Honda captures four model segment awards-more than any other vehicle nameplate this year-according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM released today.
The study, now in its 12th year, measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. APEAL is designed to complement the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. APEAL measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive.
Honda's four segment-leading models are the Fit (in a tie), CR-V, Ridgeline and Odyssey. BMW and Mercedes-Benz receive three segment awards, while Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen each garner two awards. BMW models receiving awards include the 3 Series, 6 Series and X5, while Mercedes-Benz earns awards for the E-Class, S-Class and GL-Class. Ford models earning awards are the Mustang and Edge. Volkswagen receives awards for the Jetta and GTI, while Nissan earns awards for the Altima Sedan and Armada.
The study also finds that, for models with higher APEAL scores, vehicle manufacturers and dealers can offer lower incentives to new-vehicle buyers. On average, owners of vehicles with APEAL scores lower than 800, based on a 1,000-point scale, report receiving dealer incentives of approximately $2,000. For purchasers of models with average APEAL scores higher than 800, the incentive amount can decline by up to 10 percent.
"Vehicle models with strong customer appeal tend to be in higher demand, which diminishes the need for dealers to incentivize to boost sales," said Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. "Offering larger incentives decreases the profitability of vehicles, so it's important for manufacturers to incorporate those 'must-have' features and design elements that will entice buyers, which also reduces the need for large customer cash rebates."
A number of all-new and redesigned models lead the model rankings for 2007. Ten of the top-ranking models in the APEAL study-the BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade EXT (in a tie), Ford Edge, GMC Sierra LD, Honda Fit, Honda CR-V, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (in a tie), Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Nissan Altima Sedan and Toyota Yaris (in a tie)-were all-new or redesigned this year. Also receiving awards are the Hyundai Azera and Porsche Cayman.
"Whether due to fresh designs or innovative features, APEAL scores tend to be highest for models when they are first introduced," said Oddes. "It's essential for manufacturers to get new-vehicle launches right, since vehicles with high appeal scores generally command a higher gross profit and sell more quickly. Two of the redesigned models-the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (in a tie) and Honda CR-V-also earned awards in the 2007 Initial Quality Study, and are examples of how manufacturers can learn from preceding models to improve in both initial quality and appeal."
The Nissan Armada ranks highest in its segment for a fourth consecutive year. Several models, including the Ford Mustang, Honda Ridgeline and Honda Odyssey rank highest in their respective segments for a third consecutive year, while the Hyundai Azera and Porsche Cayman earn awards for a second consecutive year. The Mustang and Mercedes-Benz E-Class also rank highest in their segments in both the APEAL study and IQS.
Porsche is the highest-ranking nameplate in APEAL for a third consecutive year. The most improved nameplate in the 2007 study is Scion.
The 2007 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2007 from more than 91,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2007 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.
Find more detailed findings on new-vehicle APEAL performance as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing appeal ratings at JDPower.com.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
What Happened? Lexus and Toyota Both Fall From Grace in Latest JD Power Study
Toyota reveals the Golf R32 killer: The Blade Master G
Toyota unleashed today the 3.5 liter V6 version of its Blade hatchback in Tokyo. The Blade represents the upspec version of the Auris. It comes in the standard version with a 2.4 liter engine delivering 165 bhp but the 3.5 liter V6 delivers 276 bhp and 254 pound feet of torque. The engine represents a detuned version of the 2GR-FE 3456 cc from the luxurious Lexus IS 350.
Toyota Blade Master G comes with 17″ wheels,a more muscular look than the Auris with a bigger grille and a 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
This Toyota aims to be a Golf R32 killer and at a price $27,725 it has very big chances to become one…
Sport version of the Toyota Auris?
Some photos of a tuned Toyota Auris appeared. We don't know for sure if this is a TS version or a stock version tuned by someone.
Toyota calls it: Will sell 200,000 Tundras in 2007
During the 1932 World Series at Wrigley Field, New York Yankee Babe Ruth pointed to the center field bleachers while at bat during the fifth inning. He then knocked one out of the park directly where his finger was pointing. The Babe's famous called shot reminds us of recent comments made by Jim Lentz, executive vice president of Toyota's U.S. sales, about the Toyota Tundra. Last Thursday Lentz said, "We're spending the incentives necessary, given the economics, given a down market, to sell that 200,000 vehicles."
