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TOKYO, Jan 7, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) today announced that, to return to its founding principles, it is reverting to the name "GAZOO Racing" to strengthen its motorsports-bred making of ever-better cars and the fostering of talent.TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is reverting its name to "GAZOO Racing".The role of GAZOO Racing will be to strengthen the motorsports-bred making of ever-better cars and the fostering of talent.GAZOO Racing will compete in top-category motorsports, such as the WRC, as well as in customer motorsports using production vehicles.The journey of GAZOO RacingA challenge born of humiliationTOYOTA GAZOO Racing has promoted the making of ever-better cars and the fostering of talent by taking on the challenge of competing in various motorsports categories both in Japan and abroad.GAZOO Racing traces its origins back to 2007, when Akio Toyoda (then executive vice president) competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race alongside driving mentor and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Master Driver Hiromu Naruse and several other colleagues.At the time, because competing in the race was not recognized by TMC as an official company activity, the team was not permitted to use "TOYOTA" in its name, and thus entered under the name "Team GAZOO". Furthermore, as Toyoda's intention to drive in the race was unable to gain much understanding, his only choice was to compete under the driver name "Morizo". Although the team managed to finish the race, the achievement immediately came with a sense of humiliation. That was because, while many other, mainly European, competitors were putting under-development cars through their paces in the race, Toyota did not have such a car, let alone any sports cars in its sales lineup, and was on the verge of losing its ability to pass on its car-making skills and expertise. When overtaken on the track by other manufacturers' development vehicles, Toyoda felt as if he could hear rivals say: "No way that you guys at Toyota could build a car like this!", igniting a sense of humiliation that he still vividly recalls to this day.The Shikinen Sengu of car-making sustained by convictionSports car development demands an approach to manufacturing that not only improves a car's characteristics and fundamental performance by also strives to make a car failure-proof even in harsh environments. All such efforts also contribute to the development of mass-production cars. At the same time, the front lines of motorsports provide numerous opportunities to hone car-making skills and foster talent.At Ise Shrine in Japan's Mie Prefecture, traditions and skills are passed down through a ritual known as "Shikinen Sengu", which entails all of the shrine's structures being rebuilt every 20 years. Similarly, sports car manufacturing has traditions and skills that cannot be passed down once they are lost. Armed with a sense of crisis that TMC would become a company incapable of building sports cars, Toyoda initiated the development of the Lexus LFA, choosing the Nürburgring course as the car's main development site.Launched in 2010, the LFA was TMC's first authentic sports car developed in-house in approximately 20 years. It was the result of a project that faced enormous difficulties, including a lack of wholehearted support within the company for car-making that was deemed by some to be unprofitable, as evidenced by the fact that development was permitted to proceed under the condition that only 500 units would be sold.Just before the LFA's release, the unthinkable happened: Naruse passed away in an accident near the Nürburgring. The calamity occurred not long after LFA development had concluded and Naruse, as master driver, had given his approval by saying, "Let's go with this." For Toyoda, suddenly being without his driving mentor and TMC's master driver came with an immense sense of loss.However, Toyoda, remaining steadfast in his conviction that cars and talent are honed on the front lines of motorsports, continued to pursue sports car development. Then came the revival of the 86 in 2012 and the GR Supra in 2019. However, the development of these models relied on Subaru and BMW, respectively, meaning that TMC was not able to achieve the complete in-house creation of a sports car.The launch of TOYOTA GAZOO RacingIn April 2015, TMC decided to consolidate its in-house motorsports activities, including those under the banners of "TOYOTA Racing", "LEXUS Racing", and "GAZOO Racing", under the unified "GAZOO" name, upon which it adopted the logo "TOYOTA GAZOO Racing". It was a development that marked the moment when activities that could not use "TOYOTA" back in 2007 could finally bear the company's name. However, even though those activities had officially come under the umbrella of a large corporation, the original sense of humiliation that had driven Toyoda and Naruse began to fade.The never-ending