OREANDA-NEWS. MIT Technology Review has named Toyota one of the world’s smartest companies, placing the automaker among respected tech leaders like Amazon, Alphabet, and Facebook, and ahead of others such as Microsoft, IBM, and Intel. Ranked #17, Toyota was one of only two automakers to achieve the distinction.

“We’re very grateful to be recognized by MIT, one of the finest educational institutions in the world,” said Jim Lentz, chief executive officer of Toyota Motor North America. “Toyota’s scientists are committed to innovation and leading the way to a future of mobility that is cleaner, safer, and provides freedom of mobility for all. In the spirit of kaizen, Toyota is committed to improving every day in the service of our customers and society.”

MIT Technology Review recognized Toyota for the launch of the Toyota Research Institute, which “will study the future of mobility, artificial intelligence, and robotics.” The magazine also highlighted Toyota’s release of the Mirai, one of the world’s first mass-market hydrogen fuel vehicles, and Toyota’s efforts to develop “a network of accessible and reliable hydrogen fuel stations” to support the Mirai and other potential future hydrogen vehicles.The Mirai has a range of over 300 miles and emits only water vapor.

MIT Technology Review, a global media company backed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is recognized nationally for its coverage of science, business and technology. To make the list, editors “pick the 50 companies that best combine innovative technology with an effective business model.”

About Toyota 

Toyota (NYSE:TM), the world’s top automaker and creator of the Prius and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands. Over the past 50 years, we’ve built more than 30 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 44,000 people (more than 34,000 in the U.S.).