Japanese automaker Toyota recently participated in the IDEMITSU SUPER ENDURANCE SOUTHEAST ASIA TROPHY 2023, commonly known as the Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race. The event took place at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit on December 22 and 23. Toyota showcased its commitment to sustainability by entering three distinct vehicles, each employing different eco-friendly technologies. All three vehicles, including a hydrogen-powered Corolla and a Prius running on carbon-neutral fuel, successfully completed the race.
ROOKIE Racing GR86 CNF concept
One of Toyota’s entries was the ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF concept, a GR86 model running on carbon-neutral fuel. The vehicle, featuring drivers Kazuya Oshima, Kenta Yamashita, Keizo Kato, and Daisuke Toyoda, completed 289 laps, securing the fourth position in its class.
CP ROOKIE PRIUS CNF-HEV GR concept
The CP ROOKIE PRIUS CNF-HEV GR concept, a Prius HEV running on carbon-neutral fuel, participated with drivers Kachorn Chiaravanont, Morizo, Tatsuya Kataoka, Naoya Gamo, and Hibiki Taira. This vehicle finished the race with 272 laps, securing the eleventh position in its class.
ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept
The ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept, a hydrogen-powered Corolla, included drivers Morizo, Yasuhiro Ogura, Masahiro Sasaki, and Hiroaki Ishiura. Despite facing planned outage issues for approximately two hours, the team completed 161 laps and secured the fifty-fifth position in its class.
Emphasizing carbon neutrality
Toyota made a significant effort to emphasize carbon neutrality during the Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race. The GR86 and Prius vehicles utilized carbon-neutral fuel, contributing to the automaker’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly motorsports. Additionally, the hydrogen engine Corolla incorporated hydrogen partially produced from chicken manure-generated biogas from poultry farms of the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP).
Post-Race comments from Chairman Akio Toyoda
Chairman Akio Toyoda, known as Driver Morizo, expressed satisfaction with the race outcomes and reiterated the importance of showcasing hydrogen and hybrids as carbon-neutral options. Despite facing challenges during the race, including technical troubles, Toyota successfully demonstrated the performance and acceptance of its eco-friendly vehicles.
Toyoda commented on the positive reception of the Prius and hybrid cars by the Thai people, noting the significance of collaborative efforts with CP to reduce CO2 emissions in Thailand. He emphasized the need for collective action involving energy producers, transporters, users, and car manufacturers to create a carbon-neutral movement and shape the future of mobility.
Toyota’s future commitment
Toyota remains committed to its multi-pathway approach to achieving carbon neutrality while ensuring its vehicles continue to deliver an enjoyable driving experience. The automaker aims to involve more partners and stakeholders in the pursuit of sustainability, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to driving positive change.
The successful participation of Toyota’s carbon-neutral vehicles in the Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race serves as a tangible example of the company’s dedication to advancing eco-friendly technologies and promoting a sustainable future.