Toyota Motor Corp. has effectively concluded its participation in the 2023 Southeast Asia Idemitsu Super Endurance Trophy after taking position on December 22 and 23 at Chang International Circuit in Thailand. Toyota showcased a lineup of 3 Rookie Racing cars, showcasing the latest in technology. concepts focused on sustainability and carbon neutrality.
The first vehicle, the ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF concept, ran on carbon-neutral fuel. This GR86 showcases Toyota’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly alternatives in motorsports. The second vehicle, the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept, is a hydrogen-powered Corolla, further emphasizing Toyota’s dedication to advancing hydrogen technology. Finally, the CP ROOKIE PRIUS CNF-HEV GR concept, a newly introduced addition, is a Prius hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) running on carbon-neutral fuel. This marked the first time Toyota has competed with a production Prius HEV, highlighting its commitment to showcasing sustainable technology.
In addition, three cars from the Thai TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team (the Corolla, the 86 and the Yaris) ran on carbon-neutral fuel. This move underscores Toyota’s goals to explore and expand the diversity of carbon-neutral features available in the automotive industry, engaging with its partners across Asia.
Equipment Configurations
Name of the team’s vehicle
ORC ROOKIE Racing ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF Concept
ROOKIE ORC GR Corolla H2 Concept
CP ROOKIE Racing CP ROOKIE PRIUS CNF-HEV GR Concept
Competitive Drivers
Morizo, Yasuhiro Ogura, Kachorn Chiaravanont, Masahiro Sasaki, Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, Kazuya Oshima, Naoya Gamo, Kenta Yamashita, Hibiki Taira, Keizo Kato, Daisuke Toyoda
Toyota’s efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral society go beyond motorsport. The company is actively pursuing a multi-track approach, as evidenced by the addition of the hydrogen-powered Corolla and the carbon-neutral fuel-powered GR86 to the Super Taikyu. series. Both cars have competed in the past in the 2022 25 Hours of Thailand standing power race, where Toyota effectively honed their functionality in an exclusive racing environment. This year, Toyota added an HEV vehicle to its lineup, recognizing its effectiveness in achieving carbon emissions. neutrality, specifically in Asia and Thailand.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has been at the forefront of the progression of the Racing Hybrid generation through its participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Now, Toyota is applying the race-derived generation to the Prius, with the purpose of making the hybrid vehicle enjoyable to drive. and fuel efficiency.
Together with his partner, Mr. Kachorn Chiaravanont, member of the Executive Committee of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and President of True Leasing Co. , Ltd. , Toyota is preparing to explore new possibilities for the future. Chiaravanont will participate as a driver of the Prius, reinforcing the association’s commitment to a carbon-neutral society in Thailand.
Widening the Circle of Partnerships
for carbon neutrality
Toyota is actively expanding its network of partners committed to carbon neutrality. Currently, 51 partners from Japan and abroad have joined forces through motorsports initiatives. In the Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race, the hydrogen-powered Corolla will utilize biogas generated from CP’s poultry farm chicken manure, as well as food waste from Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co. (TDEM), a Toyota site. This innovative approach demonstrates how Toyota leverages various sustainable resources for fuel.
In addition, Toyota will present an FC (Fuel Cell) drone at the event, the result of a collaboration with CP. The drone serves as a demonstration of the production, transportation and use of hydrogen, an ongoing initiative through Toyota and its partners in Thailand. The aim is to promote the adoption of hydrogen technologies and expand a style of hydrogen use that can be replicated across Asia.