Toyota Mobility Foundation Joins NewCities as Global Strategic Member

May 16, 2016 — Press

Move reinforces NewCities strength in urban mobility space
TMF Chief Program Officer, Latondra Newton, to join NewCities Board of Trustees

Montréal, Canada – May 16, 2016. NewCities today welcomed the Toyota Mobility Foundation as its latest Global Strategic Member. The partnership between the two organizations aims to activate the next generation of urban mobility solutions.

Innovation is transforming mobility. Transportation is becoming faster, cleaner, smarter and more inter-connected, with cities at the forefront of this change. The Toyota Mobility Foundation and NewCities are already discussing a number of substantial research projects and initiatives in the urban mobility area.

Latondra Newton, who also serves Group Vice President, Social Innovation and Chief Diversity Officer of Toyota Motor North America, will join NewCities’ Board of Trustees, which provides strategic guidance and support on NewCities projects. Newton’s work is focused on advancing Toyota’s mission to address society’s greatest challenges through mobility solutions, bringing together diverse ideas and people to create positive business and social impact. Working with public and private partners around the world, her team harnesses Toyota’s expertise and resources to help more people go more places – so they can live better lives no matter where they are.

Collaboration between the two foundations began in June 2015 with the launch of the Connected Mobility Initiative led by NewCities’ senior fellow Greg Lindsay. The research initiative maps how public sector agencies are leading the charge on new mobility innovations. The initiative’s findings will be published later this year.

John Rossant, Chairman of NewCities, said: “Innovation and creativity in urban mobility have always been at the core of NewCities’ work to make our cities more livable. I am delighted that Toyota Mobility Foundation, a vanguard in new innovative transport solutions is joining NewCities as a Global Strategic Member. Our partnership has incredible potential to make an impact on how we will move through cities in the future.”

Latondra Newton, TMF Chief Program Officer, said: “We created the Toyota Mobility Foundation because we believe that mobility can broaden horizons and empower people to fulfill their potential, no matter where they live. Our expanded partnership with NewCities will allow us to advance our work by joining a global network of leaders who are focused on solving the most pressing challenges to cities around the world.”

Find out more about NewCities at: www.newcities.org

Find out more about Toyota Mobility Foundation at: www.toyotamobilityfoundation.com

Find out more about The Connected Mobility Initiative at: www.newcities.org/connected-mobility-initiative/

Ends

Press contact:
Thomas Ledwell
Director of Communications
NewCities
tledwell@newcitiesfoundation.org
+1 514 987 0029

Julie Ann Burandt
Global Communications Manager
Toyota Mobility Foundation
julieann.burandt@toyota.com

About NewCities

NewCities is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to making cities more inclusive, connected, healthy and vibrant. Focusing on people, places and policies, we bring together a global network of public and private sector leaders and Urban Tech innovators to foster results-oriented collaboration. We also produce actionable research that can be implemented by decision-makers across sectors.

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About Toyota Mobility Foundation

The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, governments, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Programs include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilization of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next generation mobility.