Toyota Window to the world - multimedia system

Wow....

Want a 2012 Toyota Rav4 EV? You Won’t Be Able To Buy One

Interesting read....
By Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield
Contributing Writer July 15th, 2011

Its one of the most eagerly anticipated plug-in vehicles to join the market in the next year or so, but the reintroduced Toyota RAV4EV won’t be available to buy, says Geri Yoza, Toyota’s National Business Planning Manager of Advanced Vehicle Marketing.

Instead, the electric SUV will be available to fleets and car sharing programs rather than individual customers.

Designed by Toyota and given an all-electric drivetrain by electric automaker Tesla Motors, many fans had hoped the 2012 RAV4 EV would pick up where the legendary 1997-2003 Toyota RAV4 EV left off.

Still considered by some electric vehicle fans as the one of the best electric cars ever made, the original RAV4 EV featured a top speed of around 78 miles per hour and a range of between 100 and 120 miles per charge.

The original RAV4 EV was leased by government agencies, fleets and private customers with some lucky customers being able to buy them at the end of their leases. Many of those cars are still working today, years later.

The rest? Returned to Toyota at the end of their lease and crushed. We’re pretty sure you’ve heard the story.

But with only leasing and large fleets being targeted, will the 2012 Toyota RAV4EV have a similar fate to its predecessor?

We really hope not. Instead, we’re hoping Toyota’s plan to offer the RAV4 EV to a limited base is something that will change as the car becomes more popular in coming years.

Since Toyota is the only major automaker planning a plugin crossover SUV for the 2012 model year, we think it would be a big mistake if the RAV4 EV remained exclusive to such a small segment of the market.

History repeating, or an insurance against a platform Toyota still doesn’t trust? Let us know in the Comments below.

Source;
http://www.allcarselectric.com/news/1063236_want-a-2012-toyota-rav4-ev-you-wont-be-able-to-buy-one

2012 Toyota Yaris

Nice looking redesign, glad to see that they've finally figured out that the top centre speedometer doesn't really work over here....
Toyota today announced the details for the third-generation Yaris, which went on sale today for the European market.

The new Toyota Yaris will be offered in Europe in three variants including a 1.0-liter VVT-i and 1.33-liter dual VVT-i gasoline units and a 1.4-liter D-4D diesel. It will be available in four trim-levels including T2, TR, SR and T Spirit with prices starting at £11,170 ($17,989 USD).
Besides the overall redesign inside-out, the big highlight for the 2012 Toyota Yaris includes the company’s new Toyota Touch audio system, which is standard on all Yaris models except the entry-level Yaris. The system includes a touchscreen and provides access to Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and a rear parking camera. The Toyota Touch audio system can be upgraded to the Toyota Touch and Go system, which adds a full map satellite navigation and access to a range of connected information services.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris will come to the United States later this fall. We expect it to debut at the 2011 LA Auto Show in November.

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/07/13/2012-toyota-yaris-unveiled-in-europe-coming-to-u-s-this-fall/

2012 Toyota Camry Spy video

Here's more on that spy photo of the next generation Camry.... I'd be surprised if this stayed up more than a couple of days....

2012 Toyota Camry private unveiling caught on camera

Well, the 2012 Toyota Camry has been creating a lot of buzz since the last weekend when we first reported about the teaser that had been released by Toyota. According to Akio Toyoda, the new Toyota Camry will be launched in the United States of America this September. Toyota wanted to keep the world guessing but a person who was present at the private unveiling of the car has shot a video of the car. The video seems to have been shot with a cellphone camera.

We see three cars roll on to the stage with a red car in the center. This is probably the car seen in the teaser video posted earlier. Now, the size of the car looks pretty similar to the current generation Camry. Video does reveal the higher shoulder line of the car giving it a more muscular stance which in America is very important for a car. The tail lights resemble that on the new Honda Civic with a chrome garnish running along the length of the boot. You can also spot a subtle lip spoiler on the boot lid.

Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/auto-videos/2012-toyota-camry-private-unveiling-caught-camera-44841/

2012 Toyota Camry Teaser Video

Promises to exceed expectations

Toyota has released the first teaser video for the 2012 Camry.