pursuit of making ever-better carsToyoda, then as president, decided that TMC would return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) to further evolve its activities to make ever-better cars. Returning to the WRC, in which competing vehicles are based on production vehicles, marked a major turning point in TMC's motorsports activities.Until then, TMC had developed its motorsports vehicles based on already completed production vehicles. However, after returning to the WRC, it began a new approach to car-making that reversed the conventional order by first creating a car capable of winning in the WRC and then turning that car into a production vehicle. This led to the launch in 2020 of the GR Yaris, a Toyota in-house-developed sports car, under the philosophy of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars.The GR Yaris, which was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January of that year and recorded its maiden victory in a Super Taikyu Series 24-hour race that September, began to be seen in action in motorsports events around the around, eventually leading to the development and launch of the GR Corolla. It was exactly this achievement that revived TMC's in-house production of sports cars capable of winning in motorsports.In 2025, Toyota returned to the Nürburgring 24 Hours race for the first time in six years, fielding a GR Yaris. While behind the wheel, Toyoda, who is TMC's current master driver, says that he conversed with Naruse. Only TMC's two master drivers know what they talked about.For Toyoda, the next challenge was to conduct a true Shikinen Sengu in the form of TMC creating the ultimate in sports cars. As such, the GR GT, GR GT3, and LFA Concept premiered in 2025.TGR's journey of the motorsports-bred making of ever-better cars and the fostering of talent is without end. It will soon be 20 years since Team GAZOO came to be in 2007."No way that you guys at Toyota could build a car like this!" The humiliation felt by Hiromu Naruse and Akio Toyoda was the starting point of it all.TGR would like to extend its sincere gratitude to everyone in the world of motorsports, its partners, and its fans for their unwavering commitment.Together with all stakeholders, TGR - under the name "GAZOO Racing" - intends to continue making ever-better motorsports-bred cars and fostering the talents of drivers, engineers, and mechanics.TGR looks forward to everyone's continued support.TOYOTA RACINGMotorsports activities specializing in powertrains and technologyFurthermore, TMC's research and development center in Cologne, Germany (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe), under the new name "TOYOTA RACING", is to specialize in motorsports activities through its advanced development technologies, promoting long-term technological development in engine development and other areas. The technologies that it develops are to continue to be introduced in various motorsports scenarios, including the world's top on-track races as well as rallies, in the pursuit of further improvement.TGRRTGRR (TOYOTA GAZOO ROOKIE Racing) is to continue its current activities. As an entity that bears in its name the "T" of TOYOTA Racing and the "G" of GAZOO Racing, it intends to serve as a bridge between the two, honing in motorsports as a racing team the products and technologies each develops, while also functioning as a practical training ground (dojo) that fosters talent.Logo transition is planned for completion in stages by January 2027.Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Jan 7, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TANAKA MIRAI Lab., an in-house innovation organization of TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), launched the Precious Fragrance Project in fiscal year 2025 as part of its initiatives in the new "Precious Things" field, where it seeks to create new value.The first fruit of this project is a new perfume (limited series of 1,000 bottles, not for sale) with a unique fragrance, developed by TANAKA MIRAI Lab., that expresses the essence of gold (Au). Gold has always been a key product for TANAKA, which constantly pursues the rare and exceptional value of precious metals, ever since its foundation.TANAKA engages in ultra-long-term corporate management that looks to 2085, the 200th anniversary of the Group's founding, and beyond. TANAKA MIRAI Lab. was created to lead the Group in everything from the creation to the realization of new paradigms. It believes that the rare and exceptional value that will remain through 2085 lies in the domains that make us human, so it is engaged in the pursuit of "Precious Things" that link to the "Embodiment" and "Emotion" uniquely inherent to people.Precious Fragrance is one of the fruits of its efforts to realize these “Precious Things”. The goal of this project is to embody sensibilities through “fragrance”, which directly acts on the human cerebral limbic system and remains in the form of memories.In fiscal year 2025, TANAKA began working together with