While not as glamorous or direct as Babe Ruth's pointed index finger, in our eyes Lentz effectively pointed to the center field bleachers and called it: Toyota will reach its goal of selling 200,000 Tundra's in 2007, the new full-size pickup's first year of sales. About 97,290 2007 MY Tundras were sold in the first six months of 2007, so 200,000 certainly seems reachable, but by no means in the bag. Just like the Big 3, Toyota has been laying both dealer and customer incentives on the hood of 2007 Tundras to encourage sales, and marketing for the truck has been omnipresent on TV and the web. Toyota disputes, however, the Edmunds.com estimate that incentives for the Tundra amounted to $6,861 per truck last month when 23,150 units were sold.
Toyota Aygo ckIN2U Edition revealed
The Japanese automaker, Toyota, and the clothes and perfumes designer, Calvin Klein, arrived at an agreement to launch on the German market a special edition of the small Aygo called ckIN2U ( c-k-into-you ).
The Toyota Aygo ckIN2U Edition is equipped with exclusive 14″ alloy wheels, a portable Mp3 with the CK logo, metalized beige paint, leather seats, air conditioning etc. The car is powered by a 1.0 liter gasoline engine delivering 68 bhp. The Toyota Aygo ckIN2U edition is priced at 12,450 Euro.
Frankfurt Auto Show 2007: Toyota iQ Concept Spy and Pics
Toyota'snew mini-car concept, the IQ, was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Showand we have some more details about it.
The IQ is only 2.98 m long which makes it about a foot longer than the Smart ForTwo. While the Smart is strictly a two seater, the Japanese mini is advertised as a 3+1 seater. That means there are two seats that can be inhabited by adults in the front.
The asymetrical dashboard design allows the front passenger seat to be pulled forward, allowing another adult and potentially a child to sit in the back hence the + 1.
No information is available about what kind of drivetrain the car might include other than it's location at the front of the car. The IQ may go on sale in Europe as early as 2009 and would likely have an engine in the 1.0L range.
[Source: Toyota]
2007 Tokyo Motor Show Cars: Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept
Toyotais going to make nine concepts' world debuts for 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, including, 1/X (pictured), RiN 'well being' concept, i-REAL personal mobility vehicle, Hi-CT urban vehicle, FT-MV minivan and the Crown luxury sedan hybrid concept. Cars we've already seen before include the iQ minicar from Frankfurt Motor Show 2007and the FT-HS sports hybrid concept.
The Toyota 1/X concept, it can be taken to the preview of the next-generation Prius hybrid. The concept features a very familiar profile and an advanced hybrid drivetrain.
The Toyota i-REAL concept, meanwhile, is being touted as a step toward commercialization of personal mobility and is the fourth concept from Toyota in personal mobility vehicle development after the PM, i-unit and i-swing.
The other major new model is the Toyota Crown luxury sedan concept, which will showcase Toyota's latest VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) hybrid drive system. It has a two-stage motor speed reduction device that helps achieve smooth acceleration, high fuel efficiency, low CO2 and other exhaust emissions and quietness. It also has a LCD "Finegraphic Meter" interface system as well as ten airbags and generous seating for five occupants.
