TOKYO, Aug 26, 2015 - (ACN Newswire) - What if cars could spread the benefits of education, alter the surrounding environment on an atomic level, or even break down language barriers?
Most adults would dismiss such notions as wishful thinking, but sometimes it pays to think with the boundless imagination of a child. After all, it's not so long ago that a car fueled by water or a plane powered by the sun were considered science fiction. Who knows when the gap between fantasy and reality could be bridged next?
Since 2004, Toyota has asked children from around the world to put their creativity to work in creating their Dream Cars. The results range from the impressively practical to the downright unusual, but most importantly they all show abundant imagination, and they are all unique. Not only do they give inspiration on what new cars to make, they also remind Toyota the kind of responsible global citizen it should be: whether it be helping little girls learn to read in Romania or conserving the environment in Paraguay.
The response to this year's contest was overwhelming: Toyota received a record total of over 875,000 artworks from 81 countries and regions. National Contests were held until March 2015, with selected entries progressing to the World Contest in May 2015. World Contest entries were judged by Toyota President Akio Toyoda and a panel of outside experts in art and automotive science, and winners were invited to Japan for the award ceremony in August.
This year, gold awards were given to children from Sri Lanka, Romania, and Paraguay across three age categories. In addition, the newly-created Engineering Inspiration Award (selected by Executive Vice President Mitsuhisa Kato) and a special award selected exclusively by President Akio Toyoda were presented to exclusive winners.
Other awards:
President Akio Toyoda AwardDream SocietyA car that carries dreams and unites family living far away to live happily
Comment from Toyota President Akio Toyoda: "This artwork really conveys a sense of caring for one's family and having love for one's community. It has a lot in common with Toyota's desire to contribute to society by making cars. I hope we will keep making ever-better cars make our customers smile."
Engineering Inspiration AwardEcofix CarRunning on fruit and vegetable compost, a car that will help people and the environment
The Engineering Inspiration Award-awarded to the entry that most inspires Toyota's automobile production staff (selected by Executive Vice President Mitsuhisa Kato) has been newly established this year. Unlike other entries, the winner of this category, the "Ecofix Car", was converted into a 3D clay model by Toyota's Prototype Production Division. Along with all winning entries, the clay model will be exhibited at Toyota facilities throughout Japan over the course of one year.
In addition to one gold award, Toyota selects two silver, three bronze, and four Best Finalist awards for each age category, as listed below.
The award-winning entries and footage of the ceremony can be viewed and downloaded from http://www.image.net/dream_car_art_contest_2015. Images from the event will be posted at around 14:00 (Japan Standard Time), and movies will be posted at around 18:30.
Dream Car of the Day Campaign
93 artworks consisting of one or more entries from each of the regional contests worldwide (including all award-winning entries from this year's world contest) are being posted on the campaign website as animated illustrations.
Campaign website: www.dreamcar-of-the-day.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/ToyotaDreamCarGlobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToyotaDreamCar Instagram: https://instagram.com/toyotadreamcar/
National Contests for the 10th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest in 2016
Beginning in September 2015, Toyota will announce information regarding contests to be held in each country for the tenth Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, and will start accepting entries.
The winning entries selected in each country will be entered into the world contest. Gold, silver, bronze, and special award winners will be selected across the three age categories with an awards ceremony scheduled for August 2016.
Details will be announced at the same time on the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest official site.
Toyota Dream Car Art Contest official site:http://www.toyota-global.com/events/dream_car_art_contest/
About Toyota
Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.
Source: Toyota
Contact:
Toyota Motor Corporation Public Affairs Division Global Communications Department Tel: +81-3-3817-9926
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