31/03/06

Hybrid or Diesel: Sushi or Snails?

Toyota acknowledges that there are many alternative routes to achieving the ultimate eco-car and it has led the field in pursuing most of them: more efficient petrol engines, cleaner diesels, hybrid systems and fuel cells - all have their own technical and environmental benefits.

Other manufacturers shun this broad-based approach, choosing instead to force customers into an either/or decision between diesel and hybrid power, using confusing messages to weight the argument in their favour.

Consider - because Renault asks us to - the Mégane diesel. Renault claims it is a worthy match for the Toyota Prius, but cheaper. As the Mégane is a smaller car, that should be the case, but let's look at the facts.

Price and Specification

The entry-level Prius T3 is fitted as standard with automatic transmission, VSC+ advanced stability control system, electric climate control air conditioning, alarm, six-speaker audio system with CD player and electric door mirrors. Its price on-the-road is £17,760.

Specify the nearest equivalent Mégane, the 1.9 dCi 130 Expression, with automatic transmission and it will cost you £16,450, but that is without stability control or climate control. At this point, yes, the Renault is cheaper, albeit not so well specified.

Dimensions

Both the Prius and the Mégane are five-seat, five-door hatchbacks, but the Prius has the longer wheelbase (2,700mm vs 2,625mm), which means more leg room for those on board. There's more room in the boot, too, with 408 litres in the Prius compared to 330 in the Mégane with the rear seats in place.

Performance and Economy

The Prius is faster from nought to 62mph (10.9 seconds) than both the Mégane dCi 86 (12.7 seconds) and the dCi 106 (11.1 seconds). Official fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 65.7mpg for Prius and 62.8mpg for the Mégane dCi 86.

The Toyota's advantage is even more marked in urban driving, where pollution and fuel economy are a bigger issue. Around town, official consumption for the Prius is 56.5mpg, compared to 51.4mpg for the Renault, but the Toyota is the master of slow-moving traffic, being able to run on electric motor power alone, with zero emissions and maximum fuel efficiency.

Road Tax and Congestion Charging

Producing 120g/km, the Mégane squeezes into Band B for Vehicle Excise Duty, the same band as the Prius, which emits 104g/km of carbon dioxide. This doesn't take into account the fact the Toyota gives out none of the particulate emissions produced by diesel engines like the dCi 86.

Prius qualifies for a £10 discount, so only costs the owner £30 for a year's road tax, compared to £40 for the Mégane. And if you run the cars in central London, the Prius can save you up to £2,000 a year, as it is exempt from the congestion charge.

Still struggling to see why Renault thinks hybrid vehicles are expensive? Maybe a look at servicing costs might strengthen its argument.

Servicing Costs

Contrary to this week's press release from Renault UK, the hybrid system in the Prius does not require special maintenance. The first scheduled service for a Toyota Prius at a London dealer costs £110 and the second service £180.

A quote from a Renault London dealer for the Mégane dCi 86 works out between £220 and £250 for the first service and between £420 and £450 for the second.

The (Inescapable) Conclusion

The Prius is roomier, quicker, more fuel efficient, cleaner, costs less to service and will probably work out cheaper to own over a three-year period when all the savings and residual values are taken into account.

But Toyota is not saying hybrid is better than diesel, it is just another option. With more than half a million hybrid power vehicles sold worldwide and more new models in the pipeline, it's a choice more and more motorists are making.

Perhaps the final word should be for diesels, or at least for Toyota diesels. The Toyota D-CAT system, available now on the Verso and RAV4, and from July on the Avensis, not only meets Euro IV standards in terms of nitrogen oxides and particulates emissions, it also conforms to the proposed Euro V standard, even though those levels are not due to be enforced until 2010.

The bottom line: if you want a clean car, choose a diesel or a hybrid. Toyota offers the best of both.

30/03/06

Noisy Neighbours Move in on Ramsay St

Aussie TV soap Neighbours got a high speed visitor this week when top Grand Prix driver, Ralf Schumacher, parked his Toyota F1 racer on the world famous Ramsay Street.

Ralf and his Toyota team mates were in Melbourne preparing for the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday and caught up with the cast on set in the city's suburbs.

Rumours that Ralf has been offered a cameo role next year were denied by the production staff, but it is no secret that Ralf is used to all the drama of the F1 circus.

23/03/06

Toyota Opens European Production Training Centre in Derbyshire

Toyota has opened its new pan-European Global Production Centre (E-GPC) to provide production and maintenance skills training to the employees of Toyota's European manufacturing operations.
The E-GPC - the European branch of Toyota's Global Production Centre in Japan - is located within the grounds of Toyota's vehicle manufacturing plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire (Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK) - in a purpose-built 8,000m2 training facility. Representing an investment of £11.3 million, the E-GPC employs 18 people including 16 trainers who are responsible for training up to 1,000 Toyota employees each year.

"Our objective is that we create a work environment where Toyota's team members are contributing and learning - because their contributions and their development spur the innovation that makes Toyota a strong company," said Sir Alan Jones, Executive Vice-President, Manufacturing Group, Toyota Motor Europe. "And while this training centre will benefit our European team members, ultimately it is our customers who are the true winners," he added.

The E-GPC delivers a range of courses designed to enhance and develop key vehicle production skills and equipment maintenance knowledge to support the Toyota Production System with its emphasis on superior quality. Trainees use specially developed work stations, simulated production environments and the latest maintenance technology to refine their skills.

The courses will also contribute to improved safety - with a focus on enhanced ergonomics - and greater efficiency, as workers' skills can be further honed to perform tasks within specific timeframes. The result is improved skills and even better quality "built in" to the production process.

Toyota established its Global Production Centre (GPC) in Toyota City, Japan, in July 2003 to train employees from Japan and its 52 manufacturing sites in 26 countries and locations worldwide (excluding Japan). The objective of the GPC was to create a more uniform training system that could rapidly train mid-level managers. With the steady expansion of Toyota's manufacturing operations across the globe, the creation of regional training centres is essential to help further disseminate knowledge and best practices to all Toyota team members.

In February 2006, Toyota's U.S. operations opened the North American branch of the GPC - the North American Production Support Center (NAPSC) - in Kentucky. The Asia-Pacific branch of the GPC will open shortly in Thailand.

The E-GPC is a natural extension of the GPC concept to one of the world's most important automobile markets. Toyota's European manufacturing operations currently comprise eight plants in six different countries (U.K., France, Poland, Turkey, Portugal and the Czech Republic).

Toyota achieved its ninth consecutive record year of sales in Europe in 2005, with 964,208 vehicles delivered - a five per cent rise over the previous year. Toyota also produced 638,000 cars, 588,000 engines and almost 337,000 transmissions at its plants in the U.K., France, Turkey, Poland and the Czech Republic.

For 2006, Toyota has set a sales target of exceeding 1 million units for the Toyota brand in Europe, while Lexus brand sales are expected to reach 45,000 units. Operating at record capacity, Toyota expects to produce 806,000 cars, 860,000 engines and 575,000 transmissions at its eight plants in 2006.

08/03/06

Platinum Toyota Appoints Business Sales Consultant

Renrod Ltd (owner of the Platinum group of dealerships) is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Holmes to the new role of Business Sales Consultant for Platinum Toyota.

Initially based at the Renrod Group's Platinum Toyota branch in Warminster, Chris was promoted from his position as Sales Executive in January and is now based at the Platinum Motor Park in Trowbridge - the business centre for Platinum's Trowbridge and Bath Toyota dealerships.

Chris, who comes from Warminster and is aged 43, will be responsible for dealing with local businesses in terms of their Toyota requirements, providing a tailor made service for their specific needs. His role will be multi-faceted and will encompass providing advice regarding any Toyota vehicles and services offered by the group. This will involve liaising with other companies with a view to supplying cars, commercial vehicles, finance packages and aftercare services to suit their individual needs and requirements.

Chris said, "I am very much enjoying the opportunity to work with other companies in order to provide vehicles and services to suit their aspirations. Toyota has a large range of vehicles and add-on services and as Platinum has two Toyota dealerships - one in Bath and the business centre in Trowbridge, I am looking forward to working with a range of clients across the region."

Chris continued, "I really enjoy meeting people and rapport building and strongly believe that you should treat people like you expect to be treated yourself, and put yourself in their shoes. I am very much looking forward to this forthcoming challenge, taking forward my experience and enjoyment of this side of the motor trade."

Chris has been in the motor trade for 26 years, in which he has always served as a Sales Executive. As a result he has considerable skills and experience, which the company is pleased to recognize. Chris has spent his career working for local motor dealers and joined Renrod Ltd in 2001 as a Sales Executive for Platinum Toyota before being promoted to Senior Sales Executive in 2004. He was promoted to his new role of Business Sales Consultant for Platinum Toyota in January of this year.

Ron Smith, Sales Manager for Platinum Toyota, "Chris is the ideal person for the job based on his experience in the motor industry both on the retail and commercial side. Toyota is extremely dependable and reliable and is excellent value for money - just like Chris! We are delighted to have appointed him to this new position."