All-New Land Cruiser SUV 08 Feature And Price
2008 All-New Toyota Land Cruiser feature and price from official Toyota Corp.
Exterior of 2008 All-New Toyota Land Cruiser:
Aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and auto on/off feature
Integrated fog lamps
Full-time 4WD system with Torsen®[2] limited-slip center differential with locking feature
18-in. high-gloss 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P285/60R18 tires
Color-coordinated front and rear bumpers
Front and rear frame-mounted towing hooks
Front and rear heavy-duty mudguards
Dual color-keyed power foldable, electrochromic, heated outside mirrors with memory function
Green-tinted glass with UV reduction
Color-keyed rear spoiler
Interior of 2008 All-New Toyota Land Cruiser:
Power tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and multi-function display controls
Power tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood-grain-style trim inserts, integrated audio, multi-function display, voice-activated navigation[3] and Bluetooth® [4] controls
Leather-wrapped shift lever with painted insert
Leather-wrapped shift lever with with wood-grain-style trim insert
Tilt/slide power glass moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close operation with jam protection
Auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror
Driver and front passenger dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
Overhead console with HomeLink® [5] universal transceiver
Dual maplights for front- and second-row seats
Smart Key System[6] with push button start and remote illuminated entry
Variable intermittent front and intermittent rear wipers
Cruise control
JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 14 speakers, FM diversity reception
Voice-activated DVD navigation system [3] and backup camera [7], Bluetooth® [4] wireless technology, integrated audio and climate controls, JBL® AM/FM in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer, 14 speakers and FM diversity reception
Front and rear door and front seatback storage pockets
12 cup and bottle holders
Center-console storage area
Center-console cooler box[8]
10-way driver and 8-way front passenger power-adjustable heated leather-trimmed seats with armrests and adjustable headrests
Reclining leather-trimmed 40/20/40 split fold-down second-row sliding bench seat with center armrest and adjustable headrests
Foldaway leather-trimmed 50/50 split fold-down third-row bench seat with outboard headrests and 3-point seatbelts
CFC-free automatic climate control with four independent temperature zones and separate second-row control panel
Power door locks and windows
Airbags, seatbelts, low-fuel level, door-ajar, Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)[9] and rear tailgate warning lights
Rear-seat audio system with wired headphone capability
Three auxiliary power outlets (center instrument cluster, console storage area and rear cargo area)
Instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, fuel level, oil pressure and voltmeter gauges; and digital odometer
Multi-information display with odometer, tripmeter, shift position, cruising range, fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, warning, average speed, clearance sonar, and driving support functions including maintenance information
Safety of 2008 All-New Toyota Land Cruiser:
Star Safety SystemTM -- includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [10] + Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Multi-Terrain 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist [11]
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
Crawl Control
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)[12]
Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) [9]
Driver and front passenger airbags [13]
Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags [13]
Second-row outboard seat-mounted side airbags[13]
Three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags (RSCA) with cut-off switch[13]
Driver and front passenger knee airbags[13]
Driver and front passenger Active Headrests[14]
3-point Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) seatbelts in all seating positions
Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
Energy-absorbing soft upper trim
Adjustable front- and second-row outboard seatbelt anchors
Driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
Driver and front passenger pre-crash active seatbelt pretensioning system
Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning with buzzer
Full-time 4WD system with Torsen® limited-slip center differential with locking function
Side-impact door beams
Child-protector rear door locks
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with auto on/off system
Center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL)
Child Restraint System (CRS) top tether anchors and ISO-FIX lower anchor points
Prices of 2008 All-New Toyota Land Cruiser:
Land Cruiser MSRP(Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price): $63,200
Toyota Verso Review
Posted By "Autos spaces", Filed under: Alternative Fuel, Auto Reviews, Auto-Cars, Green Cars, Hybrid, Spy Shot, Toyota-Motor-Corp
The competent Toyota Verso is only let down by its cramped rear seats and high prices.
Driving
The Toyota Verso is available with a 1.8-litre petrol engine, but it's the two Lexus-derived diesels that impress most. The 2.2-litre motor is offered with two power outputs (138bhp and 189bhp), and is refined, smooth and never becomes strained - even under hard acceleration.
The Toyota Verso feels urgent in diesel guise, with strong pace in all gears other than sixth. What's more, it's capable in corners, with good body control and plenty of grip.
Like most MPVs, steering feedback is limited, yet it's well weighted. If we were being picky, we could wish for more involvement, yet the Verso nevertheless inspired confidence, particularly at speed.
Marketplace
The Toyota Verso was designed with European buyers in mind, and that's clearly evident in the styling. A high waistline and small glass area give it a car-like look, while the smoothly raked bonnet and windscreen camouflage the MPV styling well.
A name change in 2007 dropped the old 'Corolla' tag (the two were never mechanically related, anyway) and introduced a restyled front bumper, grill, headlamps and rear clusters. This brought it in line with the 'family' look sported by the Auris and Yaris.
The seven-seat model offers an inclusive range, including a value-led SR variant, and competes with the RenaultScenic, Vauxhall Zafira, Mazda 5 and HondaFR-V.
Owning
The Toyota Verso isn't the longest compact MPV in its sector, but the wheelbase is ample, so it tries to make best use of its dimensions. However, there are compromises.