While there isn't much to see, Toyota president and CEO Akio Toyoda says the model is the "best Camry ever" and will "exceed your expectations." He also promised the Camry will be a "remarkable car in terms of handling, safety and fuel economy."

Additional information is limited, but the redesigned Camry will be available this fall.

Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111063034613/2012-toyota-camry-teased-video#ixzz1QxKBTDba

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/111063034613/2012-toyota-camry-teased-video

Woodyscarsite Find: 2012 Toyota Camry Illustration?

Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/06/2012-toyota-camry.html

Toyota to reveal GRMN Hybrid concept at Nürburgring 24

TOYOTA TO UNVEIL NEW GRMN HYBRID CONCEPT AT NÜRBURGRING
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will show the "GRMN (GAZOO Racing1 tuned by MN2) SPORTS HYBRID Concept II", a convertible mid-engined petrol-electric hybrid concept, at the 39th Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race taking place this weekend.

The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is an updated version of a petrol-electric sports concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon in 2010. The vehicle features advanced styling and an improved sports-hybrid AWD system with the main power unit (petrol engine, rear-wheel drive motors and transmission) mid-mounted in conjunction with a front-wheel drive motor. Positioned this way it improves manoeuvrability, increases driving enjoyment and provides enhanced stability.Toyota launched the world's first mass-produced petrol-electric vehicle, the Prius, in 1997, and has long conducted active research on applying hybrid technologies to racing and sports cars. The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is the next step in the evolution of these efforts.

GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II
EngineType
Petrol
V6

Displacement (cc)
3,456

Maximum output (bhp)
245

System Maximum output
(bhp)295

Body Length (mm)4,350
Width (mm)1,890
Height (mm)1,200
Wheelbase (mm)2,575
Weight (kg)1,500 or less

Vehicle layout
Mid-engined with front electric motor

Tyres
Front225/40R19
Rear255/35R1924

Hours Nürburgring Race Outline
Name39th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2011

Dates
June 23-26, 2011 (main competition runs from June 25 and 26)VenueNürburgring (Nürburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)

1 A vehicle-development and motor-sports support program created by GAZOO, which also operates the GAZOO.com customer-participation portal site launched in 1998, "GAZOO mura" driving events and the "Drive Kingdom" large-scale test-drive events for the general public.

2 Stands for "Meister of Nürburgring", referring to Hiromu Naruse (1944-2010), a TMC test driver and chief of the GAZOO Racing team.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/22/toyota-to-reveal-grmn-hybrid-concept-at-nurburgring-24/#continued

MotorTrend: Toyota Prius Sports Coupe in Pipeline

June 02, 2011
By Peter Lyon

Toyota has been hinting for years that it would be expanding its Prius model lineup, and the new Prius v we just took for a test drive is likely just the start of a bigger Prius family. Over the past two years, rumors of a minivan, a convertible, and even an SUV variant have been tossed about.

But the one derivative of the bunch that has enthusiasts interested is the American-inspired Prius Sports Coupe project. Our source tells us that without the strong push for this car from Toyota's U.S. arm, this project wouldn't have made it past first base. What you see here is one artist's impression of how the Sports Coupe will look when it debuts in late 2014, the same year the next-generation Prius is expected to surface.

Our insider explains that with development of the Lexus LFA supercar scaling down, and R&D funds and personnel being re-routed, we can expect to see a proliferation of more fun-to-drive hybrid cars over the next three to five years. It seems part-time race car driver and full-time Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda is having some influence on the automaker's car development program.

One of the highlights of this coupe will be the option of a manual transmission that Toyota is developing for hybrids at the Higashi-Fuji proving ground near Mt. Fuji. That manual gearbox will be bolted to the company's next-generation hybrid system with plug-in capability, a system that will be completely new and not inherited from the Prius. Our spies tell us that the sports coupe will employ a rear-drive platform and will incorporate the plug-in hybrid unit with lightweight Li-ion batteries that generate significantly more power than the current Prius, but maintain class-leading mileage and CO2 emissions.

