Toyota Rolls Out 'Start Your Impossible' Global Corporate Initiative in Asia Region

SINGAPORE, 13^TH SEPTEMBER 2018―As interest for the Olympic movement is rapidly rising in Southeast Asia, Toyota announced today at an event in Singapore that it has formed region-wide partnership with 12 Olympic and Paralympic aspirants across Asia, including athletes from eight countries: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Vietnam and Pakistan.

At a press conference, Toyota's regional affiliate Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (TMAP) also announced the Asia roll out of Toyota's first ever global corporate initiative, 'Start Your Impossible'.

"As we roll out the "Start Your Impossible" initiative in Asia, we are excited to begin our countdown to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 along with our Team Toyota athletes who are not only passionate about sports but also desire to be agents of change to create a better world," said Mr. Susumu Matsuda, President, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific at the event.

As part of its broader efforts to bring about greater mobility, sustainability and an inclusive society where everyone has the chance to realize their dreams, Toyota will support these athletes not just in their journey to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, but also in their advocacy for social causes close to their hearts.

These 12 athletes make up Team Toyota in Asia, and they are heroes both in the sporting arena as well as in their local communities. Each of them has a compelling story to tell―having challenged and overcome what many thought was impossible to achieve their sporting goals―as well as to take what participation in sports has taught them and their strong desire to address societal challenges to make a difference.

Additionally, TMAP and BMS have both announced plans to start employment of Para athletes from next January onwards as part of Toyota's global efforts to enhance the Para sports movement.

More than eighty years ago, Toyota decided to do what many thought was impossible at that time, to go from building weaving looms to building cars. 'Start Your Impossible' marks Toyota's commitment to transform into a mobility company, supporting the creation of a more inclusive, sustainable and mobile society in which everyone can challenge their impossible. 'Start Your Impossible' is also inspired by Toyota's worldwide partnership with the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee and the fighting spirit of Olympic and Paralympic athletes who are constantly challenging their "impossible".

In spearheading the pursuit of "Mobility for All", Toyota believes that the freedom of being mobile is at the heart of being able to participate in society. "When we are free to move, anything is possible" has been the underlying philosophy behind Toyota's decision to be the first ever mobility partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

"We are committed to making "Mobility for All" a reality, as we seize the opportunity through our worldwide partnership to transform ourselves from an automotive company into a mobility company, entering new and exciting territories. This means challenging our own "impossible", and expanding our capability into technologies that can help people move around town or across the room with a better experience," added Matsuda.

The 12 Team Toyota athletes and Para athletes from the Asia region are