Honda and Toyota reports sales decline for Nov.: Civic sales down nearly 30%, Sequoia up over 50%

Update: The Detroit Free Press has corrected its story. Highlander sales were down 36 percent. It was actually the Toyota Sequoia, one of Toyota’s largest SUV, that was up 51.9 percent.

Honda, which has been pretty well cushioned from huge sales declines than other automakers, said that November sales fell 31.6 percent. Honda said that sales of its Honda and Acura brands dropped 76,233 from 111,431 during the same period last year. The sales drop affected Honda’s entire lineup besides the Pilot which was up 4.5 percent to 5,601. Civic sales however fell 29.6 percent to 17,690.

Rival Toyota also reported sales drop in the U.S. of 33.9 percent for a total of 130,307 units from both Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles. Lexus sales were down 34.7 percent to 16,223 while Toyota sales were down 33.4 percent to 114,084. For Toyota, Yaris sales were down 16.6 percent to 4,545 units while the Highlander Sequoia was up 51.9 percent to 1,873.

A pretty awkward mix for a market that is moving away from SUVs to compact cars. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Source: The Detroit Free Press

Toyota to cut management bonuses, cuts Lexus production in hometown

Toyota announced today that it will be cutting its management bonuses by 10 percent due to sluggish sales and the global economic slowdown. The Japanese automaker also said that it will cut production even further in its hometown for its luxury Lexus brand.

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker said that it is cutting bonuses for roughly 5,000 managers. It said that automakers are feeling the worst market in decades in the U.S., Europe and even developing markets such as China.

The Japanese automaker will halt production at one of the three assembly lines at its Tahara factory in Japan for two days at the end of the year. According to Automotive News, the result will be a loss of 5,000 units of the Lexus LS, GS and IS models.

Image Source: daylife

Toyota prices set to rise for 2009

Toyota Australia has today announced that it will increase new-vehicle prices across its entire fleet starting next year due to adverse currency movements.

The recommended retail price of all vehicles in the Toyota line-up will rise by an average of 2.4 percent, depending on the model and grade.

Toyota’s smallest car, the Yaris, will rise by up to $800 while the top-selling Corolla will carry a premium of around $750.

Models on the opposite side of the price scale will receive the largest price hike, up $2000 for the Prado and $3,773 for the top-of-the-line LandCruiser Sahara petrol model.

However, supporting Toyota’s claim that this price rise is a result of the weakening Australian dollar, the locally produced Camry and V6 Aurion models will not be affected.

“In the past year, there have also been steep increases in the prices of raw materials, such as steel. In the light of all these pressures, we believe the increase of 2.4 per cent from the start of the new year is extremely modest.”

Although locally built models won’t come away unscathed in 2009, with the metallic paint option rising by $25 to $400 - compared to a $50 increase on imported models.

MODEL PRICE INCREASES

Yaris   Up to $800

Corolla   Up to $750

Prius   Nil

Camry   Nil

Aurion   Nil

RAV4   $500

Kluger   $1,051 to $1,500

Prado   $592 to $2,000

LC200   $2,662 to $3,773

Avensis   $1,000

Tarago   $616 to $1,750 (from 9 February)

LC70   $1,100 to $1,500

HiLux 4×2   Up to $750

HiLux 4×4   Up to $1,700

HiAce commuter   $2000

HiAce van   $700 to $1,000

Coaster bus   $2,500

Toyota credit rating gets cut

Car sales in the US are dismal right now, and even Toyota has been hit by anorexic demand. The Japanese automaker even resorted to 0% financing on eleven of its highest-volume vehicles, and it still didn't prevent Toyota's first quarterly sales decline in seven years. Add a surging yen and high raw materials costs into the mix, and you've got enough reasons for Fitch to cut Toyota's credit rating from a flawless AAA to AA. The lowered rating means higher interest rates on loans, though at AA Toyota will still have far more attractive loan rates than Detroit automakers.
Fitch cited the obvious problems with the global auto industry as the reason for the cut, and Toyota's downward adjustment of its sales and earnings surely didn't help. In many instances, when one credit rating company cuts a company's grade, the others are sure to follow. These are the same ratings agencies that maintained good credit rankings for the banks that are now receiving trillions of dollars of bailout help from the US government, so they're far from perfect. That doesn't help Toyota though, and the Japanese automaker could likely see still more cuts if the industry continues to struggle. Don't piles of cash and years and years of massive profits mean anything anymore? Thanks for the tip, Brian.
[Source: Forbes]

2009 Toyota Tundra Pricing Announced

Oh yes, we’re sure you’re dying to know the pricing on the 2009 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck - well here it is. For 2009 the Toyota Tundra sees a modest overall average increase of $109 with pricing ranging from $22,490 for the Regular Cab 4×2 with a V6 to $41,605 for the Limited Grade 4×4 CrewMax with a 5.7L V8.

