Toyota to continue selling current Prius against Honda Insight hybrid

Toyota and Mercedes-Benz have something in common. If there is a segment, they will build a car and compete. Some manufacturers try and stay to what they know best or what they are good at, but if you want to be number one, as Toyota can claim as of this morning, it requires a car for each and every segment.

This year will see the release of two new mainstream hybrid cars, the Honda Insight hybrid and the new third-generation Toyota Prius. Honda has been clever to make sure the Insight does not go head to head with the Prius. In the U.S. the current Prius costs USD $24,000 and Honda aims to sell the Insight for about USD $20,000.

However, Toyota is not happy about this arrangement as the Big T appears to have missed a segment of the market. The answer? Sell the current generation Prius at the same price as the new Honda Insight.

Sounds like a good idea on paper to at least have a car to compete against the new Insight, but will it work? For a start the current Prius has been around a good five years and will look somewhat outdated put against the sophisticated new Insight.

Toyota believes given the Prius’ brand value and recognition, some buyers may still chose to buy an old Prius compared to the new Honda, but what if some buyers chose to buy the old Prius over the new one?

The current Toyota Prius gets fuel economy figures of 5.1L/100km while the new Prius has improved that to 4.7L/100km.

Honda Australia spokesman Mark Higgins told CarAdvice the new Insight will come to Australia late this year or early 2010 with a starting price lower than the current Civic Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid costs $35,990 in Australia so we expect the Insight to be in the low 30s.

CarAdvice asked Toyota Australia if it will follow the American model and also sell the current generation Prius alongside the new car, at the time of writing we’ve had no response. Check back later in the day as we will update the article with Toyota’s response.

With the cost of petrol coming down significantly, will an improvement of 0.4L/100km be sufficient reason to opt out for the new Prius?

Regardless of whether or not the new Prius and the old Prius can successfully sell alongside each other, it’s clear that Toyota takes the Insight threat very seriously.

Toyota launches certified used hybrid program

How do you let everyone know that you’re the hybrid king? By kicking off 2009 with the third-generation version of the most popular hybrid to ever drive planet Earth and by launching a certified used hybrid program. Toyota announced today that it will offer a new Toyota Certified Used Hybrid (TCUH) program that will provide inspection and warranty coverage on certified used Toyota hybrids.

Each certified used Toyota hybrid will come with a 3-month/3,000 mile comprehensive warranty, 7-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warrant and roadside assistance plan offered on traditional Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV). Toyota said that the program also brings awareness to a pre-existing eight-year/100,000-mile factory hybrid battery warranty.

The new program also includes 14 additional inspection points beyond the current TCUV 160-point quality assurance inspection. The 174-point Toyota Certified Hybrid inspection includes examination of key hybrid components, such as the hybrid transaxle, control modules and… the battery.

Toyota Certified Used Hybrid Program: Who Needs New Batteries Anyway?

Not impulsive enough to buy a new Toyota Prius, but too scared of the world to buy a used one? Toyota has the certified used car program for you.

Toyota announced today a special version of their Certified Used Vehicle program specially designed for their growing fleet of hybrid vehicles. How is it different from the regular program? Like the existing Toyota certified used programs the cars get a three-month/3,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a seven-year/100,000-mile extended warranty with roadside assistance.

Is there a special warranty for the battery? Nope. The company announced the program "brings added awareness to a pre-existing eight-year/100,000-mile factory hybrid battery warranty." Yes, by getting a certified used hybrid from Toyota you're reminded of the existing warranty — something impossible for a private seller to duplicate unless they can somehow say the words: "this car also has a pre-existing battery warranty."

The only difference, other than the name, is the addition of 14 inspection points involving the examination of hybrid components, which is something you'd sort of hope they've been doing the entire time. Full details in the press release below.

Toyota Introduces Certified Used Hybrid Program

TORRANCE, Calif. (January 20, 2009) – In an effort to attract new buyers to the hybrid market, Toyota today launched the all-new Toyota Certified Used Hybrid (TCUH) program, an extension of the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) brand which provides added inspection and warranty coverage on certified used Toyota hybrids.

“The program is a great way to increase awareness of certified used hybrid vehicles,” said TCUV Marketing Manager, Steve Gallagher. “As more hybrids enter the used vehicle marketplace, Toyota Certified Hybrids offer high-quality options to customers interested in purchasing these fuel-efficient vehicles.”

