Toyota + Lexus news

[GSBoek]

Probably had it for the regular models only and not for the hybrids.

[Motor]

Toyota may sell current Prius alongside third-gen model
complete article (http://www.motorauthority.com/toyota-may-sell-current-prius-alongside-third-gen-model.html)
At the Detroit Auto Show last week, Toyota unveiled a bigger, more powerful, better equipped, and most importantly, more fuel-efficient, third-generation Prius, and although pricing details are yet to be revealed the new 2010 model will most likely be more expensive than the outgoing one. To overcome this problem, Japan’s Nikkei daily is reporting that Toyota will reduce the price of the current Prius to match that of the upcoming Honda Insight and allow the third-generation Prius to sit at a higher price point in an effort to boost profit.

This would also fit in with Toyota’s desire to possibly launch a family of Prius models instead of the single car. Furthermore, it would also pave the way for the introduction of a more expensive plug-in hybrid version of the Prius, which Toyota is expected to launch next year.

The current Prius has a fuel-economy rating of 46mpg, the new 2010 model is claimed to return 50mpg, while the new Honda Insight has been EPA rated 40mpg in the city and 43mpg on the highway.

It's a good plan...except it's obviously going to cannibalize the new models sales. Toyota already knows this.

[Motor]

Toyota Recalls 2006-08 Lexus GS, IS and LS
complete article (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=140328)
Toyota will launch a safety recall in late January involving about 214,500 Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. to replace faulty fuel-delivery pipes with new components.

The recall involves 2006-08 Lexus GS 300/350, Lexus IS 250/350 and Lexus LS 460/460L models.

In a statement, the upscale Toyota brand said that "some ethanol fuels with a low moisture content may corrode the internal surface of the fuel-delivery pipes. If this condition occurs, the malfunction indicator light in the combination meter may illuminate. Over time, the corrosion may create a pinhole in the fuel-delivery pipes, resulting in fuel leakage."

The fuel-delivery pipes will be replaced with newly designed components.

Toyota said no other Lexus or Toyota vehicles are involved in the recall. For more information, call Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Give the # a call if you have one of the following vehicles.

[Burrcold]

Toyota Recalls 2006-08 Lexus GS, IS and LS
complete article (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=140328)


Give the # a call if you have one of the following vehicles.Thanks Motor. Just called and my IS does not fall in the VIN range.

[CeliChick2003]

Just heard about the recall. I shall call tomorrow.

[Motor]

Thanks Motor. Just called and my IS does not fall in the VIN range.

I can't take all of the credit...I'm glad you're in the clear.

Just heard about the recall. I shall call tomorrow.

Are you good?

[Motor]

2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix: Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control Now Standard Equipment
Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control Now Standard Equipment in 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix

- Toyota Announces Prices for Both Vehicles -

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) today for the 2010 high mileage Corolla compact sedan and Matrix crossover utility vehicle, which now include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) as standard equipment.

There is no price increase for the 2010 Corolla. Corolla's base MSRP will range from $15,350 for the standard sedan with a five-speed transmission to $20,050 for the sporty XRS with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Matrix carries a base MSRP that will range from $16,550 for the standard sedan with a five-speed transmission to $21,960 for the sporty XRS with a five-speed automatic transmission. The new Matrix MSRP represents an overall increase of $201 or 1.1 percent.

The new prices will take effect when the 2010 Corolla and Matrix arrive in dealer showrooms beginning in late February. MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $720. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

More useful features added never hurt.

[Zero]

It's a good plan...except it's obviously going to cannibalize the new models sales. Toyota already knows this. Would it? Aren't they pre-ordered/made to order? If so, it's not like there'll be an excess of 3g Prii's sitting in the store lot. :shrugs:

[Motor]

Would it? Aren't they pre-ordered/made to order? If so, it's not like there'll be an excess of 3g Prii's sitting in the store lot.

I don't exactly know how the ordering system works for the Prius. 2000 XYR could probably shed some light on this, since he owns one. If what you described is true, then there probably won't be any cannibalization of the newer generation Prius. The only way I see there being an excess of new Prius is, if demand suddenly bottoms out and people no longer want the car. Then Toyota plants abruptly halt production because the newer Prius is collecting dust on the dealer lot. That's just an imaginary worst case scenario, though.

But... basically, by selling both the old model and the new model together, it makes the older model the entry level car because it's going to be cheaper and have less new tech/features than the newer car. A person wanting a Prius now has two options, which is a great thing for Toyota. That's just my take on it...and I could be wrong.