The 2009 Toyota Tunrda will continue with a choice of 45 model variations in three wheelbases, three cab styles, three bed lengths, three engines and with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains.

What’s new for 2009? The Tundra Grade Double Can and Crew Max models gain a standard chrome front bumper wile the Limited CrewMax models now have the Power Memory Package. Tundra E85 flex fuel are now standard on 5.7-liter 4×4 models in select regions. Toyota is also expanding choices with the addition of two new Toyota Racing Development option packages.

Press Release:

Toyota Announces Prices For 2009 Tundra Full-Size Pickup - Flex Fuel And New TRD Packages Added

November 26, 2008 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 Tundra full-size pickup truck, reflecting a modest overall average increase of $109, or 0.4 percent on all Tundra models. The base MSRP will range from $22,490 for the Regular Cab 4×2 with a V6 engine to $41,605 for the Limited Grade 4×4 CrewMax with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. Tundra Grade Double Cab and Crew Max models gain a standard chrome front bumper, while Limited CrewMax models now offer the Power Memory Package as optional instead of standard equipment.

The 2009 Tundra will continue to offer a choice of 45 model variations in three wheelbases, three cab styles, three bed lengths, three engines, three trim levels, and with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Tundra E85 flex fuel models are now standard on 5.7-liter 4×4 models in select regions, creating nine additional model configurations. Toyota is further expanding consumer choice for the 2009 Tundra with the addition of two new Toyota Racing Development (TRD) option packages.

Tundra flex fuel models deliver the same excellent performance as their regular gas counterparts in engine output, towing and payload capacity and can run on either E85 or regular gas. Also, Tundra flex fuel models carry the same price as their identically configured regular gas models.

Two new TRD option packages underscore two sides of Tundra’s capability. A new TRD Sport Package is optimized for an aggressive street appearance, while a new TRD Rock Warrior Package is specially tuned and equipped with dynamic appearance features for off-road adventure and a powerful look.

TRD Sport will be available on the Tundra grade 4×2 Regular Cab and Double Cab standard bed models with the 5.7-liter V8. The TRD Sport is equipped with color-keyed front and rear bumpers and grille surround, color-keyed heated outside mirrors, color-keyed door handles, fog lamps, black cloth interior with manual bucket seats, accessory shift knob and pedal covers, accessory 20-inch machined star five-spoke alloy wheels and TRD Sport Edition side panel graphics. The TRD Sport package will be available in two exterior colors, Black and Radiant Red.

The MSRP for the TRD Sport Package is $2,408 for the Double Cab and $3,813 for the Regular Cab. In addition to the exclusive features listed above, the price of the TRD Sport Package Regular Cab also includes power windows and door locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry system, engine skidplate, variable intermittent wipers, passenger side fold flat seat, and carpeted floormats.

TRD Rock Warrior will be available exclusively on the Tundra grade 4×4 Double Cab (standard bed) and CrewMax equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine. In addition to its tuned suspension, the TRD Rock Warrior is equipped with Bilstein® shocks, TRD 17-inch forged alloy wheels with BF Goodrich® All-Terrain T/A tires, color-keyed front bumper and grille surround, matte-black steel rear bumper, fog lamps, black cloth interior with manual bucket seats, accessory shift knob and pedal covers, and TRD Rock Warrior side panel graphics. The Rock Warrior will come in two exterior colors, Black and Super White.

The price for the TRD Rock Warrior package is $3,177 for both the CrewMax and Double Cab.

The MSRP for the 2009 Tundra Regular Cab ranges from $22,490 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $28,070 for the long-bed 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra Double cab MSRP ranges from $24,945 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $39,070 for the Limited grade 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra CrewMax MSRP ranges from $27,915 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $41,605 for the Limited grade 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2009 Tundra is at dealerships now.

Toyota Announces Pricing on 2009 Tundra Pickup which Gets New Flex Fuel Versions

Toyota has kept price increases for its 2009 Tundra lineup to a minimum as overall, the new MSRP's reflect a modest 0.4% raise, or an average of $109 per truck. The base MSRP ranges from $22,490 for the Regular Cab 4x2 with a V6 engine to $41,605 for the Limited Grade 4x4 CrewMax with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Japanese automaker has also added two new Toyota Racing Development (TRD) option packages while Flex-fuel capability is now standard on 5.7-liter 4x4 models in select regions. The Tundra flex fuel models carry the same price as their identically configured regular gas models.

