Toyota supporting Aussie Olympic Team

The Australian Olympic Committee has welcomed Toyota Australia's exclusive sponsorship of the nation's Olympic teams for Rio de Janeiro this year, and the winter games at PyeongChange in 2018.

"Toyota's support comes at a vital time for our athletes with the Opening Ceremony in Rio less than three months away," said AOC President and IOC Vice President John Coates.

"This partnership with Toyota will play a significant role in ensuring a successful campaign by the Australian Olympic Team at the first Games to be held in South America.

"Without the generosity of sponsors like Toyota, the AOC would not be able to provide the funds to send the 2016 Australian Olympic Team to Rio."

Toyota's involvement with Australia's Olympians began 28 years ago, when the company sponsored the bobsleigh team at the Calgary games. Since 2004 Toyota has been – and continues to be – an official sponsor for the Australian Paralympic Team. The company has been Australia's most popular brand for the past 14 years, and its partnership with the AOC will likely bolster the company's brand image in the lead-up to closure of the Altona manufacturing plant next year.

"Toyota's association with the Australian Olympic Team will support our elite athletes as they strive to achieve record-breaking results in the Olympic spirit of friendly competition and fair play," said Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner.

"Our involvement with the Olympic movement, as well as our AFL and Cricket Australia sponsorships, recognise that sport is a powerful force for bringing people together.

"We strongly believe that, by uniting under the Olympic flag in Rio, athletes from all participating nations can demonstrate how to make the world a better place."