Many Canadians Unaware of Safety Features on Their Cars

Toyota's Star Safety System features our six advanced accident avoidance safety technologies. Toyota is the first full-line manufacturer to make all of the elements of the Star Safety System standard on every 2011 and newer vehicle.

OTTAWA, ON – Results from a new public opinion poll by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) show that a majority of Canadian drivers can benefit from more knowledge about the many vehicle safety features rapidly becoming standard on new vehicles across the automotive industry. The poll, conducted over the course of November 2011 to January 2012, explored a range of issues including familiarity with different safety features, perceptions about their use, and the effects of these features on driving.

When asked about the types of vehicle safety features currently available on the market including electronic stability control (ESC), traction control (TC), electronic brake-force distribution (EBFD), anti-lock brake systems (ABS), brake assist (BA), brake override, and adaptive headlights, on average, less than one-third of Canadians said that they were aware of these features. A majority of drivers (80.4%) were familiar with ABS; traction control was second with 53.5% of Canadians saying they know of this technology.

“To some extent, it is not unusual that Canadians have much greater familiarity with ABS as it has been widely available for almost 30 years, unlike newer technologies such as lane departure warning systems which have only become available in the last ten years”, explains Robyn Robertson, TIRF President and CEO. “It is important that we continue to increase awareness of the availability and use of these features among drivers as they enter the market, to help keep drivers safe on our roads.”

The good news is that, although knowledge of these safety features seems to be relatively low among Canadians, more than half of those polled agreed that these safety features would be easy to use and that they would use them if their vehicle had them. This is encouraging as studies have shown that safety features prevent crashes and injuries when used alongside safe driving practices.

“Given that many drivers view themselves as a safer driver than the average Canadian, efforts to address this knowledge gap are important. Increased awareness of these features and how they work can also reinforce the message that safety features do not discount the need for drivers to continue to rely on those safe driving behaviours that many first learned well before these safety features became available,” notes Robertson.

The poll is the first step in the development of a research-based national education program on vehicle safety features. The program, sponsored by The Toyota Canada Foundation, will use results from the poll along with input from road users to create a program aimed at informing the public of important vehicle safety features, their respective benefits, and ways in which the features work in conjunction with safe driving practices in the variable road conditions that Canadian drivers can experience seasonally across Canada.

“With a combined goal to reduce deaths and injuries, we are confident that Canadian drivers will marry an increased understanding of safety technologies with smarter driving habits,” said Stephen Beatty, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. “Together we’re using sound research to build a campaign to encourage smarter driving habits across the country.”

Published by Autos.ca  June 28, 2012

Toyota to offer 2013 Avalon with hybrid powertrain

The redesigned 2013 Toyota Avalon will have an optional gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain when it goes on sale this fall. The 2012 Avalon offers only the standard 3.5-liter, double-overhead-cam, V-6 gasoline engine.
With the hybrid system, the mid-sized sedan gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg city/39 highway/40 combined, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. said in a statement today.

Reduced weight, a more aerodynamic design and transmission improvements enable models with the V-6 powertrain to achieve an EPA-rated 21 mpg city/31 highway/25 combined. The 2012 Avalon is rated at 19 mpg city/28 highway/23 combined.

Toyota says the 2013 Avalon, which will be sold mainly in North America, was designed at Calty Design Research Inc. in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich. The car's engineering development was handled at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor. It will be built in Georgetown, Ky.

The 2013 Avalon, which is expected to go on sale in November, was revealed at the New York auto show in April.

Automotive News -- June 25, 2012 - 4:04 pm ET

The Camry vs. its rivals in 2012 sales

The Camry’s historically strong performance in the larger market to our south has meant that the midsize Toyota has typically been a segment leader in North America. Nearly halfway through 2012, Canadian sales figures have the Camry back on top in Canada, as well, grabbing back the midsize crown from Ford’s Fusion.

 Looking for all the world like Canadians had forgotten it at this point last year – when sales had fallen 45% – the new Camry revitalized the nameplate with strong sales ever since it arrived in showrooms. While this segment isn’t about to take over from the compact segment as Canada’s leading vehicle category, the Camry has newer, fiercer competitors which will make holding onto this best-selling status very challenging.

 Source: GoodCarBadCar.net

Toyota France to build Yaris for North America

Starting in May 2013, all Yaris models sold in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico will be built in Europe by Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF). The annual export volume is planned to be around 25,000 units.

''This is not only an endorsement of the quality of the cars built by our team members here at TMMF, but it’s also a significant new business opportunity for our factory and further strengthens TMMF’s position as an important exporter in France,'' said Makoto Sano, president of TMMF.