[Zero]

A family of Prius, huh? They should make a subcompact Prius.

[Motor]

Toyota’s Weakening Financials
complete article (http://www.autolinedetroit.tv/journal/?p=2431#more-2431)
[QUOTE]In its most recent financial report, Toyota states that it has

[GSBoek]

I think they haven't seen the bottom of the pit yet, it's gonna get worse.

[Boosted2.0]

[QUOTE=Motor;4569626][B]Toyota

[Motor]

^ Lets hope so.

Toyota to recall more than 1.35 million cars worldwide
complete article (http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE50R10U20090128)
Toyota Motor Corp said on Wednesday it would recall more than 1.35 million Vitz and two other models globally to fix a defect in the seatbelt, a component in the exhaust system or both.

Subject to the recall in Japan are 525,898 Vitz, Belta and Ractis cars built from January 2005 to April 2008, Toyota said in a filing with the transport ministry.

It will also recall a combined 830,000 units of the Vitz subcompact, called Yaris in many markets, and Belta exported to Europe, North America and other markets, a spokeswoman said.

If you've got a Yaris take it in.

[GSBoek]

It was on the news here too, it applies to the newer model built from july 2005 on. Mine is the previous model and was built before that so I'm good.

[Motor]

2009 losses deepen
complete article (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/237917/)
[QUOTE]Toyota expects to make an operating loss this year three times greater than initially thought, the company has announced.

The company has amended its turnover forecast for 2009, changing the 150 billion yen (

[GSBoek]

I think they haven't seen the bottom of the pit yet, it's gonna get worse.

.

[Automaton]

This is actually intentional. Most dealers have huge inventories right now, which is really hurting them due to the slow sales.
The dealerships can suck my left nut. They have no intention of lowering their prices to where they need to be in today's market. THAT'S why they aren't selling. Supply vs. demand. There is always a price where they could sell every unit if they wanted to. They just don't want to accept a lower profit margin.

Same goes for all kinds of big box retailers. They just don't give a damn that I'd buy their crap if it was a little cheaper. Happened to me with a couch this weekend. They wouldn't budge 1 cent so I left. I was ready to give them $1000.

[Carbonized_GT]

I agree.

Most car dealerships in my area will not negotiate on car prices.

Hell at the Honda Dealership I work at there is this 07 S2K, been sitting on the lot for 2 1/2 years, never been titled. They are still asking 30k. Even I, ask an employee get no discount.

[Motor]

From Club Lexus:

Lexus Expands F-Sport Performance Line to Include Parts for GS, IS C and IS AWD
Lexus today announced that it will expand its popular F-Sport Performance Accessories line. The luxury manufacturer launched its signature line of sport performance parts last spring with accessories for the IS 350 and IS 250 entry luxury sport sedans. The line will soon include F-Sport parts for the current generation GS luxury sport sedan, IS all-wheel drive (AWD), and the all-new IS C convertible coupe models. F-Sport equipped versions of the GS, IS and IS C will be on display at the Chicago Auto Show.

“F-Sport Accessories offer Lexus owners the ability to customize their vehicles to the next level of performance,” said Brian Bolain, Lexus national manager of marketing and lifecycle strategy. “Following last year’s successful launch of accessories for the IS 250 and 350 sport sedans, it was natural to expand the F-Sport accessories lineup to other Lexus performance models.”

The GS, IS AWD and IS C F-Sport accessories will include performance enhancing parts such as forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. Parts for these new models will be available as early as June 1, 2009.

F-Sport Performance Accessories by Lexus USA are engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). When installed by an authorized dealer, the accessories are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.

F-Sport 18 and 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels

F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade

F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade

F-Sport Shock Absorber Set

F-Sport Lowering Spring Set

F-Sport Sway Bar Set

F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace

F-Sport Performance Exhaust System

F-Sport Performance Air Intake

F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

F-Sport Performance ClutchSet

F-Sport Quick Shifter

F-Sport Shift Knob

F-Sport Floor Mats
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/5499/iscfsportprvfb7.jpg
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3831/gsfsportbo5.jpg

Awesome. :thumbup: :applaud: I always wondered if the F parts could fit on the GS -- now I don't have to.

[Motor]

Toyota to cut hours,offers buyouts to US workers
complete article (http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSN1336080220090213?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true)
Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) offered buyouts to some 18,000 U.S. workers and said it would cut pay for executives and blue-collar workers in North America, and an analyst warned it may soon cut working hours in Japan.

