Entries Tagged 'toyota' ↓

Mr. Kyoichi Tanada, president of Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd, Mr. Michihiko Sato, chief engineer of Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mr. Wichien Emprasertsuk, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd, jointly introduced the New Vios…“Make It Happen” at the Renaissance Hotel on March 8, 2010.

The Road to Popularity

January 1997

In 1997 Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd wrote a new chapter in Thailand’s automobile industry by introducing the Soluna, the popular small car for Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. The Soluna was developed by Thai and Japanese engineers with a goal of producing a small car that is economical and has high ownership value under the AFC (Affordable Family Car) project. After the Soluna was officially launched, it gained tremendous success within a short time, and sales amounted to 81,000 units.

Five years later, Toyota came back to write history again with the successor of the Soluna – the Soluna Vios. Totally redesigned from the ground up as a sub-compact sports sedan that answers to various customer requirements, the Soluna Vios became one of the most popular models in Thailand with accumulated sales of 180,000 units. It played an important role in helping Toyota maintain the leading position in Thailand’s passenger car and total automobile market, and was also exported to the Asean region.

The Soluna Vios was succeeded by the third generation car – the Vios. Originating in Thailand with the slogan “My Design, My Pride”, the Vios set a new benchmark in the sub-compact market with its modern appearance, excellent fuel economy, nimble handling, cabin comfort, world-class safety and a large number of functions that customers require. This made the Vios the new sub-compact car that is superior to others in the segment.

After the Vios was officially introduced in March 2007, a total of 144,000 units have been sold (March 2007 to February 2010).

The Vios is the highest-selling model in the Thai sub-compact segment and the total market, thus Toyota gave much priority to the development of the New Vios under the concept “Make It Happen”. Among the challenges faced by engineers during the development stage included styling, reaching global quality standards, outstanding performance and driving confidence from modern safety features, shows that the New Vios will be well-accepted and win the hearts of customers in Thailand and overseas.

New Vios

Exterior…a reflection of outstanding qualities and luxury
- New front grille with chrome strip is sporty and luxurious
- New multi-reflector tail lights blend in naturally and are bright and safe
- New chrome strip on boot lid is luxurious in every angle
- New 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/60R15 tires
- Front fog lights help improve visibility during rain or fog
- Sideview mirrors with turn indicator are both luxurious and increase safety

Interior…get carried away with the sports luxury cabin that combines modern design with convenience
- New metallic center console and door panel blends in perfectly
- Leather gearshift knob and chrome gearshift housing for elegance and luxury
- Leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with audio system control buttons for added convenience and safety
- MID (Multi-Information Display) shows important data such as total distance, fuel economy and average speed
- AUX in for MP3 players

Engine and suspension
- Unparalleled power delivery and fuel economy
 1NZ-FE DOHC 16-valve VVT-i
 Displacement 1,497cc
 Max power 80kW(109ps)/6,000rpm
 Max torque 141Nm/4,200rpm

- Superb handling and ride comfort with the front McPherson strut suspension with stabilizer in front and torsion beam suspension at the rear.

Active Safety
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) brakes prevent the wheels from locking during emergency braking or braking on slippery surfaces
- EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) helps maintain balanced pressure between each wheel in order to achieve best stopping performance
- BA (Brake Assist) maximizes braking pressure during emergency situation to minimize stopping distance

Passive Safety
- GOA safety construction with strong passenger cell helps increase impact absorption
- Energy-absorbing construction with front and side impact beams lowers impact force during crash
- Side impact head protection lowers impact to driver and front passenger during crash
- Front SRS airbags protect driver and front passenger
- WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) on front seats to lower neck injury sustained from rear-end crash
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters keep occupants in place during accident and lower injuries sustained from seatbelts

A total of 7 unique colors to choose from
- Blackish Red Mica…New
- Light Blue Mica Metallic…New
- Super White
- Silver Metallic
- Medium Silver Metallic
- Black Mica
- Beige Metallic

A total of 8 models to choose from
- 1.5G Limited automatic
- 1.5G automatic
- 1.5ES automatic
- 1.5E automatic
- 1.5E manual
- 1.5J automatic
- 1.5J standard automatic
- 1.5J standard manual

Meet the official launch of the New Vios…Make It Happen
At 311 Toyota showrooms countrywide from today
and at the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show
from March 26 to April 6, 2010, at Bitec

Source : Pantip Ratchada

TMC Launches Redesigned ‘Passo’

Vehicle Comes in Two Model Styles: ‘Passo’ and ‘Passo + Hana’

Tokyo-TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the redesigned “Passo” compact hatchback.