The current strength of the yen partly explains the shift from Japan to France, which will represent an additional investment of €8 million at TMMF. The reason for it is to build the car to the specific requirements of the North American market including a 1.5L gasoline engine, automatic transmission, and different rear bumper.

At Peace Arch Toyota we have already decided that when the 2013 Toyota Yaris start to arrive, we will be asking "do you want fries with that".

The Yaris Hybrid still won't cross the Atlantic, however.

 Source: Automotive News Europe

Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds: One million champions for environmental stewardship

Toyota Canada and Evergreen celebrate 1,000,000TH Canadian child to benefit from innovative program to transform concrete schoolyards into living labs for learning in nature

(TORONTO, ON – June 15, 2012) It started twelve years ago with an idea: “How can we make things better for the environment?” Today, Toyota Canada Inc. and Evergreen celebrated an important milestone for their award-winning partnership, The Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program. This year, the program will help instill lifelong environmental awareness in its one millionth Canadian child.

 

“From the centre of Canada’s largest cities to its far-flung rural communities, the Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program has provided funding, expertise and a helping hand to transform concrete and asphalt school yards into living laboratories and naturalized play spaces for our children,” said Sandy Di Felice, Director External Affairs, Toyota Canada Inc. “We’re thrilled that Canadian schools have been so enthusiastic about this program, with thousands of schools across the country benefitting from it. This has given us a remarkable opportunity to give back to the communities that our customers, dealers and associates call home.”

 

At a ceremony today, Toyota and Evergreen toured a project at Frenchman’s Bay Public School in Pickering, Ontario where nature is making its way back into the schoolyard. The Grade four students showed visitors the three naturalized areas where they play and learn, – including a shady grove and two outdoor classrooms which were built with two-year funding support from the local dealership, Pickering Toyota.

 

 

“Our efforts to get children outside, active and engaged in nature is a challenge in the increasingly indoor world of modern childhood,” said Cam Collyer, program director Evergreen. “Being here today reminds us all of the power and potential of this interaction.”

 

The Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program offers schools access to landscape design expertise and to a resource library featuring how-to guides and information on native plants. It also provides interactive workshops for teachers and others to help make the most of their new outdoor classroom showing them how they can weave curriculum into the natural space. Toyota dealerships and associates get involved directly, contributing money and practical assistance to transform the school grounds.Frenchman’s Bay Public School is one of six schools in Durham Region to benefit from The Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program in the 2011/2012 school year. Nationally, the program has committed more than $190,000 to 99 schools this year – and more than $ 2.5 million  to approximately 3,000 schools since Toyota Canada and Evergreen launched the program in 2000.

Why Toyota needs to build its new Camette concept

For now, the Camette concepts are literally toys. That's why Japan’s Toyota is unveiling them at this year’s Tokyo Toy Show. But the idea of a simple-to-use and cheap to own urban vehicle for younger car buyers is an idea the entire auto industry needs to address—and pronto.


According to Toyota, the Camettes are just for show. There are two versions, the light-blue Sora (above), and the tan Daichi (see the video below). Both were designed to "introduce children to the fun of driving, customising and owning a car."

Inside, a triangular seating arrangement sees a driver’s seat positioned in the middle with two rear seats, where a parent can "assist" the child driving with braking and steering. Seriously. No mention of how the Camettes move. Rumours they were pedal-powered were inaccurate. But like Lego, both feature removable parts (lights, seats, tires and body panels).

The Camettes are just “toys” for now. But the idea of production cars like the concepts is almost a “must-do”. It solves one of the biggest problems facing Western automakers: Who to sell cars to when the last Baby Boomer dies.

The Germans tried their hand at building vehicles for youngsters at last year’s Frankfurt auto show. But the concepts from Audi, Volkswagen, and Opel were more like four-wheel motorbikes, and definitely lacked the accessible look, charm, and feel of the Toyota concepts.

To some degree, the Camette reminds me of Japan’s retro Kei class cars from the 1990s, like the Nissan Figaro, S-cargo, and Honda Beat. Cars that were cheap to buy and cheap to run, but more importantly, had way more personality than anything on the road at the time.

Now imagine production versions of the Camettes. But powered by from some kind of small gas or diesel engine. And for a price under $8,000. Now tell me the cost and charm combination of the Toyotas wouldn’t sell. Especially to a generation of buyers who can't afford the cars their Boomer parents drive.

Check out this Video

What do you think? Do you think the Camettes would fly as a production car? Or do young buyers today simply want more than basic transportation?