The boot is small and overall load space with the seats folded isn't the best. The third row of chairs is cramped and headroom is severely restricted - anyone over six feet tall won't actually fit in. What's more, the seats aren't very comfortable.
Worse still, the triangular-shaped windows are small and let in minimal light, so the Verso feels claustrophobic.
At least it's effortlessly easy to raise and lower the rearmost chairs. But things improve as you move forward. The middle row of seats is impressively comfortable, and each of the three chairs slides and folds flat individually, giving plenty of flexibility. Leg and headroom are good, while the outer seats slide forward and tilt in one action.
We weren't impressed with the strap pulls to fold the seats, however - they are difficult to grip, although again the chairs are a breeze to drop and raise.
Only a single pull is required to lift the seatback, while the base slides neatly into position. In addition, the driving environment is a very pleasant place to spent time. There's a good range of seat and steering wheel adjustment and on longer journeys the Toyota is good for tall drivers thanks to its car-like driving position. The centre console features stylish green back-lit details, and material quality impresses.
Everything is solidly put together and elements such as the switchgear have a solid feel. All this doesn't come cheap, however, even in 2007-on facelift form. But the Toyota compensates with strong residuals and goodfuel economy.
Honda,Toyota Bumped Up Their June Incentives
Hondaand Toyotaboth bumped up their June incentives in a major way, according to a new article in Automotive News. Year-over-year, Honda's incentives jumped by 73.2 percent to an all-time high, and Toyota's increased by 53.6 percent. That stands in contrast to the industry average, which actually dipped by some 7.3 percent versus a year ago.
Critically, however, even with that new jump, Honda's incentives totaled an average of $1221 per vehicle, and Toyota's moved to $1567. Despite big jumps, both companies remain well shy of the industry average of $2422.
For its part,Honda is seeking to move older models, many in tough segments (think: 2007 Accord and Pilot, as well as Odyssey and Ridgeline). The automaker still doggedly refuses to put cash back offers on the hoods of their vehicles, a move designed to protect resale values. Instead, it subsidized leases and lower financing rates.
World's First Air-Powered Cars by Toyota
World's first air-powered car introduced
By the year 2020, Toyotaplans to have a hybrid powersource in every vehicle they make, but even the folks from Aichi, Japan don't have anything that runs on air. MDI's CityCAT doesn't have a mast, and it's not some far-off, far-fetched idea. As a matter of fact, it's getting ready for production right now. French company MDI engineered this vehicle with ex-Formula One engineer Guy Nègre, and they're leaving production duties up to India's Tata Motors.
The first product, the CityCAT, reaches a top speed of 68mph and can go about 125 miles without refilling the carbon fiber compressed air chambers. The CityCAT's made of lightweight, glued-together fiberglass and foam, and the engine is made up almost entirely of aluminum. The air tanks hold 52 gallons of compressed air at 4,351psi, and refueling can take only three minutes at your local gas station. You can also plug in the vehicle for about four hours, so the on-board compressor can fill the tanks at a cost of about $2. Initial plans call for Tata Motors to produce about 6,000 of these air-powered transportation devices for the India market, but 12 other countries including Germany, Isreal, and South Africa have signed deals with MDI to buy their own air-cars.
The CityCAT has almost no chance of ever gracing the streets of the good 'ol USA, mostly because of the obvious crash-test issues that come from a car that's made of fiberglass and foam. As is typically the case with green cars, more information is available on Autoblog Green. Hit the jump to see a couple of very informative videos on how the CityCAT runs on good old-fashioned air. Check out the sound of these little babies in motion, as they sound like a giant compressor.
[Source: Popular Mechanics via ecogeek]
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in September?
Posted By "Autos spaces", Filed under: Green Cars, Hybrid, SUV Cars, Toyota-Motor-Corp
Toyotawill begin selling the 2008 Highlander hybrid in late September, but has not yet announced pricing.
The 2008 ToyotahybridHighlander will be "larger, roomier and more powerful" and include "one of the most comprehensive lists of standard safety features in it the mid-size SUV class," such as 7 airbags.
Despite some possible tweaking, the 2008 Highlander hybrid will be built on the same hybrid powertrain as the current hybrid Highlander, which Toyotais running a special $2000.00 discount through June.
