Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Final 25 Winners Announced in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program

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TORRANCE, Calif. (August 28, 2012)– Tuesday, August 21 marked the last day of voting in Toyota’s

100 Cars for Good program, a national philanthropic program that awards 100 cars to 100 U.S. nonprofits over the course of 100 consecutive days. Winners were selected each day through public voting on Facebook at 100carsforgood.com.

Each day five nonprofit organizations were profiled on the 100 Cars for Good Facebook page where the public could vote for their favorite organization. The organization with the most votes at the end of the day won a new Toyota vehicle while the four runners-up each day received a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota. In total, 100 new Toyota vehicles and $400,000 in cash grants are being awarded to non-profit organizations across the country.

 “It is rewarding and inspiring to see the response Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program has received from the public,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Over the course of two years, this program has awarded more than $7 million in vehicles and cash grants to local nonprofit organizations across the country, as well as helping to raise awareness  to hundreds more.  We are very pleased to have the opportunity to help these worthwhile organizations broaden their impact in communities all across the nation, and we thank the public for their support in determining the winners.”

Winning organizations offer services in a variety of areas, including: education, safety, animal welfare food banks, and human services for children and adults.

Courtesy of Toyota

Monday, August 27, 2012

Whats your Toyota Story?

Every Toyota Has A Story.
What's Yours?

What started as a place to brag about your Toyota has evolved into a collection of love letters for thousands of incredible tales. From road trips to relationships, they never fail to inspire and entertain. What’s yours?

Check out all of these great stories about Toyota fans and their cars or trucks! Toyota wants to know what your Toyota means to you!

Courtesy of Toyota.com

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Check out a new FJ Cruiser!

Are you looking for a new off-road vehicle? Come by and meet some of our knowledgeable staff and let them help you find the perfect new FJ Cruiser for your weekend getaways!

$500 rebate on select Toyota models (provided by TFS)
$500 cash back (Customer Bonus Cash)

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

2012 Dream Car Art Contest

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In Thailand, a variety of activities were carried out for the further successful "Dream Car Art Contest" between December 2011 and February 2012. These activities were focused on the increase in the number of participants, in media exposure, as well as further improving the quality of the contest. It includes 20 school visits, 4 times more than last year, with 15,000 sets of drawing kits as free distribution. The contest was announced in not only newspaper and online but also in a tie-in TV program.

As a result, more than 20,000 artworks were submitted this year which was 2 times more than last year. In addition, more proactive activities were promoted such as of judging process, original souvenir and give away items using prize-winning artworks and the contest logo. Through surveys, call center, and social media, lots of positive comments have come from participants, such as "This is an encouraging opportunity given for Thai students","We want children and students to join","Judging became much clearer".

2012 (6th) National Contest Winners

The National Contest was held by each distributor and took place in more than 70 countries/regions in the 2012 contest. As a result, more than 620,000 children participated and express their dream cars in the 2012 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest.

Here are a few of the winners:

Thailand
"Car for the  Blind"
Katunyu Wattanapraditchai, age: 10

Thailand

U.S.A.
"Toyota fire ID65"
Oscra A. Salgoero, age: 10

Usa

Hawaii
"Kronen"
Emily Kaanelamakamae Stone, age: 11

Hawaii

United Kingdom
"The Toyota Turtle 2000"
Catherine Gray, age: 11

Uk

 

Courtesy of Toyota

Thursday, August 16, 2012

TGIF[R-S]: Why I bought the Scion FR-S

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The Scion FR-S, Toyota GT 86, or Subaru BRZ is a car that is on the mind of almost every automotive enthusiast. Rather than just think about it, or even talk about it, I’ve decided to drive one, every day, putting down my hard earned cash and parking the back-to-basics sports car in my driveway.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Despite what you might think, it was not an easy decision. I jumped back and forth from buying a used car, to buying a new one. I thought I wanted a practical sedan, not a light and low sports coupe. In terms of performance, I wondered if I’d like a turbo-charged four-cylinder, instead of the quirky flat-four found in the Scion.

As I said, it wasn’t easy. My first choice for a new car was the Hyundai Veloster. It was stylish in a geeky way. It has tons of packaging, like navigation, a back-up camera, a hefty sound system, and it even has a practical element to it thanks to its third door.

However, it just wasn’t tickling me in the right way. It’s engine was lacking a considerable amount of everything, and its ride was uncomfortably firm and twitchy. My mind told me to wait for the Turbo model coming this summer, but my heart wandered.

