Toyota Extends Production Halt until March 22

The ongoing disaster in Japan caused by Friday’s massive earthquake and tsunami is forcing many automakers to extend production halts on domestic plants well into next week. Today, Toyota announced that it has decided to continue the vehicle-production halt started on March 14 at all of its plants in Japan, including all subsidiary vehicle manufacturers, through March 22. According to reports, the suspension of production has already cost Toyota some 40,000 vehicles up until now.
“A decision on when vehicle production will resume in Japan has yet to be made,” the company said in a written statement.
However, the world’s largest automaker noted that it will resume production of replacement parts for vehicles already on market beginning on Thursday, March 17, adding that it also plans to restart manufacturing parts for overseas production on Monday, March 21. 

Honda, Nissan and Toyota Donate $3.75 Million Each for Japan

The massive earthquake followed by the even more devastating tsunami that struck the north-east coasts of Japan last week has brought together the country’s biggest automakers including Honda, Nissan and Toyota, which announced today that they will donate $3.75 million each for relief and recovery efforts in communities affected by the disaster.
In addition to the contribution in money, Nissan said it is also studying further relief efforts including complimentary provision of vehicles, such as trucks and forklifts, donation of medical supplies and daily commodities including blankets, antiseptics and masks, gift matching donation from Nissan employees, promotion, and support of blood donation activities.
Honda announced that it will donate a total of 1,000 power generators along with 5,000 gas canisters to the people left without electricity, while Toyota is considering the provision of goods and services as needed.
The three automakers have also announced the closure of some of their factories in Japan. From March 14 through March 20, Honda will suspend all production activities at its plants in Sayama, Saitama, Ogawa, Tochigi, Hamamatsu and Suzuka, plus all facilities in the Tochigi area, where damage was more serious. From March 15 through 20, Honda will also suspend production at the Kumamoto factory.
Nissan announced that operations at the Tochigi and Iwaki plants are suspended until March 18, while the Oppama, Kyushu, Shatai and Yokohama plants will be closed until March 16. As for Toyota, officials announced that the Hokkaido, Tohoku, Miyagi and Iwate plants are closed, with all employees having been evacuated to safe areas. The factories will remain closed at least until March 16.
Other automakers affected by the earthquake include Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki, which have either suspended or slowed down production because of supply shortages.

Video

Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the northeast part of Japan earlier this morning triggering a 10-meter high tsunami on the coasts of the country sweeping away homes, cars and buildings. The disastrous earthquake, which was followed by many aftershocks, is said to be the world's fifth-largest since 1900 and the biggest in Japan in 140 years.
The full extent of damages caused by the earthquake and the ferocious tsunami remain unknown for now, but we’re already hearing news of people being evacuated and many homes and factories destroyed.
On the automotive front, Toyota and Honda were forced to shut down some of their production plants and evacuate their workers from several factories in the quake zone. According to reports, Toyota, which has a large manufacturing presence in northern Japan, was affected the most with the shutdown possibly affecting production of cars like the Yaris sedan and the Scion xB and xD models.
Honda initially closed down both its Suzuka and Sayama plants, but production at the first factory resumed shortly after. The Sayama plant, which manufactures the US-bound Fit among other models, remains closed. 

Videos 









Photos

Test Drivers "Blamed" for the Re-Design of the Toyota FT-86 Coupe

Toyota's FT-86 II pre-production concept car displayed at the Geneva Motor Show last week attracted a lot of attention, with many viewing the car's styling as a step back from the FT-86. However, as Toyota explained, these changes were not imposed only by designers, but by the company's test drivers and safety regulations as well.
More precisely, the feedback received from the test drivers after the early development stages had the biggest influence on the look of the FT-86 II. The most important change requested was to move back the A-pillars by around 100 mm at the base, which led to a more vertical windscreen.
“We had feedback from drivers who felt that the angle of the A-pillars created a type of ‘tunnel vision’,” Akihiro Nagaya, head of Toyota design division, told Autocar. “This could sometimes make the car hard to place on the road, particularly at higher speeds. The theory behind this car remains that of the ‘86’ (the original Corolla AE-86), which was easy and pure to drive, so we had to change it,” Toyota’s official added.
Another important change from the original FT-86 Concept is the taller nose, adopted in order to comply with pedestrian impact regulations, a modification which alters the sharp profile of the original concept. Toyota's designers complicated things even more with overly aggressive styling on the front and rear ends.
So, how many of these changes will we see on the production car? According to Nagaya, the road car will share around 50 to 70 percent of its looks with the FT-86 II. Another interesting statement made by Nagaya was that Subaru's version of this car will look very much like the Toyota, with the approach being similar to the S-Verso/Trezia rebadging work.

photos 

 

2011 Toyota Avalon

Toyota introduced the 2011 Toyota Avalon was redesigned guts in 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Generating a time when travel was a sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Toyota Avalon have new exterior style while offering a rich new style interior point of contact with raw practices and new technologies.


Even with a number of improvements both inside and outside, the Toyota Avalon remains faithful to the idea that the comfort of an honest and direct, and “Avalon Traveling Class” rich in simple family pleasures.