The second-generation Passo further refines the highly maneuverable compact body, spacious interior and class leading1 fuel efficiency and environmental performance of the popular first-generation Passo released in June 2004, with the new vehicle embodying input, from the planning stage, from female consumers in Japan. This development has taken the Passo to the next level and demonstrates TMC’s ongoing efforts to design vehicles to meet consumer needs.

The vehicle comes in two distinct model styles: the simple and unpretentious “Passo”, which offers a sense reassurance and familiarity, and the “Passo + Hana”, which imbues an understated glamour for a strong impression. These unique designs, along with 11 available body colors, create variety that enables vehicle selection ideally suited to express individuality. Thanks to efforts made to enhance ease-of-operation, utility and drivability, including the redesign of the front pillars for better visibility and the creation of more storage space within easy reach of the driver, the vehicle is more appealing than ever-especially with its highly affordable price, which starts at 1 million yen.

The new Passo, like its predecessor, was developed in conjunction with Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Monthly sales target for Japan: 6,500 units

Assembly Plant: Ikeda Plant, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Vehicle Outline

Wide Range of Variations to Suit User Personality

Model style: Passo

* Large lower grille and round halogen headlights give endearing front view
* Rear bumper and body highlight vehicle’s width and low center of gravity, creating sense of stability of rear profile
* Interior offers living-room-like comfort, with wallpaper-style pattern on instrument-panel top, clock-like semi-circular gauges and a simple, specially designed audio system
* Flat instrument panel emphasizes expansive breadth of vehicle, thus creating spacious cabin, while both round and square individual components convey fun and relaxation
* Simply designed front seats with built-in headrests and soft, cotton-like seat covers create comfortable interior space
* Kinari (light beige) interior creates soothing and natural atmosphere

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The Japanese government said Wednesday that it has ordered Toyota to investigate a possible defect in its new Prius hybrid model after receiving 14 reports of brake trouble, another blow for an automaker already embroiled in its biggest-ever recall.

Drivers complained that the brakes on Toyota’s newest Prius momentarily stopped working at low speeds, especially on slippery surfaces, said Kenji Sato, a Transport Ministry official in charge of recall policy.

In one incident in July 2009, a new Prius crashed head on into another vehicle at an intersection, hurting two people in that car. Ten of the 14 complaints about the new Prius, which went on sale in Japan in May, came in January.

A Toyota spokesman, Takanori Yokoi, said dealers in North America and Japan had received “several tens” of reports from customers who said their Priuses had “braked insufficiently” on bumpy or frozen roads.

The automaker is still investigating and is not in a position to release more details, including whether a recall will be necessary, Mr. Yokoi said.

The Prius is the best-selling car in Japan, and the popularity of the Prius had been a bright spot in a global auto industry still reeling from the bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler.

The possible fault with the Prius’s brakes follows a widening recall involving 4.5 million cars by Toyota, the world’s No. 1 automaker, over gas pedals that could become stuck while driving.

source : nytimes

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces its production and sales subsidiary in India unveiled today—under the banner: “World First, India First”—a concept version of the “Etios*”, a compact car newly developed specifically for the Indian market. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private, Ltd. (TKM) is showing the concept car at the 10th Auto Expo automobile show in New Delhi, which runs until January 11.

The Etios is aimed at family users in India’s rapidly growing automobile market. Reflecting its “one class above” theme, the Etios’ styling evokes a sense of advanced status, and, along with a spacious interior with abundant storage space, it aims to offer both smooth and powerful driving and excellent fuel efficiency. To make the car as affordable as possible for potential customers, thorough use of local parts will be pursued to keep costs low. On display at the show are a sedan version with a newly developed 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a hatchback version with a newly developed 1.2-liter gasoline engine.

Etios chief engineer, Yoshinori Noritake, said at the show: “I visited many Indian cities and homes to learn the market and to hear from the consumer directly. Over four years, more than 2,000 engineers have been involved in the development of the Etios, and each has devoted his or her best effort with no compromises. I am convinced in my heart that the Etios offers joy of ownership and quality of life to consumers in India.”

TKM will produce the Etios from late 2010 at its second plant, which is now being built expressly for the new car. Annual sales in India are set at 70,000 units. Exports are planned.

At the show, the TKM exhibit, with its key message of “Quality Revolution”, comprises a total of 14 production and concept vehicles, including the third-generation “Prius” gasoline-electric hybrid passenger car, which is scheduled to go on sale in India in 2010, the “Prado” SUV recently unveiled for the Indian market, the “i-REAL” personal mobility vehicle and the “Fine-S” fuel-cell hybrid vehicle.

Toyota Motor Corp., the largest automaker in China, will develop a mini family car targeted at China, one of the biggest auto markets worldwide, said sources.

