Toyota: Making Ever-Better Cars

"Sudden and drastic changes in the business environment mean that conventional ways of thinking and doing business can no longer help us grow sustainably. We are at a crossroads where we must now build a new business model."
- Toyota President Akio Toyoda

Toyota City, Japan, March 26, 2015 -- In the four years since announcing its new Global Vision, Toyota has made significant progress toward achieving sustainable growth by making ever-better cars. This has required a new approach to manufacturing automobiles, with the core aims being greatly improved product development and more competitive production sites. This work is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and is supported by the cultivation of a skilled and capable workforce.

Commenting on progress made so far, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: "I want 2015 to be a year in which we take steady and bold steps toward sustainable growth. We can do this by launching new models that incorporate TNGA, and making good use of this intentional pause to strengthen our competitiveness. Based on the new management structure we announced this month, it is important that we improve our true competitiveness, including strengthening our human resources. We aim to be a company that grows sustainably?a tree with a strong trunk."

Making better cars through TNGA
To greatly improve core vehicle performance and product appeal, Toyota is implementing an innovative, integrated development approach for powertrain components and vehicle platforms. Development of vehicles is also being grouped to promote strategic sharing of parts and powertrain components with the goal of reducing resources required for development by 20 percent or more. And by working even closer with suppliers, Toyota intends to further reduce costs and reinvest the resulting resources into developing advanced technologies and strengthening product appeal.

New powertrain components
Powertrain components are at the heart of all vehicles. Their development needs to be coordinated with that of vehicle platforms, which form the basic structure of all vehicles. To enhance driving performance and fuel efficiency while also giving vehicles more attractive styling and improved handling, Toyota is focusing on joint development of powertrains and platforms together to create a lower center of gravity, on making components lighter and more compact, and on applying unified design through modularization. By improving thermal efficiency in engines and energy-relay efficiency in transmissions, Toyota has increased the overall fuel efficiency of its powertrains by approximately 25 percent and overall power output by more than 15 percent. Also, by rethinking drive unit layout and making electric motors, inverters and batteries smaller, Toyota expects to improve the overall fuel efficiency of its hybrid vehicle systems by more than 15 percent. Toyota will begin introducing its new powertrain units this year, and will continue to develop innovative new hybrid systems, transmissions and engines.

New vehicle platforms
Toyota has developed new platforms through innovative improvements to its vehicle underbodies and suspensions. Additionally, repositioning and lowering the center of gravity of powertrain components has contributed to achieving attractive, low-stance designs, responsive handling, a high-quality drive feel, and collision performance that offers safety and peace of mind. By rethinking body structure, Toyota plans to first increase overall body rigidity by as much as 30 to 65 percent, and then further improve rigidity by joining body components using laser screw welding technology. Toyota will begin rolling out its new platforms with the launch of a midsize front-wheel-drive vehicle this year, followed by specific new platforms for front-wheel-drive compact and large vehicles, as well as for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Toyota expects approximately half of its vehicles sold worldwide in 2020 to feature the new platforms.

Improving Toyota's production systems
After deciding to take an intentional pause to strengthen its competitiveness, Toyota froze new production plant projects and has been working to achieve full use of existing plants and facilities, and to reduce the amount of capital investment required at plants when new vehicle models are launched. Toyota is also working to make plants more competitive by greatly reducing required levels of initial investment and further strengthening environmental performance and safety.

To increase product appeal, Toyota is developing production technologies that will make it easier than ever to turn new designs and features into reality. Toyota is also doing more to cultivate its human resources ahead of entering a new stage of sustainable growth.

Fully using existing plants and facilities
Since 2013, Toyota has been increasing the versatility of its production lines, linking production of same-model vehicles across multiple plants and steadily increasing operational availability to make thorough use of even the smallest capacity surpluses at each plant. Toyota has subsequently increased its total global load factor (line utilization rate) to more than 90 percent from approximately 70 percent in 2009.

Reducing investment needed to produce new models
This year, Toyota is aiming to reduce the amount of capital investment required to prepare a production line for a new model by approximately 50 percent compared to 2008 levels. This work also covers the production of new engines, transmissions and related components.

