- Toyota leads automotive industry for 10th
consecutive year
- Toyota received 2,667 patents in 2023.
ANN
ARBOR, Mich., March 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Securing its position at
the forefront of U.S. automotive innovation for the 10th
consecutive year, Toyota has been awarded more patents from the
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) than any other
automaker according to an annual report by the Intellectual
Property Owners Association (IPO).
Despite a challenging year that saw a 3% overall decline in
patents granted across all industries in the United States, Toyota ranked seventh among
all companies awarded patents in 2023, receiving a total of 2,667
patents.
"This achievement continues to underscore Toyota's unwavering
commitment to innovation, particularly in areas critical to the
future of mobility such as electrification and intelligent
transportation solutions," said Sandra
Phillips Rogers, senior vice president of Corporate
Resources and chief legal officer at Toyota Motor North America.
"Our focus is on creating sustainable and advanced technological
solutions and contributing to the betterment of society and the
industry at large, all while ensuring our innovations are
recognized through filings with the USPTO."
Toyota's 2023 patents showcase the company's wide-ranging
innovations, including:
- Kinetic Seat Cushion for Vehicles – A key element of the
IsoDynamic Performance Seat, debuting exclusively on the all-new
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro that helps provide a smooth,
confidence-inspiring ride for those in the driver and front
passenger seats. The ISO D seat assembly absorbs vehicle inputs
vertically and laterally, reducing the overall load and impacts
onto the vehicle occupant.
- Woven Carbon Fiber Reinforced Steel Matrix Composite – A
carbon fiber fabric of long, organized fibers within a steel matrix
that produces a lighter weight material without sacrificing
performance. By layering the carbon fiber in a weaving pattern
sintered with steel nanomaterial, the composite is stiff. This
innovation can be used for lightweighting vehicle parts where
engineered forms of steel are needed.
- Systems and Methods with Dual Function Coil Providing
In-vehicle Wireless Power – This innovation for
traction-battery-equipped vehicles (PHEVs & BEVs) uses a dual
function coil, installed in the vehicle, that can wirelessly
receive power from the grid for recharging the battery and transmit
power for the integrated auxiliary power supply. The technology
eliminates the need for bulky cables, many connectors, and duty
plugs to provide in-vehicle charging and small load power supply
(for cabin lights, screens, mobile devices, etc.), thereby
enhancing convenience and system integration as well as reducing
space needs, cost, and weight of the vehicle.
"Toyota team members work very aggressively at research and
development to discover cutting-edge technology for propelling the
company forward," said Frederick
Mau, intellectual property counsel and director of Patent
Licensing for Toyota Motor North America. "It's impressive to see
the fruits of their efforts reflected in these rankings every
year."
Globally, Toyota spends approximately $1
million per hour on R&D, to ensure that Toyota rapidly
and continuously develops cutting-edge, high-quality, and appealing
vehicles and technologies. This commitment ensures that Toyota not
only delivers on the needs of customers but also anticipates its
role in future societal progress.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
North America for more than 65
years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation
mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than
1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the
design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and
trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 14th plant
in North Carolina will begin to
manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With
more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker,
Toyota currently offers 27 electrified options.
For more information about Toyota, visit
www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About TMNA R&D
For more than 50 years, Toyota Motor North America Research
& Development (TMNA R&D) has led engineering for several of
the best-selling Toyota vehicles on U.S. roads. Teams are now
creating both next-generation vehicles and new and advanced
mobility concepts that can better move people, goods and
information. Toyota's innovation has produced more patents from the
United States Patent and Trademark Office than any other automaker
for the past 10 consecutive years (2,667 in 2023). Centered in
Ann Arbor, Michigan, TMNA R&D
is pursuing Toyota's mission to "Produce Happiness for All" by
making life safer, easier and more enjoyable. Globally, Toyota
spends approximately $1 million per
hour on R&D to ensure that Toyota rapidly and continuously
develops cutting-edge, high-quality, and appealing vehicles.
Media Contacts
Rick
Bourgoise
Richard.bourgoise@toyota.com
Olivia Boisineau
Olivia.boisineau@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America