Can you believe I’m still processing my trip to L.A. as part of the Toyota Women Influencer’s Group? While I’ve been home over week, I want to share as informatively as possible. My dear friend Leticia, over at TechSavvyMama shared 9 Facts about Toyota from #ToyotaWomen TWIN Camp. You have no idea how I want to just aggregate her post, because it was brilliant.
As an outsider looking in, it seems Toyota has a very well-rounded corporate structure and atmosphere. Philanthropy, environmentalism, forward thinking technology, a strong history and collaborative research makes the company intriguing and exciting at the same time. However, I was pleasantly surprised knowing they wanted my opinions and genuinely listened to us. There have been times I’ve felt as if everything was being lost in the void, but this time was different. On going communication, thank you notes, and the transparency between us and the powers that be has been…refreshing.
What did I learn? I learned that I like how Toyota’s drive. A lot. I also like the styling, such as the contrast stitching in the Venza. (Why didn’t I take a picture?!) It also comes with 20″ wheels, making the ride extremely smooth and hugging the road like a champ. However, I will share a gratuitous shot of the Highlander Hybrid. It drives like a dream with a ton of get up an go!
Toyota also has Toyota Driving Expectations for teens and parents. This 2.5 hour defensive driving program focuses on distracted driving, accident avoidance and braking techniques to help share safety technology in their vehicles. As the mother of an 11 who will be driving before I know it, I’m reassured knowing there are programs out there that will give him more experience than he would receive in drivers education. With more than 30 events and 18,000 participants, I’m hoping they will come to Charlotte in a few years so we can sign him up.
Michael Rouse, VP of Philanthropy and Community Affairs for Toyota shared “Driving is a privilege that can be dangerous and destructive…want parents to become mentors and guides.” Toyota believes that working with parents seperately and bringing them together with their children to talk and make commitments about driving habits, the parents and kids make stronger commitments together.
Something I can get behind and not only support, but be an advocate for as well.
I was selected for participation in the TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. Toyota covered the expenses for my trip and gave me branded items along with tech goodies like a Sony Bloggie and PowerStick but I was not compensated for writing this post nor did I receive payment. All opinions are my own and do not reflect the views of Toyota.