HomeSailingAmerica's CupBacking Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews partnership with Emirates

Backing Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews partnership with Emirates

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Toyota New Zealand has renewed its longstanding partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand ahead of the defence of the 38th America’s Cup, marking 34 years of support for one of the country’s most iconic sporting teams.

Since 1992, the partnership has been about more than branding. It reflects a shared commitment to Kiwi ambition, innovation and bringing the America’s Cup to New Zealanders.

They’re relentless, brave enough to challenge convention, and proud to represent New Zealand on the world stage. For 34 years we’ve backed that spirit, and we’re just as committed as they head into the 38th America’s Cup.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer Andrew Davis says the renewal is grounded in a mindset both organisations share. “At Toyota, innovation should inspire people and create excitement for New Zealand.”

Hilux and the boat. Backing Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews partnership with Emirates. // Supplied
Hilux and the boat. Backing Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews partnership with Emirates. // Supplied

Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton says Toyota’s long-term support has been instrumental to the team’s success. “Toyota has supported us through every phase of the journey. Having a partner that shares our commitment to innovation and representing New Zealand globally enables the thinking and engineering that keeps us competitive at the highest level.”

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The partnership extends beyond racing. Innovation is central, exemplified by the hydrogen-powered Chase Zero support boat using Toyota fuel cell technology, demonstrating that high performance and lower emissions can go hand in hand.

Toyota’s support also spans grassroots sailing, from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to the Toyota Optimist Nationals and Toyota Kiwi Cup, helping create pathways for young sailors to dream big.

Susanne Hardy, Tatsuya Ishikawa, Kevin Shoebridge, Andrew Davis and Grant Dalton. Backing Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews partnership with Emirates. // Supplied
Susanne Hardy, Tatsuya Ishikawa, Kevin Shoebridge, Andrew Davis and Grant Dalton. Backing Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews partnership with Emirates. // Supplied

“When kids watch Emirates Team New Zealand race, they’re seeing what’s possible,” says Davis. “Helping build that pathway from local clubs to the world stage is something we’re proud of.”

As the 38th America’s Cup approaches, Toyota’s focus is on bringing Kiwis together and making the event accessible and engaging for communities across the country.

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After 34 years, the partnership remains built on trust, shared ambition and belief in Kiwi capability – backing New Zealand innovation and proudly supporting the team representing the nation on the world stage.

www.toyota.co.nz

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