As the industry’s first dedicated certified pre-owned program for hybrid vehicles, TCUH was designed to drive sales of certified used hybrids while expanding Toyota’s customer base for these types of vehicles.

Customers benefit from additional inspection and warranty coverage on Toyota hybrids within the program. Each vehicle comes with the three-month/3,000-mile comprehensive warranty, seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and roadside assistance plan offered on traditional TCUV models. The program also brings added awareness to a pre-existing eight-year/100,000-mile factory hybrid battery warranty. The TCUH quality insurance inspection also includes 14 additional inspection points beyond the current TCUV 160-point quality assurance inspection. This expanded 174-point Toyota Certified Hybrid inspection includes examination of key hybrid components, such as the hybrid transaxle, control modules and battery.

The Toyota Certified program combines the confidence of purchasing a new vehicle with the value of a used vehicle to provide a "like new" ownership experience. Toyota certified used vehicles offer consumers a smart alternative to traditional used car options and give them the peace of mind they seek when purchasing a used vehicle.

[Source: Toyota via KickingTires]

Toyota seriously considering iQ minicar for the U.S.

Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress today, Toyota announced that it is seriously considering bringing the iQ minicar to the United States. The Toyota iQ made it debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show last year and recently went on sale in Japan.

“We think there is an urban market,” Toyota executive Esmond said. “We are looking real hard at how it would fit in….because if you look at urban markets, they are growing.”

Esmond said that Toyota has been studying the sales of the Smart ForTwo very closely and said that Toyota would likely import the car to the United States in the near future. He declined to give a firm schedule or whether the car will be sold under the Toyota or Scion badge.

2009 Toyota iQ:

Source: Detroit Free Press

Toyota displaces GM as world's largest automaker

Quick: Who is the world's largest automaker? General Motors or Toyota? Last year, the two brands were in a statistical dead heat after sales for all of 2007 were tallied, and debates raged as to which one of the two global giants had outsold the other. This year, there's no argument. The winner of the 2008 sales crown was Toyota by over 600,000 units (exact figures are due a bit later). This is quite an accomplishment for the Japanese automaker and reinforces the fact that GM's sales have been in decline for the last couple of decades after crushing all competitors and reigning as the worldwide leader in auto sales for 77 years. Still, the mood is hardly one of jubilation at Toyota as the rise to the top has not been without sacrifice. The automaker has lost both money and market share over the last few months, and the outlook for 2009 isn't shaping up to be much better.
[Source: CNN]

Founder's grandson to succeed Watanabe as Toyota President

It's official - there will soon be a Toyoda back at the helm of Toyota. Akio Toyoda, the grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda had been rumored as the likely pick to succeed current president Katsuaki Watanabe, but only now has the company given official word that the torch will be passed this June.
In addition to bringing the company back under family control, Toyoda's ascendancy is important for a number of reasons. Toyoda brings with him both experience (he has been an executive vice president since 2005) and a youthful energy. At age 53, he'll be the youngest president in Toyota history, and he brings with him a resume that includes time in China and a school and work history here in the States.
Toyoda takes over a marque that finds itself in unfamiliar territory, having had its global sales slip by four percent in 2008 in the midst of growing worldwide financial crisis. He is expected to consider more production outside of Japan to avoid the strong yen and pricy local materials, but it is likely that he will look over the viability of every aspect of the business, from marketing to motorsports to product and production.

[Sources: Toyota; Automotive News, sub req'd.]

Toyota beats GM to become the world’s largest automaker

After a really tough 2008, it’s no surprise that General Motors has sold fewer cars than Toyota on a global scale. However that makes Toyota officially the world’s largest automaker for the first time.

GM fell short by 616,000 vehicles announcing that it sold a total of 8.356 million cars and trucks in 2008. Toyota, on the other hand, sold a total of 8.972 million.

Toyota’s sales fell by 4 percent while GM faced an 11 percent drop.

Source: MSNBC

Toyota Officially World's Largest Automaker

Moments ago, GM announced 2008 global auto sales. With 8.35 million vehicles sold, the automaker fell 620,000 short of Toyota's 8.97 million 2008 car and truck sales. Toyota is now officially the world's largest automaker.