fragrance experts to develop fragrances from the ground up, led by the concept of "Authentic Uniqueness," derived from the metal that is synonymous with TANAKA: gold (Au). The culmination of these efforts was the perfume "The TANAKA 2025." Only 1,000 bottles of this perfume, which is not for sale, have been made. They will provide an unparalleled fragrance experience, a signature of the TANAKA brand.We plan to expand the “Precious Fragrance” collection in the future by focusing on the development of fragrances based on metals such as silver (Ag) and platinum (Pt).The TANAKA 2025's fragrance designThe theme of this fragrance is "Radiant Golden Glow," a noble floral oriental scent, luxuriously composed of vibrant natural rose and elegant natural iris, accented with a chic touch of oud. The moment someone puts it on, the fragrance unfolds with a radiant golden glow, evoking the dazzling brilliance of gold.Design and appearanceFragrance was not the only thing lavish attention was paid to—the utmost care was also paid to The TANAKA 2025's design. The triangular glass bottle is unique, made using newly created molds. The logo's motif is "田," the first character in "田中" ("TANAKA"). It is iconic, calling to mind the image of a Japanese family crest. The base colors of the packaging and label are a deep midnight blue and gold, imparting a sense of exceptional grace and discernment.About TANAKA MIRAI Lab.TANAKA has been advancing a transformation of its overall business toward the year 2085, the 200th anniversary of its founding, with the aim of “creating a future that no one has ever seen before.” As part of this initiative, TANAKA launched TANAKA MIRAI Lab, an organization to advance this transformation and create the future.TANAKA MIRAI Lab.’s mission is to envision an unseen future and realize various possibilities by conducting research derived from “kisho (precious and rare) value.”Official Websitehttps://mirailab.tanaka.co.jp/About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portalhttps://tanaka-preciousmetals.comPress inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260107.pdf  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Jan 7, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and TOYOTA RACING GmbH have changed the company name of the European research and development center and subsidiary "TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe GmbH" (Cologne, Germany) to "TOYOTA RACING GmbH" and will start to use the new name from January 7, 2026 onwards.TOYOTA RACING GmbH will strengthen the foundation that supports Toyota's technological development in the long term through cutting-edge motorsports technology.Toyota competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) as "TOYOTA GAZOO Racing" from 2016 to 2025. Starting from the 2026 season, the team will participate under the new brand "TOYOTA RACING" and will introduce the updated "TR010 HYBRID" Hypercar.    The bond between customers and Toyota products will be further strengthened by GAZOO Racing (GR) through activities such as its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and customer motorsports with the GR YARIS Rally2 and GR Supra GT4. TOYOTA RACING GmbH will continue to support GR's activities by supplying engines for rally vehicles and producing GT4 cars. Going forward, TOYOTA RACING GmbH will promote Toyota's motorsports activities using production vehicles, honing both cars and people in the demanding competitive environment.TOYOTA RACING GmbH will accelerate its contribution to advanced automotive technology, expand the joy of motorsports, and create the future together with new fans and partners.Official Website: http://www.toyota-racing.com/TOYOTA RACING Media Website: http://www.toyota-racing-newsroom.com/Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

SANTA CLARA, Calif, Jan 7, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, "Hitachi") today introduced HMAX by Hitachi at CES 2026. HMAX by Hitachi is a suite of next-generation solutions that brings the power of AI to social infrastructure. By harnessing vast data from physical and digital assets, integrating advanced AI, and applying Hitachi’s unmatched domain expertise, HMAX tackles the most complex social infrastructure challenges—maximizing outcomes and value for our clients and society. These solutions are derived from the formalized HMAX design principles, integrating a dynamic collection of advanced technologies, and a robust partner ecosystem that helps elevate end-system reliability and performance.HMAX combines data collected from physical and digital assets such as sensors, industrial equipment, and machinery with Hitachi’s domain knowledge accumulated through years of deploying operations and maintenance systems. Advanced AI technologies—i.e., perception AI, generative AI, agentic AI, and physical AI—are then applied to deliver new powerful solutions to organizations worldwide.Hitachi’s portfolio of HMAX solutions has expanded across three key categories that will truly benefit from the power of AI:- HMAX Mobility: Powering smarter, better optimized transportation systems, autonomous operations, and IoT-enabled mobility.