Climate of Change - Powered by Toyota Prius
Toyota'shybrid technologycombined with a carbon-offsetting programme is set to make Climatecars, London's new eco-friendly taxi service, one of the greenest around. As its name indicates, Climatecars is taking a no-compromise stance on the environment. The company's operations are totally Carbon Neutral from the outset.
FiveToyota Prius petrol-electric carswere delivered to Climatecars at the start of June, with three more due in July and further cars to be added in line with demand. The vehicles, a combination of T3 and T4 grade models, are finished in metallic grey and fitted with black leather seats.
"We're aiming to serve the corporate market in central London who care about their carbon footprints, and by operating a superior service we're looking to grow quickly," says Climatecars' founder Nicko Williamson. The service was set to start in mid-June, following driver training on the new cars.
For Nicko Williamson, a Bristol University history graduate, Climatecars is his first business and the culmination of two-and-a half-years of planning. "After looking at LPG, biofuels and other eco-friendly technologies, it was clear that hybrids were the natural way to go. "The Prius is one of the greenest cars on the road, it has plenty of space and it's a very practical option for this industry," he says. "It's an extremely clever vehicle with a lot of potential."
Climatecars' vehicles are supplied through London Toyota business centresJemca Edgware Road and Currie Motors Twickenham. The cars are expected to average around 30,000 miles a year, and while Prius CO2 emissions are notably low at 104g/km, every mile covered will be logged and offset through the Carbon Neutral Company. Renewable energy is also used in the Climatecars office.
'Punctual cars, driven by courteous drivers who know where they're going' is Climatecars' slogan, and Nicko Williamson is confident that another selling point will be the Toyota Prius itself.
"Many people are still unfamiliar with hybrid technology, and we think that our passengers will find it interesting to travel in the Prius, with its silent running at low speeds and its energy monitor. I would think we'll be helping to spread awareness of the car and hybrid technology significantly."
For more information regarding Climatecars visit climatecars.com.
Toyota overtook GM in sales last year
Latest findings show thatToyotaactually surpassed General Motorsin the global sales race last year with a lead of roughly 128,000 vehicles. There had been rumors that Toyotahad in fact understated its figures so as to avoid a backlash from American consumers but this latest report goes some way towards disproving the theory.
Data compiled by Automotive News reveal that for its sales tally, GM counted vehicles produced by subsidiaries that it only had a minority stake in. These included the seven-seat microvan and other vehicles manufactured by China's Shanghai Auto and Liuzhou Wuling Auto.
When allocating these production numbers to 51% owner SAIC, GM's sales tally for 2006 stands at 8,679,860 units versus Toyota's 8,808,000. Other brands that are counted in Toyota's figures include Daihatsu and Hino, while GM's tally compromises more than a dozen brands including Opel and Saab as well as America's Chevrolet and Buick.
Toyota is once again on the path to being number one for this year as well. Its current sales projection stands at 9.34 million units versus 9.2 million vehicles for GM.
Chevy Tahoe Hybrid: Real American Revolution?
I won't call it a freedom-fighter - that takes, minimally, 40 mpg. Nonetheless, I'll call the Chevy Tahoe hybridan incredibly important step in the evolution of the American automobile. I might even call it an American revolution.
The Chevy Tahoe hybrid, as well as the Yukon hybrid, will not just be the first dual mode hybrid vehicles, these hybrids vehicles will be Made in America.
Unlike Ford's hybrids, such as theEscape hybrid, the Tahoe hybrid will also not be built under any sort of licensing agreement with Toyota. This is not a Japanese hybrid powertrain in disguise - no offense to either Ford or to the Japanese - this is a new, more American spin on hybrids.
In contrast to Japan, the U.S. is a huge land mass - a huge land mass filled with a massive network of highways and freeways that Americans often use to traverse great distances. Some of us travel hundreds of miles every day, not just on holidays and summer trips. Nonetheless, many of us spend countless hours on the open road every year.
While Toyota's hybrids, such as thePrius hybrid, work exceptionally well in urban congestion - the bulk of Japanese driving - they don't offer as much fuel economy help on America's highways. Considering that America is becoming significantly more congested, hybrids, such as the Prius, will always be ever important.
Still, the highway is yet an essential part of the American car culture. While the Tahoe hybrid, and all GM's dual mode hybrids, also utilize many of the tricks the Prius uses to be so efficient in congestion, they also offer some additional tricks on the highway - an important American consideration.
