No, really: Toyota won't create seperate Prius brand


The idea of a separate brand for the Toyota Prius has gone from "seriously considering" to "not a 'go'" to, now, "Um, no." That's the word from Miguel Fonseca, Toyota's managing director in the UK, who says that there won't be a Prius sub-brand.
However, Fonseca did say that the stork would be visiting the Prius factory to drop off other body styles, making a Prius family of vehicles. He wouldn't say what the body types were, but AutoCar speculation centers on an estate and an MPV to be unveiled in 2010, along with a coupe debuting the following year. As reported before, when the larger, frugal-er next gen Prius sedan arrives in about a year, it won't be packing lithium-ion batteries -- Toyota engineers say they're still not yet ready for prime-time.

[ Via: AutoCar ]
[ Tag: alternative, hybrids, prius, prius brand, prius sub brand, PriusBrand, PriusSubBrand, sedans, toyota, toyota prius, ToyotaPrius ]

2010 Toyota Prius revealed more in YouTube video


Toyota's irritatingly slow leak of seemingly insignificant 2010 Prius teasers has shown us such riveting details as the hybrid car's startup screen, power seat switch and some sort of all-knowing seeing-eye camera. A much more interesting set of leaks has also granted us an early but pixelated peek at the car's external shape, along with detail shots like the rear LED tail lamp assembly and a few different looks at the interior. Now, we've discovered a set of YouTube videos that definitely don't seem to have come from Toyota itself.
In the videos after the jump we see the new 2010 Prius spinning on a rotating stage, we see buttons on the steering wheel that change the digital readouts on the central dash and we see a brief glimpse of the car's generous storage capacity via its hatchback body style - all of it set to wonderfully numbing elevator music. There is one interesting bit that we've recently seen: an air conditioning button on an old-school key fob that allows the climate control to run via rooftop solar panels even while the car itself isn't running. Fortunately, we only have about two more months to wait for the car's official debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January. Thank God for small miracles.
[ Via: Prius Chat ]
[ Tag: 2010 prius, 2010 prius leak, 2010 prius teaser, 2010 prius video, 2010 toyota prius, 2010Prius, 2010PriusLeak, 2010PriusTeaser, 2010PriusVideo, 2010ToyotaPrius ]

SEMA 2008: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis


 Five Axis Lexus GS 460

[ Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[ Tag: five axis, Five Axis Lexus GS, five axis lexus is-f, FiveAxis, FiveAxisLexusGs, FiveAxisLexusIs-f, lexus gs, lexus gs 460, LexusGs, LexusGs460, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008 ]

Toyota Prius production in the U.S. could be delayed until 2011... or not


Toyota has been scrambling to right its financial ship after cutting its profit forecast by 63% in the face of dismal US auto sales. The Japanese automaker set up an emergency committee to look at areas to cut costs, and all programs are said to be on the table. Though Toyota has announced nothing specific to this point, Japan's Nikkei Business Daily is announcing that the first US-built Priuses may not be produced until 2011. That would mean a one year delay of the opening of Toyota's Mississippi plant, which has already seen a product shift and cost overruns. The new 2010 Prius, which will initially only be built in Japan until the Mississippi plant comes online, is scheduled to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
Toyota is currently denying that Prius production at the Mississippi plant has been delayed. We're a bit skeptical of the Nikkei report anyway considering the Prius is still in high demand despite the economic downturn.

[ Via: Associated Press ]
[ Tag: mississippi plant, MississippiPlant, prius, Prius production delay, PriusProductionDelay, toyota ]

Consumers rate automakers bang for the buck



Consumers surveyed for the YouGovPolimetrix BrandIndex were asked to rate everything from cable channels to search engines in terms of bang for the buck. It's not so much a scientific study as it is an opinion poll, and among the department stores and search engines, automakers were also rated. Among the domestic carmakers, General Motors claims both the best and the worst, with HUMMER rated the worst bang for the buck while Chevrolet was rated positively. Toyota was among the top ten of all brands rated, demonstrating consumers ongoing love for their Camrys, but before we end up with a dogmatic flamewar in the comments, remember that this is just an opinion poll with an buzzword-tastic name.

[ Via: AdAge ]
[ Tag: brandindex, chevrolet bang for the buck, chevrolet toyota hummer, ChevroletBangForTheBuck, ChevroletToyotaHummer, gm bang for the buck, GmBangForTheBuck, hummer bang for the buck, HummerBangForTheBuck, toyota bang for the buck, ToyotaBangForTheBuck, yougov ]

After reading that the latest supercharged Toyota just did 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, you might think to yourself, "Toyota doesn't make the Supra anymore, and even when they did it was turbocharged, not supercharged." And then you'd think that somebody probably did some outrageous modifications to a Camry or Corolla, or possibly even a Yaris, but no. The vehicle in question is a new Toyota, but it isn't one of those models. It's a relatively stock model in fact, with a factory warranty and factory-approved TRD parts. And it isn't a car. It's the TRD Supercharged Tundra pickup truck. Using the TRD supercharger and a few other tricks, the truck's 5.7L V8 has blossomed from 381 horsepower to 504, and torque has gone up from 401 lb-ft to 550. And MotorTrend claims they got it to run 0-60 in just just 4.4 seconds, half a second quicker than a Ram SRT-10 and faster than most high-end sports cars.
There's no doubt this is one quick vehicle, but we call BS on the time. Even with super-short gears, there's no way a truck that weighs over 5,000 lbs can do it in 4.4 seconds. Pickuptrucks.com ran the same truck through the 1/8th mile in Irwindale and managed 9.07 seconds at 81.16 mph. We'd guess the 0-60 should fall closer to 5 seconds at that pace, which is still mighty impressive. And yet, MT posted a full quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat at 106.3, so maybe TRD has done a little more work since the previous test. We're going to try and get our hands on one for an independent analysis. For now, we leave you with this point to ponder: Is it remotely possible for a 5,000+ pound Tundra, even one with Toyo Proxes S/T 285/45 R22 tires and TRD go-fast goodies, to do 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds?

[ Via: Pickuptrucks.com ]
[ Tag: supercharged toyota tundra, supercharged Tundra, SuperchargedToyotaTundra, SuperchargedTundra, trd, trd tundra, TrdTundra ]

Great things come in small packages. iQ wins Japanese Car of the Year


Any guesses on what car Japanese jurors might pick as their Car of the Year? Guess again; and again. That's right, the Nissan GT-R only managed to snag enough votes to garner a bronze finish in Japanese COTY voting. Wondering what epically amazing machinery bested the mighty Godzilla? That would be the miniscule Toyota iQ. Once again, it is clear just how far the priorities for transportation have changed. Supercar levels of acceleration, on-board supercomputers and remarkable handling prowess just aren't enough to woo the top pick from judges in Japan. Not only was the iQ the top overall choice in a landslide victory, the Citroën C5 managed to garner enough votes to steal second place from the mighty GT-R.
Don't get us wrong, the Toyota with the funny name is a vehicle deserving of all the recognition it gets. A packaging miracle, the smarty-pants iQ manages to cram four real human beings inside a footprint that's pretty darn close to that of the smart fortwo, a car that seats just two people including the driver. These days, exceptional fuel economy, low emissions and intelligent packaging are apparently the way to a Japanese heart, and likely many from the rest of the world, as well. What do you think? Is the Toyota iQ the, ahem... smart person's COTY?

