Select your preferred store for a more customised experience.
Emirates Team New Zealand make a slice of history with Toyota’s support
Toyota New Zealand’s ‘Slice of Kiwi taking it to the World’ campaign lived up to its name in the stunning match racing that today culminated in the successful defence of the America’s Cup by Emirates Team New Zealand, sailing with precision in a nail-biting final race.
“As the most loyal sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand we are enormously proud of the team. We saw nail-biting racing, unbelievable victories and out-and-out brilliant sailing by all of the sailors in the team,” says Andrew Davis, Vice President at Toyota New Zealand.
“From here in Barcelona, I can tell you that there was a sense of nervousness in the air today, but the team showed incredible calmness and concentration. Even when it was getting close, they didn’t get rattled and just got the job done,” says Andrew.
One of the common denominators in all the Team New Zealand America’s Cup campaigns has been Toyota New Zealand, the team’s longest serving and most consistent supporter.
This month’s racing in Barcelona, arguably the most exciting in the Cup’s history, is the ninth America’s Cup campaign Toyota has been involved in.
“Team New Zealand has always been the underdog coming from a little country at the bottom of the world, usually with the smallest budget, up against global teams with significant investment. But we are simply kiwis wanting to be proud to succeed.
“We’re proud to have supported a team that have transitioned from a sailing team to an innovation team, showcasing kiwi ingenuity, grit and determination. These traits and their philosophy were the winning ingredients,” Andrew says.
He added: "The team's victory seemed deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural support from Ngāti Whātua and the waka that led Taihoro to each race.
"This connection to home, even from afar in Barcelona, instilled a sense of purpose and unity within the team, offering them a unique competitive advantage."
The innovation of using a foiling monohull and cyclors to power the boat’s sailing systems epitomised the team’s ability to think outside of the box and continuing to challenge the parameters of sailing.
“This campaign was more than winning a boat race. It was a showcase of New Zealand's world-class innovation, with Emirates Team New Zealand displaying our cutting-edge technology on a global stage. The AC75 ‘Taihoro’ and the hydrogen-powered chase boats, powered by Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cells, exemplify the incredible advancements made here in New Zealand.
“This year’s successful defence of the America’s Cup resonates strongly with our own drive for continuous improvement and innovation. We have always been behind Emirates Team New Zealand because, simply, they get the job done – just as our vehicles do,” Andrew says.
Toyota New Zealand first joined an America’s Cup campaign in 1992 and was involved in Black Magic’s victory in 1995 and successful defence in 2000.
It has also stood behind the team when the trophy went to Switzerland in 2003 and the challenges in 2007 and 2013. It was with the team again for successful campaigns in 2017 and 2021.
“Toyota’s support of Team New Zealand since 1992 is one of the most successful sports sponsorships in the country’s history”, says Andrew.
“The team has achieved a slice of history thanks to the people who have gone the extra mile to deliver a great result.”