Now, it is my belief that Toyota's hybrid technology will still be more fuel efficient than GM's dual mode hybrid technology in urban driving, in congestion, etc. However, for drivers whom spend much of their driving time on the highway or freeway, the Tahoe hybrid makes a lot of sense for today's large SUV drivers - especially considering how important that vehicle segment is to GM.
If everyone driving a conventional Tahoe or Yukon converted to a hybrid version of these vehicles, a significant amount of fuel would be saved. That's a great step forward, and a great investment in GM's hybrid projects.
Now if we can only get GM to offer a dual mode Malibu hybrid a bit sooner.
Toyota Team SARD Returning to Tokachi With Supra HV-R Hybrid Racer
Last year, Toyota TeamSARD contested and completed Japan's Tokachi 24-hour endurance race with a specially-prepared Lexus GS450h. The car finished 4th in class and 17th overall. And now, Toyota Team SARD's heading back with some upgraded firepower.
The team announced that it will enter the Denso SARD Supra HV-R in this year's race, scheduled to go down July 15. The Supra HV-R is a hybridwhose Super GT-spec 4,480cc V8 is augmented with regenerative braking, a pair of 10kW in-wheel motors up front and a 150kW motor in the rear.
The engine's output is rated at 480 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, and the car's weight will come in at a little over 2,300 pounds.
The provisional racing livery is shown in the artwork above, and we'll report back when SARD unveils the finished car. Until then, we'll sum it up with one word:Cool.
Rent a Toyota Prius Hybrid at Hertz and Avis
As automotiveblogger.net posted, he really likes to rent a car he ever being curious about when going on vacation or another need to.
Now, there will another ever-popular Toyota Prius hybridbe added to the rental fleets by Hertzand Avis. Both say they'll initially add 1,000 units, with more coming into their fleet later in the year.
Hertz plans to offer the Prius hybridfor rent in Manhattan and select airport locations around the country, and Avis is sticking to the west coast.
All of this comes on the heels of a public relations initiative (pdf)from Enterprise Rent-A-Car last week touting its "unparalleled fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles".
Enterprise claims that 47% of its fleet - almost 334,000 vehicles - average at least 28 miles per gallon and that 28% of its fleet - almost 200,000 vehicles - average 32 miles per gallon.
New Toyota Incentives on Tundra Pickup Trucks
DETROIT (AP) - Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE:TM), coming off its most successful sales month in the U.S.,said Friday that it is offering another round of incentives on its full-size Tundra pickup trucks.
The incentives offered through July 31 include a choice of zero-percent financing for five years, rebates of up to $3,500, or reductions of $500 on down payments on three-year leases. The monthly payment on the leases remains $259, but the down payment drops to $2,499 from $2,999.
Japan's Toyota passed Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F PRS) (NYSE:F PRA) (NYSE:F) for the No. 2 sales spot in the U.S. in May, when its sales increased 9.7 percent over year-earlier levels. General Motors Corp. (NYSE:BGM)remains No. 1.
Tundra sales in May totaled 17,727, up 114 percent from April. Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong said the incentive program was launched in response to intense competition in the full-size pickup segment. Overall sales of full-size pickups are down 5.5 percent so far this year.
This is the second round of Tundra incentives in 2007. In February, Toyota offered low-rate financing and lease deals and a program that provided dealers with three $250 coupons for every regular cab truck in stock. Dealers could apply the coupons in any combination.
In January, Toyota announced a 2007 goal of selling 200,000 Tundras -- assembled in Texas and Indiana with more than 75 percent U.S. parts -- after selling 124,500 in 2006. The Tundra is vying for a share of the market long dominated by Ford's F-Series pickup, GM's Chevrolet Silverado and DaimlerChrysler AG's (NYSE:DCX) Dodge Ram.
Toyota's reported $100 million marketing push included two Super Bowl ads and a test-drive campaign with 400 events at state fairs and agricultural shows, among other venues.
Toyota also is going after the Hispanic market with custom-made commercials as well as a dedicated Web site and brochure. Its goal is to sell about 20 percent of the new Tundras to Hispanic consumers.
Toyota Next Prius Delay Launch At Least Six Months
For some time now the third generation Toyota Priuswas expected to debut in the fall of 2008 carrying a lithium ion battery pack and and very possibly plug-in capability.