If you would like to speak to Chris about your business's needs, you can contact Chris on (01225) 759550 or you can email Chris.holmes@platinum.toyota.co.uk

27/02/06

Toyota Unveils its New Sporting Heroes at Geneva Show debut for Yaris, Aygo and RAV4 concepts

Key Points

" Toyota presents three new sports-themed show cars at Geneva
" Yaris T Sport concept with new 1.8-litre engine
" Aygo for Sports open-top two-seater
" RAV4 Sports with performance-tuned D-4D 180 engine

Sports-themed concepts of three of the newest models in the Toyota range are making their world debut under the spotlights at the Geneva Motor Show this week. The wraps are coming off special versions of Aygo, Yaris and the RAV4 to reveal eye-popping styling, performance tweaks and a bold approach to putting the fun back into driving.

Aygo for Sports and the RAV4 Sports, based on the production T180 model, are both displayed as one-off show cars, demonstrating the inspired design and engineering talent at work within Toyota.

The Yaris T Sport, although a concept prepared for the Geneva show, paves the way for a sporting version of the all-new model that will be launched in 2007.

Yaris T Sport Concept

" Concept leading the way for production Yaris sports model in 2007
" New 1.8-litre petrol engine
" Extensive sports body styling features
" 17-inch alloy wheels

The Yaris T Sport is a design exercise that points towards a production sporting Yaris that is scheduled to arrive in showrooms during 2007, powered by a new 1.8-litre petrol engine.

The key reference point for Toyota's development team was to create a refined sports hatch, compact in size with fun-to-drive qualities to appeal to younger buyers, but also with high equipment levels and comfort appropriate for both day-to-day driving and longer trips.

The sports styling is bold, with a black mesh grille at the front that adds emphasis to the deep bumper with integrated fog lights. There is a redesigned bumper at the rear, too, plus deep side skirts and a tail spoiler.

The T Sport is fitted with 17-inch wheels for sharper ride and handling, while new-look tail lights, a chromed exhaust pipe and a T Sport badge on the front grille add the finishing sports touches. The concept car is finished in a dedicated body colour, Storm Grey.

Aygo for Sports

" Open-top Aygo for Sports designed for fun and freedom
" Two-seater with twin arched rails, but no roof
" Radical use of interior trim materials, including teak and Neoprene
" 17-inch wheels and LED light clusters

Aygo has brought a welcome breath of fresh air to the city car market. Now the wild Aygo for Sports concept version, created specially for Geneva, shows how those on board can enjoy a blast of healthy ozone and blaze a trail to the beach.

Off comes the roof and out come the rear seats to create an open-top machine that's focused on fun. In place of the roof, Aygo for Sports has a pair of elegant but strong side hoops that curve over the car like a twin tribute to the new Wembley Arch. Massive 17-inch rims shod with 205/45 R17 tyres and LED light clusters add to the look-at-me styling, together with a special bright Ocean Blue paint finish.

Inside, the sculpted seats are finished in light blue Neoprene with beige leather inserts, with matching Neoprene detailing on the steering wheel. And to emphasise this Aygo's beach party credentials, the floor is covered in teak in the best tradition of classic speedboats.

RAV4 Sports

" High-performance sports conversion
" Based on flagship RAV4 T180 with D-4D 180 engine tuned to deliver 201bhp (204 DIN hp) and 450Nm of torque
" Aerodynamic body kit
" Lowered suspension and larger brakes

There is no mistaking the intention of the RAV4 Sports concept, with a beefed-up exterior that includes new bumpers, grille and integrated front fog lights. At the front there is large intake set in above the front protection plate, with a matching plate at the back housing the neatly faired-in exhaust.

To the side there are deep side skirts for enhanced aerodynamic performance and the 21-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches to the limit, fitted with 255/35 R21 tyres front and rear.

The 175bhp (177 DIN hp) 2.2-litre D-4D 180 common rail diesel engine, which in standard form is already the most powerful engine in its class, is specially tuned for the RAV4 Sports to deliver 201bhp (204 DIN hp) and 450 Nm of torque.

To meet the demands of the uprated engine, air cooling capacity is increased with a larger front grille and additional air intakes in the bonnet. Braking performance is also greater, with perforated discs with six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear. The suspension is stiffer and lower compared to the regular T180, with reinforced shock absorbers to ensure the Sports can take the rough as well as the smooth.

Dark tinted glass ensures privacy for those on board, while the Liquid Metal exterior colour has been created exclusively for the model.

15/02/06

New Paint-Priming Agent Reduces Substances of Environmental Concern

Toyota has jointly developed with Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd (Parkerizing) the world's first* pre-paint vehicle surface treatment agent that results in significant reductions in both landfill waste and harmful by-product metals, while allowing proper corrosion resistance.

Before vehicle bodies are painted, they are first primed to prevent corrosion and ensure paint adhesion. Conventionally, manufacturers use a surface treatment agent containing zinc phosphate, which generates an iron phosphate sludge that is disposed of in landfills. Zinc phosphate also contains phosphorus, nickel and manganese, which are eventually rinsed off and end up in plant wastewater - resulting in the need for on-site purification.

Sludge disposal and wastewater purification from the use of zinc phosphate treatment agents is a common and major unavoidable problem for automakers. With the goal of reducing substances of environmental concern in all its activities, Toyota has been working with Parkerizing since 2000 to develop a better surface treatment agent.

Conventionally, using zinc phosphate agents has been the only way to achieve a smooth and even coat on materials such as steel, zinc plating and aluminum, which are often used in vehicle body panels. Until now, use of alternative treatment agents has always resulted in insufficient corrosion resistance.

Based on a revolutionary technology that does not use zinc phosphate, the new treatment agent developed by Toyota and Parkerizing uses zirconium compounds and special organic substances, which generate less sludge and are less harmful to the environment. During development, the new agent was tested on dozens of raw materials achieving the same level of corrosion resistance as traditional zinc phosphate agents.

In addition to corrosion resistance, the new surface treatment agent also possesses the same levels of performance or higher in terms of paint adhesion, durability and finish, and it has the potential to become the standard surface treatment agent in the near future, replacing those using zinc phosphate.

In early January 2006, Toyota introduced this new surface treatment agent into a body-component painting line at its Takaoka Plant in Japan. Introduction at other Toyota plants around the world will be considered and announced separately.

*According to a Toyota survey, as of December 2005

14/02/06

His Royal Highness the Duke of York to Publicly Launch Toyota's £500,000 Charity Fundraising Challenge during Visit to Burnaston Plant

His Royal Highness The Duke of York will publicly launch Toyota's £500,000 fundraising challenge for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) during a visit to the Burnaston Plant, Derbyshire on Thursday 16 February.

The Duke of York, Patron of the NSPCC's FULL STOP Campaign, is visiting the plant in his capacity as UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment to see at first hand the latest developments following a £50 million capacity-expanding investment programme.

Toyota has pledged to raise £500,000 for the NSPCC by the end of 2006. The money raised by employee and company fundraising activity throughout the year will be used to support NSPCC projects in Derbyshire and North Wales where Toyota's UK plants are based.

During his visit The Duke of York will meet representatives of the employees 'Member Fundraising Committee' and reveal the fundraising challenge 'totaliser' in front of a gathered audience from across the company.

The Duke, who will be accompanied on the visit by The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire John Bather, will then tour weld and assembly facilities where he will meet employees and see the state-of-the-art production technology installed to boost annual production capacity to 285,000 Avensis and Corolla models per year.

In this role as UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, The Duke undertakes a wide range of official activities, including encouraging British companies to become involved in international trade, selling British goods and services overseas, and the attraction and retention of inward investment to protect British jobs.

In 2005 Toyota was awarded its second Queen's Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. The award recognises the company's outstanding contribution to British exports between 2002 and 2004. During those fiscal years, the company almost doubled its overseas export value to around £2 billion by adding new markets, such as Japan, and increasing sales in developing markets such as Eastern Europe and Russia.

09/02/06

The New Rav4: Excellence All Round

The Toyota RAV4 was the inspiration for a new market segment for compact SUVs when it was launched in 1994 and has since proved an enduring success, with in excess of 1.8 million sales worldwide. More than 655,000 of these have been in Europe, where RAV4 has consistently been the best-selling 4x4 passenger vehicle.

The all-new, third generation model sets new benchmarks in its segment with premium levels of driving performance, quality, comfort and equipment.

New diesel engines that are cleaner, more powerful and more fuel efficient; new suspension for improved ride and handling; more advanced safety systems for occupant and pedestrian protection; a new, more versatile interior design; and fresh exterior styling combine to reinforce the RAV4's reputation for all-round excellence.

