The Toyota iQ has just been named the Japan Car of the Year for 2008. The Toyota iQ, which unfortunately isn’t available in the United States yet, is an ultra compact car that may be able to give the Smart a run for its money.
Although not yet available here in the States, the Toyota iQ made an appearance at the LA Auto Show. While it’s not known for sure whether we’ll be able to get our hands on one any time soon, the iQ is rumored to be offered to US buyers as a Scion. Regardless, Used Cars Albuquerque and other dealers are excited see see the iQ domestically. The Toyota iQ will go on sale in Europe next year with a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of gasoline and diesel engines.
Powering the Japanese-spec Toyota iQ is a three cylinder engine that produces 67 horsepower and 67 lb ft of torque. Although that may not be that impressive, the iQ’s 55 miles per gallon is, especially to buyers shopping at both Lewis Automotive and Spokane Toyota who rank fuel efficiency as a priority when purchasing a new car. In addition, this little car has plenty of amenities that should keep most buyers happy, including automatic air conditioning, a Smart Entry and Start system, rain-sensing wipers, and plenty more that add up to make this vehicle a little different than just your average econo-car. If the vehicle does end up as a Scion model, expect there to be plenty of genuine Toyota accessories available from TRD and other manufacturers to make this compact highly customizable.
For more information about the Toyota iQ and its features, check out the official press release below.
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World premiere of Toyota's new urban car: the iQ
• Production version of the Concept C ar iQ premiered
• 'J-Factor' underpins iQ design
• Six unique space-saving engineering innovations represent a milestone in Toyota's automotive engineering
• Revolutionary packaging concept provides ample space for a 3+1 seating configuration within a sub 3 metres length
• Small urban car with low emission engines and aerodynamics reduces environmental impact
• Manufacturing starts late 2008 with a global sales target of 100,000 vehicles for the first year of production
Design
World premiere of Toyota's new urban car: the iQ
Toyota is world-premiering the production design of the new iQ at the Geneva Motor Show. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the iQ will go into production during late 2008.
The new iQ is a sophisticated car, representing the ultimate refined urban mode of transportation. Thanks to its ingenious and revolutionary packaging it measures less than three metres in length, yet has a flexible interior space that allows up to three adults, plus a child or luggage to travel comfortably.
The name iQ is the best representation of what the car embodies. "i" stands for individuality, whilst at the same time also expressing "innovation" and "intelligence". "Q" stands for "quality" and also suggesting that its "cubic" stature gives a "cue" to new value and lifestyle.
The iQ delivers dynamism and stability despite its small size. It challenges conventional thinking through a design that is forward-looking, intelligent and energetic, while retaining clarity of purpose and function.
The marvel of the iQ's ingenuity is in its revolutionary packaging, which is the result of six space-saving but inter-linked engineering innovations that represent a break-through in Toyota's automotive vehicle development.
"The iQ story started a few years ago when we at Toyota began thinking of the environmental impact of automobiles. We came to the conclusion that, in order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a need for a radical change in vehicle packaging. We needed to create a break-through, away from the traditional belief that small is basic. Our answer to this is Toyota iQ," says Kazuo Okamoto, Executive Vice President, in charge of Research and Development at Toyota Motor Corporation.
The iQ is designed to cater for the needs of buyers who seek more than just urban mobility but demand space and refinement in an environmentally-friendly vehicle.
J-Factor design
The design of the new iQ has its origin in Japan with J-Factor influences at its core. Toyota explains J-Factor as that aspect of Japanese originality and quality that creates modern, attractive, and globally appealing products from the apparent disharmony and contradictory nature of its original components. Expressions such as 'small yet spacious', 'high-tech yet human' and 'emotional yet functional' are all examples of what Toyota calls J-Factor.
Although iQ is less than three metres in length, measuring 2,985mm precisely, it has a spacious interior. And while the ingenious packaging requires hi-tech solutions, the human appeal is in the requirement to meet intelligent urban transportation needs.