The 2009 Tundra is offered with a choice of 45 model variations in three wheelbases, three cab styles, three bed lengths, three engines, three trim levels, and with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains.

The two new TRD packages include the Sport and the Rock Warrior package. The MSRP for the TRD Sport Package is $2,408 for the Double Cab and $3,813 for the Regular Cab while the TRD Rock Warrior package is $3,177 for both the CrewMax and Double Cab.

Toyota won’t launch a separate Prius brand

Seems like the on-again/off-again rumors of a sub-Prius brand have been put to rest. According to Toyota’s UK managing director Miguel Fonseca, Toyota won’t be launching a separate Prius brand. However, Fonseca did say that Toyota is working on new Prius body styles that will arrive shortly after the third-generation Prius is unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January.

Fonseca didn’t outline what body styles we can expect, but we’ve heard rumors of an MPV hybrid and coupe hybrid based on the Prius.

Fonseca also said that Toyota isn’t going to use lithium-ion battery technology anytime soon. Engineers at Toyota believe that lithium-ion batteries aren’t ready for mass production as of yet. It was previously reported that the after the third-generation model, which will still use nickel-hydride batteries, Toyota will switch to lithium-ion batteries.

Source: AutoCar

2009 Toyota RAV4 Review

The Toyota RAV4 is Toyota’s smallest in their line of SUVs. In its third generation, the RAV4 was one of the first small, car-based SUVs on the market. It’s been around since 1996 - a time when gasoline cost around $1.15/gallon and Americans were starting to fall in love with large, truck-based SUVs. My, how the times have changed. People got used to having gobs of room in your every day driver, but now cannot pay over $100 for a tank of gas. This is where the small SUV thrives, and the 2009 Toyota RAV4 has the upper-hand.

New for 2009

The RAV4 has been around for 13 years, which has given Toyota plenty of time to tweak, tune, and refine the RAV4 into perfection, and offer class-leading options and features that competitors don’t offer. The changes for the 2009 Toyota RAV4 include a larger, more powerful four-cylinder engine (see below,) a redesigned front grille and bumper, four new colors, and some new options (including a very cool back-up camera located in the rear-view mirror.)

Options and Trims

Trim Levels

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers three trim levels - Base, Sport, and Limited. The Base model comes well-equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, 16″ wheels, and a six-speaker audio system with an auxiliary jack. Stepping up into the Sport trim gets you 18″ wheels, fog lights, tinted rear glass, heated side mirrors, and a sport suspension which is too rough. The Limited model brings the wheel size back to 17″ (smoother ride,) dual-zone climate, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

If you opt for the AWD V6 Sport trim, you can also get the Appearance package which forgoes the RAV4 signature spare tire in the rear and gives you a new, smoother looking rear hatch door. The spare tire isn’t relocated, however, as you now have run-flat tires and won’t need the spare.

Options, depending on trim level and region, include heated leather seats, sunroof, a cool backup camera mounted inside the rear-view mirror, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and an upgraded 9-speaker sound system with satellite radio and bluetooth.

Engines and Drivetrain

After choosing the trim, you can opt for the new 179 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, or the 269 hp, 3.5-liter V6. Both engines come with your choice of FWD or AWD layouts. Our review model had the V6, which we thought was a very good engine.

Fuel Economy

MPG (city/hwy)

	4-cylinder	V6
FWD	22/28	19/27
AWD	21/27	19/26

Our review model was equipped with the AWD V6 and averaged about 24 mpg with mixed driving.

Design

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 wasn’t changed much from the 2008 model, which means it keeps its modern but conservative styling. The signature spare tire mounted to the rear door stays except in the Sport AWD V6 model, which gets run-flat tires instead. The front-end has changed a little bit, giving it a slightly more aggressive face.

I love the interior of the RAV4 - the stacked dash design gives a rugged and modern feel while logically separating the audio system and climate control. The sliding storage area above the glovebox gives some welcomed extra room for gadgets, and the large “triangle” door handles make you feel like you’re driving a more rugged SUV. The gauges are very nice - not your standard boring orange cluster.

Driving

Our review model was a 2009 RAV4 Sport AWD V6 with the Appearance Package. The 269 horsepower V6 is very capable and smooth. If you think you might need the extra power, go ahead and get the V6 - the fuel economy difference is minimal (see above,) but the power difference is huge.

Overall comfort in the RAV4 is good, with plenty of space for passengers. Tall drivers might be slightly uncomfortable, and the seating position for both driver and passenger is too high, even with the seat height adjustment available on the Premium package. The side-hinged rear door is nice, but I could see it becoming a nuisance in curb-side loading situations.

