Camry and Avalon Models Awarded Top 5-Star Ratings in Crash Tests by NHTSA

The 2014 Toyota Camry, Camry Hybrid and Avalon have received a 5-Star overall vehicle score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The top safety ratings are a result of stringent tests conducted by the agency to measure frontal and side crashworthiness, as well as rollover safety of vehicles - which is beyond what is required by federal law.
 Government 5-Star safety ratings are part of NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.  The latest results are not yet posted on NHTSA’s vehicle safety online site, but check this link in the future for ratings by manufacturer and test procedure information - http://www.safercar.gov/Safety+Ratings/.

Consumer Reports

TORONTO, ON., [Oct. 29, 2013] –  We're pleased to report that in its annual Consumer Reports vehicle reliability rankings, Lexus took the top spot, up from third place last year, and Toyota retained its No. 2 ranking.
The five most reliable vehicles in the rankings are: Toyota Prius, Lexus ES 300h, Scion xB, Toyota Prius c and the Subaru Forester with the non-turbo-charged engine.
Ten of the highest scorers in the survey were Toyotas.  Of the eight Lexus models in the survey, six got top marks.  All Lexus models earned an above average reliability score, while all Toyota models earned an average or better reliability score.
To be recommended by Consumer Reports, a vehicle must perform well in a battery of its tests, have average or better reliability in its annual Auto Survey and perform well in government and industry crash tests.  
During its annual reporting, Consumer Reports said it will no longer recommend vehicles that receive a “poor” rating in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) crash tests or for poor scores on reliability. As a result, the publication revoked its recommendations for Toyota’s Camry, RAV4 and Prius v based on small offset crash test results.
The new IIHS small offset crash test involves only a front corner of a vehicle and goes beyond federal requirements.  It is not currently part of IIHS' Top Safety Pick designation.
The Camry, Prius v and RAV4 are on the current IIHS “Top Safety Pick” list which includes 21 Toyota vehicles, more than any other manufacturer.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) periodically develops new, more severe or specialized tests that go beyond federal requirements.  With the small over-lap test, the Institute has raised the bar again, and we are responding to the challenge.  We are looking at a range of solutions to achieve greater crash performance in this area.  Toyota has made changes to the Camry to improve its performance in the crash test, and IIHS is planning to retest the car in December. 

Toyota Corolla Nominated for Green Car of the Year

Toronto, ON., Oct. 17, 2013 – The 2014 Toyota Corolla has been elevated to “green heights.”  The Green Car Journal has named the eleventh-generation sedan a finalist for the 2014 Green Car of the Year award and one of its top 5 Green Cars for 2014. The Corolla also earned the magazine’s ‘Green Car Product of Excellence’ distinction.

Finalists were selected for “their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance.”  One selection factor is the model’s availability to the mass market, giving it the potential to make a real environmental impact.

As the world’s most popular nameplate with more that 40 million sold, including more than 1.3 million in Canada, the Toyota Corolla has evolved with the ever changing needs of customers and the market. The new 11^th generation Corolla offers attractive styling, enhanced convenience and excellent fuel efficiency, particularly with the new LE Eco model which simultaneously delivers the highest fuel efficiency while offering the most power available in a Corolla.

The Green Car of the Year will be announced during media days at the L.A. Auto Show, Nov. 20-21, 2013.

2013 Vincentric Best Value in Canada awards

• Total of 11 Toyota and Lexus vehicles also recognized with individual 2013 Vincentric Best Value in Canada awards
• Toyota continues hybrid leadership with four of five Vincentric hybrid awards won

TORONTO, ON., (September 12, 2013) – When Vincentric presented its inaugural Best Value in Canada awards last year, Toyota claimed the brand award for passenger cars while also being recognized with best value awards for 10 individual vehicles.  

For 2013, the results have been equally impressive, with Toyota earning a second consecutive Best Passenger Car Brand Award along with eight vehicles being recognized individually. The total of nine awards is more than any other automotive brand. In addition, Lexus came away with three awards, bringing Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI)’s overall total to 12.

“We take great pride that our brand and so many of our vehicles have been recognized by Vincentric for the value we deliver to Canadian drivers,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President, Sales, Toyota Canada Inc. “We are particularly pleased to see Toyota and Lexus leadership in the hybrid awards category, an important segment of the market.”  

