Toyota to donate hybrid vehicles to parks and recreation fleets in Twin Cities
In exchange for the donations, Toyota will receive citywide event sponsorships and the option to place vehicles and promotional vehicles at the sponsored events.
During the announcement of the agreement March 25 in Rice Park, officials from Toyota and the Twin Cities showcased the vehicles that both cities will receive.
“Saint Paul is a national leader on sustainability, acting locally to reverse the negative impacts on the environment,” St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said. “This partnership clearly demonstrates how the city and corporations can find local solutions to the problems we face. These vehicles will help lay the groundwork for future initiatives to improve both the emissions and fuel efficiency of our vehicle fleet.”
According to the St. Paul Parks & Recreation Department, the leased vehicles likely will be placed into operation by early summer.
“Toyota is excited about this unique partnership opportunity with St. Paul and Minneapolis,” said Bob Carter, Toyota group vice president. “This partnership really demonstrates how committed each city is to going green. It gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the community and to the environment.”
According to the St. Paul Parks & Recreation Department, Toyota will receive name recognition at a number of large city events presented by the department, including the St. Paul City Broomball Playoffs on Ice, the 2008 Star of the North Games and Music in the Parks.