Although rolling out new TNGA platforms and powertrain components will temporarily require increased production line investment, investment requirements are still expected to result in lower investment levels than those required in 2008. And, because TNGA's strategic sharing of parts and components allows multiple platforms and powertrain components to be added to a line for mixed production, Toyota will be able to respond flexibly to changes in demand and achieve significant reductions in overall production line investment.

Increasing plant competitiveness
Toyota is combining the results of its work to increase plant competitiveness with the mindset and technologies accumulated by making ever-better cars in the field of production engineering. Toyota aims to break the mold by creating production sites that are competitive and built for sustainable growth.

Toyota is now approaching the point at which it can expect to reduce initial plant investment by approximately 40 percent compared to 2008 levels. The main contributors include measures to achieve "simple and slim" production lines, such as downsizing painting-booth facilities and switching to compact equipment that can be installed on top of plant floors. By contrast, current plants often require large equipment that needs to be suspended from ceilings or fixed into the plant floor. This reduction in required investment frees up resources.

Also, by making plants more environment friendly through improved energy management, Toyota expects to reduce plant CO2 output by up to 55 percent.

Through these combined projects, Toyota aims to shift to plants that are always competitive, rather than plants that depend on volume.

Making ever-better cars in the field of production engineering
Toyota is using the resources gained through its investment-reduction initiatives to further improve product appeal in the field of production engineering. Production engineering initiatives, with new technologies already finding their way onto a number of mass-production vehicle models, include revolutionizing forming technologies to allow the production of highly stylish components and developing more-advanced welding technologies for greater body rigidity.

Toyota Exhibit at New York Auto Show Features New RAV4 Hybrid and Tacoma Models, Engaging Activations

Automaker’s Display to also Include Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle, Distracted Driving Simulator with Oculus Rift and Future Mobility Concepts

Want to see what mobility looks like today? Tomorrow? Visitors to the New York International Auto Show will glimpse exactly that when they check out the Toyota exhibit. They’ll see the newest hybrid model in the Toyota line-up, the RAV4 Hybrid. The RAV4 Hybrid, the fuel-efficient iteration of one of the company’s best-selling, award-winning vehicles, is making its world debut in New York. 

Toyota’s presence extends to Crystal Palace where the Mirai special exhibit will allow attendees to get up close and personal with Toyota’s revolutionary fuel cell hydrogen concept. The Mirai display will include a mock-up of a fueling station to educate consumers on how the vehicle is re-fueled with hydrogen in about five minutes.

The following are also at Crystal Palace, located near the Mirai exhibit:

• FV-2 three-wheel concept vehicle, which is operated by the driver shifting his or her body to intuitively move the vehicle in any direction.
• i-ROAD, an innovative, fun-to-drive three-wheel personal electric vehicle equipped with revolutionary Active Lean technology that emulates the movements of a skier
• FT-1 concept car and FT-1 racing simulators
• New York Yankees graphic-wrapped Prius
• Sleeper Camry, an 850-Horsepower dragster from the 2014 SEMA show, and the Watkins Glen Camry Pace Car, both from Toyota Motorsports
• Toyota Safety Sense display, featured on the new 2015 Avalon
• Special editions of the 2016 Camry and Corolla
• TeenDrive365 Distracted Driving simulator with Oculus Rift. This is the first time the virtual reality technology is being used to educate people – teens and parents alike – about the dangers of distracted driving. 

Downstairs in the truck space, Toyota will be celebrating another freshly remodeled vehicle – the all-new 2016 Tacoma, with a new 3.5 liter, V6 engine, a redesigned cab, and for the first time, a GoPro mount to capture all of life’s adventures.

Additional vehicles in the lineup of truck display models includes

• TRD-Pro series lineup - Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner
• Tundra TRD Pro Desert Race Truck, which raced over 1,200 miles to a first place finish at the 47th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 last November
• Bass Pro Shops Tundra with an ATV
• Sienna:Remix featuring a 360-degree A/V column consisting of two 40” LCD monitors, four 12” subwoofers, 16 speakers and two LED bars that rise out of the roof. There will be a live DJ performance on Saturday, April 4 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• “Hiring Our Heroes” Tacoma, which recognizes Toyota’s support of the Hiring Our Heroes program that helps returning and veteran military personnel translate their military skills to civilian jobs.