In the past week it has been reported that neither the lithium energy storage or the plug-in capability would be there and now it looks the timeline has slipped as well.
Of course, since Toyotanever officially announced a launch date they are refusing to call the slip to a spring 2009 debut a program slip or even acknowledge the new or old date.
By the time the new Prius hits the market there will be several new competitors available including the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan hybridsand the plug-in version of the two-mode Saturn Vue is due that same year.
It looks like Toyota'sdecision to stick with their local supplier might have come back to haunt them. Panasonic currently supplies the NiMH hydride batteriesthat Toyotauses and they have been focusing on LiNiCoAlO2 cathodes which are considered to be the least thermally stable of the currently available lithium chemistries.
Other companies like A123 use materials such as doped iron phosphate and other materialsthat have better thermal stability. At this stage of the program Toyota might actually better off going to a new source for lithium batteries rather than reverting to NiMH.
World's First Air-Powered Cars by Toyota[Videos]
World's first air-powered car introduced
By the year 2020, Toyotaplans to have a hybrid powersource in every vehicle they make, but even the folks from Aichi, Japan don't have anything that runs on air. MDI's CityCAT doesn't have a mast, and it's not some far-off, far-fetched idea. As a matter of fact, it's getting ready for production right now. French company MDI engineered this vehicle with ex-Formula One engineer Guy Nègre, and they're leaving production duties up to India's Tata Motors.
The first product, the CityCAT, reaches a top speed of 68mph and can go about 125 miles without refilling the carbon fiber compressed air chambers. The CityCAT's made of lightweight, glued-together fiberglass and foam, and the engine is made up almost entirely of aluminum. The air tanks hold 52 gallons of compressed air at 4,351psi, and refueling can take only three minutes at your local gas station. You can also plug in the vehicle for about four hours, so the on-board compressor can fill the tanks at a cost of about $2. Initial plans call for Tata Motors to produce about 6,000 of these air-powered transportation devices for the India market, but 12 other countries including Germany, Isreal, and South Africa have signed deals with MDI to buy their own air-cars.
The CityCAT has almost no chance of ever gracing the streets of the good 'ol USA, mostly because of the obvious crash-test issues that come from a car that's made of fiberglass and foam. As is typically the case with green cars, more information is available on Autoblog Green. Hit the jump to see a couple of very informative videos on how the CityCAT runs on good old-fashioned air. Check out the sound of these little babies in motion, as they sound like a giant compressor.
[Source: Popular Mechanics via ecogeek
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Price Announcement
The base 2008 Toyota Highlander hybridwill see a small price reduction of less than one percent, starting at $33,700 for the 4WD-i vehicle.
The loaded Limited 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid will see a large price increase of more than 9 percent to $39,950.The new Highlander hybrid will ride on a new chassis that is almost 4 inches longer and 3 inches wider, significantly increasing the roominess of the Toyota's hybrid SUV.
In addition, the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid will offer new tools to manage fuel economy, adding EV Mode, ECON Mode and a Hybrid System Indicator.Expect the new 2008 Toyota Highlander hybridsto hit showrooms in October.
Toyota 2009 Corolla Matrix Unveils at 2007 SEMA Show
October 31, 2007, Toyota MotorSales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new second-generation Corolla Matrix at a press conference today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Showat - Las Vegas, and this all-new Corolla Matrix will hit Toyota dealershipsin February 2008.
The Toyota Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover utility vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer performance that matters for driver enjoyment.
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like stylingwith enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance.
2009 Toyota Matrix was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort.
As a result of significant changes to the Matrix's profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic. The design expresses a low center of gravity, and coupe-like style with a fun-to-drive image.
From 2009 Matrix's rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
Toyota 2009 Corolla Matrix Unveils at 2007 SEMA Show
October 31, 2007, Toyota MotorSales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new second-generation Corolla Matrix at a press conference today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Showat - Las Vegas, and this all-new Corolla Matrix will hit Toyota dealershipsin February 2008.
The Toyota Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover utility vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer performance that matters for driver enjoyment.
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like stylingwith enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance.
2009 Toyota Matrix was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort.
As a result of significant changes to the Matrix's profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic. The design expresses a low center of gravity, and coupe-like style with a fun-to-drive image.
From 2009 Matrix's rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.