Sep. 22, 2003

Toyota to Hold Idea Expo 2003 in October

 

Tokyo ― TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) plans to hold Idea Expo 2003 at Toyota Sports Center in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. The annual autumn event is part of the activities of the Toyota Engineering Society (TES)*, an informal group headed by TMC Executive Vice President Akihiko Saito.

This year's Idea Expo is to be held under the theme: "Overcoming Challenges, Realizing Dreams!" Members of TES will emphasize the fun of making things by demonstrating and allowing test-drives of various vehicles of original design, as well as through a "mini" race of ingeniously designed "battle cars" over numerous obstacles. Activities include "Handing Down Technology" workshops in which youth can experience the excitement of making things first hand. General visitors will also be able to enjoy the inventions.

*TES was established to develop the skills and talents of its members and promote their friendship. This year marks its 56th anniversary. TES has approximately 31,000 members.


Competition Outline
Invention Contest: "Vehicles of the Future"
- TES members present vehicles that they have designed and built themselves, based on the concepts of "If only we had a vehicle like this" and "You will definitely see this vehicle in the future."
- 25 selected vehicles will be displayed and demonstrated from among the 350 entries.

Race: "Go Go Egg"
- Contestants have to safely transport their eggs in their ingeniously designed "battle cars" over a 30m obstacle-fraught course.
- 80 winners from regional elimination rounds held throughout Japan will compete in the final.

Workshops: "Handing Down Technology"
- These workshops will provide children an opportunity to experience the fascination of making things.
- Participants will build their own "battle cars" based on a basic kit and then participate in the "Go Go Egg" races. TES members will provide guidance.

  • Press coverage
    Time will be set aside for press coverage of entries in the "Vehicles of the Future" contest (including vehicle demonstration) as follows:

    Date and Time: Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Place: Toyota Sports Center, Toyota City, Aichi