FIRST SIGHT: 2009 TOKYO AUTO SALON

 

The FR-S planted a seed in my mind years ago, back when I was a student and when I was still dreaming about being an automotive journalist. I remember the rumors of what was then called the ‘Toyobaru’, in reference to its shared Subaru and Toyota heritage. Then there was the reveal of the FT concept car at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. And then the years of waiting, with another updated concepts revealed every few months, further unravelling its charms to the world.

Those concepts had sharply sculpted headlights and a stylish interior that looked like an automotive version of Darwin’s Missing Link, where a simple dash was trying to evolve into that of a spaceship’s.

Once unveiled in production form the finished product rekindled that image. It wasn’t as crazy as the concepts, but it made up for it in one key way: pricing. It fit the price point, I had to at least give it a test drive.

Now employed as an auto journalist, I didn’t have to wait for a chaperoned tour around the block by my local dealer, and found myself in an FR-S on a Saturday morning at a large autocross course. It ruined the rest of my car search. It changed my perspective on what an affordable sports car could be. It wasn’t a big shouty Mustang or Camaro, it was something else. Yes, it was nimble, light weight and fun, but it was also a lesson.

LESSONS LEARNED

You see, although I’m an enthusiast, I wouldn’t call myself a traditional one. I love cars, respect them, and enjoy learning more and more about the industry. But I’ve also never owned a car that was worthy of my passion.

Prior to the FR-S I drove a 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Sure, on the surface that sounds wonderful, who wouldn’t want a comfy, rear-wheel drive sport-sedan with a smooth V6? But after 150,000 hard driven miles the C-Class wasn’t what it used to be. It’s leather interior had deteriorated and rust had begun to sprout from the body panels. It’s endless suspension issues, and electrical problems, had worn on me in a way that would keep most people from ever considering a Mercedes again.

Seeing it go now, I’ll admit to loving the car, but as I haggled over its trade-in value, I felt like I had learned my lessons from the old German, and it was time to move on.

NEW AUTOMOTIVE DIRECTION

The FR-S represents a hole in my automotive knowledge. I’ve never had a sports car. In fact, I’ve never owned a vehicle with a manual transmission. I don’t heel-toe or know how to sustain a drift. I was used to being coddled, having my car do the driving for me, having grown up in an era of traction and stability control.

In many ways my reason for wanting the FR-S has more to do with my ambitions and goals. I want to learn how to be a better driver and everything I had read up until I got behind the wheel mentioned that the FR-S rewards good drivers, and requires skill to really drive it. And so I bought it like you’d hire a tutor. It’s not a high-tech sports car and won’t do my homework for me, rather, it will help me learn.

But there’s another reason still that I bought an FR-S. It was developed under a unique partnership with Subaru and with a rekindled enthusiasm for performance vehicles at a new Toyota that’s transforming from a brand that defines itself based on reliable beige appliances to one that cares about enthusiasts. A turning point for that company, it’s a car that’s defying a high-tech trend, returning to the basics of driving fun and is almost certain to be remembered as a watershed moment in the automotive history books.

Decades from now, when people talk about the FR-S, I’ll be able to say: I had one of those.

Courtesy of AutoGuide.com

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The All-Electric 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV First Drive

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Newport Beach, Calif., August 2, 2012 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS) offered news media first drive opportunities today for the Toyota RAV4 EV, an all-new, all-electric SUV arriving in select California dealerships later this summer. During the media event, Toyota engineers lifted the hood and shared developmental and technical details of this unique electric vehicle, while sales and marketing executives discussed launch and distribution strategy. Offering outstanding performance, comfort and versatility RAV4 EV is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated driving range rating of approximately 100 miles.  It charges in approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. 
“The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800, with available combined federal and state incentives of up to $10,000, the RAV4 EV is a practical, versatile option for the EV enthusiast.”
The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers revealed the vehicle at Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 in May 2012. To manage such a compressed timetable, Toyota engineers knew they’d need to be fast and flexible with development and evaluation. They devised the eFAST process (early field and suitability testing), a new protocol specifically put in place for the RAV4 EV to validate and confirm vehicle performance.  

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s most popular SUV model. The collaborative team set its sights on optimizing the customer experience. From remote charging options to interior comfort to futuristic interactive displays, the RAV4 EV combines the practical features of a compact SUV with aerodynamic styling and an electric powertrain for the longest EPA estimated driving range rating of any non-luxury EV.  
“Developing the RAV4 EV with Tesla gave us the opportunity to work with a leading-edge Silicon Valley company,” said Greg Bernas, chief engineer for Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing. “Tesla brought their EV powertrain expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. We brought our customer – first focus and decades of production experience to the project. It wasn’t always an easy process but I think we succeeded in blending our strengths and learning from one another.”

