Toyota

Here is the ad: Prius Ad about Fresno HERE This is from the Fresno Bee http://www.fresnobee.com/263/story/188063.html Toyota isn't getting a lot of mileage out of a new ad campaign for its fuel-efficient Prius -- at least not in Fresno. The commercial, which implies that you would only stop here if you were low on gas, is sparking rebukes from Central Valley residents, city officials and even U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. And now Toyota is issuing a recall for the TV spot, which the company admits was ill conceived. "I did not like it one bit," said Fresno Mayor Alan Autry, who complained to Feinstein's office, prompting a "scathing" missive from the senator to Toyo…

I went to a Houston Rockets game last night and they had a 2007 Tundra all under wraps set to be unveiled at halftime. Kinda bugged me how much they were promoting it as a "Truck built in Texas, by Texans, for Texans.". It looked smaller in real life than it does in the pic, and the slight angle on the rear pillars make the extended cab look really short. On another note, I read in Motor Trend that Toyota delayed the Tundra when it heard that the Silverado was debuting with two interiors. They felt they needed to make their interior more upscale with nicer materials. lol.

http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.com/2005...0.html#comments Rumors has it the new car will be shown at the Chicago auto show.

SO, I got blessed with a RAV4 for a couple days on a work trip. I was in no mood to try and negotiate what I really wanted this trip with all sorts of folks queued up at the rental joint, so I just let fate cast its ugly hand. OMG, the irony. Me forced into a hoyotha. And a p*$$y ute nonetheless. Well, let's just say I ain't buyin one by any stretch. And believe or not, this was one of the only Toyota's I've been ok with saying 'class leader' and 'I am fine with it'. Just remember folks, try before you buy........ (more to come)

Asian Marques forum was disgustingly all-Toyota-all-the-time. Made it a bore and snore to read about nothing but Camrys, Prii, and Tundras everytime I came in. This is a welcome relief.

Toyota isn't immune to the falling sales of passenger vehicles as more buyers trend towards trucks and SUVs. In the first ten months of this year, cars are down 11.1 percent. Meanwhile, trucks are up 7.7 percent. This has the Japanese automaker considering dropping some models. "We are taking a hard look at all of the segments that we compete in to make sure we are competing in profitable segments and that products we sell have strategic value," said Jim Lentz, Toyota's North America CEO after the automaker reported an increase in quarterly profits. Unlike Ford which is revamping its lineup to changing consumer tastes, Toyota isn't planning to "abandon passenger…

ttp://e.ccialerts.com/a/hBFacz$AG-rD9AbQXcDAHyjC5Vl/and25 Toyota hybrid exec David Hermance dies in plane crash Mark Rechtin LOS ANGELES -- David Hermance, Toyota's executive engineer for advanced technology vehicles, died Saturday, Nov. 25, when the airplane he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Hermance, 59, was Toyota's top American executive for alternative-fuel vehicles and emissions technologies in North America. He was also an avid pilot who enjoyed aerobatics competition. According to eyewitness and police reports, Hermance's plane was performing a series of loops in airspace over the ocean near San Pedro, Calif., reserved for aerobatic stunt…

Here: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...317/1149/AUTO01 Can you say, "OUCH"?

here

The wording of this press release is beyond stupid..how can a truck 'present' a concert tour or be in a partnership????? Of course, Toyota isn't alone in such stupidity-- Honda and GM among others have done it before.. A lot of marketing nonsense.. ----------------------------------------------------------- Toyota Tundra to Present Two Year Brooks & Dunn Concert Tour: The Long Haul Tour Wednesday May 3, 12:00 pm ET Automaker Continues Commitment to American Heartland with 2006-2008 Presenting Sponsorship of Prolific Country Music Duo NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 3, 2006--Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. and top selling country music superstar…

http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?...YT2006032990762 $$$

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'm not sure, but I think this is just for Australia http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleD...f=2&IsPgd=0