The following 11 Toyota and Lexus vehicles won Vincentric’s 2013 Best Value in Canada Awards:

• Toyota Prius (compact hybrid)
• Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (electric/plug-in hybrid)
• Toyota Camry Hybrid (mid-size sedan, hybrid)
• Toyota Avalon (large sedan)
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid (crossover, hybrid)
• Toyota 4Runner (mid-size SUV)
• Toyota Sequoia (large SUV)
• Toyota Tacoma (compact pickup)
• Lexus ES 350 (premium mid-size sedan)
• Lexus ES 300h (premium mid-size sedan, hybrid)
• Lexus IS C Series (premium convertible)

To determine the 2013 Vincentric Best Value in Canada awards, Vincentric analyzed over 1,800 vehicle configurations measuring cost-of-ownership using eight different cost factors: depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs. Using a statistical model, the company identified the Vincentric Best Value in Canada winners by measuring which vehicles had lower than expected ownership costs given their market segment and price. Each vehicle was evaluated in all ten provinces plus the Northwest Territories using a range of annual kilometre intervals and insurance profiles.

Robot Astronaut Speaks First Words in Outer Space

Tokyo, Japan, September 5, 2013 - Dentsu Inc. (Dentsu), the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), Robo Garage Co., Ltd. (Robo Garage) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announce today that the robot astronaut Kirobo has become the first robot to speak in outer space. Kirobo’s words reflected the importance of its mission: “On August 21, 2013, a robot took one small step toward a brighter future for all.”

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata, the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station (ISS), is expected to arrive at his post in November or December this year. He will then take part in the world’s first conversation held between a person and a robot in outer space, an initiative designed to explore the possibilities of humans coexisting with robots in the future. The conversation will take place in the ISS’s Kibo Japanese Experiment Module. Kibo means hope in Japanese.

Kirobo was transported to the ISS aboard the Kounotori 4 cargo transfer vehicle atop H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 4, launched early in the morning of August 4 from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. Kirobo arrived at the station six days later. Along with its ground crew counterpart Mirata, Kirobo is one of two humanoid communication robots developed under the Kibo Robot Project, a joint research project carried out between Dentsu, RCAST, Robo Garage and TMC. JAXA also provided extensive assistance.

Article and picture from Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota announces pricing on 2014 Corolla

Toyota has revealed Canadian pricing on the 2014 Corolla, which is set to arrive in dealerships next week.


The all-new Corolla, redesigned from the ground up with bolder styling and more standard features, will retail at a starting MSRP of $15,995 for the base-model CE with a six-speed manual transmission.


The mid-level LE starts at $19,500 and comes with either a six-speed manual or a state-of-the-art CVTi-S continuously variable transmission with "Intelligent Shift" that mimics the gear changes of a conventional autobox.


The sportier Corolla S can be had for $19,215 and features 17-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters and a "sport mode," as well as more aggressive styling features courtesy of a mesh upper grille and rear spoiler. Other goodies include sport fabric seats with leatherette trim, heated front seats, multi-information display and a backup camera, among others.


The Corolla LE ECO, with a starting MSRP of $20,250, includes a range of enhancements to boost fuel efficiency while providing more power and plenty of creature comforts.

Article by David Kates August 28/2013 on Driving.ca

Toyota Highlander: A one-off SpongeBob concept

Toyota unveiled a "SpongeBob" concept car as the new version of the 2014 Highlander for the Padres vs. Giants baseball game in San Diego.

Toyota and Nickelodeon teamed up to create this unique vehicle, themed from inside to outside around the famous cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants. The eye-catching result of this partnership will be on the road throughout the whole summer in the US.

SpongeBob fans of all ages will be able to admire this unique Highlander in Baltimore (July 19-21) and Oakland (September 27-29). The car will also be exhibited at the next LA Auto Show from November 30 to December 9, 2013.

This special SpongeBob edition had been announced by the Japanese carmaker earlier this year at the New York Auto Show during the presentation for the new SUV.

More information on the 2014 SpongeBob Toyota Highlander: nick.com/highlander

Article by: Relaxnews Published Monday, July 15, 2013 5:52PM EDT

A fuel cell Toyota by 2015?

The fuel cell vehicle has been the holy grail of the automotive industry for more than a decade. After all, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. And when a fuel cell generates power in an electro-chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen all it leaves behind is water vapour.
It’s the ideal green machine.

Countless prototypes with fuel cell powerplants have been made by countless manufacturers. Many such prototypes are on the road today, undergoing thorough testing, but a production fuel cell vehicle has remained elusive. At least until now, because Toyota plans to reveal such a car at November’s Tokyo Motor Show.