Power and Performance
The Toyota RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low center of gravity.   In fact, at 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world. Compared with the gas powered RAV4, at 0.35 Cd, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to optimize air flow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.
The front wheel drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum track speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum track speed of 85 mph.  Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW).
The RAV4 EV has two charge modes – Standard and Extended. In standard mode, the high voltage battery charges up to 35 kWh and the vehicle is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated driving range rating of 92 miles. Extended Mode allows the battery to charge to its full capacity of 41.8 kWh, providing an anticipated EPA-estimated driving range of 113 miles. Standard mode is designed to optimize battery life over range.

The RAV4 EV’s sophisticated battery and thermal management systems provide consistent vehicle performance in a variety of climates vs. competitor electric vehicles. The liquid-cooled battery is a first for Toyota.

EV Range Optimization
Toyota engineers devised a number of strategies to help optimize the available EV range on the Toyota RAV4 EV. The climate control system has three modes which allow the driver to select their preferred level of comfort and EV driving range.  In NORMAL mode, the climate control system operates in the same manner as a conventional vehicle and provides the maximum comfort level, but also draws the most power, which in turn reduces the EV range. ECO LO mode is recommended to achieve a balance of cabin comfort and improved range through reduced power consumption of the blower, compressor and/or electric heater. In cold weather, ECO LO also automatically activates and controls the seat heaters to optimal levels based on the cabin thermal conditions. ECO HI further reduces blower, compressor and heater levels and also automatically activates the seat heaters if necessary. The use of ECO LO can reduce the climate control system power consumption up to 18 percent compared with NORMAL while ECO HI offers up to 40 percent power reduction compared to NORMAL. Thus use of either ECO LO or ECO HI mode extends the vehicle’s EV driving range.
Remote Climate Control allows drivers to pre-cool or pre-heat the vehicle prior to driving while the vehicle is plugged-in, which conserves battery charge and EV range. The Remote Climate Control system can be set by a timer on the navigation display. It can also be activated using a smart phone. 

The unique Toyota/Tesla designed cooperative regenerative braking system  works to minimize the vehicle’s kinetic energy loss during stopping. The system recovers the energy and converts it to electrical energy, which recharges the battery and extends driving range. The vehicle slows down while energy is captured. The addition of cooperative regenerative braking increases driving range by up to 20 percent.
Safety
The RAV4 EV incorporates all of the safety features of the conventional model: for the front occupants there are advanced airbags seat-mounted side airbags, and active headrests. First and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags are also standard. 

Like all Toyotas, the RAV4 EV comes standard with the STAR Safety System. On this vehicle this includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). RAV4 EV also comes with a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Toyota Safety Connect©, which includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification.

There are several safety features that are unique to the RAV4 EV. The battery modules are encased in a structural pack surrounded by a four-sided extruded aluminum enclosure. Large aluminum rocker extrusions act as a structural attachment between the enclosure and the body as well as provide further impact protection. In addition, the chassis is specially designed to help protect the battery and inverter assemblies in the event of a collision. A rigid inverter protection brace bridges the gap between the body front cross member and the front suspension member to mitigate inverter damage by keeping the two members at a set distance from each other during a frontal crash. Special steel ramps built into the front of the undercarriage serve to deflect intrusion into the battery enclosure. In a rear impact, the battery’s rear mounting brackets can separate the battery from the body further protecting the battery enclosure from intrusion.
As is the case with all Toyota electrified vehicles, there are multiple redundant systems in place to automatically safeguard against the unintentional discharge of energy. In the event of an accident, electrical contacts automatically open, quickly isolating the battery from the rest of the high-voltage system. After the contacts open, active and passive discharge strategies are employed to remove any remaining energy  from the high-voltage system within five seconds in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
“A prime design target for all Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles featuring traction batteries is to maintain battery structural integrity and electrical isolation internal to the battery,” said Sheldon Brown, executive program manager for Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America. “The RAV4 EV battery and chassis are designed as a system to protect against battery ‘isolation loss’ during a crash, meaning the electrical energy is completely contained within the battery preventing any conductive path to the vehicle body. Electrical components and chassis are designed as a system to protect occupants, first responders and the battery pack itself.” 

