In what may not be too much of a surprise, Toyota has announced that it will be leaving Formula One racing at the end of the 2009 season. Toyota’s announcement follows similar announcements from other automakers that are exiting motorsports in order to save money.
Toyota has been very active in F1 racing in recent years, and the automaker has benefited from the research and development associated with the racing championship series. However, the abrupt economic changes were cited for Toyota’s reconsideration of its motor-sports activities.
Fans such as those visiting Toyota Shelbyville will no doubt be disappointed by Toyota’s withdrawal from F1 racing. The automaker has earned 13 podium and 87 point finishes since 2002. Despite its exit, Toyota Financing Tacoma says Toyota acknowledges that fans of the Panasonic Toyota Racing team remain highly appreciated by the automaker.
Although Toyota is leaving F1 behind for now, the automaker is by no means is abandoning performance and advanced research. An example of Toyota’s performance-orientated R&D is the all-new Lexus LFA super car. According to used car dealers Concord, Toyota also recently showed off an all-new sporty rear-wheel drive coupe that was co-developed with Subaru.
Despite Toyota’s exit from racing, the automaker appears to have performance still very much at the forefront of product development.
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Although F1 racing fans will be disappointed by the news, Toyota motorsports will continue.
Toyota is preparing to recall nearly 3.8 million U.S. vehicles, its largest ever recall, to fix floor mats that could interfere with gas pedals. Due to the severity of the issue, U.S. regulators have urged consumers to remove the driver-side floor mats altogether.
Toyota’s massive floor mat recall was initiated by an accident in San Diego that led to the death of four people. At Albuquerque Toyota, personnel said the accident prompted further investigation that lead to the discovery that the floor mats had been caught on the accelerator.
The floor mats in question are on the Toyota Camry years 2007-2010, Toyota Avalon years 2005-2010, Toyota Prius years 2004-2009, Toyota Tacoma years 2005-2010, Toyota Tundra years 2007-2010. Lexus models are also subject to the recall including the Lexus ES 350 years 2207-2010, and the Lexus IS 250/350 years 2006-2010.
The Japanese automaker’s last recall involved nearly 900,000 vehicles says Used Cars Bastrop due to a faulty component in the steering system. That recall was Toyota’s largest until now.
Toyota has urged drivers to remove the driver-side floor mats. Toyota dealers Los Angeles said that more information regarding the recall can be found on the Toyota website.
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Keep track of Toyota quality issues on this Toyota blog.
Just when it looked as though the hybrid vehicle competition between Toyota and Honda couldn’t get more intense, Toyota will soon be offering a new hybrid version of its sub compact Toyota Yaris. With the Honda Insight priced lower than the third generation Prius, Toyota will soon offer an inexpensive hybrid based on the subcompact Yaris.
The new gasoline-electric Toyota Yaris will likely be the lowest priced hybrid in the automaker’s lineup. Although Toyota Financing Washington DC says the Prius has long held the position of the highest selling hybrid on the road, Honda has claimed the title of the most affordable hybrid in America, which Toyota hopes to take away from the automaker when the Yaris hybrid becomes available in 2011.
Toyota’s reputation in the hybrid market has largely been untarnished which Toyota Service North Dartmouth proudly points out, despite the plethora of hybrid vehicles from other manufactures. However, Toyota of Bastrop suggests that the decision to move aggressively into smaller and lower-priced hybrid vehicles is an indication that Toyota is concerned of its closest rival and its claims of being the lowest priced hybrid on the road.
Honda launched the 2010 Insight at the same time as the 2010 Toyota Prius. Already the both models have seen popularity in Japan and here in the U.S. according to Los Angeles Toyota dealers, but the competition is likely to heat up even more very soon. By the time Toyota launches the Yaris hybrid, Honda will likely be launching the Honda Fit hybrid, which should be even cheaper than the Insight.
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Read about the latest Toyota hybrid technology on Toyota Dealer News.
The Toyota Camry Solara was an attempt to sell a stylish two-door version of popular Camry sedan. Unfortunately, Toyota’s Camry Solara has faced difficulties, and the Coupe has already been axed from the lineup. Following the demise of the Coupe, Toyota will officially be getting rid of the convertible model as well.
Car buying habits have changed dramatically, and one Los Angeles Toyota car dealer says that Toyota has cited poor demand for the Camry Solara’s demise. However, for those interested in getting this drop-top Toyota, chances are you won’t have a problem finding one suggest Toyota Tacoma San Diego dealers as inventories of this model remain healthy. The recently released Lexus convertible will now assume the role of Toyota’s only convertible offering.