Our Sport-trimmed review model came with large 18″ wheels and a sport-suspension which gave it a tight-handling but annoyingly bumpy ride. Make sure to go over a bumpy area in your test drive before you buy. That same tight handling gave the RAV4 a surprisingly sporty ability under tight turns and windy roads. It was…dare I say…fun.

Pricing and Warranty

Pricing this year hasn’t changed for the Base model, but went up slightly from 2008 for both the Sport and Limited trims. Prices start at $21,500 for the Base FWD 4-cylinder, and go up to $27,800 for the Limited V6 AWD, plus options and packages. You’ll pay $1,400 more to go from FWD to AWD on any trim, and upgrading packages (Base to Sport or Sport to Ltd) will cost anywhere from $1,300 to $1,700, depending on other choices.

· 3-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty
· 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain
· 5-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation

Before You Buy

A few things to keep in mind when on your test drive: Options add up quickly, so make sure there’s nothing on the car that you don’t need. Make sure the high seating position is OK with you, especially if you’re tall. Check the center console - it’s kind of small, so make sure you don’t need a bigger one (but remember the extra storage area above the glovebox.) Finally, if you opted for the Sport trim, make sure the rougher ride will be OK with you every day.

Toyota iQ Convertible: World's Smallest Four-Seater Drop-Top

The creative folks over at Japan's Best Car magazine have come up with what appears to be a computer enhanced image that gives us an idea of what a Toyota iQ Cabriolet could look like if such a version were to be produced. While rumors across the pond make word of a more sporty roadster version of the iQ Best Car seems to believe that Toyota would most likely go for a more simple approach removing the front and rear parts of the hatchback's rooftop, leaving a center section that would not only act as a safety roll-bar, but also add to the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Since there aren't any other changes, the iQ would probably be able to squeeze in 3 adults and 1 child, making it the world's smallest production four-seater convertible.

Despite the fact that we have no official confirmation that Toyota is indeed planning to introduce a 3+1 convertible variant, we cannot see why the Japanese automaker wouldn't consider the development of a drop-top iQ especially since the minicar is scheduled to make its way into the States as a Scion

Pic via: Best Car

Toyota’s Star Safety System

A few years ago, Toyota introduced their Star Safety System - a combination of five systems designed to work together to keep you safe. Today, every SUV that Toyota sells is equipped with this system; a very smart move. So what exactly does the Star Safety System include, and why do you need it to keep you and your family safe?

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

When you’re driving under slippery conditions, your tires have a tendency to lose traction with the road, especially when you’re turning. Without stability control, front-wheel slip can easily occur around a turn. When this happens, your front tires lose traction with the road and your vehicle careens forward, towards the outside of the turn. Rear-wheel slip happens when the rear wheels lose traction and will cause your vehicle to slide sideways out of your lane.

VSC constantly sits in the background, monitoring two things: steering angle and direction of travel. When it senses that the steering angle no longer corresponds with the direction of travel (you aren’t going the way you’re telling the car to go,) the VSC kicks in, reducing engine output and applying brakes to individual wheels as necessary.

Traction Control

Traction Control is very similar to VSC in the sense that it reduces output and applies individual brakes upon sensing loss of traction, but the difference lies in the way that it monitors the traction and how it applies the correction.

Traction Control simply monitors wheelspin. Let’s say you’re backing out of your driveway and hit a small patch of ice. Traction Control will slow the engine and apply brakes to that wheel to stop spinning, sending torque to the other wheels to continue on your way without sliding.

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)

Imagine you’re driving down the highway behind a large truck, and some cargo falls out on to the road ahead of you. Instinctively, you slam on the brakes and try to swerve out of the way. Without ABS, your wheels lock up, lose traction, and you begin to slide, making matters worse. With ABS however, you remain in control, swerve out of the way, and miss the fallen item.

ABS senses when you hit the brakes hard, and effectively “pumps” the brakes much faster than any human could possibly pump them. This pumping keeps the wheels from locking up, and slows the vehicle much faster.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

EBD basically senses the weight distribution in the vehicle, and applies the brakes in accordance to minimize forward tilt. For example: you’re driving along with some heavy cargo or passengers in the back and must come to a quick stop. Without EBD, you apply the brakes and the vehicle tilts forward, reducing the effectiveness of the rear brakes and sliding the cargo forward. With EBD, the system senses that there is extra weight in the rear, applying more braking to the rear wheels, helping to keep the vehicle balanced and even.

 

 

 

Brake Assist

Brake Assist was designed to have you never notice that it’s there. If you are in an emergency braking situation and slam on the brakes, you may not apply all of the braking pressure needed to avoid the accident. Maybe you have the seat too far back or just didn’t push the pedal down all the way. That’s where Brake Assist comes in, applying more braking pressure under a panic stop to help you avoid your collision.