This is just the beginning. Come 2015, our source tells us the company will officially roll out its long-rumored "Prius brand," from which we can expect all future Toyota hybrid models, as well as a hydrogen-powered sedan that reportedly is in development. And the flagship for the new brand will be the Sports Coupe.

Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1105_toyota_prius_sports_coupe_in_pipeline/index.html

Next Generation Toyota Camry Expected this Fall

America’s best-selling passenger car will be getting a makeover this fall, a new report finds. Sources say Toyota will launch an all-new, seventh-generation of its Camry sedan by the end of 2011.

The Camry was once again America’s best-selling passenger car last year – tallying 327,804 sales – but newer rivals are starting to nip at the five year old sedan’s heels. Those 327,804 sales were the Camry’s lowest since 1994.

However, help is on the way in the form of the all-new, seventh-generation Camry, due out later this year.

“We haven’t announced the next-gen Camry, (but) I will tell you (the current) Camry is very close to the end of its lifecycle, and a fall introduction is a pretty good educated guess,” Bob Carter, Toyota group vice president and general manager, told Ward’s.

Carter didn’t comment on what to expect from the next-generation Camry, but it’s possible we could see the new version of the sales leader at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Source;
http://www.leftlanenews.com/new-toyota-camry-to-bow-this-fall.html

Toyota confirms FT-86 details

Japanese automaker confirms a 2.0 liter Boxer engine from Subaru will power the FT-86

According to our colleagues over at Motorward.com, Toyota has confirmed certain details on the upcoming FT-86.

The report states that the FT-86 production version will feature a 2.0 liter Boxer engine from Subaru and a D-4S injection system from Toyota.

Transmission options will be a six-speed manual or six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

The car will be a rear-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential.

The FT-86 has been a long time in development and we expect more details soon as the model is gearing up for its official introduction.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/111050233033/toyota-confirms-ft-86-details---report#ixzz1LIe1jCyQ

Jalopnik: How Toyota tried to bar a blog from mentioning them ever again

Interesting read....
Toyota has sparked a controversy in Brazil for attempting to legally bar a media outlet that dared publish spy shots of a new Corolla from ever mentioning the Toyota brand name again. Jalopnik Brazil editor Leo Nishihata explains. — Ed.

About a month ago, spy shots of an upcoming Corolla published by the Brazilian blog Notícias Automotivas triggered something unheard of: an auto manufacturer attempting to permanently bar a media outlet from mentioning its brand. Now other outlets are starting to push back. Is it worth it, Toyota?

At first sight, the letter written by lawyer Rosana Bermejo is so superficial it could be phony. It wastes several lines extolling the history and image of Toyota in Brazil until it gets to March 23rd, when a post on Noticias Automotivas presented pictures and details of the Toyota Corolla S, a version to be launched in Brazil in 2012.

According to Eber do Carmo, editor-in-chief of Noticias Automotivas, the post has been written after spy shots were sent by a reader, and accurate info obtained from sources in the plant. (The article has been removed, but it is still available in Google cache.)

In its notification (PDF), Toyota claims that this release constitues "unfair business practice" and that "such release is unfit and unauthorized, causing Toyota a huge damage, once the release of those images spoils the customer's expectation towards news about the product."

For the rest of the article, follow the link;
http://ca.jalopnik.com/5797750/how-toyota-tried-to-bar-a-blog-from-mentioning-them-ever-again

2012 Toyota Corolla?

Hmmm. Below is the older rendition of the proposed 2012 Toyota Corolla, which I think looks alot better. I think the pic above has a lot of Civic in that front end.....
Source;
http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-next-gen-toyota-corolla-should-not.html

Woody's Car Site: Toyota FT-86 Speculation

Not sure where he dug this up, but Woody's thinking that this could be the Hybrid version.... Interesting, good find!
Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/04/toyota-ft-86-hybrid-speculation.html

Auto Makers Pull, Rethink New Car Launches

After the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11, Japan’s auto makers aren’t just facing a struggle to scramble for parts from troubled suppliers to try to get their factories working again. They’re also having to retool their whole marketing strategies.