Designs on Success

" All-new RAV4, third generation of the world's most successful compact SUV
" Rugged and modern five-door body
" Longer and wider than previous model, but easier to manoeuvre
" Significant increase in interior space, including 47 per cent more luggage room
" Toyota Easy Flat folding rear seat system

The RAV4 has been totally redesigned and is longer and wider than before, providing more cabin space for passengers and a 47 per cent larger load area.

The interior is more flexible, too, with the adoption of Toyota's Easy Flat system, which allows the rear seats (split 60:40) to be folded flat into the vehicle floor. A single lever action is all that's needed to do the job - headrests and the seat cushions can be left in place. Handy storage spaces have been created throughout the vehicle, including a generously-sized underfloor compartment in the boot.

New Era Engines

" Three engines - revised 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol and new-to-the-range 2.2-litre D-4D 140 and 180 diesels
" 175bhp (177 DIN hp) 2.2-litre D-4D 180 engine exclusive to flagship T180 model

Two of Toyota's new generation 2.2-litre D-4D common rail diesel engines are offered in the RAV4 for the first time.

The D-4D 180, with 175bhp (177 DIN hp) and nought to 62mph acceleration in 9.3 seconds, is the most powerful engine in its class, yet will return 40.4mpg in combined cycle driving. Notably fuel economy and emissions levels are better than for the previous generation RAV4's 2.0-litre D-4D engine.

The D-4D 180 is available exclusively in the new RAV4 flagship model, the T180. The volume diesel power unit is the D-4D 140, delivering 134bhp (136 DIN hp), nought to 62mph in 10.5 seconds and 42.8mpg (combined).

Both engines have lightweight all-aluminium construction and benefit from engineering advances to achieve new low levels of noise and vibration. Low compression ratios and, in the D-4D 180, the use of piezoelectric fuel injectors, contribute to the excellent economy and low exhaust emissions. Toyota D-CAT (Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology) applied to the D-4D 180, including the unique DPNR four-way catalyst system, gives the engine world-leading combined nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions.

The new RAV4 is also available with an improved 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, revised to give 150bhp (152 DIN hp), nought to 62mph in 10.6 seconds (12 seconds automatic) and 32.8mpg in combined cycle driving (31.4 automatic).

Diesel models are equipped with Toyota's latest six-speed manual gearbox, a compact and lightweight unit designed for smooth and precise gear shifts. Petrol models offer the choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

Advances in Safety

" Ultra-tough in-house crash testing
" Nine airbags, including first-in-class driver's knee airbag, standard on all models

The new RAV4 has been designed from the outset to achieve the highest, five-star ranking for occupant protection in Euro NCAP testing. More than that, it has also been subjected to Toyota's more stringent in-house simulations, which analyse crash performance at higher speeds.

The RAV4 has a new, impact-absorbing chassis, designed to minimise the degree of deformation in the event of an accident, by absorbing impact forces and channelling them away from the cabin.

The design also takes into account the risk to pedestrians, with energy absorbing elements and crumple zones around the front end of the vehicle, repositioning of the radiator and bonnet catch, and detail changes to the headlight brackets and wiper units.

Inside the vehicle, nine airbags are provided as standard, including a first-in-class driver's knee airbag, and a dual warning system with light and buzzer ensures both driver and front passenger buckle-up. The front seats feature the latest Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) design for improved support in a rear impact.

Handling the Rough and the Smooth

" Active Torque Control 4WD system automatically transfers torque between front and rear wheels for optimum performance in all conditions
" First-in-segment Integrated Active Drive System (XT4 grade and higher)
" Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) standard on XT4 grade and higher, plus Downhill Assist Control (DAC) on models with automatic transmission

One of the key elements in the ground-breaking appeal of the original RAV4 was its excellent on-road performance, with handling more like a sporting hatchback than a conventional 4x4. Through the years this quality has been continually refined and in the new generation RAV4 reaches a new level with the introduction of Active Torque Control four-wheel drive.

This system continuously monitors and controls the transfer of torque between the front and rear wheels to achieve the optimum grip and handling. The ratio can range from full front-wheel drive to a 55:45 front-to-rear balance. Instead of a centre differential, the system uses a network of electronic sensors monitoring performance data, including steering angle, vehicle speed, engine torque and throttle angle.

The RAV4 is also the first vehicle in its segment to offer Integrated Active Drive. This combines and coordinates the Active Torque Control 4WD, the Vehicle Stability Control Plus (VSC+) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) to help bring the vehicle under control if the onset of a skid or slide is detected. This provides much smoother and more effective intervention to help the driver keep control than in vehicles where the functions operate independently of each other.

Further aids newly available for safe progress include Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and, on models with automatic transmission, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), which automatically applies braking pressure on steep descents without the wheels locking.

The RAV4 benefits from new suspension designs with MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. The new rear system features diagonally-mounted shock absorbers beneath the boot floor, causing less intrusion in the load space.

Equipped to Please

" Four trim levels - XT3, XT4, XT5 and T180
" Alloy wheels, air conditioning, sound system with CD player and MP3/WMA compatibility, Easy Flat folding rear seat system and remote central double locking and alarm standard on all models
" Flagship T180 equipped with run-flat tyres and tyre pressure warning system

The RAV4 is available in four grades: XT3, XT4, XT5 and T180. All models feature driver and front passenger front and side airbags, curtain airbags and driver's knee airbag, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and ISOFIX rear child seat mounts. XT4 grade models and higher additionally feature Integrated Active Drive System, Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control Plus (VSC+), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and, on automatics, Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

The XT3 grade includes manual air conditioning, Toyota Easy Flat folding rear seats, slide and recline rear seat adjustment, Electric Power Steering, sound system with CD player and MP3/WMA compatibility, remote central double locking and alarm, Optitron instrumentation, colour keyed electric heated door mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels with tailgate mounted hard cover for the spare, roof rails, body coloured bumpers, electric windows, driver's seat height adjustment and tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel.

The XT4 specification includes an electric tilt/slide sunroof, dual zone climate control, front fog lamps, retractable mirrors, glove box cooler, leather upholstery and remote audio controls on the steering wheel.

XT5 versions come with full map satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless Smart Entry and Smart Start system, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlamps, cruise control, heated front seats and electric multi-adjustment for the driver's seat.

The T180 rides on 18-inch alloys with run-flat tyres, so dispenses with the rear-mounted spare wheel. It also features a chrome finish to the front grille, wheel arch extensions, darkened rear privacy glass and smoked glass headlamps.

Prices and Insurance

" On sale in the UK from 6 February
" On-the-road prices from £18,995 (XT3 2.0 VVT-i)

In spite of its big advances in performance and specifications, new RAV4 is priced only slightly higher model for model than the previous generation vehicle. Insurance groups are unchanged from the previous RAV4 despite performance improvements.

03/02/06

Innovation and Design Set the Tone for New Toyota Models at Geneva

o Urban Cruiser, bold concept for a mini SUV by Toyota ED2
o Yaris T Sport, a new sports concept
o Fine-T and i-swing, Toyota's latest mobility concepts

Urban Cruiser, bold new concept for a mini SUV

The Urban Cruiser is a design exercise by ED2, Toyota's European design studio, for a futuristic mini SUV.

This concept car draws heavily on Toyota's heritage in Sports Utility Vehicles but also adds its own dynamic flair and rugged originality. The Urban Cruiser also features a fresh interior style inspired by trendy furniture.

Yaris T Sport

Just a few weeks after the European launch of the new Toyota Yaris range, Toyota will unveil a high performance concept of its best selling model at the Geneva motor show.

The T Sport is powered by a 1.8-litre engine, the biggest ever to be installed on this model. New bumpers, radiator grille, alloy wheels and modified suspension convey a more aggressive look, adding to the essence of this sports concept.

Rethinking the automobile: Fine-T and i-swing

Two advanced concepts offer glimpses of the future and reveal how Toyota can minimise environmental impact while providing transport solutions.

The Fine-T is the next step in fuel-cell hybrid vehicles and offers the cabin space of an Avensis within the approximate exterior dimensions of a Yaris. An independent four-wheel large-angle steering system confers an extremely tight turning radius, impossible to achieve with any conventional car.

The i-swing is a new evolution in personal mobility, offering a more direct form of human-machine interaction by adopting the latest technologies in IT robotics.

27/01/06

Increased European Engineering Input at Toyota

Key Points

" Inauguration of expanded Brussels Technical Centre
" Development part of Toyota's programme of localisation of its European design and engineering operations
" Total project investment worth €130 million (approx. £91 million)
" Ninth consecutive record year for Toyota sales in Europe

Toyota's commitment to establishing local facilities for its European design and engineering operations reached a new milestone yesterday with the official inauguration of its expanded Technical Centre in Zaventem, Brussels.

The focus of the centre's work is the complete development of upper body elements for all future Toyota models in Europe, including body, chassis and electronics design; selection and testing of materials and components; engine evaluation; and tuning of driveability characteristics.

Toyota also produced 638,000 cars, 588,000 engines and almost 337,000 transmissions at its plants in the UK, France, Turkey, Poland and the Czech Republic. 2005 was its ninth consecutive year of record sales in Europe with 964,208 registrations, a rise of 5 per cent on the previous year.

