Tuesday, December 24, 2013
2015 Toyota Tacoma Updated Info
2015 Toyota Tacoma Interior and Exterior
Since we don't have any spy photos and even an accurate info for this vehicle yet, I'm gonna bring you back to the previous 2014 Toyota Tacoma. In this vehicle interior (2014 Toyota Tacoma) you could find some features such as Heated Seat, Steering wheel control, Backup camera that could be useful for the mountain road or in the driveway, and the safety features also includes (Source _http://www.toyota.com/tacoma). From the exterior, not much to talk about. except, this 2014 Toyota Tacoma Build in 3 cabs with different colors and different price also. there are Double Cab with four doors, Access Cab with two doors and small rear-hinged rear doors, and the last is Regular Cab with exact two doors in it. Compared with the source that we've got recently 2015 Toyota Tacoma might have similar look to the previous design, except this 2015 Tacoma will obtain larger dimension and bigger fuel tank, more color option, improved quality material,Improved technologies,Handling systems and functions is simplified, still, this vehicle will have 3 Cabs option also.
2015 Toyota Tacoma Engine
Rumors for the engine line up for this vehicle would be 4.6 liter V-6 4 -cylinder and 5.7 liter V-6 power-train 4 -cylinder. there is also rumors that saying 2.0 L turbo engine with four cylinders and direct fuel injection would be put under this car hood. then again, those three engine line up are merely still rumors. Anyhow, soon after we got the real info regarding this car, this post will be updated. for now, this are only the compilation of the info regarding 2015 Toyota Tacoma that we've found recently.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Toyota Supra 2015 Price and Specs

Talking about the 2015 Toyota supra engine use, there were some issues regarding what will be placed under the hood of this car. Based on some rumors, the 2015 Toyota Supra was initially designed to possess the exactly same engine as its predecessor that had an option to change in between 2 engines: The first is 3. 5 liter V6 that could produce 350 HP and 275 lbs-ft of torque and the second is 5 liter V8 unit that capable to generate 450 HP and 383 lbs-ft of torque. However, each one of these reports will not likely be true. This revolutionary car is going to be powered by a V6 hybrid motor. This awesome power-train will build up 400 HP and the top speed could be more than 170 mph. Even so, we have to mention some exciting undeniable fact about this futuristic car. according to some rumors, the rear wheels of this car will probably be driven by this engine whilst the front wheels is going to be run by an electric motor.Toyota supra 2015 price.
Toyota supra 2015 Price Prediction
Toyota supra 2015 price range between $40,000 and $50,000 will be the base price of this car, even though it is still unconfirmed yet. We assure you the price of this car wont exceed the $$60,000. therefore we suggest you to stay tuned in our blog to keep up-to-date with the latest information regarding this new fresh futuristic car that could beaten the Mazda RX-9 and Nissan 370Z when it comes out on the market.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Toyota i-Road Concept

Toyota has revealed its Toyota i-Road Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
According to Toyota, the Apple-esque named concept is a “compact, fun and emissions-free personal mobility concept, designed to offer quick and efficient urban transport for two people.”
The i-Road has a good chance of becoming a production car, under a different shape and name, which might go against the VW Up! and its Czech and Spanish brothers.
Monday, January 14, 2013
2013 Detroit: Toyota Corolla Furia concept【Video】
Toyota has revealed Corolla Furia concept at 2013 NAIAS in Detroit.
The car is 4620mm long, 1805mm wide and 1425mm high, with a wheelbase of 2700mm giving it relatively short overhangs.
The exterior are full LED headlights and 19-inch wheels with orange and carbon fiber accents. LED accent light "eyebrows" extend all the way toward the center of the car's front end, and are complemented by vertical LED light strips at the corners of the front fascia.
Press Release
TOYOTA FURIA CONCEPT MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT
AT 2013 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 14, 2013 – Toyota revealed the Corolla Furia Concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This exciting compact sedan concept hints at the styling cues consumers can expect to see on the next-generation Corolla. The concept represents an exterior styling study by Toyota designers, and it builds on the brand's product development priority to develop more dramatic, expressively designed vehicles.
