Toyota

Lexus LS 600h L Launch Edition Debuts with Neiman Marcus January 4, 2007 – Torrance, CA - In celebration of Neiman Marcus' 100th anniversary in October, Lexus is making available 100 specially equipped LS 600h L Launch Edition models to be offered through the retailer to its InCircle® members—customers belonging to the luxury retailer's customer recognition program. The InCircle program has a long history of established partnerships with select companies dedicated to excellence. To that end, Neiman Marcus this year offers this exclusively designed vehicle from Lexus directly to its InCircle members. Offered to Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman customers, the InCi…

David Barkholz and Lindsay Chappell Automotive News March 17, 2008 - 4:31 pm ET UPDATED: 3/17/08 5:38 p.m. EDT DETROIT -- A union vote is set for Thursday, March 20, at Toyota's assembly plant in Canada. The Canada branch of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union is trying to organize about 3,100 workers at the plant in Cambridge, Ontario. The plant is about an hour west of Toronto. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. is disputing a union's bid to organize the assembly plant. The union is optimistic about the vote in light of a reduction in new-hire wages and other benefit cuts over the past several months, said Ian Morland,…

So we went to the annual Topsfield Fair in MA today, which is sponsored by Toyota. I saw a Yaris and an FJ Cruiser, but what really cought my eye was a Tundra prototype. I have to admit, in person it looks much better and less ungainly than in any of the photis. I still think the headlights seem a bit small for the truck, but oh well. So I start asking the Toyota Representative about the truck. I ask if he knows how much HP the 5.7 liter V8 has. He says they haven't released official numbers yet, but in a comarison test with the Silverado, F-150, an Ram 1500 Laramie with a "5.6 liter Hemi" it beat them "by like 8 cars spaces" to 60 mph. I had to point out that the Hemi w…

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070317/AUTO01/703170369/1148 "And, in Atlanta, a major Chevrolet dealer is airing a radio ad stating, "Toyota contributes more to our staggering national trade deficit than any manufacturer." I'm the last person to import bash, but if this is true, then from pure PR standpoint, this is gold for GM and Ford.

Highway Bribery Toyota Joins The Discount Fray Tom Van Riper, 10.03.08, 3:32 PM ET Forbes.com Link to article You know the outlook is bleak for the auto industry when Toyota jumps into the inventory clearance game that Detroit has monopolized for the past couple of years. Just a short time ago, industry powerhouse Toyota was gobbling up market share by charging close to full price while truck-heavy General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford were stuck bribing buyers with heavy discounts. Industry analysts harped on the reputations of Toyota and, to a lesser degree, its Japanese counterparts Honda and Nissan, for reliability and fuel efficiency. Consumers didn't need big i…

Found this while searching the web: I haven't seen it yet, so correct me if it's already debuted or something. It's a Lexus hybrid concept that I assume is debuting at Tokyo. I don't have any info on it other than that though. Isn't the Lexus there supposed to hint at the next LS? If so, this should be pretty accurate I think. I'm not sure I like it because it looks just like a big IS, and I don't think the LS should look like an IS on steroids. I'd rather it looked like a big GS than a big IS. EDIT: here's a little blurb from a press release. Tokyo, October 12, 2005 — Lexus announced today that it plans to display its "Flagship Sedan Concept Car" and t…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 10, 2012 The Scion FR-S marks a return for Toyota of building a sporty RWD coupe, and it might not be the only one. Top Gear Philippines had the chance to sit down with Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer for the FR-S and other members (Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ). Tada revealed that the FR-S was the first of three new sports cars being worked on by Toyota. "The first is more mass-market and cheaper than the 86. And the third is more upmarket than the 86," Tada said. When asked if the third vehicle is the successor the Supra, Tada said it could possibly be but that nothing is sure at the moment. Source: Top Gear Phi…

Toyota recalls double Company blames tougher reporting standards. By Ken Thomas ASSOCIATED PRESS Friday, December 02, 2005 Toyota Motor Corp., which is close to overtaking General Motors Corp. as the world's largest automaker, saw its number of recalled vehicles in the United States double so far in 2005, according to government records. Toyota's increase came as the number of autos ordered to be returned to dealerships for repairs fell considerably this year. Recalls dropped to about 16.6 million through mid-November, compared with a record 30.8 million in 2004. MOST POPULAR STORIES Notebook: Texas will wear road uniforms in Big 12 championship game 2 die …

finally someone willing to tear the interior to accomodate the rollcage. midway thru 4th till he bothers opening it up. 201mph current record 211mph Hennessey Viper. move over Viper http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV2IgzCgGfE...h=supra%20Viper