The Technical Centre employs 580 people and represents a total investment of €130 million (approx. £91 million). It is also home to Toyota's European purchasing and product engineering activities, which will continue to grow in step with the expansion of Toyota's European manufacturing operations and capacity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shinichi Sasaki, President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "The expansion of our R&D operations is crucial to our future growth in Europe, as it will help ensure that our European customers are provided with superior quality vehicles that are specifically tailored to their tastes."

The occasion was also attended by Belgian Prime Minister, Guy Verhofstadt and European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potonik.

Toyota announced an additional €75 million (approx. £52.5 million) investment in its Technical Centre in February 2004, creating around 200 additional engineering jobs. This money was divided between new build (€30 million, approx. £21 million) and the introduction of new test and evaluation facilities (€45 million, approx. £31.5 million).

In 2006, Toyota aims to take its European sales above one million units and to achieve full production capacity of 806,000 cars, 860,000 engines and 575,000 transmissions.

19/01/06

Toyota Honoured for Environmental Vision

What Car? Green Award recognises industry-leading hybrid and diesel technology

Toyota's pioneering work in developing and implementing environmentally friendly hybrid and diesel technologies has been rewarded with the 2006 Green Award from What Car? magazine.

The award recognises Toyota's industry leading commitment to building cars that address the need for cleaner and more efficient powertrains, without compromising the standards of performance and practicality expected by today's motorists.

In the words of What Car?: "Its clean and green cars are not futuristic concepts with on sale dates somewhere over the horizon. Toyota has a range of environmentally friendly cars in its showrooms today."

The models referred to are the Toyota Prius, the world's best-selling hybrid power vehicle and the 2005 European Car of the Year, and the Lexus RX 400h, Europe's first hybrid power SUV.

Hybrid

The Prius is the world's cleanest family-sized production car, capable of exceptional fuel economy thanks to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a system that combines a petrol engine with a powerful but compact electric motor. In slow moving city traffic, Prius can run on its electric battery alone, producing zero exhaust emissions, while on the open road the petrol engine, supported when required by additional electric motor power, ensures performance to match conventionally-powered cars.

Thanks to the system's self-recharging capability, Prius does not have a limited range like a fully electric vehicle and does not have to be taken off the road for battery power to be topped up.

A development of Hybrid Synergy Drive also powers the Lexus RX 400h, a luxury 4x4 that achieves both high performance and excellent fuel economy, a combination hitherto unknown in its segment. Equipped with a 3.3-litre petrol V6 engine and front and rear electric motors, the RX 400h can move from rest to 62mph in 7.6 seconds, yet is capable of returning 34.9mpg in combined cycle driving, a figure that's unmatched by any other premium SUV model. The twin motor arrangement also gives the RX 400h automatic electric four-wheel drive capability in low-grip driving conditions.

Lexus's hybrid power model range will grow this spring with the launch of the new GS 450h. And looking further to the future, Toyota is well advanced in developing zero-pollution power, having last year become the first manufacturer to achieve vehicle type certification for a vehicle using hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Diesel

As well as Toyota's success in developing alternative powertrains, the Green Award also commended its work in producing cleaner engines, notably the development of D-CAT - Diesel Clean Advanced Technology - to produce diesel power units with substantially reduced emissions of harmful gases and particulates.

D-CAT, which includes Toyota's unique four-way, maintenance-free DPNR catalyst system, features in the 2.2-litre D-4D 180 engine. This unit is already available in the Verso and will soon be launched in the new generation RAV4 and the Avensis range. Not only is this engine the most powerful in its class, it is also highly fuel efficient and produces record low levels of combined nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions.

Environmental concerns are at the heart of Toyota's worldwide operations, its corporate approach built on the framework provided by the Toyota Earth Charter of 1992. Following these principles, Toyota continues to make huge investment not only in building cleaner vehicles and engines, but also in establishing production processes and working practices - including co-operation with other businesses and organisations - that have less harmful impact on the world around us.

19/01/06

Verso's Versatility Nets Top Award for Toyota

What Car? Best Compact MPV title for clever seven-seater

The diverse virtues of the Toyota Verso have been recognised with the Best Compact MPV title in the 2006 What Car? awards. The Verso T3 2.2 D-4D 140 model emerged the winner in a category representing one of the most hard-fought segments of the UK car market.

In honouring the Toyota, What Car? praised the ease with which the Verso's interior configuration can be changed from seven down to two seats, with no need to remove any of the seats from the vehicle.

"Flexibility is the key, and that's where the Toyota beats its rivals hands (and seats) down," was the judges' verdict.

With Toyota's Easy Flat system, all that's needed is a single, simple lever operation to fold each of the individual rear seats down and create a perfectly flat load floor. It's such an effective concept, Toyota has included it in its new Yaris and forthcoming RAV4 models, too.

One of the clinching factors in the judges' decision was the new 2.2-litre D-4D 140 diesel engine, introduced in the Verso last autumn. This refined and supremely efficient, all-aluminium power unit endows the Verso with nought to 62mph acceleration in 9.4 seconds, 44.8mpg combined cycle fuel consumption and 167g/km of carbon dioxide emissions.

What Car? also acknowledged the Verso's peerless safety standards, with nine airbags as standard and a top five-star occupant protection rating from Euro NCAP; its all-round high quality; the generous T3 specification, including digital climate control, rain-sensing wipers, heated electric door mirrors and cruise control; and its competitive cost of ownership profile, with scheduled full servicing required only every 20,000 miles.

The award-winning Toyota Verso T3 D-4D 140 is the best-selling model in the Verso range, priced at £18,100 on the road. In all, Toyota offers 10 Verso versions, all equipped with seven seats and the Easy Flat folding system, priced from £13,995 on the road.

09/01/06

Toyota F3R Concept: Living Room on Wheels

Toyota has introduced living-room like space and style to the motoring world with its latest concept vehicle, the funky F3R.

The surprising F3R, which makes its debut at the North American International Automobile Show in Detroit today, is a creative, sporty extension of a concept all but forgotten in today's automotive world - that of the minivan.

The project was a joint undertaking of Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota's California design studio, and the company's California-based Advanced Product Strategy group.

"Younger people are hanging out in their cars. When they do that, the car becomes an entertainment area. The F3R expands on that concept. It's a sophisticated extension of the home," said the car's designer.

To create that extension, the design team came up with three very modern looking sets of seats. Each is unique, composed of modern, metal-edged bottoms and asymmetrical backs whose symmetry is completed by semi-integrated headrests. They can provide roomy, comfortable seating for eight adult passengers.

Up front, the driver's seat reclines and swivels, and the passenger seat reclines to form a comfortable bench. In the middle, the seats split and fold to form, with the rearmost or third row, an avant-garde sofa built around the sort of conversation area you might find in a designer living room.

This is surrounded by a casual, wrap-around backrest formed by the continuous, flowing curve of the instrument panel, doors and rear seatback panels. These are accented by fibre-optic lighting panels in the seat sides, and in the F3R's side door, that can be lit to provide illumination during lounge chat sessions.

But there's more to do here than just chat. That's because the F3R is equipped with two track-mounted flat-panel video screens. These allow the vehicle's occupants to enjoy movies or games whenever they want, and to do so in complete comfort, with control supplied by an audio/video/lighting remote unit that docks in the F3R's dash.

The F3R's design emphasises environmentally sensitive materials, in keeping with the theme of environmental sensitivity suggested by the Hybrid Synergy Drive badging. These materials include floor panels made from Ecoresin, a specially formulated resin that can be recycled; and a skin-friendly simulated leather seating material called Mythos that, unlike most plastics, does not produce the harmful chemical dioxin when it is burned.

The starting point for the F3R's exterior shape, meanwhile, featured a van that conveyed maximum volume, with a tall, wedged body shape that incorporated wide, dynamic shoulders, with its sporty 22-inch wheels and wide performance tyres planted at the extreme boundaries of all four corners.

The result is that the F3R looks like a stylish performance vehicle, but with a feeling inside that is very airy and light.

The F3R is a concept vehicle filled not only with intelligent drama, but with exactly the fresh take on three rows of seating, and on the usable space that vans so effectively provide, that Toyota was looking for.

Toyota wanted anything but a minivan. What they got was a sporty new vehicle that defies an easy label; with a dramatic, iconic shape that is as distinctive as that of the Toyota Prius and an interior that is more adaptable and more family friendly than anything previously seen.

04/01/06

Toyota New Year News in Brief

Diesel Aygo Debut

Aygo, the Top Gear car of the year, will now go even further for your money with the launch of a new 1.4-litre diesel engine. The ultra-fuel efficient powerplant can return 68.9mpg in combined cycle driving, giving a potential range of more than 530 miles.

As well as offering savings on fuel bills, the new diesel also boasts exceptionally low carbon dioxide emissions, its rating of 109g/km placing it among the least-polluting production cars available today and in band B for Vehicle Excise Duty. The new diesel models retain the Aygo Group 1E insurance classification.