"The Corolla Furia Concept is an early indicator of where our compact car design may lead in the future," said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. "It blends a heightened emphasis on dramatic design and modern elements of high technology to generate curb appeal that will surprise a lot of people."
The Furia is designed around a theme of "Iconic Dynamism," which uses pure and simple surface elements to create a confident, decisive and recognizable appearance appealing to more youthful consumers. It features a more provocative, dynamic interpretation of a compact sedan that displays a more stable, athletic stance with 19-inch allow wheels pushed to the vehicle's corners with short overhangs to help emphasize its long wheelbase.
The Corolla Furia design includes a swept windshield, with a sloped roofline and pronounced fender flares, to help communicate a sense of motion even when the car is stationary. The aggressively styled front fascia, with a blacked-out grille treatment, helps highlight a pair of sculpted front LED headlamps that combine with the rear composite LED taillight assemblies to add a sense of advanced technology to the Furia's impactful exterior. Carbon fiber accents adorn the Corolla Furia Concept's wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear valance, which includes ornate metal exhaust outlet surrounds to add a sense of modern athleticism.
Toyota Corolla Furia Concept
Overall Length 4620 mm/ 181.9 inches
Overall Width 1805 mm / 71 inches
Overall Height 1425 mm / 56.1 inches
Wheelbase 2700 mm/ 106.3 inches
Wheels 19-inch aluminum alloy
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Toyota "advanced active safety research vehicle"

Toyota will reveal an advanced active safety research vehicle. at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. On Monday, Jan. 7
Toyota added that Templin will discuss Toyota’s Intelligent Transport Systems research and development efforts, which focuses on vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technology.
Templin also plans to discuss Lexus’ new Intelligent Transport system. The technology from the Japanese luxury brand features vehicle to vehicle communication as well as vehicle to infrastructure communication in an attempt to create a smarter vehicle.
Press Release
Toyota Motor Corp and Lexus Will Show and Tell About Autonomous Technologies at 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 20, 2012 – At a press conference the day before the opening of the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nev., Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will reveal an advanced active safety research vehicle.
During the press conference at Mandalay Bay on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 at 11 a.m. PST, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Mark Templin will discuss the North American based program, designed to explore the use of autonomous technologies and high-level driver assistance systems related to TMC’s Integrated Safety Management Concept.
Templin will also discuss the current state of TMC's Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) research and development, which includes vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technology.
Also highlighted will be the new 2013 Lexus LS, equipped with the world’s most advanced pre-collision safety system.
The active safety research vehicle, ITS system and 2013 LS will be shown at the Lexus display at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Jan. 8–11.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
2013 Toyota RAV4【Video】
The new RAV4 adopts the more modern and to some extent, sharper aesthetics from Toyota's latest models, such as the U.S. Camry and especially the European / JDM Auris series, with the interior design also following suite.
Power is provided exclusively by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 176 bhp (131 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a new six-speed transmission that enables the model to return 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway with the optional all-wheel drive system.
Copy of 2013 Toyota Rav4 Interior Seats Leaked Image 300x180 imageThe RAV4 has earned a reputation as a very good, functional compact utility vehicle that can shuttle the family about town. The 2013 RAV4 will allow those in inclement weather to purchase an all-wheel-drive version as well.
At the rear, the new model's lights extend into the tailgate, while a low-cut bumper creates the same wide and deep loading access provided by the third-gen SUV.
Press Release
All-New 2013 Toyota RAV4 Makes World Debut at Los Angeles International
- All-New Bold, Athletic Design
- Six-speed automatic with Sequential Shift and Sport and Eco Modes
- Class-leadingcargo capacity; class-leading eight standard airbags
- Available All-wheel drive with DynamicTorque Control
- Available Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 28, 2012) –The all-new 2013 RAV4 crossover SUV made its world debut today at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show. Toyota’s fourth-generation RAV4, the world’s original crossover sport utility vehicle, arrives early next year.