In addition to robust accident protections, the RAV4 EV is designed with multiple systems to help protect and maintain a proper state of charge on the battery. For example, the onboard charger is equipped with a hardware voltage limiter to prevent overcharging the battery. To prevent over discharge, the air conditioning system and driving power will be limited at defined low States of Charge, prompting the driver with a warning in the meter display to plug the vehicle into a power source. Finally, the battery system is designed to handle a lengthy period of non-operation. At a 50% state of charge the RAV4 EV can sit without charging for approximately one year with no permanent loss of function. If the battery pack does become depleted, its 12-volt battery will allow the vehicle to turn on and shift into neutral. If the 12 volt battery is also depleted it can be jumped.    

Exterior Design
On the exterior, RAV4 EV features upscale LED low beam projector headlights with halogen projector high beams. A manual leveling system allows drivers to redirect the headlights when the vehicle changes significantly in pitch due to a heavy load. Five vertical LEDs make up the daytime running lights, which dim to parking lights. The rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens. Other exterior variations from the gasoline powered RAV4 include new exterior emblems on the front, rear and the front door panel utilizing the signature Toyota “environmental blue.”
The vehicle will be available in late summer in three exterior colors: Blizzard Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver MetallicFleet units also will be available in Super White. The interior features a unique “Neutron” fabric, woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent, on the seat inserts and door trim. 

Interior Features
Inside, a six-way adjustable driver-seat includes variable front seat heaters, which extend heater coverage to the occupant’s upper back. The seat heaters help reduce the need for the climate control system’s heat operation – saving power and increasing EV range.  The split reclining rear seats with folding center arm rest fold flat for increased cargo space, with a total cargo capacity equivalent to the conventional RAV4 of 73 cu. ft. behind the front seats. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.
The highlight of the interior is a Toyota first; the IntelliTouch™ capacitive touch screen, featured on both the 8-inch navigation screen and climate control panel. The 8-inch, high-resolution, responsive touch- screen features a state of the art graphic display, with split screen capability for navigation, Entune®  and EV applications, and EV drive information and settings designed specifically for the RAV4 EV. The touch screen also allows map panning and list scrolling via flick operation similar to an iPhone®. The climate control panel features IntelliTouch™ capacitive touch sensor controls and a 5.7-inch display screen.  Entune™ is standard (with three year complimentary access to Entune™ services) along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), AM/FM radio, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and USB port with iPod® connectivity.

An all-new meter cluster includes the power meter, driving range, battery gauge, speedometer, shift indicator and multi-information display. The dash display color illuminates red when the vehicle is operating in sport mode and blue in normal driving mode. The multi-information display scrolls through six different screens that provide driver-performance feedback including driving range, trip efficiency, efficiency, ECO coach, CO2 reduction and AUX power.
  • Driving range displays an estimated range according to the amount of charge remaining in the traction battery along with the current air condition setting. The range will adjust based on the setting of the air conditioning. 
  • Trip efficiency displays the average power consumption in intervals of five minutes during a trip. Efficiency displays average power consumption since the function was reset as well as current power consumption.
  • Eco coach evaluates the level of eco-sensitive driving according to acceleration, speed and braking and displays an overall score.
  • CO2 reduction displays the amount of CO2 reduced compared to a conventional gasoline vehicle. The reduction is displayed as a growing tree.
  • AUX power displays average 12-volt battery power consumption since the function was reset and the current trip’s 12-volt battery power consumption. 
The Premium Intellitouch™ Navigation screen features EV system screens that help customers understand and maximize their driving range. The EV Charging schedule lets customers schedule when the vehicle will charge and activates pre-climate conditioning based on departure time. Charging can be scheduled one charge at a time or on a weekly basis.   A Range Map specifically designed by Toyota for the RAV4 EV, allows customers to see how far they can travel for roundtrip or one-way trip based on their available electric range. A Charging Station Map EV app allows customers to locate nearby charging stations.

Charging Equipment and Sales Plan
Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. Leviton offers multiple options for charging solutions. For the shortest charge time of approximately six hours, Leviton offers a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. For more information visit Leviton.com/Toyota. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) 12A charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available. 

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select California dealers, focusing on major metropolitan markets. Service for the RAV4 EV will only be available at these authorized RAV4 EV dealers.  Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units through 2014. The battery is warrantied for eight years or 100,000 miles. 

The RAV4 EV is expected to qualify for a $2,500 rebate through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program in California and also is eligible for a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit. The vehicle will qualify for the California High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane white sticker program.   

“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds."