The new engine is being launched in Aygo+ and Aygo Sport three and five-door models, with on-the-road prices from £8,345. For the New Year, Aygo+ and Aygo Sport are available with the option of Crystal Silver metallic paint finish.

Aygo diesel prices

Street-Smart Corolla SR

The new SR model gives the Toyota Corolla range added sports styling, with 16-inch T Sport alloy wheels, a front air dam, roof spoiler and rear privacy glass combining to create a head-turning look. These features are all in addition to the Corolla Colour Collection specification, which provides climate control air conditioning, electric heated door mirrors, a leather trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, front fog lamps, six airbags, electric windows and a sound system with CD player.

On sale now in five-door hatchback body style, the new Corolla SR is available with a choice of either 1.6-litre VVT-i petrol or 2.0-litre D-4D engines, and Silver Steel, Alsace Granite or Balearic Blue metallic paint finishes. On-the-road prices start from £12,995.

Celica with Extra Chilli

When the Celica GT broke cover last summer, it offered just about all you could want from a sports coupe: a low-slung look that's as fresh now as the day it was penned, a full body kit and a top specification that includes bespoke 17-inch alloys, Alcantara upholstery, climate control air conditioning and a six-disc CD autochanger.

For the New Year, the GT is now an even hotter prospect with the introduction of sizzling Chilli Red to the range of body colours. The price remains a cool £22,595 on-the-road.

Land Cruiser

The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser is renowned for being tough enough to take the harshest conditions in its stride. Beyond Arctic wastes and arid deserts, it's also engineered to master the rigours of the urban jungle: for 2006, front and rear parking sensors are provided as standard, helping drivers avoid unwanted knocks. The sensors - four forward and four aft - are discreetly colour-coded and can be switched off independently.

The Land Cruiser Amazon gains the same package and is also newly-equipped as standard with an in-car entertainment system. This features a DVD player mounted in the rear of the centre armrest unit, with twin monitors integrated into the back of the front seat headrests. Infra-red headsets are provided and the system can also be used to play computer games or play home movies (additional cabling required in addition to the ICE package).

Taking the revised specification into account, Land Cruiser prices rise by £350, with the range now starting at £27,350 for the three-door LC3 3.0-litre D-4D. The Land Cruiser Amazon is now priced from £48,095 on-the-road (4.2 TD).

23/12/05

Toyota Prius Primed for 2006

Toyota is introducing a series of new design and equipment features to take its multi-award winning Prius into the New Year. The world's cleanest family car is adopting a fresh face for 2006 with changes to the styling of its headlamps and rear light clusters and a restyled front grille.

Inside the cabin, comfort for passengers has been improved, with an adjustment to the hip point for those sitting in the back. Quality, one of the fundamental elements of all Toyota models, has been raised further with new upholstery colours, a soft-touch paint finish for the dashboard and the introduction of a leather-trimmed steering wheel across the range. A new leather upholstery option has been made available, replacing the previous combination of leather and suede-effect Alcantara, and three new metallic paint finishes - Vermillion Red, Verbier Green, and Tyrol Silver. A fourth new colour, Decuma Grey, will follow in April.

The Prius is one of the world's most technically advanced cars, with its clean and supremely efficient hybrid powertrain, by-wire functions for the throttle and automatic transmission, and fuel-efficient electric power steering. Owners now have the chance to increase the level of technical wizardry with an option package for T Spirit models that includes a rear parking monitor and Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).

The parking monitor uses a rear-mounted miniature TV camera to show the driver the area immediately behind the vehicle. This can be overlaid with guidelines to make reverse manoeuvres simpler and safer.

IPA can provide even greater assistance for reverse parking manoeuvres. Where space permits, the system will help the driver steer the Prius into a parking space. After positioning the car at the appropriate angle and within required safe distances from neighbouring vehicles, IPA will calculate the correct course and engage the necessary steering angle for the manoeuvre automatically. The driver must control the throttle and brake during this procedure.

The new-look Prius will be available from 1 January 2006, priced from £17,795 on the road, an increase of just £250 over the current model. The Intelligent Park Assist is available as a £400 option on the T Spirit model only.

15/12/05

The New Toyota Yaris

Key Points

" New Yaris delivers improved quality, accommodation, performance and dynamic ability
" "Big Car Thinking" delivers larger dimensions all round for improved passenger and load space
" Flat rear floor allows three adults to be comfortably accommodated in the rear seats
" Toyota's Easy Flat system fitted as standard for quick and easy fold-down of rear seats
" Best-in-class load space - 737 litres (loaded to top edge of front seats)
" Five-star Euro NCAP rating for passenger crash protection
" First in class driver's knee airbag, standard on T3 and T Spirit
" Three engines - 1.0 and 1.3-litre VVT-i petrol and 1.4-litre D-4D 90 diesel
" 1.3-litre VVT-i and 1.4-litre D-4D 90 available with MultiMode (M/M) transmission
" Three and five-door body styles and three trim levels - T2, T3 and T Spirit
" Keyless Smart Entry and Start system standard on T Spirit grade
" Best-in-class UK insurance ratings, from 1E
" On sale 1 January, priced on-the-road from £8,995 (1.0-litre VVT-i T2 three-door)
" UK sales target for 2006 38,000 units

New yaris: big car thinking

The first generation Yaris has been a top performer for Toyota, its sales rising every year from launch in 1999 to the point where it accounts for one in every four of the brand's models sold in Europe.

It's a hard act to follow, but in engineering and styling the all-new Yaris, Toyota has not only refined the qualities that have distinguished the original, it has also made significant advances in quality, safety and versatility.

"Big Car Thinking" describes the approach that has shaped the way the new Yaris delivers exceptional levels of interior space and quality. The increase in dimensions is put to good use to provide class-leading room for passengers and their luggage. And thanks to Toyota's Easy Flat system, the rear seats can be folded down quickly and easily to form a generous and flat-floored load space, a feature that's unmatched in the Yaris's class.

Clever design also makes life more comfortable for rear seat passengers: re-routing the exhaust gives a flat floor, removing the central hump that traditionally compromises the middle seat. In the new Yaris, there is space for three adults in the back.

Where safety is concerned, Toyota has met the challenges set by the Yaris's short front overhangs and created a car that commands the highest five-star rating for occupant protection in Euro NCAP crash testing. The vehicle uses the well-proven Minimal Intrusion Cabin System (MICS) that has helped the Avensis and Corolla Verso achieve similarly high test results, with a basic framework that efficiently disperses and directs impact forces away from the passenger cell.

Up to nine airbags are available, including the segment's first driver's knee airbag - standard on all but the entry-level T2 grade.

The new Yaris is available in three and five-door body styles with a choice of three engines. The 68bhp 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine is the starting point, delivering up to 52.3mpg in combined cycle driving and carbon dioxide exhaust emissions at 127g/km. Top seller is expected to be the 86bhp 1.3 VVT-i unit, carried across from the previous Yaris, but with modifications for better performance and lower emissions.

The lightweight, all-aluminium 1.4-litre D-4D 90 diesel engine offers substantially more power and torque than before and is capable of 62.8mpg (combined cycle). A five-speed manual gearbox, revised for sharper, more precise shifts, is fitted as standard, but the 1.3-litre VVT-i and 1.4-litre D-4D 90 units can be specified with MultiMode (M/M) transmission for automatic or manual sequential gear changes.

Three grades are on offer: T2, T3 and T Spirit. T2 models come with remote central locking, driver and passenger front airbags, electrically adjustable door mirrors, CD player, electric front windows, rear seats that individually (60:40) slide, recline and fold down with the Easy Flat system and electric power steering. Additional features on T3 versions include front side, curtain shield and driver's knee airbags, leather-trimmed steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, air conditioning and an upgraded sound system that can play MP3 files stored on disc.

Top-of-the-range T Spirit grade introduces a keyless Smart Entry and Start system, climate control air conditioning, front fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Pricing and Insurance

Prices for the new Yaris range start at £8,995 for the entry level 1.0-litre VVT-i T2 three-door model and rise to £13,295 for the 1.4 D-4D 90 T Spirit five-door with M/M.

The model range follows a logical price structure. Moving from the 1.0-litre to the 1.3-litre engine adds £300 to the price and from 1.3-litre to 1.4-litre D-4D 90 power a further £1,000. MultiMode transmission for the 1.3-litre and D-4D 90 costs an additional £500. T3 grade adds £1,200 to the cost of equivalent T2 specification and T Spirit an additional £1,000.

Prices and insurance groups for the new Yaris are given in the table below.

Accessories

Four well thought-out accessory packs have been designed for the new Yaris, for pre-delivery fitment.

The Protection Pack features scuff plates, mud flaps, side and corner mouldings, a boot protector and carpet mats. The Sport Pack includes a chrome exhaust finisher, roof spoiler and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Owners can also specify a Leather Pack, for a high-quality full leather interior, and turn-by-turn satellite navigation. Accessory prices, including fitting and VAT are given below.

