SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The first
production 2020 Toyota GR Supra to roll off the assembly line,
"Global #1," was auctioned for charity this evening for $2.1 Million
at the 48th Annual Barrett-Jackson Auction at WestWorld of
Scottsdale. All proceeds of the
fifth-generation GR Supra, which made its world debut on
January 14, 2019, during the 2019
North American International Auto Show in Detroit, went to support the American Heart
Association(AHA) and the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF).
"We did the first production 2020 GR Supra justice tonight at
Barrett-Jackson," said Bob Carter,
executive vice president of sales, Toyota Motor North America.
"When Toyota launches a vehicle of this caliber, you only get one
chance to do it right – and this auction was the perfect setting.
After 20 years, this marks the return of a legend. Sportscar
enthusiasts have been dreaming to slide behind the wheel of an
all-new Supra – and we're happy to be a part of turning that dream
into a reality."
A build unlike any other in the world, "Global #1" is the only
VIN that will end in 20201 – with "2020" representing the year the
Supra was reintroduced to the world and "1" marking it as the first
vehicle to roll off the production line. The exterior is
factory-finished with a matte gray exterior, red mirror caps and
matte black wheels. Inside, the Supra is just as unique, with a red
interior and carbon-fiber inserts representing the first of the
launch edition for the U.S. market.
"It was an honor to have Bob
Carter and the rest of the Toyota team join us on the block
for the historic sale of the first production 2020 Toyota Supra,"
said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO
of Barrett-Jackson. "The incredible excitement of the Supra rolling
across the block was felt by everyone in the arena. This was a
moment that was 20 years in the making. More importantly, we're
thrilled to have joined with Toyota in their efforts to raise funds
in the fight against heart disease and stroke, as well as support
our nation's military veterans."
The sale of the Supra supports the American Heart Association
(AHA), the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization
dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, and the Bob
Woodruff Foundation (BWF), which finds, funds and shape programs
benefitting post-9/11 impacted veterans and their families.
"Toyota knows acceleration, so it's no surprise their generous
support is helping accelerate science to end heart disease and
stroke, the world's No. 1 and No. 2 killers worldwide," said
American Heart Association CEO Nancy
Brown. "The American Heart Association is honored to partner
with Toyota to create healthier communities and empower people to
be in the driver's seat of their health."
Auction proceeds also support BWF's programs for veterans,
service members and their families BWF, founded in 2006 after
reporter Bob Woodruff was hit by a
roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq, has led an enduring call to action for
people to stand up for heroes and meet the emerging and long-term
needs of today's veterans.
"As our nation's veterans return home, the Bob Woodruff
Foundation helps ensure that those who are impacted by their
service are supported by best-in-class programs addressing their
current and long-term needs," said Anne
Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. "Our
mission is made possible by the enduring commitment and generosity
of our partners at Toyota, and we're grateful to be part of their
vision for a better tomorrow."
The winning bidder also received a full VIP race track
experience that includes a fully customized professional racing
suit, two VIP passes and hot passes to TOYOTA OWNERS 400 - Richmond
Raceway and a chance to drive the pace car and do hot laps with
Michael Waltrip.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part
of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for 60 years, and is committed
to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our
Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created
a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to
world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 36
million cars and trucks in North
America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the
U.S.) and directly employ more than 47,000 people (more than 37,000
in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly
1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.7 million cars and trucks (2.4
million in the U.S.) in 2017 – and about 87 percent of all Toyota
vehicles sold over the past 15 years are still on the road
today.
Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights
the way it partners with community, civic, academic and
governmental organizations to address our society's most pressing
mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move,
anything is possible. For more information about Toyota,
visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
About the American Heart Association
The American
Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer,
healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the
Dallas-based association is
dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a
trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health,
brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous
organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative
research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share
lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on
heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling
1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff
Foundation (BWF) was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was hit by a roadside bomb while
covering the war in Iraq. Since
then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has led an enduring call to
action for people to stand up for heroes and meet the emerging and
long-term needs of today's veterans. To date, BWF has invested more
than $57 million to Find, Fund and
Shape™ programs that have empowered impacted veterans, service
members and their families. For more information, please
visit bobwoodrufffoundation.org or
follow us on Twitter at @Stand4Heroes.
Media contact:
Nicky
Hamila
Nicky.hamila@toyota.com
469-292-3596
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America