Toyota has had for the rich and powerful their Century car for the Japanese market only for decades. This chauffeur-driven car was a coveted auto that never was allowed to be exported out of Japan. Today, Toyota has announced a new chauffeur-driven Century for the 21st century in meeting the demands of a new age, new generation while maintaining the inheritance of the history of what made Century so special. The Century SUV while being a new shape, combines elegance, comfort and functionality as demanded in this new age of automotive excitement. Toyota streamed the launch making a statement of the following: A bold design with an elegant and gracef…

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/11/28/149512.html

We know that Scion will be heading to the great parking lot into the sky later this year. But we didn't know how Toyota is planning to rename Scion's models when the changeover happens. Autoblog spoke with Scion spokeswoman Nancy Hubbell who said the iA would be renamed 'Yaris iA' and the iM to 'Corolla iM'. We know, not the most imaginative names. But there are reasons for this. Hubbel explained the iA is sold as the Yaris sedan in Canada and Mexico, so "that connection was already there." As for the Corolla iM, it is basically the Corolla wrapped in a hatchback. As we reported last week, the FR-S will become the Toyota 86. One model that won't be making the …

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Lexus Mulls Small Crossover By Global Auto Systems Staff February 17, 2006 New premium compact CUV would be based on Toyota RAV and could be assembled in Canada. TOKYO—Toyota's upscale Lexus brand, as part of an ongoing expansion of its product portfolio, plans to introduce at least one more luxury crossover and is considering the addition of a smaller near-luxury crossover based on the recently redesigned RAV4. The proposed compact Lexus CUV would be positioned as a smaller sibling to the popular RX330 and would be targeted at Acura's Accord-based RDX, which goes into production this summer. Sources familiar with Toyota's plans say the company could bring the…

Lexus Premieres the LX470 Limited Edition November 28, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Lexus today announced pricing for the 2007 LX 470 Limited Edition luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). The LX 470 Limited Edition will be available as a special option package containing unique exterior and interior features that will be priced at $410. The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the 2007 LX 470 will remain unchanged at $67,395. Every LX 470 Limited Edition will receive Black Onyx exterior and color-coded scuff plates. Exterior features will include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish, and chrome door handles, beltline accent and exhaust ti…

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-ft-toyo...dlines-business

Recall: 30K Scion tCs for Side Airbag Problem Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it was recalling about 30,000 Scion tC sports coupes over concerns that the side air bags could inadvertently deploy if the door is slammed forcefully. The recall affects about 20 percent of the tCs produced during the 2005 and 2006 model years, Toyota said. The vehicle is only sold in the United States. The automaker said seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags could deploy if the door on that side of the vehicle is closed forcefully while the ignition is on or within 90 seconds of when the ignition is turned off. Read "Toyota recalls Scion tC sports coupes" @ Yahoo

Mark Donohue called it "the unfair advantage." And those of us who have been around racing for longer than, oh… five minutes, know that racers will sell their soul to find that winning edge. Even if it means breaking the rules. A buddy of mine, who’s been around racecars since the ink on Mario Andretti’s racing license was still wet, once managed to install a 2.5-liter engine in a car that raced in the 2.0-liter class, and then welded a fake extra exhaust on it so rivals would think that’s where the extra speed came from. Later, he got mechanics at an Italian sports car manufacturer to build an engine they thought was the 3.0-liter unit the rules required, but actually d…

The fourth-generation Toyota Prius has made an early debut thanks to spy photographer who caught the vehicle uncovered at a photo shoot. There's a lot of the Mirai hydrogen vehicle in the new Prius' design. Such details include very busy front-end with split opening grille and forked headlights, to a similar side profile and blacked-out C-Pillar. The Prius will be keeping the liftback shape that it has been using since the seconf-generation model. We don't know any details on the next-generation Prius hybrid powertrain, but Green Car Reports says the next Prius will use Toyota's new global modular platform and possibly have all-wheel drive as an option. We'll …

I never want to hear another word about the Aztek ever again http://www.carscoops.com/2014/06/new-toyota-fcv-sedan-shown-in-north.html

TOKYO (AP) — Toyota Motor Corp. will ask Fuji Heavy Industries, maker of Subaru automobiles, to manufacture up to 100,000 vehicles at a plant in Indiana, the Asahi newspaper said Wednesday. Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe and Fuji President Kyoji Takenaka will hold talks Dec. 5 to finalize details on the plan, under which production will begin in 2007, the paper reported. Company representatives were not available for comment due to a national holiday in Japan. Full Story: http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/in...st=newsmichigan