With a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission, two-row seating for five, and a host of available in-cabin technologies, RAV4 offers a nuanced balance of performance and all-around capability, including class-leading cargo capacity, striking design, class-leading eight standard airbags, and a compelling array of standard features. RAV4 will be available in three well-equipped grades: LE, XLE and Limited.
Performance, Handling, and Efficiency
For 2013, RAV4 will provide a number of powertrain technologies that help deliver an engaging driving experience. It will feature Toyota’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which will produce 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 ft. lbs. of torque at 4,100 rpm. The optional V6 of the previous-generation RAV4 will be discontinued.
Replacing the previous four-speed automatic will be a six-speed transmission with Sequential Shift. First and second gear ratios will be optimized for around-town performance. To keep engine revs lower at highway speeds and enhance fuel mileage, fifth and sixth gears will be overdrives.
RAV4 front-wheel-drive models have received EPA- estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 24 mpg city/31 highway, while all-wheel-drive models are EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway. A new Eco mode is designed to promote more efficient driving thus helping to enhance fuel efficiency.
The new RAV4 will provide its active owners a more dynamic drive, with new technologies like a Sport Mode with Dynamic Torqu Control AWD, enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering. The spring rates have been enhanced, and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help the vehicles handling characteristics.
RAV4 has a MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. The LE will ride on 17-inch steel wheels, XLE will feature 17-inch alloys, and Limited will be equipped with 18-inch alloys.
In both front- and all-wheel drive RAV4’s Sport Mode sharpens shift timing, throttle response and steering response. When down shifting the RAV4 six-speed automatic transmission in “S” Mode, engine revs rise with a clearly audible “blip,” adding to the driving experience.
In RAV4 with AWD, Dynamic Torque Control AWD has additional benefits. When turning into and through a corner, power is sent to the rear wheels to help enhance cornering performance, detecting steering angle and lack of yaw rate in Sport Mode (and detecting lack of yaw rate in Normal and Eco Mode).Dynamic Torque Control has three different drive modes: Auto, Lock and Sport. In Auto Mode, RAV4 delivers power primarily to the front wheels under most driving conditions, switching automatically to AWD only when needed. By only engaging the rear axle and delivering power to the rear wheels when needed, Auto Mode helps enhance fuel efficiency and reduce drivetrain wear.
In Lock Mode at lower speeds, RAV4 essentially has a full-time AWD system with power delivered to all four wheels. At speeds below approximately 25 mph in Lock Mode, up to 50 percent of engine power is sent to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and helping RAV4 “dig” through sandy or muddy conditions. Lock Mode reverts to Auto Mode when vehicle speed passes approximately 25 mph.
As on the front-drive RAV4’s, Sport Mode sharpens shift timing, throttle response, and steering response. In RAV4 with AWD, Sport Mode has additional benefits. It can provide smooth and nearly instantaneous torque transfers between the front and rear wheels to help enhance cornering performance. Under certain conditions, Sport Mode can automatically deliver up to 50 percent of engine power to the rear wheels.
In Sport Mode, the AWD system also can apportion power based on input from the steering angle and yaw rate sensors of the Vehicle Stability Control system. When turning into and through a corner, power is sent to the rear wheels to maximize traction available at each of the four corners of the vehicle. Under braking in a straight line in Sport Mode, power delivery to the rear wheels can be momentarily suspended to best leverage the benefits of ABS and VSC.
Exterior Design & Body Structure
The new RAV4’s design achieves strong proportions while conveying the agile and fun character. Sophisticated and dynamic, the exterior features a progressive silhouette, with a sleek-sloping roofline and an aggressive character line. The new RAV4’s interior has a premium, sophisticated look with soft-touch accents and driver-centric controls.
RAV4 pursues the design goals defined by Toyota President Akio Toyoda, with aggressively sculpted front and rear fenders and boldly proportioned taillights that define RAV4’s athletic presence.
In a significant break with its heritage, RAV4 will switch from its side-hinged rear door to a convenient roof-hinged liftgate with a space-saver spare tire will be stored under the cargo floor. Standard on the Limited grade will be a one-touch power rear liftgate with driver-selectable memory height settings.
