Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Toyota Announces Pricing for 2013 Venza Crossover:

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2013 Venza crossover vehicle. The Venza will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships next week.

The Toyota Venza crossover now offers enhanced exterior styling, added value through several new standard convenience features and updated option packages, which include the Entune® multi-media system for the 2013 model year.

Venza’s aerodynamic shape has been tastefully modified with a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights. The updated styling is complemented by a new 19-inch wheel design and three new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica. Venza is available in three interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black, which is new for 2013. Each color is offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited.

The 2013 Venza is available in LE, XLE and Limited grades. The LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Both engines are teamed with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

Value has been augmented and ordering simplified with the addition of many standard features in all three grades. All Venza models will be will equipped with a standard blind-spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps.

Additional key standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets. The XLE and Limited models add to the abundance of standard features with many audio and convenience upgrades.

Entune Multi-media System
The 2013 Venza now offers the Toyota Entune multimedia system. Entune leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Toyota Entune supports engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune has a large selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iHeartRadio’s 750+ stations, and Pandora’s personalized music service.

The audio systems combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.

The base MSRP for the 2013 Venza LE will range from $27,700 for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) four-cylinder to $30,970 for the V6 all-wheel-drive (AWD), reflecting an increase $270 to $275, or 0.9-1.0 percent.

Pricing for the Venza XLE will range from $31,360 for the four-cylinder FWD to $34,630 for the V6 AWD, an increase ranging from $1,580 to $1,585, or 4.8 to 5.3 percent.

The Limited grade Venza will be receive a base MSRP of $37,420 for the FWD model, while the AWD model will be priced at $38,870. Both prices reflect an increase of $955, or 2.5 percent for the AWD and 2.6 percent for the FWD.

The MSRP for the 2013 Venza does not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $810. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

All 2013 Venzas will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.

 2013 Venza Pricing

Model

Grade

Engine

Drivetrain

 

12MY MSRP

($)

13MY MSRP

($)

MSRP Difference

($)

MSRP Change (%)

2810

LE

L4

FWD

$27,425

$27,700

$275

1.0%

2812

LE

V6

FWD

$29,250

$29,520

$270

0.9%

2820

LE

L4

AWD

$28,875

$29,150

$275

1.0%

2822

LE

V6

AWD

$30,700

$30,970

$270

0.9%

2830

XLE

L4

FWD

$29,775

$31,360

$1,585

5.3%

2832

XLE

V6

FWD

$31,600

$33,180

$1,580

5.0%

2834

XLE

L4

AWD

$31,225

$32,810

$1,585

5.1%

2836

XLE

V6

AWD

$33,050

$34,630

$1,580

4.8%

2842

Limited

V6

FWD

$36,465

$37,420

$955

2.6%

2846

Limited

V6

AWD

$37,915

$38,870

$955

2.5%

                 

All prices listed above exclude the Delivery, Processing, and Handling (DPH) fee

courtesy of Toyota.com

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Toyota Hits Four Million Unit Global Sales Milestone for Hybrids

Toyota_logo-silver
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan announced its global hybrid vehicle sales totaled four million units through April 2012.

Toyota currently sells 18 hybrid passenger vehicles in 80 countries and regions around the world. This year, hybrid vehicle accounted for 15 percent of TMC’s global vehicle sales. Prius, Toyota’s first hybrid passenger car, went on sale in Japan in 1997. Hybrid technology was later introduced to the U.S. in 2000 with the arrival of the Prius.

Since then, the Toyota Division of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. sold 1.5 million hybrid vehicles in the U.S., accounting for 65 percent of all hybrid vehicles sold in the region. Prius, the iconic hybrid brand, comprises half of all hybrids on the road in the U.S. with sales totaling 1.2 million units through April 2012.

The expansion of the Prius has been successful in the U.S. since the Prius v was introduced in to the market in November 2011 followed by Prius c and Prius Plug-in during the first quarter 2012. In that time, Prius family sold 60,859 units in the U.S.

"All of us at Toyota would like to sincerely thank our customers, who have made Prius the best-selling hybrid in the industry," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. "While we're proud of this accomplishment, we are not stopping here as hybrids will continue to be a core technology for Toyota."