Attendees can also catch Toyota around the Javits Center with other activations throughout the show, including:

• Camry Driving Experience: Visitors to the show can get familiar with the bold, new version of America’s best-selling car with the Camry Driving Experience. The outdoor ride-along program operates on the streets around the Javits Center from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. between April 3 and April 11, and from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on April 12.
• Commitment to Wounded Warriors Project: To officially open the auto show on Saturday, April 4, as a small token of appreciation to our service men and women, Toyota will donate a RAV4 to a select veteran through the Wounded Warriors program. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the USMMA band will lead a parade of vehicles, including the RAV4, through Crystal Palace

Toyota Sponsors Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & Half-Marathon

Toyota Hits its Stride Becoming the Official Vehicle Sponsor of Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Concert Series. Multi-year Agreement Makes Toyota Sponsor of All 22 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Events in the US

Ahead of 15,000 runners hitting the pavement at the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22, Toyota and Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the organizer of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, announced a sponsorship agreement, making Toyota the official vehicle of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Concert Series through March 2016. The sponsorship will stretch beyond the deep roots Toyota has planted in Texas to expand to all 22 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon events in the U.S.


Register for the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & Half-Marathon HERE.
 
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series relationship is a great fit for Toyota,” said Ed Laukes, vice president, marketing, performance and guest experience, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “The designation as the official automobile partner of a property that marries sports and music, two of our customers’ passion points, was an easy decision for us. Toyota looks forward to forming a strong partnership with Competitor Group and the Rock ‘n’ Roll series.”

The Toyota RAV4, Highlander and Sienna set the pace for the Dallas runners, leading them down the course and signaling the start of the official press conference where Toyota and CGI officials shared the first details about the agreement, including Toyota’s involvement at the Health & Fitness Expo.
 
The international Rock ‘n’ Roll race series combines entertainment and running, featuring live bands performing along the course, cheerleaders encouraging runners throughout the race, and a post-event headliner concert. The Dallas race is the largest stand-alone half-marathon in Texas, annually attracting more than 15,000 runners, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series just announced plans for an inaugural half-marathon in Brooklyn this October.

“We are proud to partner with Toyota, the world’s leading automaker,” said Bill Pedigo, chief revenue officer of CGI. “Together, we will help runners explore new terrain and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. We are excited to work with Toyota to develop innovative ways to engage runners and fuel their journey through the entire Rock ‘n’ Roll experience.”

For more information about Toyota, please visit www.toyotanewsroom.com, and details about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series can be found online at www.runrocknroll.com.

New Names and Bold Bodies Coming to Scion in 2015

First-Ever Scion Sedan and Scion iM on the way

Like many others, Scion has a New Year’s Resolution to debut an all-new body by spring. And not surprisingly, all eyes will be on its backside as Scion will be adding its first-ever sedan to its line-up. 

The new sedan will be introduced in April at the New York International Auto Show along with the all-new Scion iM. The iM is the official name for the production version of the iM Concept car shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Together, the two vehicles represent two of the three new models Scion will bring to market in the next three years aimed at independently minded 18-34 year olds. The trio will bring exciting options for Scion’s younger customers looking for vehicles to support both adventure and sensibility.

“With the iM hatchback and our first sedan, we’re inviting drivers to re-imagine what they can accomplish with a Scion,” said Scion Group Vice President Doug Murtha. “Both new models will stand out in the marketplace for their style and substance. I can confidently predict that 2015 will be an exciting year for Scion.”

Beyond the name, drivers can expect the production iM to carry forward some of the sporty looks and versatility displayed in the concept version. More details on both the production iM and sedan will be available in coming months. Information on the iM Concept is available atwww.scion.com/iMConcept.

Dual Threat: Two-Tone Scion tC Release Series 9.0 Available Now

Distinctive tC Brings Together “Show Car” and Bold Driving

Double trouble has arrived in Scion dealerships. Scion paired up with Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs on the two-toned Scion tC Release Series 9.0. The new model combines style and substance and is based on a concept car developed for custom car shows.