The world's No.1 automaker, struggling as the global credit crunch sends auto sales sliding, said it would shut down production for more days in April at plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico and would cut executive pay and bonuses.

"The global economy is in a once-in-a-century situation ... Nobody knows if these steps will be enough given the uncertain outlook," said Shotaro Noguchi, an analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Securities.

"Inventory levels are still high, and a recovery in demand is not in sight yet. Toyota may have to adopt work-sharing in Japan in line with production cuts, at the same time as reducing overtime work."

It was only a matter of time.

[Motor]

Toyota iQ registers 5 Star NCAP performance
complete article (http://www.euroncap.com/results/toyota/IQ/347.aspx)
Adult occupant
The passenger compartment remained stable during the frontal test. An airbag mounted under the steering wheel provides protection to the driver's knees and femurs. The passenger is restrained from forward movement by an underseat airbag as well by the conventional seatbelt. Both systems worked effectively, readings from the dummies' knees indicating good protection. Toyota showed that a similar level of protection would also be provided to occupants of different sizes and those sat in different positions. The car scored maximum points for protection of the passenger. In the pole test, rib deflections measured by the dummy led to the chest protection being rated as marginal. Marginal protection was provided against whiplash injuries.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/iq_580.jpg

That's impressive. :thumbup::thumbup:

[Motor]

A Scion Drives Toyota Back to Basics
complete article (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123543506243454263.html?mod=article-outset-box)
TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp.'s incoming president, Akio Toyoda, has a sobering message for the giant company founded by his grandfather: It has gotten too fancy for its own good.

He is expected to focus, most of all, on abandoning kakushin, or "revolutionary change," current president Katsuaki Watanabe's term for changing the way ...
http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/P1-AO840_Toyota_C_20090223175628.jpg

In other words, he's going to simplify operations across the board.

[GSBoek]

Is he going back to kaizen? :chuckles:

[GTsRasta]

Either give the tC the 2.7 liter Venza motor in manual and reduce weight, or go with that RWD toyotaru concept that isn't happening...

[CeliChick2003]

Are you good?

I actually just got a notice about it so I'll have to bring mine in. I need a car wash anyway. :o:

[Motor]

I actually just got a notice about it so I'll have to bring mine in.

That sucks. The upside is you're going to get your issue resolved.

J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study Awards Lexus Top Marks
complete article (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=142867)
The study measures dealer performance through experiences with going to a service department for maintenance and repairs in the first three years of vehicle ownership. J.D. Power surveys five categories: service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility and vehicle pickup. Top marks went to Lexus, with 835 points out of a possible 1,000. Last year, Lexus was 4th. The lowest score went to Suzuki, at 702.

The study was based on responses from 106,059 owners and lessees of 2004-2008 model vehicles.

Behind Lexus, the remaining nameplates in the CSI top five were Jaguar with a score of 810, BMW at 808, Cadillac at 806 and Acura at 805. The industry average was 761, and the bottom five were Volkswagen (725), Kia (724), Nissan (723), Mazda (716) and Suzuki (702).

:thumbup:

[CeliChick2003]

That sucks. The upside is you're going to get your issue resolved.

J.D. Power Customer Service Index Study Awards Lexus Top Marks


:thumbup:


It's ok, turned out better than expected. I brought it in yesterday and they gave me a free loaner car, filled the gas tank and washed it! It hadn't been washed in like 3 months. :o:

One of the salesmen told me about Lexus getting the #1 for Customer Service. I completely agree, they treat me like royalty there.

[Motor]

Toyota, Facing First Loss in 59 Years, Seeks Loans From Japan
complete article (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aBA0r9UqrGVo&refer=home)
Toyota Motor Corp., forecasting its first loss in 59 years, is seeking loans from the Japanese government as private investors demand up to 50 percent more in interest for the company’s debt.

The company’s financial unit may ask for 200 billion yen ($2 billion) in loans, public broadcaster NHK reported today, without citing anyone. Toyota Financial Services Corp. spokesman Toshiaki Kawai said the unit is in talks with state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation, without confirming the amount.

The carmaker expects a net loss of 350 billion yen after vehicle sales in the U.S., traditionally Toyota’s most profitable market, plunged 31 percent last quarter. Incoming President Akio Toyoda is adding to the company’s reserves as the global recession also forces General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC to get bailouts from the U.S. government.