Given the RAV4 EV’s distinctive customer, marketing will focus on education to demonstrate the vehicle’s technology and establish RAV4 EV as a credible product within the EV enthusiast community. Focused media outreach with target EV enthusiasts and highlight product attributes such as driving range, performance and telematics.     

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012. Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility. Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise.  In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Sgt. Dakota Meyer and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Chamber Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes Program to Assist Veterans in Job Searches

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TORRANCE, Calif. (August 13, 2012) – Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. announced today a partnership with Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s National Chamber Foundation as part of an ongoing initiative to support returning troops and veterans making the transition from military to civilian jobs.   Sgt. Meyer, the first living Marine in three decades to receive the Medal of Honor, will be appearing at various Hiring Our Heroes job fairs around the country to meet with veterans and help them understand the importance of personal branding and how to translate military skills to future employers.

Toyota, Hiring Our Heroes and Sgt. Meyer recognized an existing void in the veteran job market and the need for skill translation tools to bridge the gap between military credentials and civilian job descriptions. Working in unison to develop personal branding collateral, today will mark the beginning of distribution of those materials at 400 job fairs around the country.

Speaking at a job fair for veterans at Quantico Marine Base, Don Esmond, Senior Advisor, Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. and former Marine, said “The U.S. is currently facing an unemployment rate for post 9-11 veterans of more than 12%, which has the potential to increase as troops return home from overseas. We believe the Personal Branding Initiative is an important step forward in addressing this challenge because it helps veterans translate their military experience into marketable skills. Toyota is honored to be partnering with Sgt. Dakota Meyer and Hiring Our Heroes and we pledge our full support to the program.” 

As a former Marine sniper, Sgt. Meyer has first-hand knowledge and experience of the challenges facing military veterans as they try to acclimate and integrate into civilian life after their turn of duty.   Working closely with Toyota and Hiring Our Heroes, he will be offering his unique insights to the tools being developed, as well as speaking about the importance of personal branding.   Sgt. Meyer will be appearing at numerous job fairs around the country to help spread awareness to the U.S. veteran community.

“I was a sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps, so I understand firsthand how hard translating a military skill to a civilian skill can be.  Toyota understands the gap that exists when veterans apply to jobs and face specific challenges in matching future employers job descriptions,” said Sgt. Dakota Meyer. “Our country has been served by the people that make up the best employees – where qualities like loyalty, commitment and hard work are not only required, but honored. Since my return from service, I’ve been very passionate about doing what I can to help veterans. I believe this partnership with Toyota and the Hiring Our Heroes will take those efforts to the next level. I’m excited to be involved and look forward to spreading the word to veterans across the country.”

 Toyota’s partnership with Hiring Our Heroes will include prominent displays at job fairs around the country, as well as the ongoing development and promotion of personal branding materials that have been collaboratively developed.   Toyota will also have a seat on the Veterans Employment Advisory Council (VEAC) in the Chairman’s Circle, the highest level that a brand can participate with the U.S. Chamber.

Courtesy of Toyota

Shout out to our great customers! Great job Marc!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

200-millionth Toyota sets global milestone

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MUSCAT — In 1935, the first Toyota — a G1 truck — was produced in the automotive department of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd. Seventy-six years later the automaker has manufactured 199,999,999 more vehicles, reaching the 200 million milestone.

Marking the achievement, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: “I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to our customers the world over who made it possible for us to reach this milestone. I also have the most profound respect and gratitude for the efforts of all persons who were involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing Toyota and Lexus vehicles over the years. We are determined to make our cars even better, to continue to give our customers the best possible product. This is the common goal of our 300,000 Toyota staff members worldwide.”

The most-produced Toyota model is the Corolla, with total global production just shy of the 40 million mark at 39.08 million units making it the best selling car of all time. The 2013 Corolla has recently been launched in Oman. In it, state-of-the-art technology and superb design comes together perfectly. Elegantly crafted and loaded with special touches ... “the stylishly new Corolla Exclusive puts all others in the shade,” say those who have seen the marvel from up close.

The stylishly new Corolla Exclusive is available in Oman with many attractions that include front and rear body-kit, alloy wheels, chrome side protection moulding, turn signal indicators on the outer mirrors, rear-lip spoiler, chrome garnish fog lamp, chrome muffler cutter and several  redesigned features. New "exclusive" decals on both flanks add to its appeal.

An air of exclusivity is created by the rich woodgrain panelling that adorns the front console along with woodgrain steering wheel and gear shift knob. The bluetooth kit adds to the convenience. Generous head and legroom and superb fit and finish heighten the feel of relaxation.