Drawing inspiration from J-Factor, Toyota has developed a unique design language called Vibrant Clarity. Vibrant Clarity is the key to answering the long-standing paradox of designing vehicles that are both energised and dynamic, but at the same time rational and ingenious. The word Vibrant represents a more forward-looking, vital nature that expresses the feeling of energy.
Clarity symbolises all that is fresh, clean and simple, stressing the rational aspect in the design equation - keeping the design crisp, the functionality intact and ensuring that the concept is easily understandable.This Vibrant Clarity design philosophy infuses cars with an emotional intensity that is uniquely identifiable as a Toyota.
The iQ contains three key elements of Vibrant Clarity design
Perfect imbalance of proportions: a simple and daring exterior with a strong contrast between the stable and robust stance provided by the iQ's width and the shortness of its overall length.
Integrated component architecture where each unit contributes to the overall design: the structure around the tyres forms part of the minimal front and rear overhangs, a synergy that conveys both strength and agility.
Freeform geometrics: the exterior surfaces are almost mathematical in their cleanliness and precision, but also possess movement and emotion to make the design fresh and contemporary.
Robust yet refined styling for the iQ's urban environment
The four wheels - placed at the extremities of each corner - give the iQ a self-assured 'super stance'. At just 2,985mm in length, but with a proportionally larger wheelbase of 2,000mm, the iQ is small in size, but unlike a small car possesses a confident on-road appearance.
The iQ's robustness is further enhanced by the tough-looking bumpers. Strong vertical lines define the rear view of the iQ, while the bold rear lamp lenses are divided into three segments by horizontal lines, which help underpin the iQ's strong presence. The iQ is fitted with 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels that confidently fill the bold wheel arches.
The exterior styling blends dynamism and stability: prominent crease lines define the high belt line while the V-line of the A-pillar creates tension across the wheel arches.
Smooth lines flow from the front bumpers, curve graciously up through the front pillars to meet the roof and sweep back down towards the rear hatch where they are replaced by edgier, well-defined lines.
From a rear three-quarter perspective the creative tension continues.
A seamless line runs from the edge of the roofline towards the B-pillar and curves around the deep rear glass area, before returning towards the rear hatch and then tailing off at the bold, geometrically-shaped wheel arches.
At the front of the car, smoked headlamp units are set deep into the bonnet and wings. Door mirrors with integrated turn indicators further reflect the iQ's refined urban appeal.
Techno-organic theme for interior styling
The 'on-the-edge' exterior styling is replicated in the iQ's refined interior architecture. By mathematically analysing and recreating the structural beauty of natural objects, Toyota has achieved a 'techno-organic' design which fuses geometric precision with inner beauty.
This is demonstrated in the floating 'V' centre console, which dominates the asymmetric dashboard. At the base of the V is a single dial that controls the functions of the air conditioning.
Situated within the arms of the V are cabin temperature controls with an LCD that displays airflow, twin face-level air vents and at the top a 5.8-inch colour touch screen satellite navigation display.
The V-design both separates and joins the two halves of the asymmetric dashboard design, while providing a visually appealing focus on the interior.
The steering wheel is flat-bottomed to provide the driver with greater legroom. Controls for audio are placed on the wheel to save space on the centre console and to offer a high-level of convenience for the driver.
Other techno-organic features include matt silver door handles with flowing manta-ray styling. While the ultra slim seatbacks are formed in a stylish one-piece moulding that enhances the edgy feel of the iQ and assist in freeing up additional passenger space.
A secret tray is neatly concealed below the rear seat, again providing more storage for passengers without sacrificing the cabin space. For more luggage capacity the 50/50 split rear seats can be separately folded flat to increase the available load area.
The interior is finished in rich chocolate-plum colour, which contrasts with the matt silver of the techno-organic architecture to provide an environment of urban sophistication.
