WEST CALDWELL, N.J.,
July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/
-- Building on the success of wave one of the Prius Plug-In
MPG Challenge, Toyota today launched wave two of the competition,
which brings together seven prolific environmental influencers from
N.Y., N.J. and Conn. These ecologically-conscious influencers will
borrow Prius Plug-In vehicles and compete against one another to
see who can garner the highest overall MPG over the course of a
30-day period.
Toyota also recently announced the first wave winner of the
Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge, which launched in May. The Helping
Hands Food Pantry, a donation-run group established by a local
councilman and minister in Teaneck,
N.J., that provides free, supplemental groceries to needy
residents, claimed the top spot with an average of 356 MPGe* over
506 total miles driven – 261 MPGe more than the vehicle's official
estimated average in EV Mode. As a result of this considerable
accomplishment, the Helping Hands Food Pantry will receive a
$2,500 contribution for its
achievement.
Participants in the second wave of the Toyota Prius Plug-In MPG
Challenge include:
- Earth Day New York, a nonprofit organization promoting
environmental awareness and solutions through partnerships with
schools, community organizations, businesses and government
- EcoKaren, a chiropractor-turned-green-living-consultant and
blogger focused on the connection between the environment and
health
- Green-4-U, a resource for people who want to know more about
green living but do not know where to start
- Green Divas, a radio show and blog offering listeners
information on green and sustainable living
- Green Living Guy, author and editor of the "Green Guru"
series
- Inhabitat, a blog devoted to the future of design, tracking the
innovations pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter
and more sustainable future
- New York Green Advocate, a blog authored by environmental
activist Paul McGinniss focused
around the latest news about the world environment, sustainable
living, renewable energy and green building
"As the first wave of the Challenge comes to a successful end,
we look forward to an equally spirited competition between our
environmental influencers for wave two," said David Christ, general manager of Toyota's New
York Region. "The Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge is yet another
opportunity for Toyota to demonstrate its commitment to educating
drivers on how they can make an ecological difference in this
world."
To be eligible to win, participants must drive a minimum of 300
miles total and 75 miles each week. The highest overall MPG
according to the Prius' trip computer per 30-day challenge wins a
$2,500 donation to the charity of
their choice. Second and third place winners also receive
charitable donations of $1,000 and
$500. All participants will also
receive a $200 gas card.
Wave two challengers will document their activity in real-time
via social channels, including:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PriusPlugInMPG
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/priuspluginmpg
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/pluginforcharity
*Miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe) is a measure of
the average distance traveled per unit of energy consumed.
Media Contact:
Megan
Nemeh
SHIFT Communications for Toyota
(415) 591-8409
mnemeh@shiftcomm.com
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established
operations in the United States in
1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. There are more
than 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in the United States, which sold more than 2
million vehicles in 2012. Toyota directly employs over 31,000 in
the United States and its
investment here is currently valued at more than $19.5 billion, including sales and manufacturing
operations, research and development, financial services and
design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and
services from U.S. suppliers totals over $27.5 billion.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com,
www.toyotanewsroom.com or
www.toyotainaction.com.
SOURCE Toyota