Toyota: 9.8M Sales in 2008 Toyota set a goal of selling 9.8 million vehicles worldwide in 2008, a 20 percent jump from last year, as it hones in on ailing General Motors' crown as the world's top automaker. The fast-growing Japanese automaker also raised its profit forecast for the quarter to September, saying it was cashing in on robust sales overseas and a weaker yen. Read "With eye on GM, Toyota plans 20 percent sales boost" @ Yahoo

Toyota spies guilty APRIL 24, 2007 | Link to Original Article @ GrandPrix.com The long-running case against former Ferrari engineers Mauro Iacconi and Angelo Santini, who were accused of stealing Ferrari secrets and giving them to Toyota, has concluded at the Tribunale di Modena with Santini condemned to nine months in prison for industrial espionage and Iacconi facing 16 months in jail for receiving the information from Santini and passing it on to Toyota. Both sentences were suspended but both men say they will appeal the decision. The case relates back nearly five years to the start of the 2003 season, when there were suggestions that Toyota was running a copy of t…

Yeah, I went there. Related Threads: Toyota knew of sticky-throttle problem late last year Toyota's President Worried About Company Reputation on Quality U.S.: Toyota was legally required to stop selling models Toyota issues new voluntary recall for sticking accelerator pedals, 2.3 million vehicles affected Report: Toyota continuing to sell recalled vehicles without a fix Can Toyota avoid the Oldsmobile trap? Toyota's recall may spread to Europe Report: Toyota claims it's not fitting throttle overrides because of sudden acceleration scandal Toyota faces major repair work on its ailing image Toyota Avalon displays unintended acceleration without floor mat To…

Yesterday I was on my way back from a delivery when I new Tundra passed by on the main road I was turning onto. It was loaded with 2 queen mattresses tied to the top of the bed with some stuff under it in the bed itself and the tailgate down. I was thinking to myself "Huh, someone's actually using it for it's purpose. But a second later I noticed that the tailgate seemed warped. Curious, I turned onto the road and followed it a little ways instead of going down left side of the fork in the road I went right (the way it was going). I thought may be it was an illusion, since the outer sheetmetal is rounded...but looking at it I saw that inside part with the bedliner did i…

The Truth About Cars » Editorials » Industry » Safety Why Toyota Must Replace Flawed CTS Gas Pedal With Superior Denso Pedal By Paul Niedermeyer on February 1, 2010 Toyota uses two different electronic gas pedal designs in its cars. The version built by CTS (lower) is the subject of a massive recall, and the 2.3 million units in affected Toyota cars are to be “fixed” by the insertion of a steel shim. This CTS design is also being modified for new Toyota production, currently suspended. To our knowledge, Toyotas built with the other design (by Denso, upper) are not subject to any recalls or NHTSA investigations,. We have spent the last two days tearing down both unit…

You know I have to say I rather like the new Toyota Yaris, particularly the sedan in "S" trim. It's cute, like a baby Camry. It's only got one flaw. Why oh why did Toyota yet again stick the guage pods in the center of the flippin' dashboard?! I mean seriously, it's such a stupid place to put them, you have to look down and away from the road to check them. Everyone gripes about them, I'm sure Saturn won't do it again with the next Ion. It just baffles me why Toyota is so dumb. Oh well.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060523/china_toyota_camry.html?.v=3 AP Toyota Rolls Out First Made-In-China Camry Tuesday May 23, 5:12 am ET By Elaine Kurtenbach, AP Business Writer Toyota Rolls Out First Made-In-China Camry in Bid to Catch Up With Rivals NANSHA, China (AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday rolled out its first made-in-China Camry from a new factory that the Japanese automaker hopes will help it to catch up with rivals in the world's fastest-growing car market. ADVERTISEMENT Hundreds of Japanese and Chinese dignitaries were on hand for an elaborate ceremony as the Camry, the best-selling car in the United States and a top import in China, rolled off a …

CR picked the Tundra over the Silverado, though they still rated the Avalanche significantly higher than either of them. That, however, is not what I thought was BS. Under reliability, the Avalanche and Silverado are rated as "new" (and therefore do not have a real rating) but the newer-than either of the Chevys Tundra gets a "very good." I guess since it says Toyota on it it gets a free pass. And people say CR has no bias...

