Honored to be recognized by @MIT @techreview as one of the 50 Smartest Companies! https://t.co/B7S0q5Iovm pic.twitter.com/bN2VIoJhD3
— Toyota USA (@Toyota) June 22, 2016
At the end of June, the MIT Technology Review posted its editors' picks of the 50 global companies that "best combine innovative technology with an effective business model." The 50 Smartest Companies of 2016 list is populated with titans of the electronics industry, like Amazon (#1) and Microsoft (#26). Toyota fell in at a respectable rank of #17, and was the only automaker to receive the distinction apart from Tesla Motors (which outranked Toyota at #4, but come on, Tesla loses money on every sale and is run by Elon "SpaceX" Musk, so... you know).
So, what did Toyota do to catch MIT Technology Review's eye?
In January 2016, Toyota opened the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) -- a $1 billion investment into A.I., robots, and mobility innovation. Incidentally, TRI's east coast campus is located near MIT, and collaborates with the university in learning-machine software development.
MIT also mentions Toyota's ceaseless efforts developing its hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicle, the Mirai.
"We're very grateful to be recognized by MIT, one of the finest educational institutions in the world," said Jim Lentz, chief executive officer of Toyota North America. "Toyota's scientists are committed to innovation and leading the way to a future of mobility that is cleaner, safer, and provides freedom of mobility for all. In the spirit of kaizen, Toyota is committed to improving every day in the service of our customers and society."
Learn more about Toyota's world-leading innovations at Capitol Toyota, and test drive sophisticated new vehicles.
