Bold Looks, Spirited Performance :: The 2014 Toyota RAV4

 Innovative features and impressive cargo capacity make the Canadian-built compact SUV a favourite with Canadian drivers

 
(TORONTO, ON – January 24, 2014) Playtime never looked so good, with the bold styling, fun-to-drive performance, lots of storage space and an incredible list of features found in the 2014 Toyota RAV4.
 
“Last year, we completely reinvented the RAV4 – and this year we’ve made enhancements to popular models, making Canada’s popular compact SUV make even more sense for Canadians and their busy lifestyles,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President at Toyota Canada Inc. “Built in Woodstock, Ontario, the 2014 RAV4 is impressive by any measure – whether it’s driving dynamics, comfort for driver and passengers, or fuel efficiency.”
 
The 2014 RAV4 is offered in five models – two front-wheel-drive and three all-wheel-drive. Regardless of drive train, every model is engineered for fun, comfort, style, versatility and performance.
 
All 2014 RAV4 models feature a 176 HP 2.5L 4-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode and three driver selectable drive modes – Sport, ECO and normal – to match the RAV4’s performance and efficiency to one’s driving style or desire.
The boldly sculpted body is more than visually distinct: The styling contributes to RAV4’ssignificant cargo capacity, plus an abundance of legroom for those sitting in the reclining rear seats. A lift-back rear door and lower loading height make it easier to load and unload up to 1,090 liters worth of groceries, golf bags, garden gear, or other goodies.
 
The 2014 RAV4 also receives top marks for safety, as every model is equipped with eight airbags, anchor points for child protector seats, and more. As with every new Toyota since 2011, the 2014 RAV4 is also standard equipped with the six active safety technologies of the Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Active Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.
 
All 2014 RAV4 models come with comfort, convenience and style features, including: Audio systems equipped with USB inputs and Bluetooth connectivity for portable devices, plus steering wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls; air conditioning with a dust, pollen and deodorizing filter; power door locks with keyless entry; a full range of instrumentation including a fuel economy meter, tachometer, dual trip odometer, eco drive indicator, outside temperature gauge and more; power windows with driver’s side auto down; front windshield acoustic glass; a three-spoke steering wheel on a tilting/telescoping column; cargo and map lamps; plenty of thoughtful in-cabin storage; cruise control; 12-volt accessory power outlet and retained accessory power; reclining rear seats with a 60/40 split fold down configuration, plus fold-down centre armrest; dual power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors with integrated signal lamps; a rear spoiler with integrated LED stop lamp; and more.
 
The 2014 RAV4 is available in five models:

Robot Astronaut Kirobo Takes Part in Conversation Experiment Aboard International Space Station

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 on December 6, 2013, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata and robot astronaut Kirobo held a conversation experiment on board the International Space Station (ISS).

The conversation, the first of its kind between a human and a robot in outer space, represents the latest development in the Kibo Robot Project, a joint research project carried out by Dentsu, RCAST, Robo Garage and TMC. JAXA is also providing extensive assistance

Experiment content:
Autonomous conversation using voice recognition technology
Communication with people on Earth

Extract from the conversation experiment (translation)
Wakata: How did you get out here into space, Kirobo? Kirobo: On the Kounotori* from Tanegashima Space Center. Wakata: Right. So you came here on the Kounotori? Kirobo: Not the bird, of course! A rocket. Wakata: It’s incredible that you came here all by yourself. Kirobo: Well, I’m a robot! *Name of the H-II Transfer Vehicle used with the H-IIB Launch Vehicle

Further conversations will be held, and conversation logs and other data will be utilized by the project participants. The key aims of the project are to facilitate the coexistence of humans and robots, and to explore possible future deployment of communication robots in outer space.

Kirobo’s basic specifications
Dimensions: Height: 34 cm, Width: 18 cm, Depth: 15 cm (approx.) Weight: 1 kg (approx.) Language: Japanese Main features: Voice recognition, natural language processing, voice synthesis, telecommunications functions, gestures, facial recognition camera, recording camera

Key project developments to date
Nov 29, 2012 The project is announced; public begins proposing robot names. Jun 26, 2013 Kirobo and ground crew member Mirata are completed and publicly introduced. Aug 4, 2013 Kirobo leaves Japan for the ISS aboard the Kounotori 4 transfer vehicle Aug 10, 2013 Kirobo arrives on the ISS. Aug 21, 2013 Kirobo speaks his first words in outer space:
“On August 21, 2013, a robot took one small step toward a brighter future for all.”

Future project plans
Dec 2014 Kirobo scheduled to return to Earth.

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