“Toyota should take advantage of anything it can to get through this crisis,” said Hitoshi Yamamoto, chief executive officer of Tokyo-based Fortis Asset Management Japan Co., which manages $5.5 billion in Japanese equities. “Money is not flowing in the capital markets.”

Toyota, the maker of the Corolla compact, may slash production 12 percent next fiscal year, it said yesterday. Toyota’s sales in Japan plunged 32 percent last month. In the U.S., sales also dropped 32 percent in January. Worldwide vehicles sales may fall 14 percent to 55 million units in 2009, according to Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn.

In response, automakers are shutting factories and cutting jobs. Toyota plans to halve the number of contract workers in Japan to 3,000 by March 31. GM last month said it is cutting another 47,000 jobs globally, as it reported a $30.9 billion annual loss. Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest carmaker, on Feb. 28 said it will cut all 16,500 temporary jobs globally and shuttered five factories in Germany last week.

I was hoping they wouldn't need a bail-out.

[GSBoek]

At least they can still afford a tuna sandwich. They used too much of their reserves to grow.

[Motor]

Toyota releases world-first rear-seat center airbag
complete article (http://www.motorauthority.com/toyota-releases-world-first-rear-seat-center-airbag.html)
No stone is being left unturned in carmakers' hunt for more and better safety technology, and Toyota is often at or near the forefront of that search. Today the company has released a new system: the world's first rear-seat center airbag.

Designed to protect occupants in a side-impact from secondary injuries caused by collisions other passengers or the center console area, the center airbag will soon be available in Toyota's production vehicles.

The bag is intended for rear-seat use primarily because unlike the front seats of most cars, rear seats aren't buckets with secure restraint and independent airbag systems. Even those cars with full rear airbags usually feature bench seats, which allow more sliding in an impact even with seatbelts in place.
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/t/o/toyota_rear_seat_airbag_main_630-0311-630x360.jpg

Take that Volvo!

[GSBoek]

Say goodbye to putting 4 people in the backseat then, one of them will be slammed into the front seat by the deploying airbag :chuckles:

[GTsRasta]

Say goodbye to putting 4 people in the backseat then, one of them will be slammed into the front seat by the deploying airbag :chuckles:

:rofl:

Now imagine there was that key option to turn it on or off...and you don't remember which setting it is...

[Motor]

Toyota planning inexpensive Yaris-based hybrid
complete article (http://www.motorauthority.com/toyota-planning-inexpensive-yaris-based-hybrid.html)
Toytoa is planing a Yaris-based hybrid to take on Honda's Fit hybrid, due around 2011-2012.

Toyota is actually positioning the Yaris to do battle with the Insight, however, continuing the company's angle of portraying the Honda hybrid as smaller and further down-segment than the Prius.

"We are developing a low-priced hybrid vehicle like Honda's Insight," Akihiko Otsuka, chief engineer of the new 2010 Prius, told the Nikkei. "We are going to compete by expanding our hybrid-vehicle lineup to smaller hybrids, in the class of the [Japanese-market] Vitz and Yaris."

But American's might more readily analogize the very similar-looking Insight to the Prius and therefore compare the Fit to the Yaris hybrid. Either way, it's the public that will benefit as a new generation of compact, inexpensive and highly efficient hybrids comes to market.
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/2/0/2009_toyota_yaris_liftback_main_630-0325-630x360.jpg

Good move.

[GSBoek]

That's a typical thing for Toyota, they box you in offering models both above and below what you have. Prius slightly upscale to the Insight, Yaris hybrid coming in from below. If Honda sneezes with the Fit you can expect an iQ based hybrid to box it in too.

[Motor]

Toyota Prius orders seen outpacing Honda Insight in Japan
full story (http://uk.reuters.com/article/motoringAutoNews/idUKTRE53E0Q220090415?sp=true)
Toyota Motor Corp expects pre-sale orders for the new Prius hybrid to reach 40,000 units in Japan by the time it goes on sale in mid-May, a newspaper reported on Wednesday, a pace that would see it easily overtake Honda Motor's rival Insight model.

Toyota, the world's biggest automaker, sold around 73,100 units of the current Prius in Japan in 2008.

Local newspapers including the Chunichi and Nikkei reported that Toyota dealers in Japan had received orders for more than 20,000 units of the third-generation Prius. Orders are expected to reach 40,000 units ahead of the car's debut, the Nikkei said, citing an unnamed Toyota official.
http://uk.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20090415&t=2&i=9702904&w=192&r=2009-04-15T032626Z_01_BTRE53E09K700_RTROPTP_0_BTSCENES-US-TOYOTA-PRIUS

FTW.

