electrified option within their range, by 2025. To help achieve this significant increase, Toyota has also initiated a feasibility study with the Panasonic Corporation for a new joint business, focusing on the challenges of performance, safety, price and stable supply of prismatic batteries for electrified vehicles.

Toyota is giving an insight into the design and engineering it is exploring to maximise the potential of future BEVs and FCEVs, not just to help safeguard the environment, but also make mobility safer and more accessible, particularly for elderly and disabled people.

The Concept-i Series is a family of three BEVs, each designed to meet the needs of different types of user in different driving environments. The TOYOTA FINE-Comfort Ride Concept looks at how FCEV technology can be developed to produce a spacious, new form of premium saloon with a flexible layout. By applying artificial intelligence, gathering big data and using an in-car Agent, Toyota envisions how car and driver can become partners, with the vehicle monitoring the mood and well-being of the driver to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

TOYOTA LOOKS TO THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY WITH CONCEPT-i SERIES

Toyota’s new Concept-i series of vehicles use artificial intelligence (AI) to understand their drivers, allowing people and cars to become partners who can learn and develop with each other. This vision for future mobility is revealed for the first time in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show in the form of three Toyota Concept-i models designed to meet different personal transport needs.

The four-wheel Toyota Concept-i is joined by Concept-i RIDE, a universal small mobility vehicle suitable for all, including wheelchair users and elderly people, and Concept-i WALK, a “walking area” vehicle, designed for safe use on pavements among pedestrians.

Historically Toyota has sought to capture the freedom and joy of mobility in the vehicles it makes, the kind of cars that might be described by Japanese owners as “beloved”. The Toyota Concept-i series has been conceived as “beloved cars” for a new era, guided by the principle of being “more than a machine, a partner”.

The core technology for the Toyota Concept-i series is one that understands people (LEARN), applying AI to recognise human emotions and estimate what the driver’s preferences will be. This combines with automated driving systems to provide safety and peace of mind (PROTECT). It will also be possible to advance the technology to the point where a driver’s feelings can be anticipated, helping provide new dimensions of driving pleasure (INSPIRE).

In addition to the four-wheel model Toyota Concept-i exhibited at the 2017 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January this year, a universal small mobility vehicle and a walking area mobility vehicle have been added to the Toyota Concept-i series. They are expected to be exhibited under the theme of “Let's move the world from here. Beyond the Motor” at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight for 12 days¹ from October 25 through November 5.

Toyota has infused each era with irreplaceable excitement such as “freedom and joy of mobility” based on the idea that cars are among the manufactured goods that are preceded by the word “beloved.” The Toyota Concept-i series aims to become a “beloved car” of a new era guided by the concept of “more than a machine, a partner” to better understand the driver and grow together with the driver as an irreplaceable partner.

The core technology common to the Toyota Concept-i series is a technology that understands people (LEARN), applying AI to recognize emotions and estimate driver preferences. The technology that understands people (LEARN) and automated driving technology combine to lead the driver to safety and provide peace of mind (PROTECT). In addition, by combining the technology with the agent technology, it will be possible to advance technology to the point that the driver's feelings can be anticipated, leading to new Fun to Drive experiences (INSPIRE).

The core value provided by the Toyota Concept-i series

In order to provide new experiences and excitements to more people based on the idea of “freedom and pleasure of mobility for all,” a universal small mobility vehicle has been added to the Toyota Concept-i series so that anyone can have freedom of mobility, including wheelchair users and the elderly. Additionally, a pedestrian zone mobility vehicle has been added to the series to enable free movement in the same space as pedestrians.

The AI Agent, which understands people, is able to disengage and re-engage with the driver across the vehicles in the series, thereby supporting seamless mobility and being together with the driver to achieve safe and fun mobility.

Toyota Concept-i

•  A four-wheel model representing the Toyota Concept-i series. Using artificial intelligence, and as a partner that understands people, this vehicle aims to become a "beloved car" of a new era.
•  It combines technology that understands people (“LEARN”) with automated driving and agent technology, and provides drivers with safety and peace of mind (“PROTECT”), and new Fun to Drive experiences (“INSPIRE”) to enrich the enjoyment of moving.
• A cabin with a forward projecting futuristic silhouette and an advanced HMI², as well as interactions with the Agent, achieves a new user experience.
• Toyota plans to conduct road tests of vehicles equipped with some of the concept car’s functions in Japan by around 2020.
•  

Main Features

Technology that understands people (LEARN)

Concept-i estimates emotion and level of alertness by reading the driver's expressions, actions, and tone of voice in a complex manner. It compares general information such as news on the web with information on individuals such as social media activity, GPS information, and conversation history in the car, and estimates the driver's preferences based on re-occurring topics that arise.

Technologies such as deep learning are used for the technology that understands people (LEARN), such as measuring emotions and estimating preferences. Based on this technology, the Toyota Concept-i series provides value innovation in the areas of safety and security (PROTECT) and new Fun to Drive experiences (INSPIRE).

Safety and peace of mind (PROTECT) “Learning about people” x automated driving technology

In addition to the car's external conditions, Concept-i estimates the driver's condition using technology that understands people, and monitors the reliability of the driver and the car. For example, if the car's reliability is high and car support is deemed necessary, such as a situation in which the driver is overcome by a dangerous or high-stress situation, Concept-i switches to automated driving. Based on Toyota's “Mobility Teammate Concept” for automated driving, which aims to both watch over and assist drivers as needed, Concept-i guides with safety and security.