[ Via: Inside Line ]
[ Tag: car of the year, CarOfTheYear, iq, japanese car of the year, JapaneseCarOfTheYear, toyota iq, toyota iq car of the year, ToyotaIq, ToyotaIqCarOfTheYear ]

Rendered Speculation: Lexus dedicated hybrid sedan


Lexus is set to invade the Detroit Auto Show in January with a duo of dedicated hybrid models. One of these machines will be a Lexus-ified version of Toyota's latest third-gen Prius, while the second model is still shrouded in mystery. A Japanese magazine known as Mag-X has rendered what they think the new Lexus hybrid sedan will look like, along with providing a few helpful hints on what we could expect to see underhood. The rumors suggest that the model will be badged the HS250h, which would normally indicate an engine displacing around 2.5-liters, but Lexus has a history of inflating the assumed displacement of its hybrid car's names, so we wonder if the Japanese mag got it right when they metnion a 2.4-liter engine.
Mag-X also suggests that the 2011 Camry hybrid will get a new Hybrid Synergy Drive system inherited from the new 2010 Prius. We're looking forward to a hybrid sedan face-off between the new Ford Fusion and the revised Camry. Early bets?

[ Via: VW Vortex ]
[ Tag: 2011 camry, 2011 camry hybrid, 2011 toyota camry, 2011 toyota camry hybrid, 2011Camry, 2011CamryHybrid, 2011ToyotaCamry, 2011ToyotaCamryHybrid, lexus hs250h, lexus hs250h hybrid, lexus hybrid, LexusHs250h, LexusHs250hHybrid, LexusHybrid ]

There's a workout regimen called Crossfit that aims to increase one's abilities in eight different areas. Crossfit doesn't reward the specialist, it rewards the well-rounded; it doesn't create marathoners, it creates decathletes. The point of Crossfit is to allow you to enter any situation with the confidence that you have things like the agility, strength and conditioning to do well. The Toyota Venza has the same ethos: pitched as 70-percent car, 30-percent SUV, the Venza wants to do everything well. And when we say "well", we mean it wants to do everything better than the competition: 10,000 people were leaving Toyota every year to get into something between the Camry and the Highlander, things that ended up being the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7 and Infiniti FX. The Venza is Toyota's request to those buyers to "Come back to papa." Follow the jump to find out whether you should heed the call.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: 2009 toyota venza, 2009ToyotaVenza, featured, in the autoblog garage, InTheAutoblogGarage, toyota, toyota venza, ToyotaVenza, venza ]

Toyota developing $5k car under new brand


The world's largest automaker is looking to join Tata Motors and Renault's Dacia brand as purveyors of cheap new cars. Toyota has cultured a company model by building high-quality, reliable cars, and has gone upmarket with its Lexus brand to compete at the high end of the automotive spectrum. More recently, the automaker has attempted to target a younger crowd with its Scion subsidiary and now a fourth brand is being considered to cater to emerging markets wihtout sullying the Toyota's hard-fought image. The new car would be targeted at the Indian and Brazilian markets, and would likely be made at Toyota's plant in Bangalore. Toyota is rumored to be partnering up with Daihatsu, another subsidiary of Toyota, that specializes in Japanese Kei cars for the new inexpensive model. If it indeed does happen, expect the new vehicle to make its debut by 2015.


[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: cheap car, cheap toyota, CheapCar, CheapToyota, daihatsu, tata nano, TataNano, toyota ]

SEMA 2008: Toyota RAV4 "Performance Sport" lacks performance and sport


Click above for high-res gallery of the Toyota RAV4 Performance Sport

[ Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[ Tag: rav4, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008, toyota, toyota rav4, Toyota RAV4 performance sport, ToyotaRav4, ToyotaRav4PerformanceSport ]

SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day


Click above for massive gallery of Fords from SEMA

[ Via: Tags: ford edge ]
[ Tag: ford edge, ford edge sport, ford escape, ford escape hybrid, ford focus, ford focus coupe, ford transit connect, FordEdge, FordEdgeSport, FordEscape, FordEscapeHybrid, FordFocus, FordFocusCoupe, FordTransitConnect, lincoln mks, lincoln mkx, LincolnMks, LincolnMkx, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008 ]

We have good news and bad news to report regarding Toyota's 0% financing deal that's currently going on in the U.S. The Japanese automaker must be seeing positive results from the operation, as it's extended the incentive through the month of November. That's the good news. The bad? This announcement likely means that we'll all need to put up with the excruciatingly horrible "Saved by Zero" commercials that have been infecting our TV screens these last few weeks. *Shudder*
For the month of October, Toyota saw its average daily sales rate drop 24%. While that's surely not the direction in which the automaker would like to see its sales slide, that figure is dramatically better than that of General Motors, it's largest rival in the U.S., which posted declines of around 45%. It may be a shallow victory, but it's apparently enough that these financing deals will remain in effect on 11 models through all of November.

[ Via: The Detroit News ]
[ Tag: saved by zero, SavedByZero, toyota incentive, toyota incentives, ToyotaIncentive, ToyotaIncentives, zero percent, zero percent financing, zero percent financing toyota, zero percent interest, zero percent toyota, ZeroPercent, ZeroPercentFinancing, ZeroPercentFinancingToyota, ZeroPercentInterest, ZeroPercentToyota ]

When the 2009 Toyota Highlander hits dealerships in mid-to-late January, it will finally have an optional four-cylinder engine. The 2.7-liter four comes courtesy of the Venza and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination has been developed primarily for fuel efficiency and the EPA has given it a rating of 20/27 city and highway, with combined real-world mileage expected to hit about 22 miles per gallon. For comparison, the 3.5L V6, which will still be available, is rated at 18/24, and the hybrid model retains its 3.3L V6 and EPA ratings of 27 city and 25 highway.
Obviously, with 187 horsepower at a high 5,800 RPM and 186 lb-ft of torque, the engine is going to work hard for every mile per hour it gains. Recognizing this, Toyota has given it a preliminary 9.7-second 0-60 mph rating. That's not too bad considering its highway mileage rating actually bests that of the hybrid model. Maximum tow rating stands at 3,500 pounds, but it'll surely be breathing hard with a full load. No matter, as we expect the new base engine to account for a substantial chunk of Highlander sales.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: 2.7 liter, 2.7l engine, 2.7lengine, 2.7Liter, 2009 toyota highlander, 2009ToyotaHighlander, highlander four cylinder, HighlanderFourCylinder, toyota, toyota highlander, toyota highlander 2.7, ToyotaHighlander, ToyotaHighlander2.7 ]

Click any image for a high-res gallery of Toyota's SEMAfied trucks

[ Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[ Tag: sema, sema 2008, Sema2008, tacoma truck concept, TacomaTruckConcept, toyota, toyota tundra, toyota tundra ducati transporter, ToyotaTundra, ToyotaTundraDucatiTransporter, trd tacoma off road, TrdTacomaOffRoad ]

Toyota Venza priced from $25,975


It's been almost a year since Toyota debuted its new Venza crossover at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and we've heard nary a peep since. With the launch of the V6 model only a month away, though, we've finally received pricing info. The rather ungainly looking Venza will start at $25,975 with Toyota's new 2.7L four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive, and top out at $29,250 for the 3.5L V6 model with AWD. This makes the Venza's pricing very close to its competition from Nissan and Ford, though Toyota's model is the only one available with a four-cylinder engine.
Standard features on the Venza include traction and stability control plus plenty of safety features, and the options list looks like it came straight from Lexus. Some of the dollar figures on those options are Lexus-like, as well. DVD Navigation with upscale JBL sound will set you back $2,590, and just the upgraded stereo will cost an additional $1,090. Toyota also offers four levels of luxury packaging ranging from $1,600 for leather seats to $4,345 for a package with leather, HID headlights, mahogany wood finishes and heated mirrors. For full pricing info, check out Toyota's official press release after the jump.