Thanks to the global economic Carpocalypse, and despite a growth in sales in the Asia Pacific region of 3%, GM still managed to sell fewer vehicles last year than Toyota. It allows the Japanese automaker to wrest the global sales crown from GM it's held for 77 years. The General has reigned atop the global auto sales pyramid since snatching the crown itself from Henry Ford in 1931.

While many have argued Toyota bested GM last year when the Japanese automaker produced more vehicles than the biggest of the not-so-Big Three in 2007. But not so fast as the General doggedly held on to the title of global auto sales champ. Since the crown's been determined primarily on the metric one finds most important, the true "largest automaker" title's really been up in the air. However, with these new numbers, that last debating point is dead. Toyota is truly now the world's biggest automaker.

Full press release below:

GM Announces 2008 Global Sales of 8.35 Million Vehicles

* GM Asia Pacific sales volume grows 3 percent; Chevrolet sales in China grows 16 percent to nearly 200,000 vehicles; 1.09M vehicles sold in China sets record with 6 percent volume growth
* Third consecutive year of more than 2 million vehicles sold in Europe; Chevrolet sales breakthrough 500,000 mark with record share; Opel sets sales record in Central and Eastern Europe with volume up 13 percent
* GM beats the industry with more than 1.27 million total vehicle sales in Latin America, Africa and Middle East Region led by top-selling Chevrolet Corsa, Celta and Aveo
* GM continues emerging markets leadership with 2008 market share growth in 14 of 26 markets

DETROIT – Record-setting sales performance in GM’s Latin America, Africa and Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, and a third consecutive 2 million vehicles sales performance in Europe during 2008, helped General Motors sell more than 8.35 million vehicles globally last year. GM’s nearly 3 percent growth in both the Asia Pacific and Latin America, Africa and Middle East regions partially offset North America sales that declined 21 percent, and growing pressure in Europe that resulted in 7 percent fewer sales. Compared with 2007, GM’s total sales were down 11 percent, reflecting continuing global economic pressures that include tightening credit, falling commodities prices and lack of GDP growth.

In 2008, GM sold 5.37 million vehicles outside the U.S., accounting for 64 percent of total global sales volume compared with 59 percent a year ago.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, GM sales of 1.70 million vehicles were down 26 percent compared with the same quarter a year ago. Most of that decline was reflected in 379,000 fewer vehicles sold in North America as the market yielded to a crushing lack of consumer confidence, and tightened credit requirements, in the United States.

GM Continues Growth in Emerging Markets

“GM’s 2008 sales performance shows that we are continuing to take advantage of new emerging market opportunities and are meeting customer needs with fuel-efficient products that offer compelling design and great value – such as the award-winning Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in Europe, the Buick Excelle in China and the Corsa in Latin America,” Jonathan Browning, vice president, global sales, service and marketing, said today. “We saw sales volume increases in the key four emerging markets of Brazil (up 10 percent), Russia (up 30 percent), India (up 9 percent), and China (up 6 percent).”

“The challenges in the global financial markets, including credit tightening, the drop in commodity prices, and economic uncertainty continue to negatively impact overall demand for new vehicles,” Browning added. “For the total global industry, we saw about 3.5 million fewer vehicles sold in 2008 than the previous year.” With these market challenges comes significant opportunity and GM is well-positioned with new products either on showroom floors or on the way in the near future.

Chevrolet sales in Asia Pacific grew 14 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. Chevrolet sales in China (up 16 percent) and India (up 9 percent) powered much of this growth. The Wuling brand continued strong growth in China with sales up 17 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. The Buick channel is very strong in China with the all-new Regal and soon-to-be-launched LaCrosse. The Chevrolet Cruze and Cadillac SRX also will play important roles in taking advantage of China growth in the months and years ahead.

In the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region – a traditional Chevrolet stronghold – 2008 sales grew 3 percent compared with 2007. Chevrolet accounted for nearly 90 percent of GM’s sales in the region and Brazil remains the second-largest volume market for Chevrolet. Also, GMC, Cadillac and Saab showed impressive annual percentage increases in their sales volume – up 24, 22 and 16 percent, respectively, compared with a year ago. GM sales in the LAAM region beat the expected industry performance, with more than 1.27 million vehicles sold.

A large, relatively young population with a low car-per-capita ratio, hold promise for the market in years to come. Several new Chevrolet product launches are on tap for 2009 including the Cruze, Malibu, Traverse and Camaro.