 By John LeBlanc for MSN Autos 

Toyota Tundra's keener, meaner demeanour

The 2012 Toyota Tundra was built around the idea of "roll up your sleeves and get to work." Its size is matched by its strength, and whether you use it for work or play, this truck will get it done.

LOOKS

The large front bumper and over-sized grille are matched by huge headlights and a raised hood. The doors feel solid and close nicely and the back doors on my tester (double cab) open wide allowing easy access to the back. Walking around the truck to the rear you find equally impressive tail lights that match the headlights in size. The tailgate opens easily with one hand and its hydraulic assist allows the tailgate to lower smoothly without a sudden drop as is the case with many pickup trucks on the market.

IN THE CAB

 There is an available eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and a 10-way power adjustable seat with extendable seat cushion. The front passenger has an optional four-way power adjustable seat, or one that folds flat to provide a work space. Heated and ventilated leather seats are also available. On the double cab model, the rear seats fold flat to create more room and the double cab 4x4 long-box has the rear seats flip forward to access the under seat storage bins. The gauges are nicely laid out and the oversized knobs are perfect for the contractor, because you would not have to remove your gloves to operate them. Bluetooth connectivity, integrated XM satellite radio, USB audio, DVD-based navigation, backup camera and a JBL audio system round out the available technologies on the Tundra.

SAFETY FIRST

There is a total of eight airbags, including driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and roll-sensing head/side curtain airbags. In addition, there are vertically adjust-able headrests, three-point lap and shoulder belts with front belt anchor height adjusters, anchor points for child restraint seats and child protector locks, Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, enhanced with anti-lock braking system, Brake Assist (BA), electronic brake force distribution technologies and Smart Stop Technology (This latter system is designed to reduce engine power when the brake is firmly applied to bring the vehicle to a stop.)

POWER

 There are two engines available in the 2012 Tundra: a 4.6-litre i-force V8 that puts out 310 horsepower and 327 lbs.-ft of torque; and a 5.7-litre i-force V8 that produces 381 horse-power and 401 lbs.-ft of torque. Both engines have 32 valves, dual over-head cam, dual variable valve timing, and are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is a maxi-mum payload of 855 kilograms and a towing capacity of 4,715 kg.

ROADWORTHY

 I had a chance to tow a couple of trailers. One trailer was a 5x8 utility trailer with about 460 kg of dirt in it, and I didn't even notice it was there. In fact, a couple of times I turned my head to make sure it was still attached. The second trailer was a 25-foot travel trailer weighing 1730 kg. The Tundra pulled it very well and stayed in control along a long and winding section of the highway. I was very pleased with the capabilities

VERDICT

 I had high expectations for this truck and it met them all. A solid performer.

By Ian Harwood, The Province

Toyota Prius Plug-In Powers Home Four Times Longer than Nissan Leaf

Taking a step toward expanding what an electric vehicle can do, Toyota is experimenting with using a Prius as a home power generator.

 Already something we’ve seen from other companies, the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid can transfer power in both directions: from home to car and vice versa. While that probably isn’t a practical application on a regular basis, the technology could serve to offer four days of power for most homes during blackout emergencies.

That stands in start contrast to the 24 hours Nissan said its Leaf could offer once it actually develops the technology to send power back from the car into the smart grid.

“An AC 100V inverter onboard the Prius converts stored power into AC suitable for home use, while power flow is controlled according to communication between vehicle, charging stand and home,” said Toyota in a release. “With this new method, low-carbon electricity generated from regional or home solar generators, or low-cost late-night electricity, can be stored in a vehicle’s drive battery and then used to supply power to the household during peak consumption times.”

Testing will begin on the technology in 10 Japanese homes by the end of the year with the hope that a system could be available in the near future.

 Luke Vandezande  |  Jun 05, 3:45 PM

Whether luxury, efficiency or utility, Canadians turned to Toyota in May

Overall sales up 64.7% year over year

TORONTO, ON – June 1, 2012 – Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) today reported strong year-over-year sales for most Toyota and Lexus models, highlighted by record-setting months for select hybrid models and Toyota trucks. Building on the post tsunami challenges of one year ago, TCI has regained momentum and reached an overall increase of 64.7 % over May 2011.

Overall sales of 19,810 Toyota, Lexus and Scion cars, SUVs and trucks in May, 2012 eclipsed sales in May, 2011 by 64.7%. This included 18,042 Toyota models (up 72.3%), 1,399 Lexus luxury vehicles (up 41.5%) and 369 Scion vehicles (down 35.4%).

Peace Arch Toyota would like to thank all it's customers for helping us make May the best month in Hybrid sales for over four years.