Toyota Motorsport becomes Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe

Toyota opens a new chapter for its European-based motorsport subsidiary, which worked as Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) since 1993 and now will act as Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe (TGR-E).

The company based in Cologne, Germany, has a glorious history, starting with a foundation by late Ove Andersson back in 1979. He was running Toyota’s motorsport programme until 1993 when Toyota Motor Corporation took sole owneship and established the TMG.

The new change of identity reflects the company’s status as a research and development centre within the GAZOO Racing Company, a standalone organisation within Toyota Motor Corporation which is responsible for motorsport and performance road cars.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe will continue as Toyota’s hub for motorsport development in Europe, via its FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) participation and FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) engine supply, as well as the GR Supra GT4 customer motorsport project.

In addition to motorsport, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe will enhance its development activities for road cars, contributing to Toyota’s global commitment to make ever-better cars by implementing motorsport technology and processes.

Hisatake Murata, Chairman of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe: “This is another significant step in the history of our company. Over the last years, the Cologne facility has become ever more integrated into GAZOO Racing Company’s research and development programmes, working as one team with mutual respect and trust. So it is logical that, as a valued member of the GAZOO Racing Company, the company’s name should adapt to reflect the strengthening link between Cologne and Japan. We are all looking forward to an exciting future in which together we will make cars that inspire and delight drivers, on the road and in motorsport.”