Technology
Revolutionary engineering innovations create ingenious packaging solution
Creating more passenger space in such a compact vehicle was a key aim for Toyota's design team. The iQ's interior is surprisingly spacious. Six inter-linking engineering innovations are responsible for making this possible. Viewed together, these innovations represent a major milestone in Toyota's vehicle development.
To achieve such a milestone required a drastically changed mindset. The engineers had to reconsider the very locations of various vehicle components rather than simply re-designing parts to a smaller size.
The result is a true break-through in 'small yet spacious' packaging, which at the same time has been designed to meet the top 5-star safety rating of EURO NCAP.
The new Toyota iQ measures 2,985mm in length and 1,500mm in height, but the car's compact ingenuity lies in its comparatively lengthy wheelbase of 2,000mm.
Newly developed differential saves engine compartment space
A newly developed differential allows the iQ to be built with short front overhangs, which result in a gain of over 100mm of additional length inside the passenger cabin area when compared to the B-segment Yaris.
Toyota's ingenious solution to the differential is 3-fold: the under-bonnet area is made more compact; the front wheels can be placed at the very corners of the car, which drastically shortens the front overhang; and the passenger compartment can be increased.
Flat under-floor fuel tank with rear-angled shock absorbers
The design of the flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed the development of shorter rear overhangs, which contribute to the reduction of the car's overall length.
Historically, a flat tank was considered difficult to engineer successfully because of the variance in fuel surface levels depending on the angle of the car.
However, persistent engineering efforts to downsize and find the optimal placement of functional parts have resulted in a flat fuel tank that creates significant space savings.
Smaller heater/air conditioning unit saves space
Toyota engineers have managed to significantly reduce the size of the heater/air conditioning unit without sacrificing performance output.
As a result of the size reduction the passenger-side area of the asymmetric dashboard can be moved forward and towards the windscreen base freeing up additional cabin space.
Asymmetric dashboard design and sliding seat configuration create more space
The iQ's innovative asymmetric dashboard was designed to open up the passenger area.
The pushed-forward and step-like structure of the dashboard provides sufficient space for the front passenger when the seat is set at its most forward position while comfortably accomodating an adult in the rear seat.
Combined with shoulder-to-shoulder distance between driver and passenger of a similar volume to a C-segment vehicle, the unique 3+1 seating configuration creates enough room for three adults and, in addition, either a child or luggage behind the driver.
Centre take-off steering gear for compactness
Toyota has employed a centre take-off steering gear and positioned it higher in the engine bay. The gear, engine and differential could then be repositioned creating the iQ's size-reduced front overhang.
Slim seat design for greater leg room
The slimness of the iQ seat backs release a further 40mm of rear passenger room at knee height so that rear passengers can sit more comfortably.
With an all-new frame structure and optimal adjustment of ancillary parts, the slimmer seat designs save space without sacrificing comfort.
New iQ drives Toyota's green aims with low emission engines
Toyota has been pioneering in the continual search to reduce the car's impact on the environment. Using technology as its cornerstone, Toyota has persistently sought new ideas and new inventions to make the car friendlier to the environment.
In addition to Toyota's ongoing Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology innovations, the expansion of its small car range is integral to reducing environmental impact.
The new iQ, together with the Urban Cruiser also premiered at Geneva, plays a key role in Toyota's drive to reduce emissions. Both cars are also an essential part of Toyota's challenge to support the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association's (JAMA) voluntary commitment of 140 grams per kilometre by 2009.
The iQ will have the choice of one of two petrol or one diesel engine. These engines - along with the compact design, low weight, and aerodynamic shape of the iQ - will contribute to outstanding fuel economy and exceptionally low CO2 emissions, which are anticipated to start at around 100g/km.
Production commences in late 2008
Production of the iQ will commence during late 2008. In the first full year of production, Toyota expects to reach 100,000 units globally.
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If you're interested in learning more about the Toyota iQ subcompact, check back soon.