The Toyota Camry Solara Convertible was first introduced in December of 2008. While the Solara has had a history of strong sales, Utah Toyota says the current market has made it difficult for a midsize coupe and convertible to maintain steady success. In its place at the Kentucky plant where the Solara Convertible has been built, will be increased production of the Venza crossover, which the leading Toyota Accessory Store says will be a wise allocation.
Toyota isn’t the only automaker letting go of once-popular convertible models. These cuts have been seen with the Honda S2000, the Pontiac G6 and Solstice, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Perhaps cuts like the aging Chrysler PT Cruiser are surprising, but it’s certainly evidence of auto market place when even Honda and Toyota are unable to find demand for some products.
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Read about new Toyota products on this blog.
Toyota has experienced plenty of ups and downs this past year year. First, Toyota became the world’s largest automaker, a title it gained as a result of General Motors’ downfall. Now, Toyota has been hit hard by steep losses in Japan and in North America, forcing a bold restructuring throughout management personnel.
With financial troubles deeper than expected, Toyota’s relatively new title of largest automaker could move on to Volkswagen should sales fail to improve. Already Toyota is making additional production cuts and will also be cutting positions in senior management.
Changes at Toyota are coming following the largest operating loss in 71 years. Next month, the grandson of Toyota’s found, Akio Toyoda, will become the new CEO and will attempt to restructure the auto giant and streamline its operations. But with adverse economic factors weighing heavily on all automakers, Providence Toyota recognizes that the new Toyota CEO has plenty of challenges ahead.
In the short term, Toyota will be replacing about forty percent of upper level management. In addition, Toyota will be focusing on North American sales and manufacturing operations and is expected to align marketing, sales, and production much closer than ever before.
Toyota is reeling from its worst financial year ever, even despite having high-quality and relatively popular products. With billions of dollars lost, Toyota is eager to maintain its edge in a market that is continues to face hardships. As cost cutting initiatives get underway, Toyota Service Lexington expects to sales pickup. The 2010 Toyota Prius in San Diego for example is highly anticipated and should deliver plenty of demand as consumers remain smitten with hybrid technology.
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Stay tuned for news of the all-new 2010 Prius right here.
As a direct result of difficult losses, Toyota plans to consolidate its operations, pulling sales, marketing, and manufacturing operations under one executive. This move will radically change organization of the automaker’s U.S. operations in an attempt to make the company perform more aggressively amid slowing sales.
Reports suggest that Toyota’s management is already close with all aspects of U.S. operations, which Akron Toyota dealers says is an accurate assessment. However, the current organization structure may not be enough help the automaker save money amid slumping new car demand. One model that needs to be addressed is the Toyota Tundra. Diminishing truck sales have hurt the Tundra, and production at its Texas-based plant has been cut a number of times already.
Despite having a fresh new design that has appealed to truck buyers among Albany Toyota dealers and other retail locations, the Toyota Tundra has faced a slow but steady decline in sales. As a result, Toyota has been losing money on each Tundra truck sold. Additionally, the Tundra is manufactured in an all-new facility in San Antonio that was over budget when it opened its doors. To make matters worse, the overpriced facility has yet to reach full capacity has already been idle for several months.
New manufacturing facilities have also been in the works for other vehicles, such as the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Prius. The latter has remained in high demand in many parts of the country according to Tustin Used Toyota, especially leading up to its 2010 model year redesign. However, with reduced overall demand for both SUVs and hybrids, such efforts have been put into question. While the reorganization is not official, many questions remain regarding Toyota’s organization in the U.S.
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Look for a number changes to occur for Toyota USA operations soon.
Toyota has long held a firm standing on J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Studies, and 2009 is no different. Toyota has yet again dominated this study a well as other recent third-part studies that recognize Toyota as a leader in producing dependable, reliable vehicles.
Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, said he was, “proud that TMS vehicles garnered more segment awards than any other automaker, including the Lexus LS 430, which at 61, has the lowest PP100 in the entire industry.”
The Vehicle Dependability Study is perhaps more important this year than in recent years according to Used Cars Long Beach. With the weak economy, car buyers are looking for value above all else when shopping for a car. Monroe Toyota dealers say this fact alone has made perceived dependability and reliability important factors for car buyers and automakers alike.
Toyota has said that its commitment to customer satisfaction and offering quality products is paramount, and the latest Toyota segment winners certainly solidify those claims. Anaheim used Toyota dealers are particularly proud that Toyota vehicles have recently had a string of successes from various third-party studies which have cited Toyota vehicles as having outstanding reliability and safety and even lower repair rates. Hopefully Toyota can maintain such standings as it continues its status as the world’s largest automaker. With firm firm reliability, and exciting new models on the way such as the 2010 Prius, Lexington Used Cars believes this won't be too much of a challenge.