Honda Motor Co. had been scheduled to hold a press conference on March 17 for what would have been the world’s first hybrid wagon, the Fit Shuttle. Instead, Honda was obliged to cancel the event and delay the domestic launch, originally in the diary for the following day. Meanwhile Toyota Motor Corp. has had to postpone the release of the wagon and minivan versions of the Prius hybrid – now Japan’s biggest-selling car ever: that was on the slate for late April in Japan.

While others like Mazda Motor Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., both with plans to roll out new vehicles later this year, say they’re not considering delaying launches at the moment, the postponement of new Toyota and Honda hybrid models come as demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is likely growing. The average gasoline price in the disaster-troubled country hit Y151.2 per liter on March 22, the highest level since October 2008, and remains around that level, according to the country’s Oil Information Center. As well as price, availability is a concern for people in quake-hit northern Japan, with fewer public transport options than big cities like Tokyo: many gasoline stations in the area remain shut after the disaster.

Spokeswomen at Honda and Toyota said that they have yet to decide on new launch schedules. Even if customers’ appetite for fuel-efficient vehicles is on the rise, they won’t be able to meet higher demand with vehicle production ability dented by the parts shortage, they said. Crimped by the continued vehicle output stoppage, the country’s auto sales sank 37% in March, the biggest drop in 37 years.

Perhaps no surprise, then, that Toyota, Honda, Nissan Motor Co. and other local auto makers are holding off on the aggressive sales promotions in TV, magazine, newspaper ads, or special sales campaigns at dealerships, that typically surround new launches.

Still, auto makers are responding to demand for gas-sipping cars. Toyota restarted production of three hybrid models from March 28 in Japan, including the Prius, and Honda has said that it will run all its domestic factories from April 11, possibly resuming production of all kinds of its vehicles including the Insight and Fit hybrid cars.

Source;

http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2011/04/07/auto-makers-pull-rethink-new-car-launches/

Nissan, Honda Better Positioned Than Toyota After Japan Quake

Moody’s says that this month’s triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis in Japan will not result in wholesale rating changes for Japanese automakers, but its aftermath will weaken the issuers’ operations and financial performance at least through the first half of fiscal-year 2011, ending next March.

Tadashi Usui, the lead author of the report and a Moody’s vice president in Tokyo, says, “To a large extent, the financial health of our rated Japanese automakers before the disaster determines their vulnerability: Toyota (TM) and Yamaha were less well positioned in their ratings and thus are more vulnerable, Nissan (NSANY.PK) and Honda (HMC) are better positioned, and Isuzu is in the middle of the pack.”

Usui adds, “For example, Toyota had been trying to recover after widespread product recalls in 2010; whereas, Nissan’s performance had been improving and was on review for possible upgrade.”

Usui says, “None of these companies have assembly plants that experienced lasting direct damage from the earthquake or tsunami.” He adds, “However, the indirect effects of power shortages and rolling-black outs, disruptions to supply chains, and staffing issues represent a more serious problem.”

A contributor to the report, Michael Mulvaney, a managing director for Moody’s in New York, adds adds, “Problems at geographically dispersed second- and third-tier suppliers may be severe, and for critical parts, the added costs of finding alternative sources of supply could shave 1% to 2% from automakers’ margins.”

Mulvaney says, “We expect Japanese automakers’ full-year revenues for the coming fiscal year to at best show low single-digit growth as overseas markets help to offset weakness in the domestic Japanese market in the first half of the year.”

In a separate report Moody’s sees no material threat tothe ratings of Europe-based automotive suppliers, which have limited direct exposure to the consequences of the disaster:

However, we believe that they will feel ripple effects in the global supply chain as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reduce output in Europe and North America. Although OEMs and suppliers worldwide are exploring alternatives to supply shortages caused in Japan, we believe it will take some time to realign the supply chain where necessary.

Once this has happened, we expect at least some of the lost production volumes to be recovered. We expect the disaster to negatively impact revenue and earnings, primarily in Q2 2011. In addition, halts in OEM production might impact working capital consumption. However, we estimate that the impact on the credit metrics of Europe-based automotive suppliers will only be temporary.