Toyota’s new Avalon has a dynamic expression lines, and infusion of comfort, safety and technological advances that enhance the driving experience. Equipment and upgrade technology features, such as a touch screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth ® hands-free phones can stream music to your audio system are some improvements that add a very good mix of Avalon 2011 space, comfort and technology.

“Toyota Avalon has been appreciated by the intelligent, conscientious consumers who recognize the quality materials and finishing details of beauty,” said Bob Carter, group Vice President and General Manager of Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, USA. Act. “Changes for 2011 allows us to consolidate our position in the premium car segment is huge. The competition does not stop, and we do not.”

New design of Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, the Toyota Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a “zero discharge” facility that also meets the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It also developed the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Dynamic New Exterior
Year 2011, Toyota Avalon Calty renovated to project a smooth appearance and out. Expansion, the most important bond in the art of the state grid projector lamps, work with a wide hood, calm face showed lower center of gravity and wide stance to emphasize the Toyota Avalon.

The new headlights, which combine several reflector halogen headlights with halogen or HID lights low, light tubes that are used to create a signature, night-time appearance. Front fog lights, now integrated in the trapezoidal front bumper, offers a point of illumination.

Viewed from the side, of 2011 Avalon strengthened by the additional use of chrome, redesigned rocker panels, and the brightness of the exterior mirrors integrated stand with his turn. New 17-inch wheels on the role of a limited series of 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.

At the back of the car, the identification of Avalon neatly defined by a unique logo that is located on the plate. Dual exhaust pipes integrated into the trapezoid, cut from the bottom of the bumper of modern image. Rear lights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, helping to create a low drag coefficient. Integration of the new stop lights, turn and side marker functions in the combined light illumination. Unique LED light aluminum tube with the light and dark red lenses project a modern look.

Extensive interior Built To Comfort
Year 2011, the new interior is designed with contemporary style. New interior is generously spacious and elegant, with comfortable seating and integrated services carefully. Color coordinated and smooth rich wood materials carefully selected to convey an optimistic attitude and the modern essence.

Standard leather trimmed front seats and seatbacks in the Limited is equipped with ventilation and areas greater drilling to help them stay cool. Thick layer of interior features seats that provide an elegant accent for interior design. Front active headrests are also standard.

Rear seat is configured to accommodate three passengers in comfort, with enough space for legs and lay back chairs, unique in the segment. Rear headrests have also been renovated and expanded to better support and a comfortable fold-down center armrest provides storage center when the seat is not in use.

A power rear sunshade, spread through contact lever, direct sunlight filters in through the back window. Umbrella, which helps protect rear seat passengers of light and unwanted heat automatically deleted when the driver selecting reverse gear.

A new instrument panel incorporating visually appealing and easy to read indicator graduated Optitron using white light white pointer. Go down to the glass and chrome rings in adding depth and a sense of luxury.

Steering wheel controls for the phone include Bluetooth hands-free audio system, climate system, and center information.

Technology-Enriched Environment
Global technology infusion of new interior is designed in order to ensure a rich environment, with increased functionality and connectivity.

New standard equipment includes Bluetooth ® hands-free phone and audio system to music streaming from compatible devices, XM ® Satellite Radio (subscription required), and 1/8-inch inputs for additional USB and iPod ® and other audio devices. Each of the three audio systems are available to control the iPod without any problems using the buttons on the steering wheel and tracking information stored on the device screen.

More Toyota DVD navigation system with a database of recently approved and is now much easier to find and address entry functionality. Navigation system monitor also features new icons and street attractions, and a keyboard display arranged in the same way as personal computers.

Toyota Avalon standard score nine speaker system offers sound quality exceptional, while the Limited has a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Synthesis audio system upgrade with a premium of two coil sub-woofer. This system uses 12 speakers and a digital 12-channel amplifier to deliver deep, rich voice filled the seats of vehicles.

A rear view monitor functions in the standard rearview mirror or the navigation system. Rear-view-mirror backup image on the screen, including a guide to help drivers back to the parking lot or driveway.

Performance and efficiency of the combined
Toyota Avalon is a unique combination of power and fuel economy is very good offers one of the best performances overall dynamics of the large sedan segment.

The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, double head cam 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm. This machine is equipped with the latest Dual VVT-i electronic control valve that provides a broad power band, while requiring less fuel and less emissions. This is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Toyota Avalon is the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), gives the EPA estimates 20 mpg city, 29 highway and 23 combined, as well as or better than the V6 model segment.

Mixed up the technical standards of quality and precise fine motor control is provided by the suspension MacPherson Toyota Avalon, which uses springs in all four corners. Rack and pinion steering combined with front wheels and steering systems are optimized for natural handling feel.

Throughout the basic facilities
A dual zone climate control system has nine air-flow mode for more precise control indoor climate, and clean the air filter eliminates dust and pollen. Door position to stop using three instead of two to easily enter and exit. A locked glove box has a spring-pneumatic doors and lighting of the box. The first console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches from front to back, able to accommodate a variety of driver positions. The top is filled with elegant stitched with double density for soft bearing material. Inside is a 12-volt, in addition to a USB terminal and additional audio.