[ Via:
Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: 2009 toyota venza, 2009ToyotaVenza, crossover, toyota venza, ToyotaVenza, venza pricing, VenzaPricing ]

Toyota: Separate Prius brand not a 'go'


Rumors from LLN that a separate Prius brand are "a go" are actually nothing more than a maybe. According to Toyota's own blog, the automaker can confirm that it's considering a hybrid-only brand that would see separate space in dealerships -- much like what is already being done with the Scion brand -- but a final decision has not yet been made and Toyota's not even sure what products would fall under that new brand name, besides, of course, the Prius. Rumors, though, abound regarding new hybrids from Toyota, including Prius-like hatchbacks both a bit larger and a bit smaller than the current model alongside a hybrid price-leader to do proper battle with the new Honda Insight. Now, if they'd just address those rumors of an 80-mile-per-gallon Volt-fighting hybrid that have also been swirling around the interwebs...

[ Via: Toyota ]
[ Tag: 2010 prius, 2010 toyota prius, 2010Prius, 2010ToyotaPrius, prius, prius brand, PriusBrand, toyota hybrid, toyota prius, ToyotaHybrid, ToyotaPrius ]


[ Via: MR2Forum.de ]
[ Tag: ]

Prius rumors abound: Separate brand, 80 mpg, 3 different models


An "insider" at LLN has it on good authority that the oft-rumored Prius brand is, in their words, "a go." According to their source, the goal of the spin-off is to create cheaper hybrid models that would command a marginal premium over their standard, hybrid-free counterparts.
The rumormill pot gets stirred a bit more with the claim that the 2010 Prius could achieve up to 80 mpg. Combine that with the rumblings about a Prius price cut and it's starting to look like the Volt will have it's work cut out for it. Informed speculation also says that the reworked Prius may be joined by an upscale five-door Prius model in the $28-30,000 range and that Toyota could be planning a four-door "Baby Prius" expected to sell in the mid-teens, utilizing a nickel metal hydride battery pack and coming to market in 2013.

[ Via: LLN ]
[ Tag: hybrid, hybrid car, HybridCar, new prius, NewPrius, prius, toyota hybrid, ToyotaHybrid, volt ]

Rumors of a meeting between GM CEO Rick Wagoner and top officials from Toyota in Japan has been denied. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering that it's GM's policy not to comment on such matters, but Toyota has no such policy and has also denied that such discussions have or will take place. The Japanese Kyodo News had started the rumors, which specifically suggested that Toyota could offer GM hybrid technology and assistance in the assembly of small cars. That seemed rather odd, especially since GM has its own sophisticated Two-Mode hybrid system that was developed along with Chrysler and BMW. Toyota and GM also already share a factory in California that builds relatively fuel efficient compact cars, so any deal between the two automakers would just be an extension of their current agreements. What's more, General Motors is also in talks with Cerberus to make a major play on Chrysler's automotive operations, so it would seem to be an inopportune time to discuss major deals with other automakers as well.

[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: gm toyota, gm toyota partnership, gm toyota relationship, GmToyota, GmToyotaPartnership, GmToyotaRelationship, nummi, nummi plant, NummiPlant, rick wagoner, RickWagoner, toyota gm, ToyotaGm ]

According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News, General Motors' chief executive and chairman Rick Wagoner is considering visiting Toyota in Japan to discuss a myriad of issues, ranging from funding to parts sharing.
In typical fashion (of late), the story cites unnamed sources saying Toyota is "expected to consider quick fixes for the cash-strapped GM, including buying up its assets and helping secure sufficient business funds." The talks are also said to include a partnership that would license Toyota's hybrid technology for use in GM products, along with ToMoCo building fuel-efficient, compact cars for the General.
We're suitably skeptical about any kind of partnership between the world's two automotive giants, particular since no one from Toyota or GM was willing to comment for the story. More to come... or not. Watch this space.

[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: breaking, cars, compact cars, CompactCars, general motors, GeneralMotors, gm, gm toyota partnership, GmToyotaPartnership, hybrids, partnership, toyota ]

GM reports Q3 global sales, trails Toyota by over 300k units


General Motors is reporting global sales of 2.1 million units for the third quarter, which is down 11% from the same period last year. Through September of this year, GM has sold 6.7 million cars and trucks worldwide, putting the automaker further behind Toyota, which has sold 7.05 million units so far this year. The struggling U.S. market is a big part of GM's sales woes, as 61% of the Detroit automaker's sales came from outside of its home market. That's up from 56% last year, but down from the 65% figure for the second quarter of 2008. VP of sales and marketing Jonathan Browning points out challenges in the global financial markets as a big problem for GM, but also mentioned that strong sales in emerging markets is helping to ease the sales burden.
Since GM has a serious cash crunch and merger talks on its hands right now, it likely doesn't care much about a global sales race with Toyota. That doesn't make Toyota's accomplishment any less significant, though, considering how long the General has been on top of the global sales charts.

[ Via: The Detroit News ]
[ Tag: GM, gm global sales, GM sales, GmGlobalSales, GmSales, toyota ]

Toyota may renew "Saved by Zero" no-interest loans



Toyota is reportedly having great success giving away money with their 0% loans. According to Bob Carter, general manager of the Toyota Division, the "Saved by Zero" ad campaign is building traffic and may be renewed when the program expires on November 3 (of course, he won't tell us now because that may slow traffic down again). Dealerships are reporting an increase in sales leads due to the no-interest financing, and the drastic sales declines in September seem to have eased-off a bit so far this month. The 0% financing is only good on 36-month loans making payments a bit steep for first-timers (longer terms also get reduced rates, but not the 0%). This is causing some dealers to ask for more rebates on Toyota cars and trucks in lieu of the aggressive financing -- the rebates are helpful as the cash incentives often provide customers with the down payments needed to originate the sales in the first place.

[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: Bob Carter, BobCarter, Cash incentives, CashIncentives, Saved by zero, SavedByZero, special financing, SpecialFinancing, Toyota, zero percent, ZeroPercent ]

2010 Lexus RX coming to LA Auto Show


The Lexus RX is one of the most successful luxury crossovers of the past decade, with sales doubling or even tripling that of its competition. Remarkably, the RX has achieved its considerable success without a major overhaul, but that will change when the next gen RX is unveiled this November in LA. Details on the new RX have been scarce to this point, but we can be sure that a hybrid version will continue to be available and that a plug-in version is a possibility.
The RX is also expected to grow by around five inches, just like its Highlander sibling, though Lexus will likely use the extra room to improve rear passenger leg room. We've seen spy shots showing more evolutionary styling changes, along with a few cues pulled from the LF-xh concept, with tweaks to the front and rear fascias and a curvier C-Pillar.

