Toyota Introduces 2013 Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge

WEST CALDWELL, N.J., May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota announced today the launch of the first Prius MPG Challenge rewarding environmentally-conscious, charitable organizations in the tri-state area with contributions totaling $20,000.

The Challenge – which consists of five separate waves of competition, each with up to eight challengers – awards those participants garnering the highest overall MPG over the course of a 30-day period. It kicks off with an event today in West Caldwell, N.J., to hand off vehicles to the first wave of challengers.

Participants will borrow a Prius Plug-in for 30 days. To be eligible to win, challengers must drive a minimum of 500 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 contribution, with second-place finisher earning $1,000 and the third-place finisher winning $500. All participating companies will also receive a $200 gas card.

"We see the MPG Challenge as a way to make environmental education fun," said David Christ, general manager of Toyota's New York Region. "By tapping regional organizations, we're able to engage at a local level while demonstrating the Toyota Prius Plug-In's ability to improve the lives of our fellow community members." 

The first wave of ecologically-conscious organizations participating as MPG Challengers includes:

• The Greyston Foundation, a Yonkers-based network of for-profit and not-for-profit entities providing life services and work opportunities to low-income individuals and families, including the bakery that exclusively supplies brownies to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
• Greater Mercer TMA, a non-profit, public private partnership dedicated to reducing traffic congestion, decreasing air pollution and improving mobility in and around Mercer and Ocean County, N.J.
• Bloomfield College, an independent, four-year college in Bloomfield, N.J., that prepares students to attain academic, personal and professional excellence in a multicultural and global society
• RYASAP, a Bridgeport, Conn.-based non-profit that serves as a catalyst in communities to ensure the safe and healthy development of youth, young adults and families
• The Center of United Methodist Aid to the Community Ecumenically Concerned Helping Others (CUMAC/ECHO), which works to alleviate hunger and its root causes in Paterson, Passaic County and northern N.J.
• Glamourgals, a national organization that creates teen volunteer chapters providing companionship and complimentary beauty makeovers to women living in senior homes.
• 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

Challengers will document their activity in real-time via social channels, including:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PriusPlugInMpgChallenge
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/priuspluginmpg
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/pluginforcharity

Media Contact:
Katie Clark-AlSadder
SHIFT Communications for Toyota
515-591-8421
[email protected]

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