[Yca]

go toyota:applaud:

[Motor]

Pace car for Coca-Cola 600 a hybrid
Toyota spent more than a year trying to get its Camry hybrid used as an official pace car, and final approval was contingent on a NASCAR performance test. The car had to hit 100 mph by the time it reached the second turn of Lowe's from a standby position near the pit road exit.

Hamlin estimated he ran laps in the pace car at an average of 105 mph.

The Camry, which will be given away in a promotion after the race, was built at Toyota's facility in Georgetown, Ky. It's a 187-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder vehicle that gets an EPA-estimated combined average of 33 miles per gallon.

Toyota also plans to use a hybrid Camry as the pace car later this year for races at Infineon Raceway, Chicagoland Speedway, Watkins Glen International and Martinsville Speedway.

I wonder how the crowd's going to react. Throwing beer cans onto the track?

[Motor]

Toyota Prius points the way to design future
Full Story (http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090518/CARNEWS/905189995)
For a glimpse of Toyota's future design trends, check out the Prius.

The third generation, debuting Monday in Japan, stays true to the line's role as a vanguard of futuristic styling and sports many new elements that will be popping up soon in other models.

Chief among these are the sharply creased corners, the forward placement of the Toyota badge, a lowered grille and styling that Toyota's global design chief Wahei Hirai calls "free-form geometrics."

Hirai introduced so-called Aerocorner on the front and back. The flowing curves of the upper body end in a sharp edge that creates a flat surface before and after the wheel well. This helps stabilize airflow and reduce turbulence around the car. Toyota plans to use the trick in other models.

More underbody paneling was added, and the rear overhang was angled up to improve aerodynamics. New rear fins under the car aid stability.
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=CW&Date=20090518&Category=CARNEWS&ArtNo=905189995&Ref=AR&maxw=340&fn=toyota-design-chief-wahei.jpg
Hirai wanted a look that’s avant-garde and high-tech--and, considering it’s a hybrid, screams green.

I'll wait for the new models to roll out before I prematurely and unfairly judge.

[Motor]

Akio Toyoda Confirmed as Toyota President
FULL STORY (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=151149)
Toyoda, 53, is the grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda, who established the automaker as a division of the family-owned Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, then spun it off as a separate company in 1937.

Akio Toyoda succeeds Katsuaki Watanabe, who was confirmed as vice chairman.
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2009/0623/akiotoyoda.500.jpg

Hopefully, he'll revive Toyota's sports cars...

[Motor]

Toyota to end Bay Area's NUMMI joint venture with GM
FULL STORY (http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12898638?nclick_check=1)
FREMONT — Sending the strongest signal yet that the giant NUMMI auto plant may close, Toyota Motor said Thursday that it intends to dissolve the joint venture that runs the factory, potentially jeopardizing 4,700 jobs at California's sole remaining automobile factory.

But Japan-based Toyota insisted it still hasn't made a final decision about closing the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant, a 50-50 joint venture of General Motors and Toyota that began production 25 years ago. Toyota hopes to decide by the end of August.

NUMMI makes Toyota's Corolla compact car and the Tacoma pickup truck, as well as Pontiac's Vibe station wagon. The NUMMI venture began production in December 1984.
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site568/2009/0715/20090715__nummi~1_GALLERY.JPG

:(

Toyota: Revive Scion, Reshape Lexus and Spice Up Models
FULL STORY (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=153327)
DETROIT — Toyota's new boss in North America, Yoshimi Inaba, says putting more excitement into all Toyota vehicles as well as reviving the Scion youth brand and reshaping the Lexus luxury brand for the future are his top priorities on the product front.

Inaba told reporters in Detroit he has marching orders from Akio Toyoda, the new head of Toyota worldwide described by Inaba "as even more of a car enthusiast than I am," to fire up passion for vehicles throughout Toyota.
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/news/2009/0723/2010-hs250h-actf34-lexus-ft-500-2.160.jpg

The models needed to be spiced up a long time ago. Better late than never.