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108126

Another N.A. plant for Toyota? Count on it Mark Rechtin | | Automotive News / April 3, 2006 - 6:00 am LOS ANGELES -- Expect still another Toyota assembly plant in North America. Toyota Motor Corp.'s North American planning group is evaluating the company's North American sales plan for 2010 and beyond. The group's early conclusion: More manufacturing capacity will be needed beyond the five assembly plants operating and two under construction. "We have been consistent, conservative and steady. But it does make sense" to add capacity beyond what the company has already announced, says Steve Sturm, vice president of North America planning for Toyota Motor Sales U.…

full article here Scion is bringing out a new "tuner model" for the tc. It will cost $1400 less than the normal model. It will feature steel wheels, the sunroof won't open, exterior colors will be limited to 4, cheap steering wheel and interior, etc. It is supposed to appeal to kids who seriously want to coustomize them. Obviously it will also appeal to cheap skates like me. Scion doesn't want that to happen. Perhaps I should buy one, get some plaid bermuda shorts, black support socks, and sandals. At 60 years old, 300 pounds and no hair, I will single handidly kill their coolness.

By Dave Lewandowski indycar.com HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Johnny Rutherford eased into the driver’s seat of the Honda Accord Hybrid that will serve as Official Pace Car for the 2006 IndyCar Series season for a get-acquainted time. The three-time Indianapolis 500 champion is, among other duties for the Indy Racing League, the Pace Car driver for IndyCar Series races. He was impressed with the dash layout and creature comforts. After a few laps on the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway oval, he also was impressed with the car’s capability. “It’s quick, responsive and handles well,” said the man who knows a few things about cars. “I think it’s going to do well.” Modifications to…

Japan Certifies Toyota Plug-in Hybrid for Public-road Tests Link to Original Article @ The Auto Channel Tokyo July 25, 2007; TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that it has developed a plug-in hybrid vehicle and become the first manufacturer to have such a vehicle certified for use on public roads in Japan. The TOYOTA Plug-in HV — certified for public road-use by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport — uses, like earlier TMC-developed hybrid vehicles, both a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and an electric motor. But increased battery capacity gives it a longer electric-motor-only cruising range and a battery-charging device all…

The other night, I was in Dubois and stopped at Stoltz Toyota/Scion. They had a row of 4 or 5 new Highlanders on the lot. I figured I'd check them out and take some pictures. To my luck, they left one of them unlocked. I was able to fully check everything out besides actually driving it. Thus, I give you my attempt at a half-assed review. Exterior First, I must say it wasn't as bad in person as it originally looked in pictures. While completely lacking in personality, it doesn't induce vomiting, require blindness, or inspire death wishes as select other Toyotas may. It's different enough to be ever so slightly unique, yet bland enough to keep it from straying…

James B. Treece Automotive News August 15, 2008 - 11:24 am ET UPDATED: 8/15/08 1:08 p.m. EDT TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Toyota Motor Corp. is "real confident that by 2020 we'll have hybrid models in each of our product lines," said Justin Ward, advanced powertrain program manager at the Toyota Technical Center. Toyota estimates its sales of more than 1 million hybrid vehicles have saved about 7 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, Ward told the Management Briefing Seminars here today. "You can have a positive impact today through hybrids," he said. Ward reviewed Toyota's progress on alternative powertrains and the challenges that remain. Toyota's l…

Toyota Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition February 20, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2007 Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition. The limited edition Camry Hybrid celebrates Toyota's 50 years of business in the United States. This specially badged Camry Hybrid comes with features exclusive only to the 50th Anniversary Edition. Its stunning Blizzard Pearl paint, unique 16-inch alloy wheels with a graphite finish, and exterior "50th Anniversary Edition" badging are just some of the 50th Anniversary exclusives not available on any other Camry. A power moonroof and heated…

The Daily Auto Insider Monday, February 6, 2006 February 2006 Toyota announced a "voluntary special service campaign" that involves approximately 3,900 early 2004 model year Lexus RX330 vehicles in the U.S. In these vehicles, there is a possibility that the anchor bolt for the rear, left-side passenger seatbelt buckle (directly behind the driver's seat) does not have sufficient strength. Lexus has received one report of this condition. Lexus said in a news release that it will mail owners of the involved vehicles a special service campaign notification via first class mail beginning in late January or early February, 2006. Lexus dealers will replace the anchor bol…

