Toyota sponsoring Environmental Media Awards

This past October, the Environmental Media Awards were held for the 20th consecutive year in California.  This event recognizes creative television and film that has communicated a positive environmental message to viewers.  Fitting, then, that Toyota and Lexus – two of the world’s most environmentally conscious carmakers – should be presenting sponsors of this world-famous soiree for the tenth year running.  Like the media-related productions they honored at this year’s awards ceremony, Toyota and Lexus have long played a pivotal and influential role in pushing the American car market towards ever-greener horizons.

Media giants Ted Turner and Jeff Skoll (chairman and owner of Participant Media) were the honorees at this year’s awards ceremony.  They were not the only ones vociferously-proud of this event’s significance and long-time success.  “At Toyota, we appreciate the Environmental Media Association’s ability to influence millions through television, film, music and the entertainment community and inspire so many to take action. We are proud to sponsor the 20th Annual Environmental Media Awards and applaud the honored industry leaders who have taken extra strides to educate, influence and inspire environmentally responsible behavior on the screen and in their operations,” said Dian Ogilvie, Senior Vice President and Secretary of Toyota Motor North America.

In Barrington, 4Runner enthusiasts have surely heard of The Simpsons, The Biggest Loser, and 30 Rock, some of the popular television programs honored at the awards ceremony this year.  Likewise, in Palantine, Camry faithful have probably seen the box-office hits Avatar and Fantastic Mr. Fox, two films that were also honored.  Yet, earth-friendly films and T.V. shows weren’t the only things on display at the Environmental Media Awards.

At the ceremony, Toyota gave attendees an early preview of the new Lexus CT 200h – Lexus’ first luxury compact hybrid – and the third-generation Toyota Prius.  Also on display was the Prius Plug-in Hybrid demonstration, which was perhaps a brief glimpse into the near future of environmentally-oriented driving.

The 20^th annual Environmental Media Awards was a smash-hit – an indicator of the longevity and effectiveness this event has had in America.  The ability of car makers and media representatives to collaborate and collectively promote a positive environmental message is a testament to the optimistic vision Toyota and Lexus have for the future of automobiles.