And there are hints the Japanese automaker is hoping it can bring this car to market next year, as a 2015 model.

Elon Musk, founder of upstart Tesla Motors, may call them “fool cells,” but maybe he’s just whistling past the graveyard. Because a reliable mass market Toyota- or Lexus-badged fuel cell car, priced about the same as the Tesla Model S electric vehicle ($77,800 in Canada), would be serious competition for his young company.

The thing to remember about fuel cells is that they work. Thus far, the biggest obstacles are managing the heat generated and the costs.

In a fuel cell, hydrogen gas passes through a stack of plastic membranes and platinum-coated plates to produce electricity. Because of the precious metals required, these stacks are costly, as are the high-pressure tanks needed to store the hydrogen.

If Toyota can pull it off, especially in a car with a reported range of about 500 km, all bets are off and Musk’s remark that “fool cells … are so stupid” will itself look stupid.

The naysayers didn’t think Toyota’s hybrid technology would work when the Prius made its debut in 1997. This week the Japanese automaker announced it has sold over three million of them.
Hum, hum, hum. A Lexus fuel cell for everyone?

Article by Glenn Woodcock Autonet.ca July 6th 2013

Toyota Camry Sales Reach 10 Million Mark

America’s top-selling car for the past 11 years, the Toyota Camry, has just eclipsed the 10-million sales mark.

 Representing nearly 20 percent of all vehicles Toyota has ever sold in America, the Toyota Camry is also celebrating its 30-year anniversary in the U.S. this year. The first-generation Camry was introduced in America in 1983 and in its first full year of sales, the Japanese automaker sold 52,651 vehicles. Amazingly 30 years later, 773 of those Camrys are still on the road according to Toyota.

Toyota Prius Passes 3 Million Global Sales Mark

Toyota has announced that its Prius vehicle has passed the three million unit mark in global sales.

Originally launched in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger car, the Prius got a boom when its second-generation model debuted in 2003. But it was the third-generation Prius in 2009 that helped make the model’s sales soar, helping spawn the Prius v, Prius c, and Prius plug-in hybrid variants.

Toyota has now sold five million hybrids worldwide

77,000 of those in Canada reducing emissions by 380 thousand tons and saving 163 million litres of gasoline

 

TORONTO, ON., (April 17, 2013) – With most environmental experts recognizing how carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a major cause of climate change, hybrid vehicles that significantly reduce those emissions have proven to be an important green mobility option throughout the world.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has led the way in hybrid technology, playing a key role in driving mass adoption globally. TMC announced the sale of its five millionth hybrid vehicle worldwide. Hybrid vehicles have been particularly popular in Canada – with over 77,000 sold to date and Toyota Canada accounting for more than 80 per cent of Canada’s hybrid sales in 2012.

TMC estimates that its hybrid vehicles throughout the world have collectively reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 34 million tons of CO2 emissions, compared to what would have been put into the atmosphere if gasoline-powered vehicles had been driven instead of hybrids. In addition, it’s estimated that Toyota hybrids have saved about 12 million kilolitres of gasoline globally, compared to what would have been consumed by gasoline-only powered vehicles.        

In Canada, Toyota and Lexus hybrids – have reduced CO2 emissions by about 380 thousand tons and saved an estimated 163 million litres of gasoline.

“Toyota’s hybrid offerings have been extremely beneficial in reducing the environmental impact of cars in our society,” said Seiji Ichii, President and CEO, Toyota Canada.Inc “The best part is that we are only at the early stages of this trend. As hybrids become even more entrenched and continue to improve, the positive effects on the environment will become even greater.”

Toyota and Lexus sell 19 hybrid models and one plug-in hybrid in 80 countries and regions around the world. Eleven of the models are available in the Canada, including six from Toyota and five from Lexus. These include Prius Liftback, Prius v, Prius c, Prius Plug-in, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Lexus CT200h, ES300h, GS450h, LS600h and RX450h. In fact, beginning next year the RX450h will be manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario.

In 2000, the Prius became the first hybrid to be introduced in Canada. All 13 years the brand has been available in Canada, a Prius model has won an ecoENERGY Award from Natural Resources Canada.
 
“From the moment we unveiled the Prius, it was revolutionary in bringing new vehicle technologies into the mainstream – demonstrating what the automobile of the future might be,” said Mr. Ichii. “Toyota’s hybrid innovation delivers great fuel efficiency for today, and a great promise for the impact that hybrids can have tomorrow.”