Source;
http://seekingalpha.com/article/261141-nissan-honda-better-positioned-than-toyota-after-japan-quake

Report: Japan will affect all automakers

Alisa Priddle / The Detroit News

Every major automaker will be affected by the disaster in Japan by mid-to-late April, according to a report released today by automotive forecasters IHS Global Insight of Northville.
"It is not a matter of if, but when," said Michael Robinet, director of Automotive Forecast, in an analysis of the impact on the auto industry of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in northern Japan. The damage halted domestic vehicle production and affected the supply chain, which is causing disruptions at plants around the world that rely on Japanese-sourced parts.

The IHS analysis concluded that light vehicle output in Japan is expected to be impacted by about 335,000 vehicles by Friday and that figure could be in the 450,000 range by the end of March. That is based on a loss of about 37,000 cars and trucks a day if all Japanese assembly plants are affected.

Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. are gingerly resuming production of components for overseas plants and hope to restart vehicle assembly plans in Japan later this week.

Some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles offered by Japanese automakers are only built in Japan. As supplies diminish of vehicles such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, average transaction prices for some models are starting to creep up and incentives are likely to evaporate, said Aaron Bragman, IHS automotive analyst, in a separate report also released today.

TrueCar.com says prices of Japanese models in the U.S. are rising already, with the Prius up $169 per vehicle, on average, in the past week in response to the supply crunch, Bragman notes.

"If the supply of imported Japanese fuel-efficient vehicles cannot be restored quickly, an opportunity may arise for well-placed competitors to start stealing U.S. market share from Japanese automakers," Bragman said.

Among the well-situated is Ford Motor Co., which has made fuel-efficiency a priority and has a number of new models that get 40 miles per gallon. General Motors Co. also has new small vehicles as well as the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. Hyundai Motor Co. also has a lineup of strong contenders.

"The initial estimates are that this could be a protracted shutdown of the Japanese industry," Bragman said. In addition to issues with vehicle production and parts supply, there are rolling blackouts because of damage to the electric power grid and a nuclear disaster in addition to other infrastructure damage as well as port and shipping issues and the loss of workers.

Robinet said it could take seven weeks of full production, with overtime, at a facility to make up for one week of lost production.

But competitors will only be able to fill any voids created by a shortage of Japanese models if they have the parts to keep their own assembly lines running as well.

So far, lost volume outside Japan is only about 10,000 vehicles, according to Robinet. That includes General Motors Co.'s truck plant in Shreveport, La., which suspended work because of parts shortages.

The Japanese-made components most affected include semi-conductors, integrated circuits, sensors and LCD displays, but IHS said shortages also may be felt in resins and synthetic rubber in the next few weeks. And the quake zone is home to powertrain parts such as gears and clutch components. Specialty materials such as silicon and certain types of glass and metals could also run short, Robinet forecasts.

Source;
http://www.detnews.com/article/20110321/AUTO01/103210409/1020/Report--Japan-will-affect-all-automakers

Sony, Toyota Among Japanese Companies Closing Factories After Earthquake

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families affected by this Tsunami.

Companies including Sony Corp. (6758) and Toyota Motor Corp. (7203) halted output at plants after an 8.9- magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, damaging production facilities and causing power outages.

Sony halted and evacuated six factories in northeastern Japan, said Yasuhiro Okada, a spokesman at the Tokyo-based company. He said the company was assessing the impact of power outages and damage to its facilities in the region, which make Blu-ray discs, magnetic heads and batteries.

The quake, Japan’s strongest in at least a century, struck at 2:46 p.m. local time 130 kilometers (81 miles) off the coast of Sendai, north of Tokyo, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The tremor caused a tsunami as high as 10 meters (33 feet) that inundated northern towns and caused buildings to shake violently as far away as Tokyo. At least 26 people were killed by the wave and many were missing, state broadcaster NHK Television said.

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, and its affiliates closed three factories, said Shiori Hashimoto, a spokeswoman in Tokyo. The Toyota City-based carmaker began production at a new plant in Miyagi this year that makes Yaris compact cars and has capacity to make 120,000 vehicles a year.