National Post "Toyota: More green and more domestic than you think Stephen Beatty, National Post Published: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 Last week this newspaper published an editorial on the automobile industry and the environment. It began with an enlightening discussion on the industry's record, but then headed in a regrettable direction. It claimed that hybrid autos are a form of "false environmentalism" and asserted that the Hummer H3 is more environmentally friendly than a Toyota Prius. Then it referred to Toyota as a "foreign" company compared to automakers headquartered in the United States. Finally, it took the Conservative government to task for offering ince…

Left Lane News In a rather bizarre instance, a driver reportedly began to experience unintended acceleration from his Toyota Avalon and was able to drive the car to a nearby dealer with the vehicle still displaying wide open throttle, despite having the floormat removed. Dealer techs witnessed the problem and have reportedly offered to repair the vehicle free of charge. According to a report from The Safety Record, on December 29, 2009, the driver of a 2007 Toyota Avalon experienced a bizarre case of sudden and unintended acceleration while driving on the highway, just miles from a local Toyota dealer. The driver managed to switch the vehicle between Neutral and Drive m…

as i approched this brand new red camry... I was thinking... well lets take a look at this i havent seen one up close and in person yet. so lets take a good look at this toyota... as i got closer, i started to question that it was a camry... keeping in mind its red, a color that often makes things look larger then they accually are. as i got closer i started thinking, is this really a camry... it looks more like the size of a corolla, and as i started looking at the front end and the interior space, i start thinking... well i wasnt aware of a redesign on the corolla quite yet... maybe its a yaris... well, its a bit big for a yaris i suppose... its probably a corol…

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

http://www.thestar.com/article/299753 whatdya think, carbiz? does toyo figure on a tough year in the US so will try to make up for it in CA?

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/20/toyota-...ion-with-323-h/ We don't have this here because??? Perfect competitor for the G8.

Link To article

2007 Lexus ES350 Relax, it’s an ES350. by Conor Twomey (2006-04-21) Sometimes I have to remind myself that not everyone sees cars the same way I do. Many people value comfort and refinement above all else and could care less for steering feel and throttle response. Indeed, it's more than just "some people." There are a LOT of you comfort-loving folk out there and Lexus knows you better than any other carmaker. While ze Germans continue to assume that everyone in the market for an entry-level prestige model want a cramped sports sedan, Lexus has successfully peddled five generations of ES models as entry-level luxury cars for buyers who want Lexus' legendary quality,…

I like reading this guy, but he definitely has a problem with the domestics. Unless you really need to save/get a thrill out of saving $30 per month in gas or you need a hatchback (with no folding split rear seat), I don't see why one would choose a Yaris over a Cobalt LS coupe for about the same money. I've never driven either, but I have the sense that the Cobalt is a tad quieter and more comfortable. Plus you get longer roadside assistance with Cobalt. The Toyota dealers will not give the Yaris away like Chevy dealers will the Cobalt since the Yaris is made in Japan and units are likely constrained. I just don't see it from this angle. http://www.thetruthaboutcar…

it is ILLEGAL to have LED HEADLAMPS so toyota is SCREWD up the ASS HAHA LEXUS DEALERS have fun WITHOUT THE LS THE LAW BIT YA! LONG LIVE CADDY DTS DIGITAL THEATER SOUND

Full article at CarAdvice.com.au Well there you have it, out of 6.6 billion people on the planet, 60 thousand of them have anonymously decided that Toyota is the, as PR would say, all-time best-ever company. Just so there is no confusion, that is approximately 0.00091% of the "world's" population.

From Auto Extremist Example # 1: Example # 2: It's simply arrogance and ill will. They know Americans are either too dumb or don't care enough to notice and I think they get a laugh out of doing things like this... THIS is why I hate the asian companies so much. They come here, destroy our industry and subsequently hundreds of years of history and identity (with the help of the minions they've recruited in this country) and thinks it's all a big joke because "they own us" It's all about attitude and it's been going down this way for years, yet apparently everyone is too blind to see it.

http://www.slate.com/id/2144315/?GT1=8295

Yet another... http://www.nyse.com/interface/jsp/NHDetail...isdowjones=true

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

http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/10/news/inter...dex.htm?cnn=yes

LS460 article Bias anyone?