Chevrolet sales in Europe also contributed to the brand’s solid 2008 results, growing 11 percent and breaking though the 500,000 vehicle mark for the first time. Chevrolet is also performing strongly in emerging markets. It remains the top-selling import brand in Russia. In addition, Opel sales in Russia increased by 49 percent, while Saab increased 68 percent in 2008 compared with a year ago. The Opel Insignia won the prestigious European Car of the Year Award – a first for Opel in 22 years and a strong statement about GM’s global midsize vehicle architecture. Important launches for GM this year in the region include the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Astra; Chevrolet Cruze; and the new Saab 9-3X and 9-5.

A highlight of GM’s North America regional performance was the all-new Chevrolet Malibu sedan that achieved the highest percentage gain in annual sales volume (39 percent) of any of the top-20 selling vehicles in the United States. While GM’s total North America vehicle sales volume in 2008 declined 21 percent, there were a number of bright future product opportunities highlighted at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit this month. They included the new Chevrolet Camaro and second-generation Equinox; the second-generation Cadillac SRX and all-new CTS sport wagon; and the Buick LaCrosse.

Sales of Cadillac outside of the United States were supported by strong growth of the brand in Latin America, Africa and Middle East (up 22 percent).

Note: Global sales results are based on preliminary numbers reported and have been rounded.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world’s largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 252,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, 8.35 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Note: In this press release and related comments by General Motors management, we use words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "objective," "plan," "goal" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, representing our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to comply with the requirements of our credit agreement with the U.S. Department of Treasury; the availability of funding for future loans under that credit agreement; our ability to execute the restructuring plans that we have disclosed, our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt; and changes in general economic conditions, market acceptance of our products; shortages of and price increases for fuel; significant changes in the competitive environment and the effect of competition on our markets, including on our pricing policies. GM’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q provide information about these factors, which may be revised or supplemented in future reports to the SEC on Form 10-Q or 8-K.

Toyota EV coming to the U.S. in 2012?

Toyota's FT-EV concept

Toyota has announced that they will be selling a new pure electric vehicle in the U.S. by 2012. We're guessing that it could be a production version of the FT-EV concept that Toyota showed at the Detroit Auto Show. Based on the iQ urban runabout sold overseas, the diminutive city car could meet some of Toyota's stated goals pretty easily. Toyota's national alternative-fuel vehicle manager, Bill Reinert, said the company is "looking for a 50-mile range right now," even when features like the defroster, heater, windshield wipers and stability control are in operation.
The car is expected to be powered by lithium-ion batteries. Reinert wants a charge time of about six hours using a conventional 110-volt household outlet or about two hours using a 220-volt outlet. Toyota still hasn't decided whether or not the car will be available for purchase or if it will be lease only. Where and for how much they'll be sold hasn't been ironed out yet either, but we'll be sure to fill in some of the details as they are issued.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Toyota FT-EV Concept

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Dark Horse: Williams-Toyota FW31 unveiled in Portugal

It's been a long time since Williams stood atop the Formula 1 world, but back when they were, nobody could take them down. They've won seven drivers' championships, with such pilots as Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jacques Villeneuve and Ayrton Senna - and taken nine constructors' championships just to wash 'em down. But that was a long time ago, and since then the team has fallen far from the top. Could this be the year they come back?
With F1's technical regulations turned all topsy-turvy for 2009, Williams was the first to start preparing. They're also the only team to go with a mechanical Kinetic Energy Recovery System, opting for a flywheel to store recovered braking energy instead of the battery-based systems developed by the other teams. The flywheel is installed in the new FW31, powered by a Toyota engine and unveiled at the new Algarve circuit in Portugal, where several other teams - including Renault - came to test out their new gear. Test driver Nico Hulkenberg was behind the wheel, soon to be joined by lead drivers Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima, who remain with the team for 2009. Check out the new Williams FW31 - wearing interim dark blue livery for the off-season - in the gallery below.

Gallery: Williams FW31

Toyota to cut Japanese production in half

As the economic slowdown gains steam and people continue to buy fewer cars, manufacturers are hitting the brakes a little harder on production levels. Toyota is shutting down plants in Japan for 11 days, and more closures could come as the company says it will make half the number of cars from February to April as it did last year. That would take Toyota down to 9,000 cars per day as it grapples with ballooning inventory. With the near-term future predicted to be even bleaker and the need to align production with sales, we probably haven't seen the end of factory stoppage announcements.
[Source: Reuters]

Toyota Passes Dodge For Third Place In US Truck Sales

PickupTrucks.com put together a full run-down on pickup truck sales for 2008. The most shocking statistic? Toyota's passed Dodge to become the third largest seller of trucks in the U.S. market.