[ Via: The Car Connection ]
[ Tag: 2010 Lexus RX, 2010LexusRx, Lexus RX350, LexusRx350, luxury crossover, LuxuryCrossover, toyota ]


What would you call this thing? A Prelude SUC*? A Preludamino? A Prelude Brat? A Ridgelude? The seller, for his part, bills it as a "Cruck." With the careful adaptation of a Datsun Pickup liftgate, this cut and restyled 1989 Prelude Si was possibly a prelude to the atrocity wonder that would eventually be known as the Honda Ridgeline. It is said to feature a four-cylinder with an automatic, and able to get 38 mpg. Thank goodness it "was built under professional supervision of experienced body technicians," as we'd hate to think that any average schmo cut and pasted this Prelude. The work must be halfway decent, as it serves as daily transport for the seller and still features such luxuries as "power windows, sunroof, heat and a/c, cd player, power steering and functional tailgate." As it sits it's a fitting testament to ingenuity and another answer to a question nobody asked. Only $2,500 though.


[ Via: craigslist ]
[ Tag: honda prelude, HondaPrelude ]

Toyota expected to post first annual sales decline in 10 years


We knew the auto industry was in bad shape and it didn't take long to extend its poisoned-tipped tentacles into the world's automotive juggernaut. In August came news that the Japanese automaker had cut its sales forecast for 2008 from 10.4 million vehicles to 9.7 million. A Japanese newspaper, though, says it expects Toyota to only sell 8.3 million for the year. If true, it would be the company's first year over year sales decline in a decade.
The Nikkei Daily (subscription required) doesn't back up its prediction with any sources, but we'll know how close to the truth they get come in January when Toyota announces official sales numbers.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: auto industry, AutoIndustry, economic crisis, EconomicCrisis, economy, toyota, toyota sales, ToyotaSales ]

According to AutoExpress' Japan correspondent, Peter Lyon, when the 3rd generation Prius goes on sale in Europe next year, the current model will continue to be sold at a discount along side its modern counterpart. The rumored decision by Toyota is in response to the release of the new Honda Insight hybrid, which will start at around £15,000 when it goes on sale this March. In the report, Lyon contends that Toyota wants to woo people into showrooms with the current Prius' lower sticker in an attempt to compete with its cross-town rival. We're interested to see how this will play with consumers and wonder if Toyota will use a similar tactic when the next generation Prius goes on sale in the States around the same time.
UPDATE: AutoExpress' report has been denied by Toyota. No surprise.

[ Via: AutoExpress ]
[ Tag: honda insight, HondaInsight, toyota prius, toyota prius price, ToyotaPrius, ToyotaPriusPrice ]

Toyota is hitting the boob tube hard to advertise its sub-compact Yaris, and the Japanese automaker has found its funny bone in these newest spots. The overall theme of the new campaign is that the Yaris is clever enough to do "almost anything" by demonstrating the few things this little three-door can't. One commercial, for instance shows the Yaris being unsuccessfully piloted by a bobsled team. The newest commercial, however, puts the Yaris on the deck of an aircraft carrier where it attempts to take off after getting the OK from flight control. As you might have guessed, the Yaris can't fly, so the Little hatch goes overbooard into the drink. Follow the jump to see a Yaris go swimming with the fishes for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Matt!


[ Via: YouTube ]
[ Tag: toyota yaris, ToyotaYaris, yaris aircraft carrier, Yaris commercial, YarisAircraftCarrier, YarisCommercial ]

Rumormill: Toyota developing baby roadster based on iQ


Toyota worked up an entirely new platform for its new iQ minicar, which features a very unique 3+1 seating arrangement in an effort to outsmart its competitors. Such a development takes a good deal of resources and Toyota seems to be considering ways to defray that cost through additional models based on the same underpinnings. The latest vehicle architecture to add to the always active rumormill would be a small two-seat roadster. If the German buff book Auto Motor und Sport is correct, expect the new sub-Miata-fighter to debut in concept form at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and be called the Spider. The roadster would likely get the same powerplants as the normal iQ, including both gasoline and diesel four-cylinder variants. A decision on a production model, though, is likely still a good ways off. Other iQ models said to be waiting in the wings are an upcoming Yaris successor, a hybrid and a mini-minivan. Though we know the iQ has a good chance of being sold in the United States wearing a Scion badge, we have no idea yet how many of these other models could follow.

[ Via: Carscoop ]
[ Tag: iq, iq roadster, iq spider, IqRoadster, IqSpider, tokyo motor show, TokyoMotorShow, toyota iq, toyota iq concept, toyota iq roadster, toyota iq spider, ToyotaIq, ToyotaIqConcept, ToyotaIqRoadster, ToyotaIqSpider ]

Canadians waiting for the day when they can purchase a Scion without heading south of the boarder can soon rejoice. Toyota's "hip" brand will go on sale in Canada in 2010, seven years after the marquee went on sale in the U.S. Canada will receive all three Scions at launch, the tC the xB, and the xD. And Scion ordering will be no different than it is in the States, with plenty of a-la-carte options available to personalize your Gen Y-mobile.
Although sales have taken a hit of late, Scion has been very successful for Toyota overall, as 70% of all Scion buyers are new to the Toyota family. We're just wondering why it took so long to bring our Canadian brethren to the dinner table in the first place. Thanks for the tip, Jarrett!

PRESS RELEASE:
SCION to hit the streets in Canada

Toyota Canada Inc. to roll out youthful lifestyle brand in 2010

TORONTO, Oct. 19 /CNW/ - Make it yours. Express yourself with it. Tune it. Turn it up. Get it. Integrate it. SCION, the streetwise automotive brand that forges the close fit between "car" and "community", is coming to Canada
in 2010.

"Young Canadians have been telling us they want SCION, and now their desire is within reach. SCION is an authentic brand, created to mesh with youthful tastes and sensibilities, and we're excited to expand our presence in Canada with new vehicles that offer a unique blend of flexibility, personalization, affordability and fuel efficiency," said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "The time is right to bring SCION culture to
Canada."

SCION attracted new customers to the Toyota family when the brand was launched in the United States in 2003. SCION changed the purchase experience by allowing visitors to browse, investigate, research or just discover SCION entirely at their own pace through grassroots events and a highly-interactive and constantly evolving web site. What visitors discover is a unique lineup of vehicles that are high in personal expression - lifestyle products on wheels, offered as well-equipped models with huge opportunities for personalization through aftermarket-style original equipment accessories.

"SCION is a unique brand, yet still a member of the Toyota family so it benefits from the same high standards as our Toyota and Lexus lines," Mr. Hutchinson continued, noting that in the United States, about 70 per cent of SCION buyers are new to Toyota, and over fifty percent of SCION owners migrate to a Toyota vehicle as their needs and wants evolve. "As such, SCION will be an important avenue through which we reach new drivers - those who represent the greatest future growth of the market - and give them the opportunity to experience, first-hand, Toyota's reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, safety and value."

SCION will come to Canada with three vehicles:

- The SCION tC compact sport coupe combines style and fun in a five-seater hatchback, topped with a remarkable panorama moon roof;

- The SCION xD blends personality in a subcompact five-door hatchback;

- The SCION xB compact five-door hatchback delivers astounding spaciousness wrapped in a cubic cladding that's game for urban adventure.