Upon Toyota’s recent annual earnings forecast, the automaker projected earnings that were less than a third of what they were the previous year, an incredible sign that even Japan’s largest automaker is also struggling amid the global slowdown.
Despite the reports, Toyota has seen recent successes thanks to its Toyota Prius and its Camry sedan. Each vehicle offers fuel efficiency and value, and to some degree has made up for weak truck and SUV sales.
With the credit crunch and high gas prices plaguing the US auto market, Toyota and others have worked hard to maintain momentum. These adverse economic forces weighed heavily not only on the all-important US market, but has also impacted developing markets.Domestically, dealers are re focusing their efforts, such emphasizing the sale of Toyota parts and service, rather than focusing on new car sales.
Toyota has already taken great strides this year to counteract the adverse factors. First, Toyota has reduced production of its relatively new Tundra pickup and Sequoia full-size SUV. Toyota dealers themselves such as Toyota Dealer Durango CO is also offering Toyota's 0 percent financing, a rare incentive from Toyota. Among the additional considerations that automaker has faced are rising energy costs and the increased price of raw materials.
With the US auto market proving to be quite unstable, Toyota has managed to grow sales in other markets, including South American, Africa, and Asian. Unfortunately, declines in the US, Europe, and Japan have overshadowed these gains. General buying habits have also changed among consumers, as Orange County Toyota and dealers in throughout California are attempting to push unique incentives to drive leads.
Toyota initially projected its profit forecast at $12.6 billion. This number has now been lowered to a mere $5.5 billion. This represented the first decline in the automaker’s profits in seven years. Although the annual forecast was initially expected to be revised, it was worse than analyst had predicted.
Toyota has not been alone in facing declines. Nissan and Honda have also been affected by the trends in Japan and the US, with Nissan Boston MA seeing reversal in interest in pickup trucks among consumers. However, compact models like the Fit at Salinas CA Honda has increased in sales. To help stimulate sales, Toyota have even introduced zero-percent financing, which is a rare move for the automaker as Toyota typically relies on regionally promotions and incentives rather than nationwide incentives.
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Learn more about Toyota dealer sales right here.
Toyota and Subaru are combining their efforts for an
upcoming rear-wheel drive coupe. Sketches of new Subaru vehicle where released,
creating hype about the new two-door Impreza and a possible Celica replacement.
Sources inside Toyota and Subaru released artist sketches of the new coupe. Based on these initial sketches, the vehicle appears to be a sporty take on the Impreza sedan and will be compact, lightweight, and reportedly rear-wheel drive.
Potential engines for the new Toyota would be the familiar boxer engines, such as the base 175 horsepower four cylinder, or perhaps the power powerful 2.5 liter turbocharged engine.
The new Toyota coupe will not be built with Subaru's renowned four-wheel drive system - at least for now. By forgoing such a system, the new Toyota coupe will reduce weight, cost, and overall complexity, which was the strategy used on the Honda S200 release says Honda dealer Washington DC. However, with Subaru’s extensive combining of the turbo boxer engine with four wheel drive, it seems like a logical choice to combine the two.
Toyota’s new coupe could also be a potential successor to the Toyota Celica, a once strong seller at Toyota dealer St Paul, which maintained a popular following even until its demise. With the new automakers combining their efforts on this new sports car, it could be an indication that in the end the consumer will pay less for the vehicle thanks to the sharing of technology. Competing dealerships are also expecting new sports cars, such as as the next generation S2000 or Remix concept car at Honda Texarkana, to go head-to-head with this new Toyota sports car. Toyota holds an eight percent stake in Subaru.
The final design for the Toyota coupe could be approved this
summer, with production beginning in 2010. In addition to competing with sports
coupes in Japan, North America will also be a likely destination for the
vehicle.
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Learn more about future Toyota models here.
Toyota has announced that it will be lowering its global sales goals amid slowing sales in the North American market. The growth of Toyota has slowed dramatically, but it does still plan on moderate growth. It is estimating it will enjoy 1 percent growth, but it will fall short this year compared with 2007 where the automaker grew 6 percent and sold 9.37 million vehicles.
