Toyota Motor Corp. launched its first overseas GR Garage demonstration store in Taiwan’s Linkou district, with Chairman Akio Toyoda making a dramatic appearance by performing drift stunts in a rally car.
Toyoda, who uses the racing alias “MORIZO,” personally drove the GR Yaris Rally2 championship vehicle at the opening ceremony. The event marked a significant expansion of Toyota’s performance vehicle presence outside Japan.
The Toyota chairman signed a cooperation agreement with Hotai Motor Chairman Huang Nanguang, establishing Taiwan as the first international base for Toyota’s ROOKIE Racing team. The partnership will encompass product development, sales, driver exchanges, brand promotion and technical support.
Since 2007, Toyoda has participated in racing events under his “MORIZO” alias, promoting his philosophy of “building better cars through racing.” This racing background influenced the development of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing performance brand.
The move strengthens Toyota’s already substantial ties to Taiwan. Beyond the automotive sector, the Japanese company has invested in TSMC’s Kumamoto semiconductor factory in Japan. TSMC plans to begin construction on a second wafer fabrication facility in Kumamoto later this year, with production scheduled to start in late 2027.