14/12/05

Wine Merchants Enjoy the Taste of Prius

In 1999 the head of the UK's leading independent wine importer switched from an 18mpg executive car to the 65mpg Prius, reckoning the potential savings in fuel, tax, insurance combined with the exemption from the London congestion charge would save him £5000 a year….he was not wrong, and it's got even better!

Keith Calnan, the Deputy Chairman of Berkmann Wine Cellars has since been driving the new 65mpg Prius and coupled with the £40 a week congestion charge is now saving over £6000 a year. There are 65 cars in the Berkmann fleet and Mr Calnan was so impressed by the Prius that he offered all those staff driving to work in London the option to go hybrid. Many are now doing so as their car leases come up for renewal.

Berkmann Wine Cellars, a shipper and wholesaler with a turnover in excess of £45 million, selling top wines, as exclusive agents, for renowned producers such as Georges Duboeuf, Antinori, Norton, Santa Rita and Deutz champagne is based in Islington, north London and has regional branches in Chippenham, Edinburgh, Plymouth and York. Two-thirds of its business is with the hotel and restaurant trade and the rest with the supermarkets and major off-licence outlets. The fleet also includes 25 light commercial vehicles.

The Toyota Prius are contract hired on three year terms, covering average annual mileages of around 20,000. Two of the sales team came on board immediately with the older style Prius, but the broader appeal of the replacement model has helped more of the staff to decide to switch, according to Berkmann's Fleet Manager Eddie Roda.

"It's a completely different car", he says. "The new shape and the actual drive quality of the latest version have helped a lot." And he is happy to report that the shift to Prius has been trouble-free: "We've had no problems at all, and driver satisfaction is 100%."

Now the Berkmann Wine Cellars policy is moving beyond the capital. "One reason we drive the Prius in London is the exemption from the congestion charge, but one of the staff at our Wiltshire branch now has one too, so we hope to be expanding their use to the other branches as well," says Mr Roda. "It's proving to be a money-saver all round."

12/12/05

Toyota Corolla Full of New Year Promise

Revised Colour Collection model for 2006

Key Points

· New-season five-door Colour Collection with climate control, heated electric door mirrors and 15-inch alloys
· On sale now

All too often the move into a new year provokes a mood of self denial and a determination to shed pounds and shun booze. Toyota is displaying a more generous spirit by giving its Corolla customers more rather than less choice. True, there are no free chocolates or whisky to be had, but the incentive to buy is stronger than ever before with extra equipment specification for the five-door Corolla Colour Collection.

We may be promised the coldest winter in years, but the new Toyota Corolla Colour Collection lets owners keep out the chill with climate controlled air conditioning now provided as standard. And to make those early morning starts less finger-numbing, the electrically adjustable door mirrors are equipped with heaters for quick clearing.

The interior gains a smart new appearance with a brushed metal effect centre console and a silver fleck seat fabric. To complete the New Year new look, there is a set of bespoke six-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels and a metallic paint finish in Silver Steel, Ixion Blue or Eclipse Black.

These features are in addition to an established Colour Collection specification that includes front fog lamps, front, front side and curtain airbags, a sound system with CD player, electric windows and a leather trimmed steering wheel with audio controls.

The new Corolla Colour Collection is available now, exclusively in five-door hatchback body style, with the choice of 1.4 and 1.6-litre VVT-i or 2.0-litre D-4D engines; the 1.6 is available with the option of automatic transmission. On-the-road prices start at £11,595.

Prices

Corolla Range Changes

There is no change to the specification of the Corolla T2, T Spirit and T3 saloon and estate, but the 1.4 and 1.6-litre VVT-i and 1.4 and 2.0-litre D-4D T3 five-door models adopt the same extra equipment features as the Colour Collection, with the added bonus of a full palette of exterior paint finishes. In line with market demand, Toyota has suspended production of the three-door T3, but three-door T2 models are still available.

05/12/05

Michael Cole Appointed Toyota GB Operations Director

Toyota GB is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Cole as Director, Sales and After Sales Operations.

Cole, 42, took up the post on 1 December, after two years as General Manager, After Sales Operations. He brings extensive experience to the job, having worked in the motor industry for more than 20 years. He joined Toyota GB in 1994 and has also held a series of managerial positions in the company's business management, fleet, regional sales and market planning operations.

"Toyota has enjoyed record-breaking growth in the UK for the past 12 years and I am looking forward to the challenge of helping to sustain that performance in the years to come," said Cole.

"Key factors in achieving this will be continued investment in Toyota's retail concept and brand development, to maximise revenues and enhance the profitability of our national network."

05/12/05

Aygo is Top Gear's Car of the Year

City car leads Toyota and Lexus awards avalanche

The Aygo is not only one of the best value machines on the market, it's every bit as brilliant as a supercar that's almost 120 times more expensive to buy. That's the opinion of BBC Top Gear magazine, which has awarded its 2005 Car of the Year title jointly to Toyota's Aygo and the Bugatti Veyron.

Aygo has brought a new dimension to the city car market, with its great driving character, contemporary style and superb value for money. And being priced from £6,745 on the road, it's a more realistic prospect for motorists to buy than the Veyron, at around £810,000. It's easier to park, too, has two extra seats in the back and there's room for your shopping in the boot. It won't hit 250mph, but it's nimble enough for a Top Gear game of five-a-side football, a skill the Veyron has yet to demonstrate…

Aygo's top honour was the crowning glory among a series of Top Gear gongs to set the mantelpiece groaning. In addition to the Car of the Year award, Aygo also picked up a "Jeremy" as Best Small Car, while Toyota's sister brand, Lexus, marched off with Best Executive/Luxury Car for the new IS 250.

In the recent Top Gear survey Lexus recently also took awards for the RX 300 and IS models in the 4x4/SUV and Executive/Luxury categories respectively as well as winning the overall manufacturer category.

02/12/05

Half A Million Turkey Exports in Time for Christmas

Toyota kicked off the festive season by celebrating production of the 500,000th vehicle manufactured at its plant in Adapazari, Turkey. The seven-seat Corolla Verso rolled off Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey's (TMMT) line yesterday (1 December) in front of a gathering of representatives from government, local communities, suppliers and Toyota executives from Japan and Europe.

The plant is so successful that it became Turkey's leading exporter in 2004 and in 2005 expects to produce approximately 140,000 vehicles for Europe, with an export value of more than £1.4 billion. The plant has a maximum annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles, employs 3,500 people and represents an investment of £511 million.

Toyota has eight manufacturing plants in six countries across Europe, including two in the UK. For 2005, Toyota plans to produce 635,000 cars, 541,000 engines and 259,000 transmissions in Europe and sell 980,000 vehicles, which would mark the company's eighth consecutive year of record sales.

23/11/05

Toyota Patrol Vehicles Join Highways Agency Motorway Force

Thirty-two Toyota Land Cruisers are joining what is set to become one of Britain's most visible 4x4 fleets, with more to follow next year. They are part of the biggest shake-up in motorway emergency management since the network began and will have to live up to their reputation for reliability.

Under the new arrangements, 1200 Highways Agency traffic officers are being deployed to free up police by managing all but the biggest traffic incidents, and keeping traffic moving. The officers have been operating on West Midlands motorways since last spring, the south-east since August and begin operations in the north-west and north-east in September. By mid-2006 they will be patrolling all of England's motorways around the clock. The HA teams have no enforcement powers although, working through seven Regional Control Centres, they co-operate closely with the police.

Using four makes of 4x4 spread between the regions, including the five-door Toyota Land Cruiser LC3 3-litre diesel automatics, the officers carry out high-visibility patrols, attend accident scenes, remove damaged and abandoned vehicles and clear debris. They also supervise road or lane closures, direct traffic, place and operate signs and manage traffic surveys.

Contract hire company Lloyds TSB Autolease was asked to produce a shortlist from 12 possible vehicle manufacturers to fulfil what Highways Agency Project Sponsor Graham Pittaway describes as a "long, detailed specification". Among other factors, the agency required vehicles that could carry a potential 625kg payload, including emergency gear and up to four people, and diesel automatics for economy and reliability. "All those selected are prestige 4x4 vehicles," said Mr Pittaway. "Four-wheel drive was specified to offset risks in wintertime, to maintain tractability and for the safety of the crew."

The vehicles have a crew of two, and carry traffic cones, first-aid kits, warning lights, water containers, road-clearance implements and other accessories, contained in a bolted-in purpose-built rack system. They also have roof warning lights and variable message signs at the rear.

The Land Cruisers are being delivered to Qi Van Systems of Telford to carry out the conversions. They are also applying the HA livery of yellow/black chequerwork, with red and orange bands on the boot, the logo in black on a blue bonnet and a black HA with vehicle number on the roof.