All SCION models are well equipped with a full range of features, from air conditioning and cruise control to serious audio systems with SCION Sound Processing.

Upgrades and accessories can be added to any SCION a la carte, and range from unique wheels, shift knobs and sport pedals to satellite radio systems and a broad selection of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance enhancements. Every SCION's safety system currently includes front dual-stage airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, three-point lap and shoulder belts for all occupants.

SCION will be established at select Toyota Dealer locations, using a "store within a store" model, and will be rolled out in phases. Watch for launches in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver in 2010. These will be followed by other Canadian urban centres. For more information on SCION, Canadians can visit www.scionnation.ca.



[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: Scion, scion canada sales, ScionCanadaSales, Toyota ]

We saw Toyota's iQ city car debut in Geneva last year, and now little Ikey has its own TV spot. Granted, there's precious little of the actual car shown until the last few seconds of the commercial, but this is advertising, after all. The spot is high-concept, with no boilerplate screaming about powertrains or showing the car oversteering across the screen, but you can tell that the car looks like a Scion xD that's been treated to a cut-n-shut for a length under three meters. Pronounce it "ick" if you like, but when your competition is the Smart, it's hard not to look, uh, smarter. Video embedded after jump.


[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: iq spot, iq video, IqSpot, IqVideo, toyota iq, toyota iq concept, toyota iq spot, toyota iq video, toyota spot, ToyotaIq, ToyotaIqConcept, ToyotaIqSpot, ToyotaIqVideo, ToyotaSpot ]

Japan's buff books are at it again, peppering a bit of informed speculation with a healthy dose of rendered conjecture to create images of Toyota's front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. While we dig the pic above, which blends a bit of Fisker Karma with the Mitsuoka Orochi, we're giving the design a snowcone's chance in Hades of resembling the production version of the coupe.
The renderings posted below the fold seem a bit more plausible and the dimensions, measuring 4,300mm long (14.1 feet), 1730mm wide (5.7 feet) and with a wheelbase of 2,570mm (8.4 feet), makes it a little smaller than the Scion tC that the FR coupe could replace.
Make the jump for more...

According to 7Tune, which translated the text from a recent article in BestCar, the design is aimed to change people's perception of Toyota by offering a vehicle with "wonderful style." While aesthetics might be a top priority, if Toyota wants to capture some of the mystique that surround the old AE86, it had better drive as good as it looks.

For better or worse, the coupe will be underpinned by the current Subaru Legacy platform, which makes use of front struts and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. The conversion of the chassis from all-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive has caused some headaches around ToMoCo HQ, with one engineer saying the suspension from the Legacy is "weak and terrible." We wonder how much got lost in the translation.

Power is still expected to be provided by a 2.0-liter boxer four cribbed from Subaru, with between 190 and 200 horsepower sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic gearbox will be offered after the initial launch and don't be surprised if a convertible variant is available further down the road.

Autocar chimed in with its own inside sources, saying that due to new emissions requirements in the EU, turbocharged WRX or STI variants of the Subaru-badged coupe won't be offered. The Toyota version, however, will be sold in the UK (contradicting earlier reports) and that there's a chance that it could wear a Supra badge when it goes on sale for £20,000 in 2011.

[Sources: BestCar via 7Tune, Autocar]

[ Via: Autoblog (Subaru) ]
[ Tag: fr coupe, FrCoupe, subaru, toyobaru, toyota ]

SEMA Preview: Toyota Venza Sportlux by Street Image


Toyota's SEMAfied Venzas won't stop, even if we ask nicely. The second modified don't-call-it-a-Camry wagon comes courtesy of Street Image, which will bring the SportLux Venza "performance show car" to SEMA. A contradiction in terms if we've ever heard it.
According to Toyota PR, the SportLux is a model that could be offered as a factory tuner, complete with six-piece body kit, spoiler, custom grille and, of course, a hood scoop.
Thankfully, Street Image's blood, sweat and tears didn't stop with the body, so a TRD supercharger has been fitted to the engine (although no power figures were divulged), sending the additional grunt to four, 24-inch Chrome Cognac No 20 wheels (seriously), suspended by a set of custom coilovers. The same brakes fitted to the Five Axis vehicle appear on the SportLux, and in keeping with the "Lux" part of its name, black suede covers the roof, sunvisors, pillars and trunk, along with a black and burgundy leather interior, accent lighting and color matched trim. An Eclipse AVN6620 sound system with a 7-inch TFT display churns out 2,500 watts of only the finest Michael Bolton.
Hit the jump to read the press release and expect more from the show floor in a few weeks.

PRESS RELEASE

New 2009 Toyota Venza Transforms Into Sportlux By Street Image For 2008 SEMA Show

October 16, 2008 - Torrance, CA - The new 2009 Toyota Venza underwent a unique transformation by Street Image resulting in the creation of the SportLux Venza performance show car. The Venza SportLux will be displayed at the Toyota exhibit throughout the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas from November 4-7.

The conceptual vision of the Toyota SportLux Venza by the Street Image design team was centered on a vehicle which could be offered as a factory tuned model. Taking cues from European tuners, Street Image added an assortment of subtle, yet aggressive, body kit modifications including a six-piece lip kit enhancement, rear hatch spoiler, custom grille and integrated hood scoop.

Its performance driven stance reflects the Toyota SportLux Venza's substantial boost in power output. Among its many performance modifications are several components from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) including a supercharger kit. The SportLux Venza's power surge is complemented with a height adjustable coil over tuned suspension and rides on Chrome Cognac No 20 Wheels measuring 24-inches and Toyo Proxy 4 performance tires. The massive wheels are controlled by 15-inch front and 13.6-inch rear TRD Big Brakes with forged calipers.

Street Image added appropriate interior comfort and convenience modifications to the SportLux Venza including special Black & Burgundy leather seating. A state-of-the-art Eclipse entertainment system features a premium navigation system and includes front and rear video and high-powered audio. The overall effect gives passengers a refined sports car feel without sacrificing the utilitarian appeal of the Venza.

TOYOTA VENZA SPORTLUX

Designed by Street Image

Exterior Modifications:

•Six piece lip kit enhancement
•Rear hatch spoiler
•Integrated hood scoop
•Flash window film
•Custom grille
•Mirror turn signals
•Chrome Cognac No 20 wheels
-Front 24" x 9.5"
-Rear 24" x 10.0"
•Toyo Proxy 4 performance tires
-Front 255/30ZR24
-Rear 275/30ZR20
•Dual center exiting stainless steel exhaust

Interior Modifications:

•Seating in black and burgundy leather upholstery
•Accent upholstery in black suede
-Headliner and sun visors
-Pillars
•Steering wheel upholstered in black leather
•Accent lighting
•Color matched accents

Engine and Bay Modifications:

•TRD supercharger, oil filler cap and high pressure radiator cap
•Cold air intake system
•Hose Techniques silicone vacuum hose, couplers and t-bolt clamps
•Color match accents
•Polished accents pieces and hard lines
•Optima D34/78 Yellow Top deep cycle battery
•Counter sunk stainless steel metric hardware

Suspension Modifications:

•Height adjustable coil over suspension

Brake Modifications:

•TRD Big Brakes
-Front 15" diameter
-Rear 13.6" diameter
•TRD forged calipers
-Front 6 piston
-Rear 4 piston
•Braided stainless steel brake lines
•Motul RBF 600 brake fluid

In Car Entertainment:

•Eclipse AVN6620 - In-dash navigation with 7" wide TFT display and dual DVD multi-source receiver x 1; SIR-ECL1 - Sirius Satellite Radio tuner x 1; MRE-700W - 7" wide screen monitors x 2; XA4200 - 1000 watt 4 channel class D amplifier with channel flex crossover x 1; ZA1200 - 1500 watt 1 channel class D subwoofer amplifier x 2; SC8355 5 ¼" component 3-way speaker system x 1; SC6500 6 ½" component 2-way speaker system x 1; and SW8000 10" dual coil subwoofer x 2

•Cascade APS90 continuous power supply

•Headrest mounted monitors for rear passenger entertainment

•Custom false floor subwoofer enclosure

•Black suede trunk area upholstery

[ Via: Jalopnik ]
[ Tag: sema, sportlux, street image, StreetImage, toyota, venza ]

SEMA Preview: Toyota Venza AS V by Five Axis



Toyota gave a sneak peak of its two tuned Venzas ahead of their unveiling at SEMA, and the first, designed and executed by Five Axis, is an attempt to portrait the jacked-up wagon as the go-to vehicle for active lifestyle types.
The Venza AS V (Active Sports Versatility) features a custom body kit, Five Axis-designed AD R6:F_SPEC 20x10.5-inch deep dish wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan ST tires (305/45s all around), TRD big brakes with six-piston calipers gripping 15-inch discs up front and four-piston calipers clamping 13.6-inch rotors in the rear, along with a custom rear cargo unit and a Magna Car Top cargo lifter mounted on the rear bumper.
All the details are in the press release below the fold and expect more live images to follow in a few weeks.

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota Venza AS V By Five Axis To Debut At 2008 SEMA Show

October 16, 2008 – Torrance, CA - To illustrate the versatility of the new 2009 Toyota Venza a specially modified show vehicle by Five Axis will make its public debut at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas from November 4-7.

The Five Axis Venza Active Sports Versatility (AS V) was created to illustrate the versatile applications of the new 2009 Toyota Venza with an emphasis on active sports. It is outfitted with several features offering unique solutions for the transport and storage of all types of winter sports equipment.

The rear of the vehicle houses a very unique utility system. Created by Magna Car Top Systems, an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) stow away rack system provides numerous opportunities for transporting a variety of wet and dry goods such as skis and bicycles.

To complement the ICC system, Five Axis designed and created a multi-purpose rear cargo unit that allows for storage of various items. This hideaway design offers both privacy and protection from other heavier items that can be easily stored on top of the unit. The system also allows for isolated storage of messy items, offering further protection to the interior.

ASV exterior body enhancements include new front and rear bumpers and over-fenders for a more rugged appearance. Wider 20 x 10.5-inch wheels and larger diameter tires also complement the new look of the Venza AS V.

To best illustrate the active sports theme, an emphasis on winter sports was chosen. The Magna Car Top Systems' ICC unit is fitted with a unique snowboard and ski carrier. At the SEMA Show the Venza ASV will be hitched to a trailer mounted with a snowmobile to display its towing capability.

Finally, a Five Axis custom-blended earth tone color palette of Lunar White and Bronze accents finish off the exterior for a fresh reference to some of latest trends in winter fashion.

TOYOTA VENZA AS V (ACTIVE SPORTS VERSATILITY)

Designed by Five Axis

Exterior Modifications:

•Five Axis custom body enhancement
•Five Axis custom paint and accents
•Five Axis AD R6:F_SPEC wheels
-Front 20"x10.5"
-Rear 20"x10.5"
•Yokohama Advan ST tires
-Front 305/45ZR20
-Rear 305/45ZR20
•Five Axis custom exhaust finishers
•Custom multi-purpose rear cargo storage unit
•Magna Car Top Systems Integrated Cargo Carrier

Brake Modifications:

•TRD Big Brakes
-Front 15" diameter
-Rear 13.6" diameter
•TRD forged calipers
-Front 6 piston
-Rear 4 piston

[ Via: Jalopnik ]
[ Tag: five axis, FiveAxis, toyota venza, ToyotaVenza ]

Toyota seriously considering separate Prius brand



This isn't the first time we've heard that Toyota might spin off the Prius as a separate brand much like Scion. But we now have the most concrete news about the automaker's plans we've seen yet.
Micheline Maynard of The New York Times talked with James E. Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. recently who said he was actively lobbying Toyota for the Prius brand spinoff and that the company was working on future models to expand the lineup. Lentz said he was pushing for a Yaris-sized Prius and a "Prius on steroids." He wouldn't comment on rumors of a Prius crossover, however. Lentz also said the new line would be sold alongside Toyota vehicles instead of separately like the company's Lexus brand.
When might this new Prius brand be approved by Toyota? Lentz would only say that he has a meeting in Japan next month.
Maynard writes that in all her years covering Toyota, "...I can say that executives rarely talk this much about an idea unless it is under active discussion, so the chances of a Prius brand are probably pretty good."


[ Via: The New York Times ]
[ Tag: alternative fuel, AlternativeFuel, electric car, ElectricCar, hybrids, prius, prius brand, PriusBrand, scion, toyota hybrid, toyota prius, ToyotaHybrid, ToyotaPrius ]

Michigan has been begging for good news from the auto industry lately, and the Great Lakes state got some from a company that was once considered public enemy number one. Toyota has officially opened a brand new $187 million technical center in York Township that will provide 400 more jobs to the beleaguered state while giving the Japanese automaker additional manpower to develop more new vehicles for North America. The York Township facility will compliment the 700-person Toyota research and development center in Ann Arbor that has been operational since 1997. The Ann Arbor facility has performed R&D duties for various vehicle including the Avalon, Tundra, Sienna and upcoming Venza. The added jobs at the new facility only represents a small portion of the thousands of jobs Michigan residents have lost over the past decade, but having an automotive force like Toyota investing in your state is a very good start, indeed.


PRESS RELEASE

Toyota Opens Second Facility In Michigan
$187 million York Township site expands Toyota's engineering, safety testing capability

October 9, 2008 - York Township, MI - Toyota Technical Center (TTC) celebrated the grand opening of its new engineering and safety testing facilities here today with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Congressman John Dingell, as well as several hundred government officials, community leaders, suppliers and Toyota team members.

TTC, a division of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA), already has a site in Ann Arbor. With the expansion in York Township, TTC is adding 400 new jobs and will boost its employment to 1,100 by 2010. "Toyota's investment of $187 million to advance research and development demonstrates our commitment to the North American automotive industry," said Shigeki Terashi, TTC president. "TTC has been conducting R&D activity in Michigan for over 30 years and recognizes Southeast Michigan as the center for automotive R&D in North America."

"Continued commitment and investments by Toyota are important as we maintain our efforts to diversify our economy and create jobs here in Michigan," Governor Granholm said. "The Toyota Technical Center is a huge win for Michigan and our workers – our reputation as the automotive capital of the world brought Toyota here, and we will continue to attract R&D and advanced manufacturing jobs because of our global leadership in automotive research and development."