Toyota i-ROAD

By Jeremy Koizeneiwski   /   Autoblog Canada

Toyota i-ROAD leans its way into the city

According to Toyoa, the "i-Road takes the company closer to its goal of creating the ultimate range of eco cars." As you're surely aware, that range of eco cars includes the enormously successful Prius family, but this new machine is nothing like the hybrid hatchback. And it's not even a car – Toyota calls the i-ROAD a Personal Mobility Vehicle.

Toyota's i-ROAD Concept, which debuts at this week's Geneva Motor Show, is adorned with just three wheels, meaning it's just as much a motorcycle as it is a car, and the driver and passenger sit in tandem style instead of side-by-side. This arrangement allows for a very thin 850mm width, which is about the same as a large motorcycle. Because the cockpit is enclosed, the occupants don't need helmets, nor are they open to the elements outside.

Also like a traditional two-wheeler, the i-ROAD tilts through the turns and when driving on uneven surfaces. Toyota says its computer-controlled Active Lean technology automatically balances the vehicle with no input from the driver.

Despite the automaker's expertise in hybrid drivetrains, the i-ROAD is a pure electric vehicle, and Toyota says it "believes in the feasibility of EVs to serve as a main mode of transport for short urban journeys." There's a two-kilowatt motor in each front wheel, meaning the i-ROAD offers up just over five horsepower, which isn't a lot but should be enough to get moving up to city traffic speeds (no performance specs are available).

 

Toyota Corolla through the years

Toyota has been producing the Corolla since 1966. Here's a look back at some of the trusty Japanese compact in its various incarnations.

1966-1969

1970-1974

1974-1977

1978-1980

1981

1983

1984

1985

1986

This is just some of the many Corolla models that were available. 

Do you remember them?

Most of these photo's were provided by Handout, Toyota.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Camry car of the year in Korea

The 2013 Toyota Camry is officially the car of the year in Korea. The country's motoring press graced the Japanese sedan with the honor for the first time, officially marking a shift in prevailing Korean attitudes toward Japan and its products. According to industry analysts, buyers in the country are no longer simply choosing their purchases based on whether or not they're made in South Korea, but rather based on quality and personal choice. That's a big jump from a few years ago, when buyers viewed their purchases through a patriotic lens.

 The Camry managed to edge out a total of 44 other cars, including hardware from both Hyundai and Kia, to become the first foreign vehicle to take home the Korea Automobile Journalist Association's Car of the Year award. As The Detroit News points out, just 10 years ago, domestic manufacturers held some 99 per cent of the Korean car market. But a change in trade regulations has opened up the country considerably, and buyers now have access to a wide range of products from around the globe. As a result, Hyundai and Kia have countered by cutting prices in an attempt to keep their grip on the market.

Article by Zach Bowman
Posted Feb 26th 2013 in Autoblog Canada

Canadian Black Book Best Retained Value Awards

Toyota Canada Wins More 2013 Canadian Black Book Best Retained Value Awards Than Any Other Auto Manufacturer

 For this year’s awards, Canadian Black Book analyzed 2009 model year cars and trucks and determined the vehicles that retained the highest percentage of their original MSRP after four years.

Among the winners, Prius finished on top in the compact car segment, marking the first time a Prius has won a CBB Retained Value Award. Also, the Lexus GS series came first in the luxury category; while the Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and Sienna led the way among trucks and vans; and the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Sequoia and Lexus LX 570 each took top spot in their respective SUV categories. 

Also, five models from Toyota and Lexus have captured 2013 Canadian Residual Value Awards from ALG. These awards recognize 2013 vehicles that are forecast to retain the highest percentage of MSRP over the next three years. Winners include the Toyota Avalon, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra, and the Lexus GS 350.
 
In addition, Toyota has earned the Vincentric Best Value in Canada Award for Passenger Cars for the 2012 model year. Vincentric also named Toyota the Best Hybrid Brand in Canada. Plus, Toyota won 11 Best Value in Canada Awards for individual vehicles. The Prius, Prius c, Prius v, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Avalon, Venza, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna and Tacoma all came in first place in their segments. For these awards, Vincentric assessed long-term value by measuring cost of ownership.
 