"We're proud that our vehicles are assisting in this significant development in motorway management," said Toyota Fleet General Manager Jon Pollock. "These Land Cruisers will be among the hardest-working vehicles on the road and we're confident that they will meet expectations."

26/10/05

Yaris Joins Toyota's Galaxy of Five-Star Models

New car achieves top rating in Euro NCAP testing

Its dimensions may be compact, but the new generation Toyota Yaris has proved itself every bit as robust as its larger stablemates with a top safety rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing.

The Yaris, shortlisted for European Car of the Year, has been awarded a full five stars for adult passenger protection, its score of 35 points matching the previous high total for a Toyota, set by the Corolla Verso. It joins the Verso, Avensis and Prius in gaining the five-star classification.

The achievement is a just reward for the skills Toyota's designers and engineers brought to building high safety standards into a vehicle of relatively small dimensions. The very short front overhang presented a particular challenge when it came to providing effective crash protection, but the results speak for themselves.

The Yaris's body structure was developed using Toyota's Minimal Intrusion Cabin System (MICS) technology. Front or side impact forces are dispersed through the vehicle's body, channelled away from the passenger cell and minimising the amount of cabin deformation.

Driver and passenger front and side airbags, curtain shield airbags and the first driver's knee airbag to be offered in the segment will all be available on the new Yaris, together with a dual-stage seatbelt warning system for the driver and front seat passenger.

The Yaris is the first model Toyota has developed using its own, more stringent in-house car-to-car crash test standards. These simulate side and rear 50 per cent offset impacts with a two-tonne vehicle, with both vehicles travelling at 34mph (55km/h).

The new Toyota Yaris goes on sale in the UK on 1 January 2006. Full specifications and further details will be announced nearer to the launch date.

12/10/05

Toyota Corolla Compressor: Supercharged Superstar

Key Points

" New performance flagship for Corolla range
" Supercharged 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine develops 215bhp (217 DIN hp) and 215Nm of torque
" 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed 143mph
" Lowered suspension with sports springs
" Sports body styling with roof spoiler and rear skirt
" UK right-hand drive production limited to 250 examples
" On sale from 1 November, price £19,995 on the road

Tougher emissions regulations signal the end of the road for production of Toyota's rapid Corolla T Sport model, but its hot hatch reputation is being kept alight with the introduction of a Corolla that's faster, more powerful and has better handling and more street presence than ever before.

Available only in strictly limited numbers, the Corolla Compressor uses the same 1,794cc VVTL-i four-cylinder engine as the T Sport, but with a supercharger added to boost output from 189 to 215bhp (217 DIN hp) and technical adjustments to meet Euro IV emissions standards. That helps knock one-and-a-half seconds off the car's 0-62mph acceleration time, down to 6.9 seconds, and adds 3mph to the top speed, now 143mph.

Thanks to extra torque at lower engine speeds - a maximum 215Nm at 4,000rpm - the Corolla Compressor delivers supremely flexible performance: acceleration from 50 to 75mph in fifth gear is accomplished in 8.5 seconds, while the shift from 37 to 62mph in fourth takes only 6.1 seconds.

To cope with the power hike, the Corolla Compressor is fettled with 15mm lowered sports suspension and uprated springs for extra handling performance. It looks the part, too, riding on 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 tyres and dressed with a roof spoiler, deep rear air dam and sports exhaust with twin tailpipes.

Only 250 right-hand drive Corolla Compressor models are being made available in the UK, so potential owners will have to move almost as quickly as the car they desire in order to secure one. The model goes on sale on 1 November 2005, priced on-the-road at £19,995.

TOYOTA COROLLA COMPRESSOR TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

12/10/05

Toyota Recruits Autogreen as End-Of-Life Vehicle Recycling Partner

Toyota GB PLC has reached an agreement with the vehicle dismantling network Autogreen to provide end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling and disposal services. The contract ensures the owners of all Toyota and Lexus cars will be provided with a free take-back service from 1 January 2007.

Through the agreement Toyota GB meets the requirements of the European End of Life Vehicle Directive and subsequent UK legislation, introduced in March this year. From 1 January 2006, a year ahead of the free take-back service coming into effect, Autogreen's facilities will meet the minimum requirement of recovering and recycling 85 per cent of each vehicle's average weight.

Autogreen represents more than 250 vehicle recycling sites around the UK, ensuring that Toyota and Lexus customers have easy access to services in their region. In remote areas, Autogreen can arrange collection, if required. All sites meet Autogreen standards in terms of facilities and procedures and conform to the licensing requirements of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Tom Denton, Toyota GB Environmental and Social Affairs Manager, said: "Toyota works on a global scale to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment. In choosing a business partner for ELV recovery and recycling, it was essential that the highest standards were demonstrated, ensuring Toyota and Lexus owners are given a responsible, reliable and efficient service for the final disposal of their vehicles.

"The Autogreen network is fully equipped to meet the demands of both the ELV legislation and Toyota's own environmental requirements."

More information about Autogreen and the take-back service can be found at www.auotgreen.org, or by calling the Toyota ELV customer support number 0800 542 4700, live from 1 November 2005.

11/10/05

Panasonic Toyota: The Fast and the Fuel Saving

Panasonic not only has its name on Toyota's Formula 1 racing cars, but now its staff are taking notice of a rather less thirsty Toyota the petrol-electric Prius. The first two cars have joined Panasonic UK's 300-strong user-chooser car fleet, and another is on order.

The Bracknell-based company, one of the UK's leading suppliers of electronics products with an annual turnover of more than £700m, is title sponsor of the Panasonic Toyota Formula 1 Team.

The Panasonic Toyota TF105 boasts a 3.0-litre V10 petrol engine that puts out more than 900bhp at 19,000rpm while the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder Prius petrol engine is supplemented by an electric motor at low speeds to offer a more discreet 76bhp at 5,000rpm.

The Prius may weigh more than twice as much as the TF105 but it scores heavily on fuel economy it achieves 65.7mpg on the combined cycle, whereas the TF105 in action is lucky to manage 4mpg. The Prius also wins on emissions producing only 104g/km.

"After driving the Prius for nearly a month, it's the best car I've ever had," says one of Panasonic's petrol-electric converts. "The hybrid engine is smooth and quiet, the automatic gearbox makes things very easy, and the steering is precise and responsive. The plethora of gadgets satnav, Bluetooth, voice control, engine info are great fun and incredibly useful.

"I had read that the engine information display turns economical driving into a kind of computer game and it's true. I find that I'm competing with myself to use less and less petrol which usually means safer driving by slowing down and planning ahead."

He sums up the Prius as "by far the best option in terms of fuel economy, CO2 and other emissions," adding that tax bracket, amount spent on private mileage and congestion-charge exemption would contribute to his financial savings.

Toyota Prius is available across all Panasonic employment grades, and is appealing to engineers, trainers and senior managers alike. The cars are obtained on contract hire and will join a number of Toyota Avensis and Corolla models already on the fleet.

"Prius has had a lot of publicity, it's very popular in the States and I think people have noticed that," says Panasonic's Fleet Manager Sue Fuhr. "It's much more spacious and attractively specced than we originally expected.

"Obviously it's good to have an environmentally friendly car and the congestion-charge exemption is a bonus. We were impressed with its performance and think its quietness will be good for drivers' well-being, particularly in London.

"People were very impressed when they drove the demo cars, and Prius is a very economical vehicle from the tax perspective which is going to make it increasingly attractive," adds Sue. "It's significant that we have another order going through so quickly, and I'm expecting the cars already here to stir up further interest."

11/10/05

Fine-X and i-swing Lead Toyota Presentations At Tokyo Motor show debut for new vehicle concepts and technologies

Key Points

" Toyota to present five key concept vehicles at Tokyo Motor Show on theme of Ecology and Emotion
" Fine-X pioneers fuel cell hybrid power
" Debut for the i-swing, transport for one that opens up new personal mobility opportunities
" New Estima MPV, featuring latest high-efficiency hybrid system with electric four-wheel drive
" FSC blends passenger car style with enhanced MPV flexibility
" Youth-focused bB brings club culture to the highway

Toyota is taking the opportunity of the Tokyo Motor Show to highlight groundbreaking designs and technologies in a series of key concept vehicles. The powerful line-up demonstrates the company's commitment to designing and engineering cars that address environmental concerns, while retaining the essential emotional appeal of being fun to drive and a pleasure to use.

Retaining the theme of Ecology and Emotion from last year's show, Toyota will unveil the Fine-X, a compact hatchback powered by a fuel cell hybrid system, and the i-swing, individual transport that is almost the automotive equivalent of a suit of clothes. Other concepts provide cues for near-future developments, including the Estima MPV equipped with a new high-efficiency hybrid powertrain; the FSC, which bridges the divide between cars and MPVs with an ultra-flexible interior; and the outrageous bB, a sound system on wheels.

The Tokyo Motor Show runs from October 22 to November 6 at the International Convention Complex in Chiba.