[Motor]

Toyota Announces Pricing on 2010 Avalon, Yaris, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, Rav4, and Tacoma
The 2010 FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature several upgrades, including dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms on the 4.0-liter V6, which add 19 horsepower and a one mpg increase. Minor suspension changes reduce the turning radius by more than a foot, and a new Army Green exterior color is offered. The base MSRP for FJ Cruiser will range from $23,680 for the 2WD automatic to $25,270 for the 4WD automatic, an increase of $360, or 1.4 to 1.5 percent.

The RAV4, the first ever car-based SUV originally introduced in 1996, receives minor styling enhancements for 2010, including chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4. RAV4 models will carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,500 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.

The 2010 Highlander gas model, which will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) beginning in October, will have an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder. Highlander Hybrid carries over unchanged for 2010. The MSRP for the 2010 Highlander gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which adds a stainless-steel exhaust tip and will increase $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.

Avalon, Toyota's flagship passenger car since 1995, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2010, Avalon adds rear-passenger auto up/down windows and one new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent.

Tacoma, the best-selling compact pickup truck in the U.S., will carry over unchanged except for an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality, and it will not receive a price increase for the 2010 model year. Tacoma's base MSRP ranges from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Yaris will receive standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) in 2010, equipping all Yaris models with Toyota's Star Safety System™ that also includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Yaris is the only vehicle in its segment to offer this set of safety features as standard equipment. With all of these enhancements, Yaris base MSRP will increase only $150 and will range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission, an increase of 1.1-1.2 percent.

Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Pay up.

[Motor]

Report: Toyota to pull out of NUMMI plant by March
FULL STORY (http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13106548)
Toyota Motors Corp. is pondering an end to production at the NUMMI automobile plant in Fremont by March 2010, according to a published report in a major Japan-based newspaper.

NUMMI produces the Toyota Corolla compact car, the Toyota Tacoma truck and the Pontiac Vibe hatchback.

About 4,700 people work at the Fremont automotive plant. For a quarter-century, NUMMI has been a 50-50 joint venture between General Motors Corp. and Toyota.

General Motors will halt production of the Vibe this month. That was part of GM's decision to stop making the Pontiac brand.

Sucks. I have friends who work there.

[GSBoek]

I have a Team Toyota magazine at home, gonna browse through it and see if I find anything relevant to post.


Testing 1...2 :D


EDIT: Works perfectly Motor. :thumbup:

[Motor]

I have a Team Toyota magazine at home, gonna browse through it and see if I find anything relevant to post.

Testing 1...2

EDIT: Works perfectly Motor.

Looking forward to it!

Good to hear.

Lexus eyes supermini market (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.ASpx?AR=242987)
Asked whether Lexus would go into the smallest premium sector, the Lexus source said: “Well, never say never. It’s probably the third or fourth most important segment. In fact, the ‘B’ premium sector is already bigger than the large SUV segment. But it is very hard to make money in it.”
http://lexusenthusiast.com/images/weblog/09-09-14-lexus-lf-ch-supermini.jpg

The idea of a Lexus iQ doesn't sit well with me. Aston and BMW are going to have their own respective versions. Bah.

[GSBoek]

Brand suicide

[Motor]

TOYOTA OWNERS ARE CAUTIONED ABOUT FLOOR MATS AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE
[QUOTE]Toyota/Lexus Consumer Safety Advisory Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/toyota-recalling-3-8m-vehicles-over-floormats-its-largest-ever/)

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. takes public safety very seriously. It believes its vehicles to be among the safest on the road today.

Recent events have prompted Toyota to take a closer look at the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Toyota considers this a critical matter and will soon launch a safety campaign on specific Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Throughout the process of developing the details of the action plan, it will advise the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Until Toyota develops a remedy, it is asking owners of specific Toyota and Lexus models to take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat. The following models are affected:

• 2007 – 2010 Camry
• 2005 – 2010 Avalon
• 2004 – 2009 Prius
• 2005 – 2010 Tacoma
• 2007 – 2010 Tundra
• 2007 – 2010 ES350
• 2006 – 2010 IS250 and IS350
Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat interference. If this occurs, Toyota recommends the driver take the following actions:

First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.

If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.

Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.
If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.

-If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.

-If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

In the event owners choose not to remove their floor mat, Toyota strongly recommends that they ensure that the correct floor mat is being used, that it is properly installed and secured, that it is not flipped over with bottom-side up, and that one floor mat is not stacked over another. Information on proper floor mat installation can be found on http://www.toyota.com and http://www.lexus.com.

Owners with questions or concerns, are asked to please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center (1 8...) or Lexus Customer Assistance Center (1 800 255