Our pickup-truck-lovin' buddies at PickupTrucks.com just put together a full run-down on pickup truck sales for 2008. Taking a quick look at it, the most shocking statistic to us is Toyota is now the third largest seller of trucks in the U.S. market. how far down Dodge has dropped in truck sales. Toyota is now the third largest seller of trucks in the U.S. market with a 14.07% sales share. That's not just the Tundra of course, which saw a steep sales decline in the second half of the year, it also counts the Tacoma. Of course, Dodge's numbers also include the Dakota as well as the Ram.

Other than the Toyota shocker, the rest of the numbers seem to be what we expected — Ford's #1, Chevy's #2.

[via PickupTrucks.com]

2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept Revealed

EV Concept Confirms Battery-Electric Vehicle in 2012; First of 150 Plug-ins Arrive Late ‘09 to Lease-Fleet Customers; As Many As 10 New Gas-Electric Hybrids by early 2010s

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will display the Toyota FT-EV concept on opening Media Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), confirming its plan to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012. This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota’s intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development.

“Now, more than ever, while we are so focused on the pressing issues of the moment, we cannot lose sight of our future,” said Irv Miller, TMS Group Vice President, Environmental and Public Affairs. “Nowhere is this more important than with our industry’s duty and commitment to provide true sustainable mobility with vehicles that significantly reduce fuel consumption, our carbon footprint and overall greenhouse gases.”

The FT-EV concept shares its platform with the revolutionary-new iQ urban commuter vehicle. Already a huge hit in Japan, the iQ is lightweight and seats four passengers in comfort and security, while delivering exceptional mileage, sporty performance, unique refinements and a fun, youthful image.

Toyota’s FT-EV concept imagines an urban dweller, driving up to 50 miles between home, work and other forms of public transportation, such as high-speed rail. Although, for now, the FT-EV remains a pure concept, it represents a natural pairing of product strategies.

“Last summer’s four-dollar-a-gallon gasoline was no anomaly. It was a brief glimpse of our future,” said Miller. “We must address the inevitability of peak oil by developing vehicles powered by alternatives to liquid-oil fuel, as well as new concepts, like the iQ, that are lighter in weight and smaller in size. This kind of vehicle, electrified or not, is where our industry must focus its creativity.”

Although BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota’s sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, is considered Toyota’s long-term core powertrain technology.
Last year, Toyota announced that it planned to sell one million gas-electric hybrids per year sometime during the early 2010s. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch as many as 10 new hybrid models by the early 2010s, in various global markets. The new third-generation Toyota Prius and all new Lexus HS250h, both debuting in Detroit, are the first two examples of that effort.
Also, last year, Toyota announced that it would roll-out a large number of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) to global lease-fleet customers in 2010. That schedule has been moved up.
Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will start global delivery of 500 Prius PHVs powered by lithium-ion batteries. Of these initial vehicles, 150 will be placed with U.S. lease-fleet customers.
The first-generation lithium-ion batteries powering these PHVs will be built on an assembly line at Toyota’s PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD)
battery plant, a joint-venture production facility in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. During its development, the new Prius was designed and engineered to package either the lithium-ion battery pack with plug-in capability, or the nickel-metal hydride battery for the conventional gas-electric system.
The 500 PHVs arriving globally in late 2009 will be used for market and engineering analysis. Lease–fleet customers will monitor the performance and durability of the first-generation lithium-ion battery, while offering real world feedback on how future customers might respond to the plug-in process.

“Future customers will have high expectations for these emerging technologies. This Prius PHV fleet program is a key first step in confirming how and when we might bring large numbers of plug-in hybrids to global markets,” said Miller.
“Our business is no longer about simply building and selling cars and trucks. It is about finding solutions to mobility challenges today and being prepared for more daunting challenges in our very near future.”

2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept - Hi-res. Images

Detroit NAIAS 2009: 2010 Toyota Prius debuts with 50 mpg and solar panels

Toyota has taken the covers off of the 2010 Toyota Prius at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The third-generation Prius gets new styling better mileage and enhanced performance. Toyota says that the 50 mpg third-generation Prius is now roomier with more standard and optional features including a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Park Assist and steering wheel touch controls.