Toyota Plans to Double Number of Hybrid Models Toyota is set to release twice the hybrids we have from them now by the early 2010's and reap more than four times the sales as a result. This translates to plans of one million hybrid sales by that time. Toyota is also focusing on alternative-fuel vehicles including releasing ethanol-powered vehicles in Brazil next spring. Read "Toyota to double hybrid models" @ Yahoo

2007 Camry Hybrid U.S. Production Begins October 12, 2006 – Georgetown, KY - Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) celebrated the production launch of the Camry Hybrid today – Toyota's first hybrid vehicle produced in North America. The addition of hybrid production represents a $10 million investment at TMMK, which will build approximately 48,000 Camry Hybrid vehicles per year. TMMK was established in 1986 and is Toyota's largest plant in North America. It employs approximately 7,000 team members and currently builds the Camry, Avalon and Solara. The plant has the capacity to build 500,000 vehicles annually. Since its inception, TMMK has built about 6.7…

Canadian Driver the car is in flybrian's favorite color! and the radio........

Scion Contemplates New Segments Scion will step up its efforts to attract young customers, with products in additional segments and a streamlined purchasing process, reports Scion Corporate Manager Steve Haag. Haag refused to name which segments Scion is considering, but he acknowledged the company's intentions to expand its product range. "It is the only thing that makes sense," he said. "Youth want lots of different products." But considering young buyers' price sensitivity, segments such as high-performance sports cars are off-limits, Haag added. Scion is also examining Toyota's line of Daihatsu-developed home-market microcars for possible importation to the U.S. "D…

I recently read in the USA Today that Toyota has invested in a $1B plant in Mexico. Now the production is going to increase quite a bit. I would like to know what others think about this investment. I also want to know your opinion about what it means for America.....

What happens when you unleash a pack of automotive journalists on the newest hybrid on the block--and challenge them to beat the chief engineer's best fuel economy? If you plan it right--set a low bogey--you'll let journalists write the best story on the 2010 Toyota Prius from behind the wheel. The fuel economy story. That's exactly what Toyota did at the Napa unveiling of the new Prius, where car writers far and wide topped the engineer's 62.9 mpg by as much as 12 mpg. On a total loop of 33.2 miles, I logged in at 69.5 miles per gallon, without even really trying--just coasting to stops, accelerating very gradually and using the Prius' EV mode to coast into our host …

Autoweek wow, first huge incentives on the old tundra and now blowing money on this.

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 4, 2013 Here at the rumorpile, we've been reporting on a couple derivatives for the Scion FR-S for the past year or so. The first is a convertible FR-S which we got a preview of at this year's Geneva Motor Show and the other is a turbocharged version. But a new report says both models have been canceled. Automotive News reports that the two FR-S models have been canned due to return of the investment not being viable for those models. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him…

http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/ap/2006/0.../ap2431845.html

In other news in Europe, Toyota's partner Peugeot will likely allow Toyota to use some of its platform such as the very Epsilon-like platform used by the 407 and the very Chi-like platform currently used by the 607. What does this mean? That the the next gen Yaris and Corolla will get handling and suspension help from the French. More interesting is the fact that these euro-platforms will lead to Toyota finally having a Camry and an Avalon that have good handling. The 2012 Camry,ES, & Rav4 will likely be on the 407-platform. The next Avalon, Highlander, Sienna, and possilbly the next Tacoma will likely be on the 607-platfrom. This will mean several things. GM must …

LX 470 losing star power By Paul & Anita Lienert To test the redesigned 2006 Lexus LX 470, we headed out to Los Angeles with another couple for a sightseeing vacation. What better way to put the Japanese luxury sport-utility vehicle -- the expensive sibling of the Toyota Land Cruiser -- through its paces than to load it up with four adults and a week's worth of luggage? The LX 470's chronic weak point, an underpowered engine, has been addressed on the '06 model. Its 4.7-liter V-8 engine now makes an extra 40 horsepower compared with last year. But despite the improvements, the Lexus still felt a bit old and due for a major overhaul. We drove an amply equipped, e…

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the nationwide launch in Japan of the completely redesigned Premio through "Toyopet" dealers, and completely redesigned Allion through "Toyota" dealers. The first-generation Premio and Allion, launched in December 2001, were "five number" sedans that appealed to customers with their styling that evoked class-surpassing quality, roomy interior, user-friendliness and outstanding driving performance. The redesigned, second generation models unveiled today were designed to further enhance the appeal of these products, to the extent that they become all that a "five-number" sedan can possibly be. … http://www.toyota.co.…