Honda, Nissan
Honda Motor Co. closed two factories, said Hajime Kaneko, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based carmaker. A 42-year-old male employee was crushed to death by a collapsing wall at a research and development center in Tochigi prefecture and about 30 other employees were injured, Kaneko said.

Nissan Motor Co. closed four factories including car plants in Tochigi and Kanagawa and engine factories in Kanagawa and Fukushima, Mitsuru Yonekawa, a spokesman for the Yokohama-based company, said by phone. Two workers suffered minor injuries, he said.

A refinery on fire outside Tokyo exploded, while nuclear power stations were shut down. Narita airport, Tokyo’s main international gateway, was closed and bullet-train services suspended. More than 4 million homes were without power, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said.

Toyota shares traded in Frankfurt fell as much as 3.8 percent, the biggest intraday decline since Jan. 21, to 30.45 euros as of 10:15 a.m. local time. Honda dropped as much as 4.5 percent and Sony slid as much as 2.5 percent in the German city.

Fuji Heavy
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru cars, closed five factories, said Kenta Matsumoto, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based company.

Toyota Boshoku Corp. (3116), a Toyota Motor supplier, reported damage at a plant in Miyagi. Roads were also cracked near its factory, said Misako Nagata, a spokeswoman for the parts maker. Denso Corp. (6902), Japan’s biggest auto-parts maker, said a plant under construction south of Miyagi was damaged. All of its workers were safe, said Goro Kanemasu, a spokesman for the company.

Sapporo Holdings Ltd. (2501), Japan’s fourth-biggest beermaker, suspended operations at factories in Sendai and Chiba due to power outages and damage, Katsuhito Ogawa, a spokesman for the Tokyo-based company, said by e-mail.
Oriental Land Co., the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, will close the amusement park tomorrow to inspect facilities, the company said in a statement today. It hasn’t yet decided whether to open the resort on March 13. No injuries were reported at the resort, the company said.

Panasonic, Canon
Panasonic Corp. (6752) said several employees at its three factories in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures sustained minor injuries. The Osaka-based company is still assessing the damage to facilities, Yuichi Takatoku, a Tokyo-based spokesman for the company, said by phone.

Canon Inc. (7751), the world’s biggest camera maker, didn’t suffer damage to plants that would halt output, said Hirotomo Fujimori, a spokesman in Tokyo, where the company is based.

The quake was followed by a 7.1-magnitude aftershock at 4:25 p.m., the U.S. Geological Service said.

Boats smashed into walls as the tsunami struck, inundating buildings with black water full of debris across stretches of coast north of Tokyo, NHK images showed. One large building was lifted off its foundations and dragged into the ocean.

Farmland was flooded with burning debris in some areas as the tidal surge swept inland. Large boats were left stranded after the water surged back to sea.

Airport Flooded
The airport in Sendai, a city of 1 million people 310 kilometers north of Tokyo, was flooded by the tsunami, according to NHK footage.

Japan Airlines Corp. diverted 22 flights to other airports, the company said in a faxed statement. In total, 27 flights have been impacted by the quake, affecting 5,290 people, the statement said.
East Japan Railway Co. (9020), the nation’s largest train operator, suspended operations of trains in the Tokyo area along with its bullet-train operations, according to its website. Tokyo Metro Co., the capital’s largest subway operator, said on its website it stopped trains, forcing commuters to line up for taxis.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan ordered the army to aid rescue efforts after the quake, which struck 373 kilometers northeast of Tokyo.

The following is a summary of what companies have said regarding damage from the earthquake: Company Status
Sony Corp. Production halted at six plants
Toyota Motor Corp. Three group factories halted
Canon Inc. No damage affecting production reported
Nippon Telegraph & Restricted calls to some areas
Telephone Corp. including Tokyo
Nissan Motor Co. Halted production at four plants; two
injuries
Honda Motor Co. Halted two plants; one employee killed;
about 30 injured
Toyota Boshoku Corp. Damage at plant in Miyagi
Seiko Epson Corp. Gathering information
Panasonic Corp. Assessing damage, several workers with
minor injuries
Oriental Land Co. Will close Tokyo Disney Resort tomorrow
for inspections
Denso Corp. Damage to plant under construction in
Fukushima
Asahi Breweries Ltd. Assessing damage
Kirin Holdings Co. No major damage reported
Sapporo Holdings Ltd. Damage at Sendai and Chiba plants
Sharp Corp. Assessing damage
East Japan Railway Co. Halted train services in Tokyo area
Tokyo Metro Co. Halted train services
Tokyo Electron Ltd. No immediate reports of damage
NTT DoCoMo Inc. Mobile-phone service disruptions
Softbank Corp. Mobile-phone service disruptions
Fuji Heavy Industries Five plants halted
Ltd.