Power comes from a 1.8L 4-cylinder unit that makes a total of 98-hp - total horsepower with Toyota hybrid system has been increased to 134-hp.

The 2010 Toyota Prius comes with an optional sliding glass moonroof with solar panels located over the rear seating area. The solar powered system is used to power the air circulation fan - not requiring help from the engine. The features prevents the interior temperature from rising when the vehicle is parked - reducing the load when use air-conditioning.

Pricing for the new 2010 Toyota Prius will be announced before it goes on sale later this spring.

2010 Toyota Prius:

Toyota Reveals All-New Prius
DETROIT, January 12, 2009 — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 50-mile-per gallon rated third-generation Prius hybrid vehicle today at the 2009 North American International Auto show.

Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than one million owners worldwide for more than 10 years.
The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

An Eco-Icon

The first-generation Prius entered the market in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid. The name Prius, “to go before” in Latin, became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness had become a mainstream social issue.
From the beginning, Toyota’s full-hybrid system was developed in-house and has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology. The company’s exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius. Since then, more than 670,000 have been sold in the U.S.
In designing the new, third-generation Prius, Toyota engineers combined a careful refinement of existing systems with an aggressive measure of new technology necessary for the future of automobiles.
Fuel Economy and Environmental Performance

The new Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal.
The third-generation Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius, which was rated 41 EPA combined mpg, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 mpg, combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 miles per gallon for the new Prius.
A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will power the new Prius. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.
Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine’s efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.
A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is standard. It provides feedback on the Prius’ efficiency using three different displays to help the driver acquire economical driving habits.
Unlike most other hybrid vehicles available, Prius has been a “full” hybrid since introduction. This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The system blends the best of parallel hybrid and series hybrid designs to achieve the ability to operate on the electric mode alone, and to charge the batteries while the car is running.
The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models.

    - The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model.
    - The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.
    - Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter.
    - A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.

The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve their best mileage.
Cutting Edge Styling
In designing the new Prius, aerodynamic performance was an important factor. The goal was to create a beautiful silhouette, while not compromising function. Designers preserved the dynamic triangle form of the
current model–instantly recognizable as a Prius–but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The front pillar, extended forward, helps refine the performance-focusing, shaped form.
The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.
The design of the new Prius’ front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.
Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward.

World’s Lowest Cd
The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in history, resulting in the cleanest aerodynamic profile of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability.
Advanced Equipment For a New Era
An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.
The remote air-conditioning system is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and that can be remotely operated, so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.
Reducing the vehicle’s power consumption, available LED (light emitting diode) lamps are used for low beams and also in the tail and stop lamps. Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been re-engineered to increase efficiency and cool-down performance. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently.
Enhanced Vehicle Performance
The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.
Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing.
Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.

Functional Interior Is Bigger on the Inside
Proving that small changes add up to big gains, the cargo area of the new Prius was expanded 0.4 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width by using a new and an improved layout of the battery cooling unit.
Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design.
Viewed from the cockpit, the center cluster smoothly flows from the instrument panel to the console. Handy storage space has been added under the shift lever by taking advantage of the shift-by-wire system. Simple, fin-type air vents are consistent with the cabin’s efficient appearance. Judicious use of silver accents adds a finished, technical feel.
Touch sensors on the steering wheel switches are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.
The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption.
In pursuit of developing various advanced technologies aimed at realizing sustainable mobility, Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as “ecological plastic,” will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use.
Safety Enhancements
The new Prius was designed to comply with class-top level collision safety performance in each global region of sale, and to accommodate increasingly strict safety requirements in the future.
In addition to advanced driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags and driver’s knee airbag are standard equipment.
Active headrests are used in both front seats to reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota’s standard Star Safety System.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.
Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces.
A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system.
Safety Connect, Toyota’s first safety and security service, includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch.
The development of the Prius has required applications for over 1,000 patents filed across the world, of which 292 are U.S. applications.
Pricing for the 2010 Prius will be announced shortly before it goes on sale late spring.

Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Review

Well the Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 has come and gone and it completely blew my expectations of the show and trip out of the water. It was 100% worth the 12 hour flight In addition to the 6000+ photos I took (I will be adding a daily dose on MadWhips) of more than 500 rediculously awesome modified cars, I also had the pleasure of meeting some awesome people in the industry!