In addition to the Prius Family, Toyota’s other U.S. hybrid models include versions of the Camry and Highlander, which feature larger displacement applications of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Toyota calculates that the total number of its hybrid vehicles sold globally since 1997 have produced to approximately 26 million fewer tons of C02 emissions than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

courtesy of toyota.com

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Rush Limbaugh Advertising Response For Those Who Are Concerned:

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE The views or opinions expressed by Rush Limbaugh are solely his own and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions or values of Lexus Carlsbad. Our marketing decisions are based on the number of listeners reached. This station offers one of the largest listenership's in this market.

Bill Nye shows you how available Entune™* can help make you more efficient in your daily tasks: like searching for a coffee bar, nail bar or somewhere to take the state bar. #priusc

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The 2012 Prius c earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award

2012_prius_c_side_profile_445w
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, a midsize hybrid; 2012 Hyundai Azera, a large family car; and 2012 Toyota Prius c, a small hybrid, earn the Institute's top award for good performance in front, side, rollover and rear impact evaluations.

The Malibu Eco is a redesigned model. The 2012 Malibu continues to be sold and also is a Top Safety Pick.

The Azera was previously tested for front and side crashworthiness. It meets the criteria for the award by earning good ratings in a recent rear impact test assessing whiplash protection and a roof strength test to measure occupant protection in rollover crashes.

The Prius c is a new model and joins the Prius and Prius v as IIHS award winners.

courtesy of iihs.org

Friday, May 11, 2012

Hey fans! Happy Friday and welcome to the weekend!

Apple
May 13th is not only Mother's Day, it is also National Apple Pie Day! Are you going to be making mom this yummy dessert? What is your all time favorite recipe?

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Home News Releases Print Friendly Version Convert to PDF Convert to RTF Related Assets 3 Categories: Prius Camry Hybrid Advanced Technology Sales & Financial Corporate Toyota Prius v Prius c May 09, 2012 Toyota Sales Resurgence Gets Help f

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TORRANCE, Calif. (May 9, 2012) - The Toyota Division’s strong April sales performance (160,493 units for 13.1 percent increase compared to April 2011) was helped in large part by the release of its latest hybrid products that created high levels of consumer demand. 

Rising fuel prices at the pump, a generation of better performing hybrid vehicles and an increased consumer acceptance of hybrid technology are all conditions that have propelled the sales of Toyota hybrid vehicles. 

The Prius Family vehicles (Prius, Prius v, Prius Plug-in and Prius c) accounted for a total combined sales volume of 25,168 units.  Based on current sales, the demand for the fuel-saving Prius Family models seems to be outpacing the company's initial U.S. target of more than 220,000 units this year.

Notable among the Prius models is the sales pace of the subcompact Prius c.  This new model which offers an EPA-rated 53 city mpg and a starting MSRP of $18,950 continued its rapid sales pace with 4,006 units sold in April.  During its first 49 days on the market, Prius c posted sale of 8,901 units.   

“We’re tracking well ahead of that,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, in an interview with Bloomberg this week in Los Angeles.  “I’ve ordered additional production.  I’m confident we’ll get additional production, but globally we’re seeing high demand, particularly in Japan.”

The redesigned 2012 Camry Hybrid, which was introduced in fall of 2011, also recorded stroing sales during the March and April 2012.  Camry Hybrid sold 9,810 units (5,404 in March and 4,406 units in April) and accounted for 12.4 percent of the total Camry volume during the same two-month period (79,387 total Camry units sold).

courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Hey fans, see what's new to the Toyota family!

Toyota_logo-silver
All-New Toyota RAV4 EV Unveiled at EVS26

LOS ANGELES (May 7, 2012) -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today revealed the highly anticipated all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. This all-electric SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800 the RAV4 EV doesn’t compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.

“It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. “The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.”
The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing an outstanding product to market in record time.

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s most popular SUV model. The collaborative team set its sights on refining the customer experience. From advanced charging options to interior comfort to interactive displays, the vehicle has been designed for customer ease of use and maximum vehicle range. 

The front wheel drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph.  Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm. 

RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low center of gravity.   In fact, at 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world. Compared with the gas powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to maximize air flow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.  

On the exterior, RAV4 EV features upscale LED low beam projector headlights with halogen projector high beams. A manual leveling system allows customers to redirect the headlights when the vehicle changes significantly in pitch due to a heavy load. Five vertical LEDs make up the daytime running lights, which dim to parking lights. The rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens. Other exterior variations from the gasoline powered RAV4 include new exterior emblems on the front, rear and the front door panel utilizing the signature Toyota “environmental blue.” 

The vehicle will be available later this year in three exterior colors: Blizzard White Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver MetallicThe interior features a unique “Neutron” fabric, woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent, on the seat inserts and door trim. 

Inside, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat includes variable front seat heaters, which extends heater coverage to the occupant’s upper back.  The split reclining rear seats with folding center arm rest fold flat for increased cargo space, with a total cargo capacity equivalent to the conventional RAV4 of 73 cu. ft. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.

The highlight of the interior is an eight-inch capacitive touch screen with a state of the art graphic display, featuring navigation, telematics, and EV drive information and settings designed specifically for the RAV4 EV. Entune™ is standard (with three year complimentary access to Entune™ services) along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), AM/FM radio, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and USB port with iPod® connectivity. The dash display color illuminates red when the vehicle is operating in sport mode and blue in normal driving mode.

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. Leviton offers multiple options for charging solutions. For the shortest charge time of approximately six hours, Leviton offers a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. For more information visit Leviton.com/Toyota. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available. 

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles.

“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Carter. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds."

 

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012. Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility. Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise.  In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time. 

TOYOTA/TESLA DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES
  • May 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce collaboration to develop electric vehicles, parts, production systems and engineering support
  • July 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce development of RAV4 EV
  • November 2010 – Toyota reveals RAV4 EV Phase Zero prototype at LA Auto Show
  • February 2011 – Tesla begins delivery of 31 converted RAV4 EV Phase Zero demonstration program vehicles
  • April 2011 – Toyota provides first media drive opportunity of Phase Zero demonstration program vehicle at 2011 Sustainable Mobility Seminar
  • August 2011 – Toyota/Tesla announce RAV4 EV manufacturing location - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., Woodstock, Ontario

courtesy of toyota.com

Friday, May 4, 2012

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Wyland Foundation and Toyota Announce Winning Cities of Mayor's Water Conservation Challenge!

Wyland_foundation_logo_stack
The Wyland Foundation and Toyota today announced the 12 winning cities of the 2012 National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, an online competition held throughout April that encouraged residents in all 50 states to conserve water, save energy and reduce pollution.


The winning cities are:
·         Laguna Beach, California
·         Victoria, Minnesota
·         South Shore, Kentucky
·         Charlestown, New Hampshire
·         Manhattan Beach, California
·         Eden Prairie, Minnesota
·         Fort Pierce, Florida
·         Quakertown, Pennsylvania
·         Greeley, Colorado
·         Madison, Wisconsin
·         Charlottesville, Virginia
·         Toms River, New Jersey

The Wyland Foundation, founded by renowned environmental artist Wyland, created the Challenge with Toyota in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the primary federal law protecting water resources in the United States. Organizations spearheading the effort also include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, U.S. Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, WaterPik, Rain Bird, Lowe’s, STERLING Plumbing, PADI and Project AWARE.

“We had two goals for the National Mayor’s Challenge,” said artist and environmentalist Wyland, who spearheaded the project. “It brings communities together and gets people thinking about simple ways to take their commitment to conservation even further.”

The Challenge divided cities into four regions (West, Midwest, South and Northeast) and categorized them by population according to ZIP Codes (5,000-30,000 residents, 30,001-100,000 residents, 100,000+ residents). Cities with the highest percentage of residents within the city's ZIP code boundaries who made online pledges at mywaterpledge.com to reduce their water use were recognized as the winners. Participants in the winning cities will now be entered into a drawing to win more than $50,000 in prizes, including the Grand Prize of a Toyota Prius c Hybrid, as well as custom-designed sprinkler systems from Rain Bird, Eco-Flow Showerheads from WaterPik, water-saving toilets from STERLING Plumbing, and 1,000 gift cards for Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores.