Toyota (NYSE:TM) established Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in 1977 in Ann Arbor, Mich. TTC is engaged in engineering design, prototype building, vehicle evaluation and engineering, materials engineering, powertrain tuning and design, regulatory affairs and advanced technical research. TTC has developed the Avalon, Sienna, Solara, Tundra and Venza vehicles for the North American market. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com.


[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: Michigan, research and development, ResearchAndDevelopment, toyota, toyota technical center, ToyotaTechnicalCenter ]


IF you're in Europe and hoping to get your name on a list for a Toyota iQ, now's the time. Toyota has opened up the order banks for the cleverly packaged microcar prior to its January availability date, while also giving up the goods on available specs, options, and pricing. The iQ comes in only two trim levels, iQ and iQ2, and pricing starts at £9,495 for the manual, and £10,495 for the multidrive CVT transmission. All iQ models come with 15-inch alloys, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, air conditioning and six speaker audio system with auxiliary socket. Checking the box for the iQ2 adds another £1,000, but for the money you receive high-gloss wheels, fog lamps, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers, smart entry and start system and climate control.
The iQ is pretty damn small, but Toyota is stuffing the tiny coupe with plenty of standard safety features, including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and nine airbags, including the world's first rear window airbag. Toyota also offers five different option packages including leather seats, navigation, and iSport, iUrban and iStyle packages. The iQ may be small, but after looking at the specs, it looks like Toyota went out of its way to give you just about any option you can dream up for a bargain basement price. You just can't get one if you live in the US, at least not yet. Hit the jump to view Toyota's detailed press release.


[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: europe, iq specs and prices, IqSpecsAndPrices, microcar, toyota iq, ToyotaIq ]


This could be Japanese-only news, or just a case of bad translation, but Toyota Managing Officer Toshio Furutani has apparently told Japan's Nikkei Business News that Toyota wants every vehicle in the Lexus product line to offer a hybrid option, and that "in the medium to long term, Toyota was considering making the Lexus lineup hybrid-only."
That sounds like he could mean Lexus, period, all over the world. But our questions come from the fact that the same report said that the Nikkei listed only the LS and GS models as currently available with a hybrid option, neglecting to mention the RX. And the fact that for Lexus to offer only hybrids in the U.S. would be an eyebrow-arching brand decision. Not that there isn't anyone out there in the market for a hybrid IS-F, but would you really risk it? We'll wait for a follow-up from someone at Toyota, or we'll just assume Furutani's comments were meant for other ears than ours.


[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: alternative, green, hybrid synergy drive, hybrids, HybridSynergyDrive, japan, lexus, lexus hybrid, LexusHybrid, rumormill, toyota ]


Rumors have been swirling over the past few months that Toyota was considering bringing its iQ mini-car to the States, and according to MotorTrend that's exactly what's going to happen at the LA Auto Show this November, where Toyota will unveil a U.S.-spec iQ wearing Scion badges.
The iQ – originally destined for sale in Japan and Europe – features a 3+1 seating arrangement and motivated by either a gasoline-powered 1.0-liter three-pot or a 1.4-liter diesel. However, MT speculates that the Yaris' 1.5-liter four, mated to a manual gearbox or CVT will be fitted for duty in the U.S.
Ideally, the Scion iQ would have to be priced at or below its direct competitor, the Smart ForTwo, so expect a sticker of under $15,000 if and when it goes on sale. The rationale behind offering the iQ as a Scion would finally give some credence to the brand's targeted urban demographic, which has been faltering in recent years. And with more usable passenger and cargo space than a ForTwo, the Scion iQ could be a hit for people downsizing their rides without sacrificing some of the practicality found in a more traditional runabout.


[ Via: MotorTrend ]
[ Tag: iq, la auto show, LaAutoShow, scion, scion iq, ScionIq, toyota iq, ToyotaIq ]

Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S.



Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.


[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: toyota, toyota exports, toyota sequoia, toyota sienna, toyota tacoma, ToyotaExports, ToyotaSequoia, ToyotaSienna, ToyotaTacoma ]

The auto market is in the tank right now, with sales dropping to 1991 levels and Detroit automakers in a cash crunch of horrendous proportions. Even Japanese automakers are struggling, and perhaps the biggest sign that something is terribly wrong is that Toyota is even feeling the pain. The Japanese automaker's sales dropped by an incredible 32% last month compared to September 2007, which was preceded by drops of 9.7%, 18% and 11% in prior months. Toyota has already lowered its global sales target for the year to 9.5 million units to reflect the trouble it's experiencing in the U.S. market, but recent news from Europe is that production is being cut there, as well.
The worst news for Toyota would likely be welcome news to the rest of the automotive universe: the Japanese juggernaut will only rake in about $12 billion of profit this year. While that's an absolute treasure trove of cold, hard cash, it's about 40% less than Toyota had earlier forecasted. Toyota's stock has also taken a hit during these challenging times, with its current value down about $23 per share under its 52-week high of $58.76. The worst part about the automotive market is that there appears to be no end in sight, which means there is more bad news to come; even from Toyota.


[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: ]

2010 Toyota Prius steals font from Michael Knight



Toyota's marketing team has released the first image of the next-gen Prius, and it's not what you think. The shot shows what appears to be the welcome screen that will appear on the car's in-dash screen upon startup, and the font looks curiously like the same one used by the new Knight Rider series on NBC. We doubt this means Prius v3.0 will have Turbo Boost built in, but it will have a larger four-cylinder gas engine and more powerful electric motor. Unfortunately, the new Prius is expected to carry over its nickel-metal hydride batteries rather than going with new lithium-ions, at least for now. The 2010 Toyota Prius will be making its first public appearance at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January, and we'll be there to greet the new green king in person. Thanks for the tip, Danny!


[ Via: PriusChat.com ]
[ Tag: 2010 toyota prius, 2010ToyotaPrius, prius welcome screen, PriusWelcomeScreen, toyota prius, ToyotaPrius ]


It's been well documented that we Americans have been growing larger, and if the auto manufacturers thinking of bringing their small cars Stateside follow through, we're going to feel like giants. Toyota and Audi are the latest automakers discussing whether to bring smaller transportation for us portly Americans. Audi, who didn't design the A1 concept for US duty, now believes it's a good idea to rethink its original strategy. Audi marketing boss Peter Schwarzenbauer thinks US customers have made a real shift towards smaller cars and trucks, and that the movement has staying power. Audi brass has made no decisions regarding the A1 in the US, but the fact that they're genuinely looking into the matter is a good thing.
Toyota's cleverly packaged iQ is also being considered for sales in the US. A company insider told Automotive News that Toyota was looking into the viability of the iQ in the US. The sharp looking micro car goes on sale in Europe beginning in early 2009, and we wouldn't be surprised if it arrived Stateside some time after that.