I warned about this sometime back. With SUV and pickup sales falling like they have there's probably nothing GM could have done within the last year or so to prevent this. Had they done with the Cobalt back in 2004 what they've done with the Malibu (competitive fuel economy, leading styling, continuing big ad campaign) things might be different. Although not the only reason for the loss in sales leadership, the continued investment in fuzzy brands and models at the expense of Chevrolet, no doubt, has not helped. GM must get its branding "house" in order or we may never see Chevy at the top again. http://freep.com/article/20081230/BUSINESS01/812300344/1014

I saw a few cars like that today, and i dont live anywhere near canada, wtf? :blink:

http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../605300366/1148 Does Fujio Cho always have to smile in these carefully choreographed photo ops ? Makes him look like a circus clown. But I guess he has reasons to be happy.

Linkypoo

There is a patent infringement case against Toyota's Hybrids. http://www.autoserviceworld.com/issues/ISA...&issue=01112006

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 8, 2013 Automotive News Europe has learned from a source that Lexus is planning to build a compact luxury hybrid crossover to compete with the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. The crossover will debut as a concept at the Tokyo motor show later this year, with a production model being shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The new crossover will be based on the Toyota RAV4 and use a 2.5L four-cylinder mated to an electric motor. When the model goes on sale, it will be available in Europe and the U.S. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He…

Mark Rechtin Automotive News October 3, 2008 - 1:52 pm ET PARIS -- Despite its recent 0 percent financing deals, Toyota is not going to engage Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge in their full-sized pickup sales war, said Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. "I don't want to get stuck in the middle of Ford and Chevy battling for the No. 1 truck this year, and Dodge launching the Ram," Lentz said in an interview here. Chevrolet sold 50,428 Silverados last month,off just 3.9 percent in a plummeting segment that saw Tundra fall 60.7 percent, the Ford F-150 drop 41.6 percent, and Dodge Ram off 30.9 percent. Toyota had hoped to sell about 20,000 Tundras a…

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/29/...in5273636.shtml

Leftlane News

Over the course of this year, Toyota has unveiled three different crossover concepts; the FT-4X, TJ Cruiser, and the FT-AC. We figured that one of these concepts could make it into production and this was confirmed by a Toyota executive. "It's like the 90s again, we can have more than one vehicle in each segment if they are different enough," Toyota Motor North America General Manager Jack Hollis told Motor Authority. While the three concepts differ greatly in terms of design, Hollis explained this was done to "test the waters in the market and get feedback from consumers." No matter which design is chosen, there are certain details that have been confirmed. Hol…

From Autodeadline.com... "The xA speedster is the latest and greatest creation from Scion and Five Axis." Is that a projection screen under the hood?

Finally a realalistic article on Toyota, read on boys. This from autop news. Edward Lapham is the executive editor of Automotive News. He writes commentaries for Automotive News online every business day. His commentaries also can be found here. EDWARD LAPHAM COMMENTARY 7/11/2006 Toyota shows that invincible companies are human, too Edward Lapham | | Automotive News / July 11, 2006 - 4:14 pm It always happens. Just when you have the universe figured out, up pops some nagging evidence that Toyota isn't invincible. You can discount the New York sex-abuse scandal because it didn't really have anything to do with building or selling cars. You can forgive the …

I dont think this is here but please remove if it is. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi...hi-business-hed I didnt put this here to bash or criticize. Without stability control you can not even be considered as a top pick--guess who does not have stability control yet. These results are based on that, among other criteria. But mainly this stuck out to me for this reason sound like it could be familiar?Theres a certain type of arrogance there, like with the child safety latches not too long ago. Here theyre being told somethings no good and yet they say it works just fine so why should we have to change. Let it be tested again but the IIHS isnt going …

Full article: http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?A.../708280352/1148

Toyota is recalling 482,000 Prius and Lexus CT 200h models for an issue with the side curtain airbags. According to Toyota, the hybrids use air bag inflators composed of two chambers welded together. Some vehicles may have a crack where the weld is. Over time, the crack can grow and cause the pieces to separate. "If an inflator separates, the CSA could partially inflate, and, in limited circumstances, one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle," the company said in a statement. The models involved include, 2010 - 2012 Lexus CT 200h 2010 - 2012 Toyota Prius 2010 - 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In The fix involves dealers installin…