A new walk-around video shows off the limited-edition color combination of magma orange and sleek black carried through both the vehicle’s custom exterior and interior. Even the front badge shows duality: the familiar Scion logo blacked out for the first time. Just 2,000 of these models have arrived in dealerships around the country, ready for purchase.

The Release Series 9.0 vehicles target drivers who feel at home both on the show floor and the open road. The unique exterior features a center exhaust, Cartel Customs-designed aero kit and eye-catching alloy wheels and matching caps. Inside, it’s all about the exotic orange: from the custom stitching and front seat belts to pops of painted details.

“There won’t be a way to miss the Scion tC Release Series 9.0 now that it has arrived in dealerships,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “This two-toned tC lets Scion fans have an everyday driver that looks like it’s straight out of a car show…because it is!”   

The series vehicles come with either six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $23,190 for the manual transmission and $24,340 for the automatic transmission, excluding the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $770.

The 'Swagger Wagon' Struts Its Stuff as 2015 Sienna Wins Family Car of Texas

The 2015 Toyota Sienna “Swagger Wagon” showed its moves with its refreshed styling and added safety, convenience and multimedia features, earning it both Family Car of Texas and Minivan of Texas at the Texas Automotive Writers Association’s (TAWA) annual Auto Roundup event.
 
After a day of demanding driving at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, journalists voted for their favorite vehicles in 18 different categories. This year 52 journalists attended the event and drove 54 vehicles from various manufacturers.
 
“As the only van in its segment available with all-wheel drive, the recognition as Family Car of Texas confirms our efforts to keep the family van alive and thriving,” said KC Kirimoto, vice president of product and global communications for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Toyota’s commitment to enhancing the 2015 Sienna was focused not only on new safety features, but also the convenience and comfort of every member of the family.”
 
2015 Sienna is Perfect Fit for Families 
The 2015 Sienna impressed Texas journalists with its style and comfort, from the subtle exterior styling refinements for a more upscale look to the new center console and dash design.  Both passengers and drivers can enjoy the refreshed interior with added safety, convenience and multimedia features. Sienna’s new three-spoke heated steering wheel, available trimmed in leather or premium leather, ups the luxury ante. 
 
For even greater passenger comfort, the Limited FWD grade’s standard second-row Lounge Seating includes leg and foot support. Second-row captain chairs have dual armrests, and an easy release mechanism facilitates seat removal.  The new parent-friendly Driver Easy Speak system conveys your voice through the audio system’s rear speakers, allowing parents to talk with family in the back two rows.  Blu-Ray Dual View Entertainment Center, with a seamless 16.4-inch widescreen that plays from one or two separate sources, keeps the peace in the back seat.
 
All-New Lexus NX is Both Green Vehicle and Activity Vehicle of Texas 
Additionally, the 2015 Lexus NX received top honors as Activity Vehicle of Texas for the NX 200t F Sport and Green Vehicle of Texas category with the NX 300h hybrid. The all-new 2015 NX is inspired by performance vehicles and unites the engineering input of racers with the impeccable touches of Lexus luxury in design that steals the show.
 
Following closely behind the NX for the Green Vehicle of Texas runner up is the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid. TAWA also named the Toyota Avalon Hybrid runner up for the Full-size Vehicle of Texas. The combination of new refinements in the third year of its fourth generation design and the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive power train, the Avalon remains the only car in its class to offer a hybrid. Toyota reminds the world’s leader in hybrid vehicles, and the choice of seven hybrids for 2015, with an additional six in the Lexus line up.
 
TAWA members gather every spring to evaluate all that new in passenger cars, minivans and performance SUVs. The annual event is a way for TAWA members to experience the vehicles on road and track courses from manufacturers across the globe – in one place, at one time.

Burien Toyota Sponsors Cove to Clover Charitable Race

It's that time of year again, time for one of the community's healthiest and most fun events: the Cove to Clover Race!

This year it will take place on March 15 and there's still time to register to participate in any of the events like:

• Wee Race for kids (1 mile)
• 5K
• Pub Crawl

Every year corporate teams are welcome, but this year there will be grand prize! The winning corporate team will get a free Challenge Course Building Adventure. 

