Toyota Celebrates 60 Years in Canada with a Cross-Country Kanreki Tour
22nd August 2024
In celebration of its 60th anniversary in Canada, Toyota is embarking on an epic coast-to-coast road trip. Starting today, August 12, 2024, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the journey will span 9,000 kilometers, making stops in every province to highlight the remarkable people, places, and stories that have shaped Toyota’s six decades in Canada.
The event is dubbed the “Kanreki Tour,” inspired by the Japanese tradition of “Kanreki,” which marks a person’s 60th birthday as a time of rebirth and reflection. As Stephen Beatty, Corporate Secretary at Toyota Canada, explained, “As Toyota marks its 60th year in Canada, our cross-Canada road trip will do just that, while also taking time to recognize the many Canadians who have contributed to the company’s success – including the country’s best dealer network, thousands of team members, tens of thousands of people who’ve worked for our suppliers and partners, and millions of loyal, enthusiastic Toyota drivers from coast to coast to coast.”
A Journey Across Canada
The Kanreki Tour begins at Canada’s Eastern “Mile 0” in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and will conclude on August 30 at Canada’s Western “Mile 0” in Victoria, British Columbia. The journey is divided into six stages:
- Stage 1 – St. John’s to Halifax (via Newfoundland & Nova Scotia) - August 12-14
- Stage 2 – Halifax to Montréal (via PEI, New Brunswick & Quebec) - August 15-17
- Stage 3 – Montréal to North Bay (via Quebec & Ontario) - August 18-20
- Stage 4 – North Bay to Winnipeg (via Ontario & Manitoba) - August 21-23
- Stage 5 – Winnipeg to Calgary (via Saskatchewan & Alberta) - August 24-26
- Stage 6 – Calgary to Victoria (via Alberta & British Columbia) - August 27-30
A Showcase of Toyota’s Line-Up
Throughout the road trip, participants will drive vehicles from Toyota’s full range of products, showcasing 20 different models that highlight the company’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and sustainability. The vehicles used in the journey include everything from sleek coupes and sedans to versatile SUVs, crossovers, and electrified options. Notably, many of the vehicles featured on the Kanreki Tour are part of Toyota’s growing line-up of electrified models, reflecting the company’s forward-looking approach to mobility.
Among the models in the lineup are the fully-electric bZ4X, the iconic Corolla and Camry, the rugged Land Cruiser, the hybrid Highlander, and the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The tour is not just a celebration of the past but a glimpse into the future of transportation in Canada.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
As Toyota reflects on its 60 years in Canada, the Kanreki Tour serves as a reminder of the company’s deep connection with Canadians and its unwavering commitment to providing quality vehicles that meet the diverse needs of drivers across the country. From the pioneering days of the Toyota Crown to the cutting-edge electrification efforts seen in the latest models, Toyota’s journey has been marked by continuous innovation, adaptability, and an enduring relationship with its customers.
For regular updates, images, and more information about Toyota’s 60th anniversary celebrations and the cross-country Kanreki Tour, visit media.toyota.ca/kanreki.