Toyota Donates Cars to Auto Technology Programs in Kentucky
Jane Lu
· 3 min read
Toyota
is one of the biggest automakers in the world. The direction of the brand’s car designs likely influences the auto industry as a whole. Toyota will be a key player in the push for electric vehicles
(EVs).As one of the largest automakers, they’ve recently donated cars to auto technology programs in
Kentucky
, according to Spectrum News 1
. Here are the colleges included and how they’ll help students.Which colleges will receive cars from Toyota?
As of July 7,
Toyota
is donating 32 cars to 11 colleges in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). This includes the following colleges:- Ashland Community and Technical College
- Big Sandy Community and Technical College
- Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
- Gateway Community and Technical College
- Hazard Community and Technical College
- Jefferson Community and Technical College
- Madisonville Community College
- Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
- Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
How will the Toyota cars be used to teach?
The models that will be donated range from 2018 to 2021 models and several
hybrids
. This will include the Toyota Camry, Avalon, and Lexus. A release from KCTCS said that "These vehicles provide KCTCS students the opportunity to learn the latest technology in the automotive world."The automotive technology program teaches students how to troubleshoot, maintain, service, and repair vehicles, according to Spectrum News 1. The programs also prepare graduates for entry-level service technician jobs in auto repair.
Many of these technical colleges wouldn’t be able to purchase cars frequently to keep up with changing auto technology. These donations from Toyota will make sure that KCTCS students can keep up with emerging technology.
The future of auto technology
Kim Ogle, Toyota Kentucky corporate communications manager, said that "We believe it’s our responsibility to partner with educators to support career readiness programs that help develop our future workforce."
Students in these auto technology programs will be more prepared to work in the industry after they graduate. Some of the models being donated, especially the hybrids, align with the industry’s shift to battery-powered vehicles.
The future of car technology will look a lot different as gas-powered vehicles are replaced with EVs. It’ll be important for technicians to be trained to repair and take care of EVs. To work on EV production, companies like
BMW
have had to hire new employees.Having trained technicians that know how to work on EVs is also important for consumers to feel confident switching to electric. For now, the lack of adequate charging infrastructure, and increased costs of car insurance for EVs, might make some consumers hesitate to buy an EV.
If you own an EV and want to save money on car insurance,
Jerry
can help. The free AI-powered app is your car insurance broker in your pocket. Jerry compares competitive rates from 45 top providers so you get the best price for the coverage you need.