Live in your next Toyota The giant car maker uses its traditional assembly-line production to construct prefab housing. The homes feature smart keys, noise reduction -- even scratch-resistant walls. By The Associated Press Cubicles that are bits of homes, tucked with stairways, built-in closets and pink bathtubs, roll off the assembly line at a bustling Toyota plant in central Japan -- not the usual rows of shiny cars. Kasugai Housing Works, a plant for prefabricated housing run by Toyota Motor Corp., prides itself on the same production methods that gave the Japanese auto maker a reputation for quality and efficiency around the world. The plant was shown to reporter…

Court rules employee worked to death Fri Nov 30, 12:18 PM ET TOKYO (Reuters) - A Toyota Motor Corp employee died of overwork after logging more than 106 hours of overtime in a month, a judge ruled Friday, reversing a ministry's earlier decision not to pay compensation to his widow. The Toyota Labor Standards Inspection office, a local branch of Japan's labor ministry, refused to pay the widow the usual compensation for a spouse's work-related death, saying the man had only logged 45 hours of overtime in the month before he died, Japanese media reported. But the court ruled that the employee had worked far more than that, said Yomiuri Online, a Japanese news website. …

Consultant: Toyota will spurn Michigan UAW dissidents' Delphi protest killed chances for a plant, Cole says By LINDSAY CHAPPELL | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AutoWeek | Published 02/06/06, 1:29 pm et Toyota Motor Corp. says it still is considering locations in union-heavy Michigan to build a transmission and engine plant. But one of Michigan's biggest boosters, industry consultant David Cole, says he believes Toyota no longer is serious about the state. Cole says he thinks recent activism by dissident UAW members has effectively killed the deal for Michigan. "I believe we had a great shot at bringing a Toyota plant here," Cole said from his office at the Center for Autom…

TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. is working on a hybrid version of its next-generation Tundra pickup. "We are doing the necessary technical development so that a large pickup with a hybrid will be developed," said Masatami Takimoto, Toyota Motor executive vice president for advanced technology. But several key details still need to be worked out, says Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. Toyota is conducting an engineering feasibility study to determine whether a Tundra hybrid can meet customer requirements, Press said. Toyota will redesign the Tundra in early 2007. Hybrids use gasoline engines and electric engines to power the wheel…

Original ArticleAs much as I hate being one of those people who jumps on anything anti-Toyota, this article did make me smile a bit. I didn't know they were winless in F1. Then again I don't follow the F1 races at all. Still, it shows money can't win ya everything :AH-HA_wink:

here

Toyota's Environmental Image Challenged Never mind that the Toyota Prius is popular with environmentally conscious motorists -- some environmentalists still wonder if Toyota is living up to its image as a green automaker. Environmental groups, led by the Natural Resources Defense Council, are challenging Toyota Motor Corp.'s opposition to strict fuel economy standards pending in Congress, a position the Japanese company shares with General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC. During the past two weeks, about 8,300 NRDC activists sent e-mails and faxes to Toyota urging the company to support a Senate energy bill that would set a 35-mile-per-gallon requirem…

suntimes my favorite line.... "With the Camry, Toyota may have perfected the family car,'' Toyota says. Let's hope not. Cars such as the new Ford Fusion cost less, are just as practical and are far more fun to drive.

anyone got all the numbers in front of them of how many vehicles these last two weeks have been reported for recall, defects, or baby killing design features? Inernal expose's of it being a horsecrap place to work? a good million recalled vehicles at least?

Toyota and Subaru have been quiet on whether or not there would be a second-generation to the 86/BRZ coupe. But Toyota has broken the silence, telling Autocar there would be a second-generation model. “The GT86 will carry on. The car serves a big purpose. We are not getting out of that business. Sporty cars go through their phases. It’s our intention to continue with that car,” said Toyota Europe boss Karl Schlicht. Like the current model, it is expected that Toyota and Subaru will once again team up on developing the next-generation model. Schlicht did admit that there is no firm confirmation of Subaru coming back to this partnership. “Will it be with Sub…

To meet the growing demand for pickups in the U.S., Toyota will be boosting production of the Tacoma and Tundra in 2016. Bill Fay, head of Toyota's U.S. division says a third shift has been added to their Baja California, Mexico plant (Tacoma) and an additional 250 workers, plus a more flexible work schedule to its San Antonio, Texas plant (Tacoma and Tundra). The new workers and extra production will be in place in San Antonio by the middle of next year, said Fay. At the moment, Toyota's dealers are sitting on a 20-day supply of the Tundra, while the Tacoma is at a 10-day supply. "If you were to ask any of our U.S. dealers what they want, I'd say every on…