As on other recently introduced Toyotas, RAV4 engineers paid special attention to aerodynamics, the most obvious detail being small vortex generators molded into the taillight cases and near the base of the A-pillars. Less obvious are the aerodynamic undertrays beneath the passenger cabin that help smooth and control airflow.
Following body-engineering principles debuted in the 2012 Camry and 2013 Avalon, RAV4’s body structure will include high-strength steel to help achieve several significant goals, including a robust and stiff platform that enhances steering and handling precision, and a body structure that is both strong and light. RAV4 engineers used several grades of high-strength steel to form key structural components in the roof, rocker sills, floor, engine compartment and door frames. The weight savings were in part invested in sound deadening materials and an acoustic windshield, helping to create a quiet passenger cabin.
Interior Design & Packaging
The new RAV4’s dash panel is driver-centric and asymmetrical, with primary and secondary controls all within easy reach. On the passenger side, the sculpted dash panel creates a sense of airy spaciousness.
RAV4’s dash panel and gauges all feature Clear Blue illumination, which provides crisp visibility in most ambient light conditions, and a unified, coherent appearance at night.
RAV4 will come standard with a manual tilt/telescope steering column, with the LE and XLE featuring a urethane steering wheel. The Limited grade will have a leather-wrapped steering wheel. All RAV4 steering wheels will have controls for audio, Bluetoothâ hands-free phone and audio, and the Multi-Information Display (MID).
All RAV4’s will have driver and front passenger seats with high seatbacks and a slim back, enhancing rear-passenger knee room. The RAV4 LE driver’s seat is six-way adjustable, including seat height.
The RAV4 XLE driver and front passenger will ride in premium bucket seats with sport bolstering, providing ample support of the lower hips, lower torso and shoulders during cornering. The XLE will have premium fabric with French stitching on the seats and portions of the dash panels.
The Limited will have the same premium driver and front-passenger bucket seats found in the XLE but will also come equipped with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory, plus heaters in the front seat bottoms and seatbacks with two temperature settings and driver power lumbar. All RAV4 Limited seats are trimmed in high-quality, breathable SofTex with French stitching. SofTex also covers the center armrest, and portions of the door and dash panels.
All RAV4’s will feature 60/40 split/fold second-row seats that recline several degrees to enhance passenger comfort.
In contrast to 2013 RAV4’s compact exterior dimensions, the cargo area is deeper, larger and easier to access than in the previous generation, with just over 38.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. With rear seats folded, RAV4 class-leading maximum cargo capacity of 73.3 cu. ft.
Privacy glass, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), cruise control, power side mirrors, power door locks and power windows are standard on all RAV4s. RAV4 XLE and Limited feature dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated fog lights, power moonroof with sliding sunshade and heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators.
In-Cabin Technology, Audio
Standard on all RAV4 models is a Display Audio with a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen. Significant for this market, RAV4’s Display Audio includes a standard backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity. When shifted into reverse, the audio display will show the image of what the backup camera captures. The image will include an overlay of positioning lines representing the parking space and approximate distance to obstacles.
XLE and Limited will offer an available GPS Navigation and Entune™ multimedia system with satellite radio and advanced voice recognition. The Limited grade will also offer an available JBL® GreenEdgeÔ Premium Audio with 576-Watts of maximum power, 11 speakers, and GPS Navigation and Entune.
The Limited grade will offer an available Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM). It can be turned off with a dashboard switch. When the system detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane, it alerts the driver with a blinking light indicator in the side mirrors. If the turn signal is on when there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the driver’s intended lane, the indicator on the corresponding mirror will warn the driver with a solid light.
The available Blind Spot Monitor incorporates Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which uses the Blind Spot Monitor radar sensors at the lower rear bodywork of the vehicle. When backing up, the RCTA senses vehicles approaching from either direction and provides an audible warning combined with a flashing indicator in the appropriate outside mirror.