Toyota RAV4 grows up, gets pricier By Paul & Anita Lienert Toyota's baby crossover vehicle, the RAV4, isn't much of a baby anymore -- not since a makeover for model year 2006 transformed this once-compact five-seater into a mid-size seven-seater with optional V-6 engine. The new-generation RAV4 appears to be up to Toyota's usual high standards, with a few surprising exceptions. We drove a well-equipped RAV4 Limited 4x4 with more than $2,700 in options and a bottom line of $27,290. HE: Gee, I kind of miss the old, toylike RAV, even though I outgrew cutesy vehicles like that about 30 years ago. Plus I never did fit in the old one very well. But for singles and youn…

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/rumoure...6-more-details/ i know, i know, its a toyota ...but for that price...gotta say that sounds like some cheap fun

Does anyone know all the sub-brands, retail chains, that Toyota has in Japan?

'07 Lexus IS Gains VDIM-Defeat Button Since it's introduction as an '06 model, the one major downfall of Lexus' second-generation IS has been it's VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system, or more specifically, a means by which to turn it off. As Edmunds stated it, "The biggest downer is the inability to disarm the VDIM system, which mutes the sedan's performance long before the limits of its chassis and tires are reached." For '07 (just one year into the second-gen IS' model run), Lexus has adressed this issue with the addition of a VSC/VDIM-defeat button, along with other minor changes. -------------------- The biggest news is the addition of a VS…

http://www.lexus.com/models/rx_gateway.html

Here's my reaction: I think it looks like a fusion of a Scion XB, Popemobile and a London Taxi. It's just so...goofy. But I guess it's super practical, because it's a just another ugly box on wheels.

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…

Full Article: http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/...173.A13529.html

Anyone else remember these? The pace, the music, the consistency, the slogans all made for much better car commercials back in the 80s than now. "Oh What a Feeling" with the actor jumping in the air and naming the model made you remember the car. Now it's some lame voiceover reminding you they're "Moving Forward." Snooze. Same with Ford, Chevy, etc. BTW, Dan Gurney's effort for the Celica and Supra was terrific. There's only one I could find. http://youtube.com/watch?v=9Z4G8lQuXy4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qLhiDx4w_U&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMqmZZfxtYM...feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0PqBNkaAxw...feature=related …

SAN DIEGO — Just when you thought luxury SUVs couldn't get any bigger, Lexus has increased the length of the redesigned LX 570 by 4 inches and widened it by more than an inch. Evidently, when you buy a luxury SUV that tops $80,000 fully optioned, added size and weight don't matter. It helps that the LX 570, despite the 405 pounds of added bulk and 115 more horsepower under the hood, gets the same claimed fuel economy as the LX 470 it replaces: 12 mpg in city driving and 18 mpg on the highway. The SUV goes on sale this month. The basics: It's big — 196.5 inches long — though still 6 inches shorter than a Cadillac Escalade. The LX 570 shares many of its underpinning…

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.

Toyota Faces Major Class Action Lawsuit In Coming Months Cost Could Cause Major Damage to North American Operations Link to Original Article @ Autoblog

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…

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…

NHTSA Investigates Toyota Sienna and Two SUVs Toyota Motor Corp.'s 2004 and 2005 Sienna minivans with power rear liftgates are being investigated by U.S. safety regulators after reports of 14 injuries when the liftgates unexpectedly closed. The inquiry covers 142,418 of the minivans, Rae Tyson, a spokesman for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said Wednesday. The probe began Dec. 1. Gas in high-pressure struts that open and close the liftgates may leak because of a faulty seal, the Washington-based agency said on its Web site. [...] Toyota also said Wednesday it will ask owners of 159,100 2001-02 RAV4 small SUVs and 60,700 2001-03 four-cylinder Highlan…