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On the 27th, Toyota Motor Korea said it awarded ₩80,000,000 (about $60,000) in scholarships to Ajou Automobile University and ran motorsports and electrification training programs as part of its T-TEP (Toyota Technical Education Program).
The partnership dates back to an MOU signed in 2020. Toyota Motor Korea has operated an electrification training academy, provided practice vehicles and parts, and, from 2024 through this year, has provided cumulative scholarships totaling ₩240,000,000 (about $180,000).
The scholarship funds will be used to support a study program in Japan and internships to deepen students' understanding of the global auto industry and sharpen practical skills.
The company also ran on-the-ground experiential programs. About 80 students majoring in motorsports and imported cars took part in the Toyota-Lexus Experience Program, which combined brand education, recruitment briefings and vehicle test drives.
On public roads, students evaluated electrification technologies and driving characteristics in models including the Lexus LX 700h, LM 500h and NX 450h, as well as the Toyota Alphard, Prius and Crown. On the circuit, sports cars including the GR86 were used to give participants real motorsports driving experience.
Ajou Automobile University's motorsports students are scheduled to enter the 2026 Inje Masters Series endurance race in GR86 cars, with Toyota Motor Korea supplying additional race parts and tires.
Lee Byung-jin, vice president of Toyota Motor Korea, said, \"Through scholarships and hands-on programs like the Toyota-Lexus Experience Day, we are helping the next generation of auto industry leaders broaden their perspective and build specialized skills. We will continue to support Ajou Automobile University to grow motorsports culture and nurture next-generation mobility talent.\"