- HMAX Energy: Helping ensure secure, reliable, and sustainable operation of mission-critical energy infrastructure across the entire value chain. Through a suite of digitally enabled services, HMAX Energy predicts and prevents issues before they arise—maximizing uptime, extending asset lifetime, and optimizing performance and efficiency.- HMAX Industry: Advancing safety, productivity, quality, and environmental sustainability in buildings and factories, driving innovation for frontline workers and improving people’s wellbeing. Hitachi plans to extend HMAX into other mission‑critical domains such as data centers and financial institutions.Bringing the Power of AI into the Physical WorldLabor shortages and aging equipment challenges are increasingly more severe in physical domains like manufacturing and social infrastructure. Physical AI addresses these problems by collecting, analyzing, and operationalizing field data in real-time. Whereas traditional AI focuses primarily on information and creative generation, physical AI creates value in the tangible world through applications such as predictive maintenance, complex systems optimization, robotics and more. As such, the physical AI market is expected to reach approximately 124.77 billion USD by 2030.Hitachi’s strengths in technology, data, and management of physical systems align perfectly with the world of physical AI. Drawing on over 110 years of OT experience and accumulated domain knowledge in mission-critical fields such as railways, energy, and manufacturing―Hitachi is uniquely positioned to bring the next generation of AI-powered solutions to the physical world."Hitachi is advancing its vision of ‘Lumada 3.0,’ which aims to lead social innovation to the next stage by integrating domain knowledge with AI,” said Jun Abe, Executive Vice President of Hitachi, Ltd., General Manager of the Digital Systems & Services Division. "HMAX is the realization of this vision, and as a true ‘One Hitachi’ initiative that transcends sector boundaries, we will bring together the collective wisdom and technology of the entire group to create unprecedented synergies. By transforming field data into actionable intelligence through advanced AI, we will powerfully drive the resolution of complex social challenges and deliver tangible value that supports the next generation of social infrastructure.”Jun Taniguchi, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, CEO of the Strategic SIB Business Unit at Hitachi, Ltd., added, “For many years, Hitachi has worked alongside customers in the field, overcoming numerous challenges together. Through HMAX, we aim to empower people and infrastructure, unlocking the latent potential of individuals and society. For example, HMAX delivers innovative solutions to our customers’ most complex challenges, such as enhancing operations in railway and manufacturing sites facing shortages of skilled workers and ensuring stable operation of power grids essential for the introduction of renewable energy. With the expansion of HMAX, we are pleased to take a step forward together with our customers toward realizing a harmonized society where the environment, well being, and economic growth are in balance.”*1 Grand View Research, Inc., Artificial Intelligence in Robotics Market (2024 – 2030),  cited as the reference for the market size of AI-powered robots.HMAX Design PrinciplesHMAX is built on four pillars that help customers apply AI to solve problems in physical environments:- Data from Digitalized Assets: Assets such as power grids, railways, and manufacturing equipment generate vast amounts of data that feed into HMAX datasets—creating the ideal foundation for AI which enables HMAX’s capabilities. This is a unique strength that only Hitachi, with its formidable global install-base, can deliver.- Domain Knowledge: Hitachi’s deep domain expertise in these physical systems is applied to the data—creating mission-appropriate AI-ready models.- Artificial Intelligence: HMAX is designed to leverage a range of AI technologies, from data recognition to insight generation to autonomous execution. For example, perception AI detects and reports railway infrastructure faults by analyzing acoustic and vibration sensor data. Generative AI is used to accelerate energy optimization algorithms for power grids. Agentic AI is used to autonomously plan and execute optimal maintenance schedules. And finally, physical AI can control power grids or smart building systems reacting to inputs in real time.- Partner Ecosystem: HMAX solutions are created using Hitachi’s wide-ranging partner ecosystem—bringing state-of-the-art technology from industry leaders to create robust and dependable solutions that withstand the rigors of the physical world. HMAX Use Cases and DeploymentsThe expansion of HMAX across multiple domains is already delivering tangible results.HMAX MobilityCurrently deployed on 2,000+ trains, HMAX was first introduced by Hitachi Rail in 2024 as a comprehensive digital asset management solution seamlessly integrating a vast array of live data from the train, signaling and surrounding rail infrastructure into a single platform.