“Toyota congratulates all of the winners of the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation, and we thank the Wyland Foundation for creating a fun and innovative program to show how easy it can be to conserve water,” said Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.

“Conserving water is one of the most important actions we can take to protect this irreplaceable resource, and small actions that people take in their homes can add up to make a big difference,” said U.S. EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Nancy Stoner. “EPA was proud to partner with the Wyland Foundation and Toyota on this challenge and congratulates the winning cities, and everyone who participated.”

To celebrate the winners of the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, the Wyland Foundation and Toyota hosted an event on May 3 in Miami Beach where Wyland joined members of the community to paint a 400-square-foot marine life mural celebrating South Florida marine life.  Toyota’s support of the Wyland Foundation is part of the automobile company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. Toyota engages the public through a variety of environmental initiatives as part of the company’s commitment to impactful environmental stewardship. To learn more about how Toyota supports sustainability, please visit toyota.com/about/environment.

courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Toyota Sales Increase 11.6 Percent in April 2012!

Toyota_logo-silver
TORRANCE, Calif. (May 1, 2012) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported sales of 178,044 units, an increase of 25.5 percent compared to April 2011 on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. Unadjusted for 24 selling days in April 2012 versus 27 selling days in April 2011, TMS sales were up 11.6 percent over the year-ago month on a raw volume basis.
The Toyota Division posted April total sales of 160,493 units, an increase of 27.2 percent over April 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Toyota Division sales were up 13.1 percent over the year-ago month.
"Thanks to continued strong sales of Camry and Prius family, Toyota was America's number one retail brand for the second straight month," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "With consumer confidence improving, we expect to see sustained industry growth in the months ahead."
The Lexus Division reported total sales of 17,551 units, up 12.3 percent over April 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were flat compared to last year.

Toyota Division                                                                     
Toyota Division passenger cars posted combined sales of 99,450 units, up 44.3 percent over April 2011.  Camry and Camry Hybrid led passenger cars with combined monthly sales of 36,820 units, an increase of 36.1 percent year-over-year.  The Prius family recorded its best ever April with sales of 25,168 units, increasing 126.9 percent compared to the same period last year. Corolla reported sales of 24,804 units, up 15.2 percent over the year-ago month. Avalon was also up with sales of 2,881 units, a 20.9 percent increase.
Toyota Division light trucks recorded April sales of 61,043 units, an increase of 6.5 percent compared to April 2011.  The RAV4 compact SUV led light trucks, posting monthly sales of 15,196 units, up 9.7 percent over last year.  Highlander and Highlander Hybrid reported combined sales of 9,352 units, an increase of 18.3 percent over the year-ago month. The 4Runner midsize SUV recorded April sales of 3,783 units, increasing 5.7 percent. The Tacoma mid-size pickup posted sales of 10,901 units, an increase of 16.7 percent over April 2011, and the Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 7,219 units. The Sienna minivan recorded sales of 9,451 units.
 
Scion posted April sales of 5,503 units, up 8.4 percent versus April 2011. The tC sports coupe led the way with sales of 2,008 units, and the xB urban utility vehicle recorded April sales of 1,617 units. The all-new iQ premium micro-subcompact posted monthly sales of 962 units, followed by the xD five-door urban subcompact with 916 units.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 9,441 units, up 25.6 percent over April 2011. The entry luxury sedan ES led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 3,000 units. The IS luxury sports sedan recorded April sales of 2,344 units, flat compared to the same period last year. The GS and GS hybrid posted combined sales of 2,006 units, an increase of 486.2 percent over the year-ago month. The CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted sales of 1,620 units, increasing 108.3 percent year-over-year.

Lexus luxury utility vehicles reported sales of 8,110 units, flat versus April 2011. The RX and RX hybrid posted combined monthly sales of 6,842 units, while the LX recorded sales of 517 units, up 92.6 percent over last April.

TMS Hybrids
TMS posted April sales of 32,593 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 124.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted sales of 30,126 hybrids for the month, up 142.7 percent over the year-ago month. Lexus Division reported monthly sales 2,467 hybrids, increasing 17.6 percent year-over-year.

courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com