One of the most important aspects of the Cove to Clover is involvement with local schools. You can sponsor a student runner, there will be student shoe swap to make sure all students have good shoes, and more. And what's more, the Highline school with most race registrations will win $1,000! The high school with the second most registrations will win $500, and third most will win $350!

"We love to be part of the Cove to Clover race every year," said general sales manager of Burien Toyota, Ted Klarich. "We are invested in this community. Burien Toyota is a chief sponsor, but as individuals at the dealership, we participate in the race, we invite our friends and neighbors. It's a great cause and we just love being involved in the community."

Register for the Cove to Clover HERE!

Toyota Sienna Van and RAV4 Compact SUV: All-Wheel-Drive Cures for the Winter Blues

• Sienna: The Only All-Wheel-Drive Minivan in the Segment
• AMCI Certified Testing of Sienna and RAV4 Reveals Significant AWD Benefits 

Through ice and snow, Toyota continues to go places. Long, harsh winters can be a bit more bearable when drivers of family haulers ride into spring with the added capability and peace of mind that an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle provides.    

Recently, the Toyota Sienna and RAV4, both with available AWD, along with some leading competitors in their respective segments, completed certified testing in snow and ice conditions by notable third-party organization AMCI. The certified tests revealed the Sienna minivan and RAV4 compact SUV performed significantly better in the areas of acceleration, traction, and handling on snowy and icy road conditions when equipped with AWD. In fact, the certified testing results showed the Sienna AWD performed substantially better than other front-wheel-drive competitors in its segment and equal cornering performance on both ice and snow as a competing popular mid-size SUV equipped with four-wheel-drive!  

Similarly, the RAV4 equipped with AWD was AMCI Testing certified to deliver better active-safety acceleration, handling and cornering performance on snow than its competitors in the testing.  Specific certified testing in which a Sienna XLE AWD and RAV4 XLE AWD each outperformed its competition by large margins included:

• 0-50 mph on snow
• Shorter stops on ice from 30 mph
• Cornering performance on ice (Sienna only) and snow (Sienna and RAV4)
• Evasive-action performance on snow (RAV4 only)

Toyota’s AWD technology helps provide additional on-road capability. The Sienna AWD system employs a transfer case to smoothly deliver power to an electromagnetic coupler on the rear differential that divides engine power up to 50/50 front and rear.  Wheel slippage at either set of wheels automatically transfers more power to the opposite wheels to help keep the Sienna moving forward. This type of system not only handles wet and slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.) with confidence, but is fully up to light-duty off-highway conditions. Driver intervention is minimized, as the AWD system continuously monitors the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels. Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.

The RAV4 compact SUV offers a sophisticated Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive system. By coordinating through a high-speed interactive management system with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and electric power steering systems, Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive helps enhance performance, handling and safety.

This advanced AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential. Dynamic Torque Control uses input from various sensors (vehicle speed, steering speed and angle, throttle angle and yaw rate) to actively govern torque distribution to the rear wheels, as needed.

Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help reduce fuel consumption. The system automatically shifts to AWD when accelerating to help prevent front wheel slippage, or when sensors detect wheel slippage.

When Sport mode is selected, torque transfer to the rear wheels starts from the moment the steering wheel is turned, to reduce the load on the front tires. If understeer develops, torque transfer to the rear wheels is automatically increased by up to 50 percent, further reducing front tire loading to provide enhanced lateral grip.

When tackling off-pavement driving or very slippery conditions, pushing an AWD Lock button fixes torque distribution at 50:50 at speeds up to about 25 mph to maximize grip. Above that, the system reverts to Auto mode.

Sienna’s AWD system is available on seven-passenger LE, XLE, Limited and XLE and Limited Premium models. The RAV4 AWD system is available on LE, XLE and Limited models.

To help prepare your Sienna and RAV4 for the harsh winter elements, a Toyota Outdoor Package is offered.  Available with all 2015 Sienna AWD models and select RAV4 XLE and Limited models in both FWD and AWD, the package consists of roof rack cross bars, all-weather floor mats and mud guards. The Sienna package also includes door sill protectors while the RAV4 package adds a rear bumper skid plate garnish.