*2HMAX leverages advanced AI and analytics using NVIDIA Metropolis Blueprint for video search and summarization (VSS) with Cosmos Reason vision language model to generate predictive insights and decision-support recommendations, such as identifying emerging asset degradation patterns, forecasting optimal maintenance windows, and highlighting opportunities to improve resource planning. These insights support operators and maintenance teams in making informed, timely decisions, which are then implemented through existing operational processes.The platform also leverages the upcoming NVIDIA IGX Thor industrial-grade edge computing to process vast volumes of data at the edge in real time, with only relevant information sent back to the operational control centers. AI and machine learning extracts knowledge from the data and applies it to achieve operational and service enhancements including energy consumption reduction and an on-condition/predictive maintenance process.The adoption of HMAX has delivered measurable value, including up to 15% reduction in maintenance costs and 15% lower energy consumption.HMAX Energy  HMAX Energy combines advanced digital capabilities with extensive domain knowledge, service excellence and installed base intelligence to ensure reliable, efficient energy infrastructure. The collective use of automated inspection, real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and virtual support maximizes uptime and availability, optimizes operations, and extends asset lifetime. HMAX Energy is built on strong reference cases: When providing digitally-enabled services for the Italian renewable energy operator ERG, Hitachi Energy has helped reduce on-site inspection time by 35% and minimized unexpected downtime. For Baltic Cable AB, the transmission operator between Germany and Sweden, the introduction of a digital twin for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems has cut incident response time by 90%, contributing to improved operational efficiency and stable performance.HMAX IndustryHMAX for Buildings enhances building operation, maintenance, and energy efficiency while also improving the wellbeing of residents, office workers, and visitors with NVIDIA Metropolis VSS Blueprint. Since 2025, Hitachi has provided digital services—including access control and HVAC management—as a service, supporting building safety, security, and comfort. These outcomes generate optimal building environments while sustainably improving a building’s value.*3Under HMAX for Factories, Hitachi and Daikin Industries, Ltd. began trial operations in April 2025 to implement an AI agent that supports equipment failure diagnostics in factories.*4 This AI agent is confirmed to identify causes and countermeasures within 10 seconds with over 90% accuracy. Starting December, Hitachi and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation also began joint verification of troubleshooting assistance using the same AI agent. Furthermore, in December, Hitachi also launched AI agent services for industrial equipment operations and maintenance in a conversational format that streamlines production sites with instant, precise information tailored to equipment status.*5Hitachi also provides comprehensive solutions across the entire value chain for battery and biopharmaceutical industries. *2 Hitachi Rail Unveils the ‘HMAX’. AI Solution, Accelerated by NVIDIA, to Optimize Trains, Signaling and Infrastructure: September 24, 2024*3 Launch of Hitachi's Digital Service, HMAX for Building: BuilMirai, as an as-a-Service Type that Transforms the Value of Buildings Beginning with a Harmonized Society: September 29, 2025*4 Through Collaborative Creation, Daikin and Hitachi Begin Trial Operation of AI Agent Supporting Equipment Failure Diagnostics in Factories: April 22, 2025*5 Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Launching AI Agent Service, Part of HMAX Industry, to Help Industrial Workers with Machine Maintenance: December 22, 2025CES 2026 ExhibitionHitachi will exhibit at CES 2026, January 6 to 9, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.*6 HMAX, the centerpiece of Hitachi’s CES experience, will be showcased with live demonstrations at Booth 8529 in the North Hall. Hitachi will also detail its HMAX vision during the CES Foundry session Pioneering AI Technologies for the Physical World on Thursday, January 8 at 11 a.m. PT at The Fontainebleau (Discovery Stage).*6 Hitachi at CES 2026: Building a Harmonized Society Through Technology: December 4, 2025To learn more about HMAX by Hitachi, visit www.hitachi.com/en-us/insights/hmax/About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.Trademark Notice: All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com