I have never seen so many people taking photos and video at any car show I have attended (SEMA Show, Essen Motor Show etc..) let alone so many people period at a car show. Not only do the Japanese love their electronics (and flip style mobile phones), they also passionately love their cars and all things motor sport related. I was able to photograph about 98% of the cars at the show, with the exception of the outdoor D1 Professional Drift Grand Prix Series. I am a little disappointed that I missed these Drifting events cause I am sure they are world class drifters who set the bar for the rest of the planets drifting community!

I met Shin Inoue, Sales & Marketing Director of Zele International (Zele GT-R + Zele 370Z) who personally welcomed me to the Tokyo Auto Salon as well as Japan for the first time in my life, Shin also eagerly introduced me to Kris Hunt of GTRBlog.com who is an awesome guy from Australia (and who’s blog I read daily). I was extremely happy and surprised that I finally got to meet him in person! BTW his blog is the leading authority on all things GT-R related, so make sure you check it out!

I also met Norman Tong, President of N1 Concepts Inc. from San Francisco who is going to set me up with his shirt designer in California in order for MadWhips & CarZi to get some sick racing jerseys made, Toe Doe from Thailand of FukDuk Production Co., Ltd (Toe thanks for the couple hundred Yen you lent me, I would have been F’d for the last subway transfer home on Sunday!), Takeshi Matsushita, Sales Promotion Sec. Chief of Wald International (Wald GT-R + Wald Lexus IS F) from Takatsuiki, Osaka, Japan (thanks for taking care of me and clearing people away from your cars so that I could get some sick pictures!).

Finally it was also a pleasure to meet Keisuke Suzuki, Director of LB Performance and Keiichiro Sugita of Liberty Walk Co. Ltd who were also extremely accommodating in allowing me as much time I wanted without people getting in my way at their display booth. They had 3 modified Lamborghini Murcielago LP640’s and a Lamborghini Gallardo, all extremely nicely modified and equipped with air suspensions, definitely one of my top 5 baller displays at the show! Thanks for the warm welcome to Japan and the invite to come checkout your tuning showroom!

The show was located at the Makuhari Messe (bird eye view of the massive Nippon Convention Center above) which is located between Tokyo and the Narita Airport. I had to travel via 3 separate subway transfers (1.5 hours total) from my friends condo in Shibuya to get there. Going to and from the show was by myself and was equally as fun and adventurous as attending the Tokyo Auto Salon!!

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Now here is a little bit of what I observed at this years Tokyo Auto Salon 2009. Unlike the 2008 SEMA Show which was all about the Nissan GT-R, and the 2008 Essen Motor Show which was all about the Volkswagen Scirocco, the Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 was obviously heavily weighted with Japanese cars so obviously there were tonnes of Nissan GT-R’s, Skyline R34’s, Nissan 370Z’s as well there were tonnes of Toyota Legance, Alphard and Velfire minivans, slammed and heavily modified. It is going to take me at least a couple weeks to get all the photos up on MadWhips.com, but if you check back daily you will see at least 20-50 new albums added every day. You can bookmark and check this link daily as it will show the latest albums added: Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Pictures.

The temperature in Tokyo is cold enough to freeze little puddles during the night and frost up cars early in the morning, however during the day when the sun is out it is absolutely beautiful and warm enough for a t-shirt and light jacket.

The women here are extremely beautiful wearing little to no makeup (fell in love many times since I landed) and their style ranges from conservative school girl to pom pom go go dance attire. It is not uncommon to see girls wearing knee high boots (or socks) with a miniskirt even though it’s pretty damn cold out at this time of year.

Flashy sneakers and boots, tight denim, and colorful slightly puffy jackets are part of the norm here for guys and I absolutely love the somewhat eccentric fashion that I have seen so far.

You are not allowed to talk on your mobile phone while in a subway/train car which is awesome and a treat compared to living in North America where you have to put up with assholes constantly yammering about nothing to nobody. The subways get jam packed especially the lines leading to or out of the Tokyo main station yet politeness between and among all was observed at all times.

Most toilets have heated seats, urinals are really low for 6′2″ guys like me and their toilets in restaurants are sorta like funny urinals built into the floor which you are required to basically squat over. After taking 6000+ photos which amounts to hundreds of free standing squats, I can barely sit down let alone hover my ass over one of these things!