TOYOTA MOTOR SALES SEGMENT AWARD WINNERS
|
VEHICLE |
PP100 |
SEGMENT |
|
Toyota Prius |
115 |
Compact Car |
|
Toyota Highlander (total) |
107 |
Midsize MAV |
|
Toyota Sequoia |
163 |
Large MAV |
|
Toyota Tundra |
110 |
Large Pickup |
|
Toyota Solara |
132 |
Midsize Sporty |
|
Lexus ES 330 (tie) |
105 |
Midsize Premium Car |
|
Lexus GX 470 |
115 |
Midsize Premium MAV |
|
Lexus SC 430 |
84 |
Premium Sporty |
|
Lexus LS 430 |
61 |
Large Premium Car |
|
Scion xA |
170 |
Sub-compact Car |
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Press releases, Toyota reviews, and much more right here on this blog.
Toyota is taking strides to cut production even further in North America, as new car demand reach historic lows. While Toyota hopes to retain jobs during the production cutback, the automaker is hoping that such moves will align manufacturing with slumping demand in the US.
Management at Toyota is hoping that the production cuts will make the company even stronger in the long run. Already, Toyota has cut production, while streamlining operations at manufacturing plants, and created a hiring freeze. Plants no longer offer overtime and capital spending has been suspended. While dealers such as Garden Grove Toyota dealers brace for sweeping changes, it is hoped that the aggressive cost cutting moves will help the automaker weather the current slump in auto sales.
Additionally, Toyota plans on taking steps to help make their production process smoother. These steps include reducing work or pay weeks, eliminating bonuses, cutting wage increases, and cutting executive pay, and while these steps may seem drastic, Toyota and other automakers are in a position where swift action is necessary to prevent devastating losses. While pay and hours are likely to be reduced, Tustin Toyota dealers stress that Toyota is working hard to keep employees working, even if it means making cuts in other ways.
This year, Toyota hopes to retain its dominance as the world’s largest automaker. New cars such as the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius are likely to be important models in an effort to spur new car sales. The Prius in particular has been a sales leader in the hybrid vehicle segment, and is expected to see challenges this year from Honda and the new Insight hybrid. In addition to emphasizing hybrid vehicles, dealers are busy promoting Toyota truck accessories, car parts, service, and other profit centers.
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More Toyota dealer news and car reviews can be read on this blog.
Toyota hopes to show its prowess in the hybrid market by launching the all-new Toyota Certified Used Hybrid program. Already Toyota offers a Toyota Certified Used Vehicles program, but the new Toyota Certified Hybrid Program stand to provide added inspection and warranty protection specifically for Toyota’s hybrid models.
Hybrids are no longer a new technology, and hybrid models are increasingly available as pre-owned models at Tacoma used Toyota dealers. As such, Toyota wants to offer potential used hybrid shoppers the same quality that other certified buyers receive.
Toyota’s new certified hybrid program is the first of its kind. It was designed to drive additional used hybrid sales and improve the level of service it provides to its customer base. The has been well-received among dealers, especially Durango Used Cars whose customers have substantial interest in hybrid Toyota models. Among the added benefits from buying a vehicle within this program is a three month, 3,000 mile comprehensive warranty, a 7 year, or 100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, and also a roadside assistance plan. This is on top of an eight year, 100,000 mile factory warranty that comes with the factory hybrid batteries. Overall, the program puts greater assurances on Toyota parts and components that pre-owned shoppers otherwise would not have.
In addition, the Toyota Certified Used Hybrid program ensures the vehicle undergoes a rigorous inspection. The inspection program includes 14 additional inspection points beyond that of the 160-point inspection that comes with other certified models.
Many potential used car shoppers such as those at one Cleveland used car dealer will likely see plenty of value in the Toyota Certified Used Hybrid program. Offering the level of quality and peace of mind that is available with a new car, this unique program will surely be a huge hit among consumers looking for fuel efficiency in an affordable package.
For more information about the all-new Toyota Certified Used Hybrid program, check out the press release below.
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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.
About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2008. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.toyota.com.
About Toyota Certified Used Vehicles
Launched in 1996, the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) program offers the next best thing to the purchase of a new Toyota. TCUV provides peace of mind in the purchase of a used vehicle that only a Toyota factory-backed certification program can offer. Since its inception, TCUV has sold over 2.4 million certified vehicles. Under TCUV, all vehicles undergo a minimum 160-point quality assurance inspection, including mechanical and appearance reconditioning. TCUV also offers a seven-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a seven-year, 100,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance plan, a three-month, 3,000-mile comprehensive used car warranty and a CARFAX vehicle history report. Currently, over 93 percent of Toyota dealers offer vehicles under the TCUV program.
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As always, find more on Toyota hybrid news and more right here.