Fine-X

The Toyota Fine-X provides a glimpse of the radical opportunities that a hybrid fuel cell system can provide, delivering strong environmental performance and exceptional manoeuvrability through four-wheel independent drive and the use of a large steering angle mechanism that allows the vehicle to turn on the spot.

The Fine-X follows Toyota's 'vibrant clarity' design principles and has external dimensions slightly greater all round than the current generation Yaris. Interior space, however, is closer to that of an Avensis. The interior is designed to be welcoming, with variable lighting intensity and power seats that automatically move in and out of the car through the wide-opening gullwing doors.

Four-wheel independent drive with in-wheel electric motors and four-wheel independent steering with a large angle steering mechanism make the Fine-X exceptionally easy to manoeuvre. The car can rotate on the spot, execute tight U-turns and move into tight parking spots with ease. Driving is also made easier and safer thanks to the use of peripheral monitors, giving the driver a view right around the vehicle.

The hybrid system, combining a hydrogen fuel cell and electric motors, ensures strong environmental performance, while Toyota pursues a carbon-neutral profile for the vehicle by using plant-based materials in the construction of internal and external components. The source plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow and, even if the components are burned when the vehicle reaches the end of its life, no additional CO2 is emitted.

i-swing

The Toyota i-swing is a vehicle designed for one that allows drivers to express their individuality. It has a 'wearable' quality, almost like an item of clothing: its low-resistance urethane body is covered in cloth to soften any impact, should it bump into anyone on the street, and an LED panel can be customised to suit the owner's mood.

When operating on a busy street, i-swing runs on two wheels, taking up little pavement space. If desired, it can move at walking pace, so the driver can keep up a conversation with someone moving on foot.

When you need to move more quickly, i-swing can change to three-wheel mode, with stick and pedal controls for a fresh cornering action that responds to shifts in the driver's body weight, rather like moving on skis.

Using artificial intelligence, i-swing learns and stores data on the habits and preferences of its users to make it a highly personalised form of transport.

Estima Hybrid

The Toyota Estima full-size MPV (equivalent to the European market Toyota Previa) is being shown as a new design concept equipped with Toyota's latest hybrid system, THS II, and electric four-wheel drive.

The previous generation Estima was the first MPV to be offered as a production hybrid power model. With THS II, the new concept uses an exhaust heat recovery system to help further reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions.

It delivers the quiet and smooth acceleration characteristic of hybrid power vehicles, with added dynamic performance through Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which seamlessly co-ordinates braking and handling systems performance in all driving conditions. Combined with E-four electric four-wheel drive, it ensures higher levels of drivability.

FSC

The Toyota FSC is a new-category model that evolves and combines the elegant shape of a saloon with a functionality of an MPV. Spacious enough to accommodate four adults in comfort, it features an electrically-adjustable rear section to adapt the interior configuration for different passenger or load-carrying needs.

The innovative ease-of-use features include a smart rear hatch and touch-operated functions, while an innovative interior lighting design gives the car a distinctive and comfortable ambience.

bB

The bB concept is where nightclub and car combine. Its youth-focused, edgy design is matched by a mighty nine-speaker sound system with surround DSP (digital signal processing) and lighting that flashes in time to the beat.

05/10/05

Double Diesel Debut for Toyota Corolla Verso

Key Points

" Two versions of Toyota's new 2.2-litre D-4D engine introduced into the Corolla Verso range
o D-4D 180, a 175bhp (177 DIN hp) engine with Toyota D-CAT, the most powerful and cleanest diesel engine in the Verso's class
o D-4D 140, a 134bhp (136 DIN hp) engine which delivers performance improvements on the previous 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D unit
" All-aluminium engine construction, first alloy cylinder block in segment
" D4-D engine has lowest-in-class compression ratio (15.8:1) and adopts ceramic glow plugs and piezoelectric fuel injection system
" Improved NVH performance
" New six-speed manual transmission
" D-4D 180 engine exclusively available in new flagship T 180 grade with rear privacy glass, 17-inch alloy wheels, special interior trim and perforated leather steering wheel trim
" D-4D 140 available in T2, T3 and T Spirit grades
" On-the-road prices from £16,100
" Insurance group 8E for 140 T2 and T3, 9E for 140 T Spirit and 11E for T 180
" On sale from 1 November

Toyota Corolla Verso - Dynamic Versatility

The Toyota Corolla Verso set new standards in the compact MPV market when it was launched in 2004, with a sporty, dynamic design, true car-like driving performance, superb interior versatility with its Easy Flat-7TM folding rear seat system and a top five-star ranking for passenger safety in Euro NCAP testing.

The introduction of engines from Toyota's new generation of D-4D power units increases the appeal of the Corolla Verso even further. Two 2.2-litre units are offered: the D-4D 140, which replaces the 2.0-litre D-4D engine in the range; and the D-4D 180, which is the most powerful and cleanest engine in its class, developing 175bhp and using Toyota D-CAT (Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology) to achieve ultra-low exhaust emissions.

D-4D 180: Flagship Engine For The Corolla Verso

The D-4D 180 is the first true high-power diesel to be launched in the compact MPV segment. It develops 175bhp and 400Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, giving the car sporty but smooth performance, with 0-62mph acceleration in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 128mph. Combined cycle fuel consumption is 42.8mpg.

The Toyota D-CAT (Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology) in the D-4D T 180 gives the engine the lowest combined nitrogen oxides and particulate matter (NOx and PM) emissions of any diesel engine on the market. Central to this radically low emissions performance is the Diesel Particulate NOx Reduction (DPNR) four-way catalyst, a maintenance-free unit that simultaneously reduces the levels of NOx, particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the engine's exhaust.

The engine uses piezoelectric injection technology, which means larger volumes of fuel can be injected more quickly than with conventional injectors. This in turn delivers better fuel atomisation and more precise injection timing. It also has the lowest compression ratio in its segment, 15.8:1, which means less effort is required to compress the fuel-air mixture. This in turn results in higher efficiency, better performance and lower fuel consumption.

The D-4D 180 is equipped with the latest Toyota-engineered ceramic glow plugs. They are more durable and reach their ideal operating temperature more quickly, which enables more rapid cold starts at lower air temperatures.

D-4D 140: At The Heart Of The Compact MPV Market

The 134bhp D-4D 140 is engineered to deliver performance that meets the demands of the core market for compact MPVs. Power, torque and performance are all greater than the engine it replaces, yet fuel consumption and emissions levels are only marginally higher than for the previous, smaller capacity, 2.0-litre D-4D unit.

It is a sharp performer, with acceleration from rest to 62mph in 9.4 seconds. A maximum 310Nm of torque is delivered at 2,000rpm, giving the seven-seat vehicle smooth overtaking power.

The D-4D 140 is the first engine in its segment to feature an aluminium cylinder block, which helps achieve a significant reduction in engine weight; the unit is 13 per cent lighter than the 2.0-litre D-4D. Like the more powerful D-4D 180 unit, this engine has a very low compression ratio - 16.8:1 - contributing to all-round efficiency and low levels of NVH.

New Six-Speed Manual Transmission

The new 2.2-litre D-4D engines are fitted as standard with a new six-speed manual transmission, which offers smooth, quick and precise gear changes. Measuring 384mm long, the unit is very compact and shorter than all other six-speed transmissions with equal or smaller torque capacity.

Using the lowest viscosity oil available for manual transmissions has reduced fuel consumption by one per cent and the introduction of an oil separator has cut losses through oil agitation.

Improved NVH Performance

At the same time as it has adopted the new D-4D engines, the Corolla Verso has been given a new NVH package, including thicker insulation under the bonnet and extra sound insulation measures in the engine compartment.

Grade Structure and Pricing

The D-4D 140 is available in the established T2, T3 and T Spirit grades, while the D-4D 180 is offered exclusively in a new, sporting T 180 grade that stands as the new flagship of the Corolla Verso range. T 180 builds on the T Spirit specification with a number of additional features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, a perforated leather steering wheel cover and special interior trim details.

The new models go on sale in the UK on 1 November with on-the-road prices from £16,100. In 2005, Toyota aims to sell 95,000 Corolla Verso models to raise its segment share from 4.6 to 6.2 per cent. In the UK 9,000 sales are targeted in 2006, equivalent to a five per cent share of the compact MPV market.

On-the-road prices for the complete range are detailed in the table below.

04/10/05

New Toyota Training Facility for Nottingham

Toyota today announced that a £10 million automotive training facility is to be built in Nottingham, along with the establishment of an Academy specialising in educating local students pursuing a career in the automotive industry.

The new state of the art facility, supporting up to 600 students from the Greater Nottingham Area, will be built on Nottingham City Council land at Highfields, University Boulevard and will be owned by Broxtowe College.

It is proposed that the East Midlands Development Agency and the Learning and Skills Council will provide funding for the project which will also involve the Greater Nottingham Partnership and Nottingham Regeneration Ltd as partners.

The Academy will accommodate Toyota's 350 network ap