Another star performer is the Toyota Camry — a model that has gone on to dominate the midsize family sedan segment for virtually all of the century, as consumers immediately embraced it for its high build quality, comfortable ride and impressive durability. Successive models of Camry have received top awards over the years and the consumers have always trusted the excellent quality, durability and reliability of this vehicle.

If we speak of the current Camry, we can conclude that it's the 'Best Camry Ever' on the basis of its bold, sophisticated design, an even spacious interior, improved driving characteristics and an even quieter ride.

With class-leading safety, fuel economy from its four-cylinder, 2.5-litre based power-train and multimedia technology, it is a truly 'a pride to own and a joy to drive'.

From Toyota's stable of triumphant thoroughbreds, the Land Cruiser rears its proud head higher. “There are a few vehicles that inspire my imagination,” says a Forbes magazine article, “Just say 'Land Cruiser' in my vicinity, and I’m off to the desert, or the jungle, or anywhere a million miles away from civilisation — at least in my mind,”

The object of Forbes' admiration, the Toyota Land Cruiser  is a 'Totally Unchallenged' 4WD. With cutting-edge innovations to its exterior and interior, it delivers high performance, safety and luxury, whether on the road or off.

Among other achievers in the Toyota range are Aurion, Avalon, Prado, Fortuner, FJ Cruiser, Yaris, Sequoia, Hilux, Coaster, among others. Each a favourite in their segment.
In Oman, Toyota soars far above the rest — both in terms of market share as well as customer retention. Its pride of place made possible by an outstanding product and the ever-reliable support of Saud Bahwan Group.

Added privileges available to Toyota customers include 6-year unlimited mileage protection plan, 98 per cent parts availability and a vast sales, service and spares infrastructure/facility network spanning Oman.

Courtesy of The Oman Daily Observer

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Toyota Motor Sales Reports Rise in July 2012 Sales

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TORRANCE, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2012) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported July 2012 sales results of 164,898 units, an increase of 36.6 percent compared to the same period last year on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 24 selling days in July 2012 compared to 26 selling days in July 2011, TMS sales were up 26.1 percent from the year-ago month.

The Toyota Division posted July total sales of 146,663 units, an increase of 36.7 percent on a DSR basis from July 2011. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were up 26.1 percent from the year-ago month.

“Consumers are responding to Camry’s strong value and affordability proposition, taking advantage of long-term, low interest rate financing and low lease rates,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "Leasing has gone mainstream. For instance the Camry, the best-selling car in America, is benefitting from strong residuals -- which allow for leases of less than $200 a month."

The Lexus Division reported total sales of 18,235 units in July 2012, up 35.9 percent from July 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 25.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

“Our new and redesigned models continue to drive our sales growth,” said Lexus Group vice president and general manager, Mark Templin. “With good availability of the new 2013 RX, and with the all-new ES and ES Hybrid arriving at dealers nationwide, customers will find a great selection in August during our Golden Opportunity Sales event."

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded combined monthly sales of 80,061 units, up 33.2 percent from July 2011. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid with combined sales of 29,913 units, and Corolla reported combined July sales of 23,640 units. The Prius family of vehicles posted July sales of 16,643 units.

Toyota Division light trucks recorded July sales of 66,602 units, an increase of 18.6 percent compared to the same month last year. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV and Tacoma mid-size pickup truck, with monthly sales of 15,248 and 11,350, respectively. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid reported combined sales of 10,669 units, and the Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 9,176 units.

Scion posted July sales of 6,904 units, up 97.3 percent on a volume basis over July 2011. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,013, up 26.6 percent, while the newly launched FR-S sports car reported sales of 1,649 units. The xD five-door urban subcompact posted sales of 977 units, and the xB urban utility vehicle posted July sales of 1,708 units. The all-new iQ premium micro-subcompact posted monthly sales of 557 units.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 9,759 units, up 22.4 percent from July 2011. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 3,759 units, while the IS luxury sports sedan reported sales of 2,296 units. The CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted sales of 1,499 units.

Lexus luxury utility vehicles recorded sales of 8,476 units, up 29.1 percent over July 2011. Lexus light truck sales were led by the RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined July sales of 7,357 units. The GX 460 mid-size luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 813 units, while the LX luxury utility vehicle recorded sales of 306 units.

TMS Hybrids
TMS posted July sales of 23,044 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 126 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted July sales of 20,309 hybrids, while Lexus Division reported sales of 2,735 hybrids for the month.

Courtesy of Toyota