Compared with various models that Toyota Motor is selling in China, the new car will be fixed at a low price range. The automaker expects the car to attract customers that are seeking their first cars and drive up its sales in the inland areas of the country.

The new car is predicted to have displacement of 1.2 liters and hold about four persons. The automaker is scheduled to start to produce the car before 2015.

Toyota Motor will make a thorough survey to the need of customers with the help of its outlets in China, so as to decide the shape, configuration, and the price of the new product.

For the moment, the Japanese auto titan has about 500 franchise stores in the country. It will greatly lift the number of outlets in inland areas as well as small and medium cities.

The new Land Cruiser Prado, a mid-size, authentic four-wheel drive vehicle, continues the tradition of the Land Cruiser brand that is esteemed in more than 170 countries and regions around the world. The fourth generation maintains the outstanding drivability, reliability and basic functionality of the earlier generations—even under the harshest driving conditions—while improving on the on-road and off-road performance that is the Prado’s claim to fame. Enhanced utility results in a vehicle that offers comfort and peace of mind—anytime and anywhere.

Specific improvements include a roomier cabin through increased space between the front and second-row seats, while enhancements to the time-tested full frame structure and higher body rigidity make the ride even more comfortable. In addition, the adoption of a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) allows for driving stability at city and highway speeds, and a “crawl control” feature enhances rough-road compatibility. Other off-road driver-support features include a Multi-terrain Select switch to control drive power and braking in line with the off-road environment and the world’s first1 Multi-terrain Monitor, which displays the road conditions around the vehicle taken by four onboard cameras.

Monthly sales target for Japan:1,000 units

Assembly Plant: Hamura Plant, Hino Motors, Ltd.

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TOYOTA SWITCHES ON TO AN ELECTRIC FUTURE WITH NEW PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
CO2 emissions cut to less than 60g/km

KEY POINTS

* New Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept reinforces Toyota’s progress towards the ultimate eco-car
* Lithium-ion battery technology allows for compact packaging and quick recharging
* Rechargeable from domestic power supply or public charging point in around an hour-and-a-half
* Extended EV (electric) driving mode of up to 12.5 miles at speeds up to 62mph
* Over longer distances, Prius Plug-in switches to conventional petrol-electric full hybrid operation
* CO2 emissions cut to less than 60g/km
* Toyota to launch global lease programme to evaluate Prius Plug-in in early 2010

Toyota is unveiling a new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt motor show, signalling further progress towards its ambition of building the ultimate eco-car.

Presentation of the new concept comes ahead of a test programme that will see more than 500 cars leased to customers worldwide for real-world evaluation of performance and monitoring of driver attitudes and experiences.

Using lithium-ion batteries, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid provides clean, fuel-efficient electric-powered running in urban areas for longer distances and at higher speeds than the conventional, third generation full hybrid Prius. Over longer distances, or when the limit of battery power is reached, the system automatically shifts to conventional petrol power. Advanced battery technology allows for full recharging in around an hour and a half and the extended EV capability brings CO2 emissions down to around 60g/km.

The plug-in hybrid concept

Europe’s population is increasingly urban-centred and Toyota research into commuting patterns shows that in the UK and France, more than 80 per cent of car journeys cover a distance of less than 25km; in the UK around 80 per cent are less than 10km long. These figures confirm the potential for electricity in providing short to mid-term sustainable mobility.

The environmental benefits of electric cars for urban commuting are well-documented, but vehicle development has been hampered by the drawbacks of the weight, size and cost of the large capacity batteries needed to provide even a modest driving range, and the lack of an adequate recharging infrastructure.

Toyota is addressing both these issues with the launch of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept. It believes that progress in battery technology makes plug-in hybrid architecture the most workable solution for an electrified powertrain. The system overcomes the issue of a limited cruising range by enabling an automatic switch to a traditional full hybrid petrol-electric system once the vehicle reaches the limit of its EV (electric vehicle) driving range.

The concept model is a development of the new, third generation Prius, and builds on the core technology of Hybrid Synergy Drive specifically to meet the needs of urban motorists. It is a full hybrid vehicle in which both the electric motor and petrol engine can drive the wheels: a fully electric EV mode is used for shorter distances, while the petrol engine provides a true long-range capability.

As well as avoiding the limited range traditionally associated with electric vehicles, Toyota has also achieved a compact and practical packaging design for the battery pack. Prius Plug-in can be also be quickly recharged, from a conventional household electricity point, or a public charging post.

More than 500 Prius Plug-in cars will be released around the world early next year for lease programme, with more than 150 of these on the road in Europe. This will let Toyota evaluate all the technical aspects of the new model in a real-world environment, an essential step in preparing the vehicle for a potential market launch. The lease programme will also yield valuable intelligence on market response and which characteristics drivers find appealing, and why.

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