The weak US economy, the rising cost of oil, and the increasing cost of production materials have all contributed to softening the market overall. In addition to the sluggish North American market, the Japanese and Western European markets have also slowed. With these new estimates, Toyota now plans to sell only 2.44 million vehicles globally versus the original goal of 2.64 million vehicles.
Among the highest selling vehicles includes the Toyota Camry, Corolla, and of course the Prius hybrid. Many dealers are showing strong sales of hybrids as gas prices continue to concern drivers, helping not only the Prius but also sales of Toyota’s other hybrids, such as the Camry hybrid and Highlander Hybrid. The Yaris subcompact is also a strong seller thanks to its affordable base price and high miles per gallon.
Toyota remains the world’s second largest automaker in terms of annual vehicle sales behind General Motors. Thanks in part to high gas prices, which have significantly affected buyers at Golden Valley MN Toyota, GM and other American automakers have had dismal sales quarter after quarter, and while Toyota has not been immune to weak sales it has fared much better than its American counterparts.
High mpg models have given Toyota a lineup that has produced somewhat steady sales and emerging markets have been particularly good to Toyota. Markets such as Russia, China, and Indian have all helped offset losses in North America. Although Toyota remains a top seller in Japan, the market there has slowed considerably which has also added to losses. Among the changes at Toyota has included changes in truck and SUV production which has been necessary says dealers at Minnesota Toyota Dealer whose stock of trucks has sold slower recently. Already production of trucks has been reduced to better align production with demand.
While other automakers, particularly GM, have been losing billions of dollars, Toyota’s profits have actually been increasing at Toyota Dealer St Paul and other Toyota and Scion dealers all over the country. But as the auto market enters a period of declining sales across the board, especially in North America, those profits may begin to decrease.
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Look for more Toyota sales informaiton as it becomes available.
Toyota has overtaken GM to become the largest seller of automobiles worldwide despite GM’s 77 year reign. Much of the sales success can be attributed to Toyota’s success in emerging markets that are performing strongly as overall U.S. sales dwindle.
Toyota has sold a total of 2.41 million vehicles in the first quarter of this year, a measure that was felt at dealers across the country, especially at Toyota Dealer St Paul where smaller cars were in high demand. Markets where Toyota seems to be growing are Brazil, China, as well as the United States where small cars and hybrids are strong sellers for the Japanese automaker. For GM, domestic sales declined while successes overseas where not enough to maintain overall sales increases over Toyota.
With Toyota’s gains, GM is working fast to expand overseas,
especially in China, to reduce reliance on sales within the U.S. Despite these
efforts, Toyota remains the fastest growing automaker in China and continues to
grow into emerging markets such as Russia and India. Despite these gains however, Toyota dealers are not immune to slipping sales. In fact dealers are pushing other profit centers such as Toyota parts to make up for changing consumer buying habits.
Automakers have already cutback production of vehicles in North American, including Toyota. Reduced demand for the full-size Toyota Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV at Minnesota Toyota Dealer lots have caused Toyota to dramatically reduce the volume of those vehicles being produced at its Texas-based manufacturing plant.
Gains by Toyota in terms of market shares and sales have
been steadily increasing. Used Cars Burnsville has even seen a steady interest in pre-owned Toyota vehicles for their relatively low cost and high value. This trend seems to be continuing while domestic automakers
continue to struggle and refocus their efforts on building more exciting
models.
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Look for more Toyota corporate developments here shortly.
While the entire automotive industry continues to struggle with dwindling sales, Toyota may be in a better position to overtake General Motors in both U.S. and global sales as the latest sales figures are set to be released.
Automotive analysts have predicted that June sales results
could be the lowest rate in 16 years, and foresee continual drops in the near
future. But dealers such as Kinston Toyota realize that this also may signal an opportunity for Toyota to finally overtake
General Motors for the first time in the company’s history.