Source;
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-11/toyota-other-japanese-companies-assessing-damage-from-miyagi-earthquake.html

The future's hybrid say Honda and Toyota

4 March 2011
-Five Toyota hybrids by 2012
-Honda CR-V and FR-V replacements could be hybrids
-More powerful, sporty Honda hybrid considered

Honda and Toyota continue to vie for supremacy in the world of hybrids, and have big plans to expand the number of models they sell in Europe, based on the architectures and concept models on show at the title="Geneva motor show report"Geneva motor show.

Toyota showed off the Prius+, a seven-seat version of the Prius V it revealed at the Detroit motor in January, plus a hybrid version of the next Yaris supermini, badged Yaris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) Concept. Both will become production reality in 2012 aongside a plug-in version of the current Prius which we have already title="Toyota Plug-in Prius driven"driven.

Honda had its new twin-motor hybrid platform, also first seen at Detroit, which it'll use to underpin a range of mid-range vehicles.

Although Honda isn't saying what these will be, research and develoment chief Tomohiko Kawanabe would not deny that the CR-V crossover and a replacement for the FR-V compact MPV were the sort of cars that might benefit from it.

However, he also said that the company is looking at other ways of expanding its hybrid range, and a more powerful version of the sporty petrol-electric CR-Z coupe could not be ruled out.

Hybrid demand is growing
By the end of 2012 Toyota will have five hybrids on sale in Europe - Auris, Prius, Prius plug-in, Prius+ and Yaris. Some will retain today's nickel-metal hydride battery system, while others will have the more efficient, smaller but more expensive lithium-ion set-up being trialled in the Prius plug-in .

'Lithium-ion has merits in terms of compactness and energy storage, and it is needed to give a longer range on battery power alone,' said Guillaume Gerondeau, the vice-president in charge of product for Toyota Motor Europe.

While today's Prius has a maximum range of only two miles on pure battery power, future plug-in models will be able to manage six times that.'The Yaris hybrid will have lithium-ion batteries and its use of space (packaging) has been optimised around this', said Gerondeau. 'Until now, cost and packaging were the two big negatives of small hybrids,' he said, 'but now we have appropriate solutions.' He is unperturbed about electrifying a car that is already economical with petrol or diesel power, claiming that CO2 will be even lower (less than the 89g/km of today's Prius) while other emissions will also be reduced.

'Demand for hybrids is growing,' he said. 'More and more customers are putting powertrain technology as their first priority. According to our research, in 2006 it was 4%; in 2008 it grew to 8% and in 2010 it was 16%.' Toyota will add even more hybrids when new-generation models start to appear after 2013, and has pledged to have a hybrid version of every car it sells by 2020.

Kawanabe says the new Honda twin-motor hybrid system is designed to overcome the limits of the company's current IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) fitted to the CR-Z, Insight and Jazz. 'It is designed to achieve better fuel efficiency with a smaller battery than IMA. We will have a range of 10 miles in EV [electric vehicle] mode and start extending this as the battery becomes bigger.'

Kawanabe says the twin-motor set-up will give the performance of a 2.5-litre conventional engine with lower fuel consumption and emissions. It is likely to be too big for use in an uprated CR-Z, but he believes it would be 'a good idea' to increase the power of the hybrid sports car and admitted that Honda is 'seriously thinking about' how it could be done.

Source;
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/the-future-s-hybrid-say-honda-and-toyota/255718#

VW Star Wars Commercial Parodied with a Toyota

Zing! All in good fun....

....and here's the original....