SAN FRANCISCO—Toyota has selected Shift Communications as its primary PR agency in the Northeast Region, which includes New York, New England, Washington, DC, and the mid-Atlantic states. The firm will also play a lead role in strategic planning for the brand; driving earned media nationally with mainstream and social media outlets; and highlighting the motor company's philanthropic and community relations programs.

The account will be serviced out of SHIFT's San Francisco office, with regional support from its Boston and New York offices.

"Throughout our agency selection process, the Shift team impressed us with its innovative thinking, creativity and responsiveness," says Steven Curtis, corporate manager, corporate communications at Toyota Motor North America. "Shift clearly understands the new PR model of earned, owned and paid media and we're excited to begin our partnership."