Safety standards
Toyota’s new Avalon passenger safety strategies including the use of energy-absorbing structures extensively tested, side impact protection beams and the highest point belt system developed and active front head restraints as standard equipment. Toyota Avalon will also have a new design of the accelerator and brake cancellation.

Seven airbags, including driver’s knee bag front, front airbags and side curtain for both rows are also standard. Standard Toyota Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), antilock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), brake assist and traction control TRAC system. TRAC and VSC functions can be turned off if needed to free the driver of the vehicle when stuck in mud or snow.

A full size alloy spare wheel standard. Each wheel has a pressure sensor to warn if the tire pressure drops, providing the driver with a warning to find a safe place to change the tire.

Simplified packaging
2011 Toyota Avalon is available in two classes when you arrive in dealerships in spring 2010 Avalon Limited. All degrees of the driver’s seat of power will be equipped with standard equipment like leather eight-way facility, and the back of the camera, automatic climate control with air filtration, power sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited will have an additional standard equipment, including eight-way passenger seat with lumbar support, driver seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats. Toyota Avalon class can be enhanced by features such as JBL sound synthesis and heated front seats, while the navigation is optional for both values.

Color and Trim
Toyota Avalon is available in nine exterior colors, including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl, Sizzling Crimson Mica. Additional colors include metallic beans, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, and Sandy Beach Metallic. Toyota Avalon will anchor the third grade leather interior trim color: ivory, light gray, and Black. Received a limited Ivory, Light Gray, Black and Bordeaux ornaments with accents of color on the vertical surface finish.

Jammed Vandals Destroy Seven New Toyota Models at 2011

Auto shows seem to have become risky business for car manufacturers. After the BMW 750i that was stolen at the Detroit motor show earlier this year, now more disturbing news comes from the Chicago Auto Show, where the Toyota booth attracted unwanted attention.
According to local newspapers, seven new Toyota models had their interiors vandalized by three young men, aged 20, 21 and 28. We don't know what really caused this deviant behavior, but one report attributes it to the fact that the three vandals were allegedly angry "about American jobs going overseas".
And it seems they wanted the Japanese cars to suffer badly, judging from the tools they used - screwdrivers and razor knives. The three young men were arrested on Wednesday evening before the show's closing time when guards noticed them acting suspiciously around a Toyota Camry. The mess they made inside the seven cars is substantial: dashboards were left smashed and ripped, seat upholstery sliced, windshields scratched, speakers cut open and turn indicators broken.
According to the police, the damage to the cars is estimated at $30,000. Interestingly, they had no preference for a particular model, vandalizing a Camry, a RAV4, a Land Cruiser, a Prius, two Tundras and one Lexus ES350. Funny thing, no accelerator pedal or floor mat were damaged...

photos

Read more In Cars

Toyota iQ Pure-Electric Prototype

An all-electric prototype of the Toyota iQ will make its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The iQ EV is equipped with an electric motor fed through a newly developed, flat and compact lithium-ion battery that is mounted under the car's floor. According to Toyota, the battery pack doesn't reduce the regular iQ's load area or passenger space. The all-electric version of Toyota's mini car is said to have a potential driving range of up to 65 miles or about 105 kilometers.
The EV prototype is currently being tested on European roads, with a potential market launch through a leasing programme in 2012. The Japanese company will also bring the car in the USA (as a Scion) and is also investigating its viability in other regions.
The iQ EV prototype will join three more new models at the firm's Geneva Salon stand including Yaris HSD hybrid concept, the European market variant of the Prius+ minivan with seven seats, and a closer to production concept of the FT-86 rear-wheel drive coupe.
photos

Read more In Cars

2011 Toyota Matrix

Toyota has chosen this week's Chicago Auto Show to stage the reveal of the 2011 model year Matrix. If you're having a hard time finding the styling differences between the 2010- and 2011-MY versions of the Matrix, that's because the revisions are barely noticeable.  
On the outside, the subtle refresh is limited to all-new front and rear bumpers with integrated front and rear underbody spoilers and a large mesh front fog lamp bezel. The newly designed 16-inch steel wheels and 17-inch, five-spoke alloy rims plus the introduction of a new Spruce Mica color round off the changes.
Inside, the instrument-panel gauges feature new silver ornamentation, while there are also new metal-plated rings around the air conditioning vents, and the audio unit has a new flush surface. The updated model also gains a fresh choice of seat fabrics, while there's also a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel with spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth capability for the Matrix S.
For 2011, the Matrix is available in two grades, the base model powered by a 132HP 1.8-liter engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic, and the S version which gets a 158HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine linked to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The S model is also offered with all-wheel-drive (AWD), in which case the 2.4-liter engine is matched to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
According to Toyota, the base Matrix 1.8L has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the manual gearbox, and 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for automatic model, while the 2.4L S version, 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the stick shift, 21 mpg city and 29 mpg with the automatic transmission, and 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the AWD model.
Pricing for the 2011 Matrix is expected to be announced at the Chicago Auto Show.

photos

Read more In Cars