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.