“We’re extremely proud of all of these prestigious accolades that demonstrate the lasting value of our products,” said Larry Hutchinson, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. “Most importantly it’s what these awards really mean for our customers. When someone buys one of our products, they can rest assured they will get many years of value from their investment.”

2013 RAV4 is here!

We are delighted to report that the new 2013 Toyota RAV4 has arrived at Peace Arch Toyota.

07FEB2013.  The first 2013 RAV4 models arrive at Peace Arch Toyota.

Peace Arch Toyota's first glimpse of the 2013 RAV4.

Sports car fans, rejoice

BMW and Toyota Deepen Collaboration, will Co-Develop a Mid-Size Sports Car

 BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) are pursuing their successful strategic long-term cooperation in the field of sustainable mobility today by signing binding agreements aimed at long-term collaboration between the two companies for the joint development of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a sports vehicle, and joint research and development of lightweight technologies. These agreements follow a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2012.

Furthermore, BMW Group and TMC also today signed a binding agreement to commence collaborative research on lithium-air batteries, a post-lithium-battery solution. This agreement marks the second phase of collaborative research into next-generation lithium-ion battery cells that commenced in March 2012.

The main points of the agreements are:

1. Fuel cell system

• The companies are convinced that fuel cell technology is one of the solutions necessary to achieve zero emissions. BMW Group and TMC are to share their technologies and to jointly develop a fundamental fuel-cell vehicle system, including not only a fuel cell stack and system, but also a hydrogen tank, motor and battery, aiming for completion in 2020.
• The companies are to collaborate in jointly assessing hydrogen infrastructure development and in creating codes and standards necessary for the popularization of fuel cell vehicles.
• 
  

2. Sports vehicle

• The companies agreed to set-up a feasibility study to define a joint platform concept for a mid-size sports vehicle that is to be completed by the end of 2013.  The two companies aim to combine each other’s technology and knowledge at a high level to maximize customer satisfaction.  Both companies are to share the vision to further collaborate in the field of sports vehicle development.

3. Lightweight technology

• The companies are to jointly develop lightweight technologies for vehicle bodies using cutting-edge materials such as reinforced composites, with an eye to utilize these technologies in cooperation on the development of a jointly developed sports-vehicle platform as well as other BMW and TMC vehicles.

4. Post-lithium-battery technology

• The companies are to begin joint research with a goal to develop a lithium-air battery with energy density greatly exceeding that of current lithium-ion batteries.

Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG said: “TMC and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of future sustainable mobility. In light of the technological changes ahead, the entire automotive industry faces tremendous challenges, which we also regard as an opportunity. This collaboration is an important building block in keeping both companies on a successful course in the future.”

Akio Toyoda, President of TMC said: “It is just over a year since we signed our collaborative MoU, and with each day as our relationship strengthens, we feel acutely that we are making steadfast progress. Now, we are entering the phase that promises the fruit. While placing importance on what we learn from the joint development, we will work hard together in reaching our common goal of making ever-better cars.”

BMW Group and TMC first agreed to form a medium-to-long-term collaborative relationship for developing next-generation environment-friendly vehicles and technologies in December 2011, at which time the two companies also signed a contract under which BMW Group is to supply highly efficient diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe.  BMW Group and TMC―as long-term strategic partners―have since continued their joint efforts to realize sustainable mobility for the future.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4: The next generation compact SUV is Inspired and Playful

The all-new, Canadian-built RAV4 delivers fun, comfort, style, versatility and performance, at a new, lower starting MSRP.
 
(TORONTO, ON – January 17, 2013) Canadian drivers love the Toyota RAV4’s winning combination of fun-to-drive spirit, versatility and efficiency. Now they can get more of what they love as the RAV4 is poised to reinvent the category it helped create, with inspired styling and performance designed to help Canadians enjoy more time at play. The next-generation RAV4 features a new transmission, available dynamic torque control, and other upgrades to improve performance and handling, more cargo capacity, a premium interior, and more.
 
“With the new RAV4, Toyota is moving from being a driver’s logical choice, to being the inspired choice – combining Toyota’s traditional core strength in building vehicles that are dependable, long-lasting and hard-working with a new emphasis on design and performance that delights the senses,” noted Larry Hutchinson, Managing Director at Toyota Canada. “With the new RAV4 – the next generation of our most popular SUV – we are ready to win the hearts and minds of even more Canadians in 2013, and give drivers even more reasons to love their Toyota.”
 
The 2013 RAV4 is generously equipped for fun, comfort, style, versatility and performance.