[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: Audi A1, AudiA1, small car, SmallCar, toyota iq, ToyotaIq, US sales, UsSales ]

The end is nigh: Toyota announces 0% financing on 11 models


Further proof that no automaker is immune to effects of the sales downturn in the U.S. comes as Toyota has just announced 0% financing on 11 of its models, including the hugely popular Camry and Corolla and a slew of SUVs and trucks. Last month, incentive-averse Toyota posted a drop in sales of over 30% compared to a year ago and the rest of the year isn't expected to look much better. General Motors, which still posted a decline in sales, fared better than most of its rivals, including Toyota, thanks to aggressive incentives including its employee pricing for everyone.
Toyota itself is calling the move to offer 0% financing "unprecedented," and indeed it is. Historically, the Japanese automaker has not needed to offer such sweeping deals to move its metal. It apparently has the cars, the means to finance them and just needs buyers. If you want in on the deal, it's available until November 3. See the full press release from Toyota for more details after the break.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota Announces Zero-Percent Offer

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 2, 2008 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced a zero-percent interest rate offer on eleven Toyota models for qualified buyers. Expiring November 3, 2008, the loan offer varies by model, with terms ranging from 36 to 60 months.

Taking aim at the credit squeeze which has sidelined many of today's new-car buyers, the attractive offer is unprecedented for Toyota.

"Not only do we have the inventory of today's sought after fuel-efficient models, but we have the capacity through Toyota Financial Services to finance or lease them," said Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.

The Toyota models qualifying for this offer are: Matrix, Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: toyota, toyota financial services, toyota financing, toyota sales, toyota zero percent, ToyotaFinancialServices, ToyotaFinancing, ToyotaSales, ToyotaZeroPercent, zero percent financing, zero percent financing toyota, zero percent toyota, ZeroPercentFinancing, ZeroPercentFinancingToyota, ZeroPercentToyota ]



The Euro-only Toyota Avensis is reminiscent of the Lexus IS350 in the same way that you'd tell someone, "You kind of look like someone I know, but not really." It's the rising linear sideline, somewhat high and compact profile, and squared-off rear that do it. But that's from a full-on side profile and around the back. Move around the front and it really just looks like a Toyota. The raked grille and molded lips in the front bumper are unexpected, as is the subtle sexiness of the wagon. Designed in France, the new Avensis grows a little over its predecessor by 5 cm in length and width. Under the hood, possibilities include three new Valvematic gasoline engines, and two diesels, while cogs can be swapped with a 6-speed manual or the dual-mode, Multidrive S automatic. Check out the exhaustive press release after the jump, and the high-res gallery of photos below.

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: avensis, europe, european cars, EuropeanCars, paris 2008, paris motor show, Paris2008, ParisMotorShow, sedens, toyota, toyota avensis, toyota avensis sedan, toyota avensis wagon, ToyotaAvensis, ToyotaAvensisSedan, ToyotaAvensisWagon, wagons ]

Toyota develops new rear window airbag for small cars



Safety technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the last few decades, and just about every automaker now knows how to score a five star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Toyota is looking to keep the stars coming by developing a new rear window airbag that will be standard equipment on its upcoming iQ micro car. A quick glance at micro-vehicles like the iQ shows that there is very little space between the back seat and the rear window, which means there won't be as much metal to absorb the impact of a rear collision. With Toyota's new rear window airbag, the rear air bag is ejected from the roof lining during a fender bender. Toyota says it will help protect the heads and necks back seat passengers, which is all the more important in smaller vehicles like the iQ. In addition to this new bag, Toyota wants to improve its safety reputation by making side curtain and shield airbags standard for all of itsmodels.


PRESS RELEASE

TOYOTA DEVELOPS WORLD'S FIRST REAR WINDOW CURTAIN SHIELD AIRBAG

Toyota announced today that it has developed the world's first* SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) rear window curtain shield airbag to protect rear passengers' heads in the event of a rear-end collision.

The innovative airbag deploys from the roof lining above the rear window in the form of a curtain-like barrier. Together with the headrests, the airbag minimises impact to the head from a colliding vehicle or parts of the hit vehicle, thus helping to reduce the severity of injuries. Its use in the soon-to-be launched "iQ" ultra-compact four-seater is expected to approximately double the car's rear passenger head protection performance.

Toyota has continued to actively develop and make available its collision safety technologies – resulting in such achievements as the swift market introduction of SRS curtain shield and knee airbags – to enable its vehicles to better respond to a greater range of accidents.

As a part of its efforts to realise sustainable mobility, Toyota intends to strengthen its traffic safety initiatives in the future through: 1) the development of even safer vehicles and technologies; 2) participation in the creation of a safe traffic environment and 3) activities designed to educate people on traffic safety, thereby contributing to the complete elimination of traffic casualties, which can be viewed as the ultimate hope of a society that values mobility.

*According to TMC research, as of September 2008


[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: rear window airbag, RearWindowAirbag, safety, toyota ]


Click either image for a gallery of Toyota's Vegas-bound Venzas

[ Via: Toyota Open Road Blog ]
[ Tag: five axis, FiveAxis, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008, street image inc., StreetImageInc., toyota, toyota venza as v, toyota venza sportlux, ToyotaVenzaAsV, ToyotaVenzaSportlux, venza ]

LA Preview: Toyota to display CNG fueled Camry Hybrid concept


Hybrid vehicles are increasingly becoming mainstream, but so far all of the production units available on the market have used gasoline exclusively as the fuel for the internal combustion engine. Various manufacturers have also shown concept and one-off test hybrid vehicles with diesel and E85 capable flex-fuel engines. One combination we don't recall seeing is a CNG fueled hybrid. Toyota plans to address that oversight at the LA Auto Show in November with a CNG fueled Camry Hybrid. Vehicles running on compressed natural gas are nothing new, although the only one currently offered by a major automaker in the US right now is the Honda Civic GX. Since CNG vehicles have a shorter range, they have primarily been used by fleets with centralized filling stations. Toyota has built this vehicle as part of its wide ranging sustainable mobility strategy. With domestic supplies of CNG being comparatively plentiful, something like a CNG hybrid sedan could be a good option for someone who does most of their driving locally. Combine it with the Phill home fueling station and you'd never have to go to a gas station again. Press release after the break.
PRESS RELEASE

TOYOTA TO DISPLAY CNG-POWERED CAMRY-HYBRID CONCEPT AT 2008 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 24, 2008 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced here today at its Sustainable Mobility Seminar that it will display a compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

"With the combination of plentiful long-term supplies in North America, improved and more efficient recovery methods, favorable pricing and clean-burn/low emissions characteristics, CNG has become a prime energy-source for the future," said Irv Miller, group vice president, TMS Corporate Communications. "With this concept, we are confirming our interest in pursuing CNG within our broad and comprehensive R&D scope."

In 1999 Toyota marketed a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in California. However, in an era of relatively cheap gasoline, customers were not attracted to a vehicle that required special refueling techniques and a limited refueling infrastructure and the program was discontinued a year later. Currently, there are only about 1,000 CNG refueling stations nationwide, with less than half open to the public.

The benefits of CNG are currently being amplified by rapidly changing market conditions and an increase in consumer environmental awareness. At the same time its drawbacks are being mitigated by a growing awareness that advanced technologies will require investment in appropriate infrastructure. The U.S. CNG pipeline system is an approximately 1.8 million mile network and expanding.

"Natural gas," adds Miller, "and an expanded retail-friendly CNG infrastructure could be seen as a model for future hydrogen infrastructure."

[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: cng, cng camry hybrid, CngCamryHybrid, compressed natural gas, CompressedNaturalGas, la 2008, la auto show, la autoshow, La2008, LaAutoShow ]
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