The models were shown to the management and staff of Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) and the media for the first time on 16 April 2010 at TMMF. The event started with an exchange of technical opinions about the models between the children and TMMF’s top management. The children then toured the TMMF plant to gain an insight into the production process at TMMF.
The day ended with a demonstration of the capabilities of the vehicles built by the Galapiats. Both models were demonstrated on the TMMF test track. During June 2010 the Galapiats will exhibit their cars at the Grenoble Toyota dealership. The dealership has been an important partner for Toyota France during the project.
*Les Galapiats is a colloquial French expression meaning the children of a suburb. Through Les Galapiats programme, supported by Toyota France (TFR), suburban kids have the opportunity to build and drive real racing cars.
Toyota Fund for Europe
Les Galapiats showcase their work
Toyota France (TFR) and Les Galapiats Association have showcased the first two model racing vehicles built as part of the Galapiats project. The vehicles were built by 33 teenage Galapiats* utilising the Yaris engine, which has been produced in Valenciennes for a number of years. Les Galapiats is a project which aims to engage children and teenagers in technical education and to motivate them to consider apprenticeships and careers in the automotive sector.