Toyota has seen significant advantages in the adverse environment
of the North American auto market. Among these advantages cites St Paul Toyota dealers include offering consumers
an array of compact and hybrid vehicles, which are currently in high demand
thanks to the ever-rising price of gasoline. GM on the other hand is struggling
to increase its compact and fuel efficient offerings.
In recent months, Toyota has been neck and neck with GM, who
has long-held the reputation for being the number one selling automaker. But as Toyota Kalamazoo knows, having
fuel efficient offerings may be the key component to future sales successes.
Already GM, Ford, and Chrysler have suffered as a result of their truck- and
SUV-heavy lineups.
During the month of May, Toyota sold a mere 9,300 vehicles
less than GM in the U.S., putting them within close reach of the sales leader.
An increasing number of sales are coming from the popular Toyota Prius hybrid.
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New developments in Toyota hybrid technology coming soon.
When it comes to the midsize sedan segment, the Toyota Camry has remained a constant favorite. For the 2009 model year, the Toyota Camry really hasn’t changed all that much, but it sticks with a winning formula that has made it a huge sales success.
The current Toyota Camry is available with a 158 horsepower four cylinder engine standard. But many drivers, such as those at St Paul Toyota Dealers, will opt for the 3.5 liter 268 horsepower V6 engine. The latter comes with a six speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder can be had with a choice of a five speed manual or automatic.
Inside the Toyota Camry is just about any comfort a driver would want including plenty of space for five passengers and high quality materials which is one of the praised aspects of the Camry at Durango Toyota dealers. Of course the Camry also has top notch fit and finish which has become a known Toyota trait. Buyers can also decide on the ideal suspension stiffness depending on the trim level. Among the available amenities include a high performance 440 JBL stereo system, Bluetooth connectivity, and also a DVD-based navigation system. Between the solid build quality and available amenities, the Toyota Camry has the potential to feel much more upscale than it would initially seem, especially considering the Camry’s price range and also when compared to other vehicles in the Camry’s own segment.
Aside from the typical comforts available to Toyota Camry buyers, shoppers at Toyota dealer Hays also liked the ample safety features that have helped the Camry become one of the safest vehicles in its class. In addition to front and side airbags, the Camry also features a knee airbag to give added protection to the driver. Overall, there are seven airbags on the Camry.
Toyota’s Camry is nothing new this year, but it remains one
of the strongest competitors in the midsize sedan segment.Additionally, the Camry is not merely a cookie-cutter midsize sedan. It offers more than enough power for most buyers, and Toyota Camry accessories are available to enable driver to customize their Camry to their needs and personal taste.
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Find the latest Toyota Camry info.
Toyota, like other automakers, has been struggling to sell units of their full size trucks and SUVs in North America as the economy suffers and gas prices rise. While these vehicles struggle domestically, there is still demand for them abroad which has prompted Toyota to begin exporting them to marketing outside North America.
Domestically, consumer preferences have changed dramatically, and gas guzzling trucks and SUVs are not selling as well as they had just a couple years ago at Toyota Dealers Portland and around the country. However, in growing markets abroad such as the Middle East, China, and Russia, demand for these vehicles is still strong. The Sequoia for example will soon to be heading to the Middle East this year with the Sienna coming to China in 2010.
Toyota has recently addresses production issues as demand domestically has not warranted full production capacities, especially considering slowing Toyota trucks sales as Sacramento Toyota has seen. With vehicles been exported to new markets, Toyota now has greater flexibility to utilize Indiana and Texas based facilities.
The Avalon is the only Toyota vehicle currently manufactured in the U.S. but exported abroad, which is sells in the Middle East in relatively small numbers.
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Check out more Toyota trucks information soon.
Hello, and welcome to the Toyota Dealer News blog. We're look forward to discussing information about Toyota, their vehicles, and their dealers from around the country. Keep checking back for great Toyota news.
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More Toyota news to come soon.