Furthermore, it supports the driver by stimulating the five senses, including vision, touch, and smell depending on the driver's emotion, degree of fatigue, and level of alertness to rouse drivers into an alert state when they feel drowsy, and to help drivers experiencing higher levels of stress feel more relaxed.

New Fun to Drive experiences (INSPIRE) “Learning about people” x agent technology

Concept-i engages in conversation based on the emotions and preferences of the driver. The car suggests topics of interest based on the mood of the driver, achieving a completely new style of two-way free conversation. In addition, it creates an “Emotion Map” by periodically mapping the driver's emotion and GPS data. By collecting data on individual emotions and using this information as big data, the Toyota Concept-i series can deliver fresh experiences by suggesting new, enjoyable routes as slight detours.

The vehicle design comprises a cabin with a forward projecting futuristic silhouette and a simple and open interior, and starting from the Agent located at the center of the instrument panel, the design theme flows from the inside out with seamless styling in which the design of the instrument panel continues to the body exterior. In addition, it provides a new user experience through intuitive HMI interaction with the Agent using a 3D-HUD (head-up display).

Toyota plans to have the Toyota Concept-i on the road by around 2020 and conduct road tests of vehicles equipped with some of the concept car’s functions from this exhibition in Japan.

Toyota Concept-i RIDE

• A small mobility vehicle that emphasizes universality based on the concept of "user-friendly city mobility." It features gull-wing doors, an electric universal sliding seat, and a joystick, achieving user-friendly operation for wheelchair users.
• The seat layout and automated driving functions make it possible for anyone to drive safely and securely.
• Use with sharing services is also envisioned. By sharing with more people, universal mobility is made easier to use.

Main Features

Universal specifications with usability for wheelchair users

The model features gull-wing doors that provide a large opening and an electric seat that slides to the entrance, so that even wheelchair users who feel uneasy when moving between the wheelchair and the car can transfer easily. Also, the opening and closing of the gull-wing door supports loading and unloading of the wheelchair, and the operation of the seat has been designed so that the wheelchair can be easily stored in the rear section.

In addition, a joystick is used, eliminating the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, and the vehicle size enables wheelchair users to park and enter/exit a common parking space for one vehicle, with emphasis placed on easy operation while driving, and stopping or parking.

Moreover, the AI Agent, which is a feature of the Toyota Concept-i series, is positioned on the large-size display of the instrument panel and actively provides information that supports and enhances outings, such as the provision of information on barrier-free facilities.

Vehicles that provide safety and peace of mind

The driver's seat is positioned at the center when driving³. While parking and stopping, driving assistance functions such as automated parking and automated valet parking, are employed, allowing anyone, including not only wheelchair users but also elderly people, to drive safely with peace of mind.

Toyota also envisions the use of sharing services with the Toyota Concept-i RIDE. By sharing with many people access to universal mobility, which is currently accessible mainly on an individual ownership basis, Toyota aims to provide convenient mobility that can easily be used and accessed by anyone. The Toyota Concept-i RIDE provides safe, convenient, and enjoyable movement even at outside locations, using the AI Agent to disengage and re-engage with the driver across the vehicles in the series, thereby being together with the driver.

Toyota Concept-i WALK

■ With its compact size fitting in with walking areas and automated driving function, this mobility vehicle can increase the range of movement with safety and security.

■ Three wheels, a wheelbase variable mechanism, steering function, and a low floor make it easy to use and does not necessitate the use of specific clothing or footwear.

■ Use via sharing services and such at sightseeing spots and other locations is envisioned, providing support at outside locations.

Main Features

Drive safely on sidewalks in a vehicle fitting in with walking areas

It is possible to rotate on the spot within a length less than a person's stride and width less than a person's shoulder width. It is a compact vehicle taking up space equivalent to that of a pedestrian while walking. It also understands the driver based on conversation with the Agent and data obtained from sensors in the handles and guides the driver to a safe state depending on the situation. If the vehicle senses danger while driving, it will actively warn the driver and automatically take avoidance measures. Furthermore, three wheels and a wheelbase variable mechanism that corresponds to speed are used, thus ensuring stability when stopping and driving.

Easy for anyone to use

By using a steering function, riders do not need to operate the Toyota Concept-i WALK by shifting their body weight, which enables anyone to operate it easily. Thanks to the lowered floor, people can get on and off easily and ride without being restricted by their age, gender, or clothing, such as elderly people or women wearing skirts.

With the Toyota Concept-i WALK, Toyota envisions sharing services that take advantage of the characteristic of the “AI Agent” to disengage and re-engage with the rider across the vehicles in the series, thereby being together with the riders. The aim is for a mobility vehicle that can be used as part of short distance movement in coordination with other transportation facilities, such as use at outside locations and when walking around sightseeing spots.

¹Tokyo Motor Show 2017 is to be held at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo's waterfront area from October 25 through November 5, with press days on October 25 and 26, a special-invitation day on October 26, a preview day on October 27 and general-public days from October 28 to November 5.

²Human Machine Interface. The name for methods, systems, and software designed to facilitate communication between humans and machines.

³When one person is riding

Tokyo Motor Show 2017 website: http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/tms2017/