Safety
All 2013 RAV4s will have a class-leading eight standard airbags. Like every Toyota, RAV4 will feature the Star Safety System, which includes Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Toyota Tundra Pick-Up Tows Endeavour Space Shuttle to the California Science Center
Its official designation was the OV-105, but the world came to know it as the Endeavour Space Shuttle. It was built from spare parts to replace the Challenger, which tragically disintegrated a mere 73 minutes after launch from the Kennedy Space Center on January 28, 1986.
Along with the Discovery and Atlantis, which took part in the STS (Space Transportation system) missions, and the Enterprise that was used for initial testing, the Endeavour is (after a second tragedy struck in 2003 when Columbia exploded on re-entry) what remains of the U.S. Space Shuttle program, which was terminated last year after three decades and 135 missions.
Read more »Thursday, October 11, 2012
Ukrainian Driver and Passenger See Nothing, Hear Nothing, Know Nothing after Crash…
If you were to begin viewing this video from the 20-second mark and on, you would be excused to think that the driver and his passenger simply parked their beaten up Lada Riva Estate (VAZ-2107) in the middle of the road and left to go on to their work or wherever else they were heading to.
Watch the clip from the start, though, and you will be surprised to learn that a couple of seconds earlier, they had just smashed into the black Toyota Land Cruiser you see sitting behind the Lada!
Read more »Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Toyota Issues Massive Global Recall For 7.4 Million Vehicles Over Faulty Power Window Glitch
After the 10 million-vehicle recall in 2009 and 2010 over the infamous unintended acceleration problems, Toyota has once again been hit by a massive recall that concerns a lofty 7.43 million vehicles.
This time, the issue on hand is a faulty power window switch in 14 different models, which may malfunction and offer a “notchy” or sticky feel during operation. The use of a commercial lubricant, instead of the special fluorine grease used by the factory, may result in the melting of the switch and the emission of smoke.
Read more »Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Japanese Automakers May Slash China Production in Half as Sales Plunge Amid Islands Row
Tumbling sales can be attributed to many factors. Japanese carmakers, though, just can’t seem to get a break as since last year, they have seen their production hurt by an earthquake and a tsunami, a nuclear reactor malfunction and now, a political crisis.
As we have already reported, the dispute between the two countries over the ownership of a group of East China Sea islands has resulted in escalating protests, boycotts and even violence against anything Japanese, from restaurants to automobiles in China.
Following these events, Toyota and Nissan announced that last month they recorded their biggest sales drop in China since 2008. In September, Toyota, Nissan and Honda sales fell by 49, 35 and 41 percent respectively, to 44,100, 76,066 and 33,931 units.
Read more »Small Cars Sales on the Rise in the U.S., Could Account for 20 Percent of the Market this Year
Big may be beautiful, but when reality bites, small can prove to be a choice that makes more sense. High fuel prices, along with the fact that subcompact and compact cars are better than ever have resulted in the small car segment being on track to achieve its best-ever market share since 1993 when it held 20.5 percent of the market.
Last month, sales of small cars exploded by 50 percent compared to the same month in 2011 according to Autodata Corp. As a result, the segment accounted for 20.2 percent of September deliveries, the most since July and August 2009, and 19.3 percent of the market year to date.
Read more »Monday, October 8, 2012
You Only Drive Twice: Jay Leno Sits Behind the Wheel of 007’s 1966 Toyota 2000GT Convertible
The one-off Lexus LFA Spyder isn’t the only open-top car Jay Leno drove during his visit to Japan. The Tonight Show host also got behind the wheel of a 1966 Toyota 2000GT.
Launched at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, it is considered to be the first Japanese supercar. It was fitted with a Toyota Crown sourced two-liter straight-six engine producing 150HP linked to a five-speed manual or a three-speed auto gearbox.
Read more »Friday, October 5, 2012
Gundam Style 2013 Toyota Auris Hatchback Looks Kinda Cool
In case you read that wrong, it's 'Gundam style' as in the Japanese animated television series about giant robots, and not 'Gangnam Style' as in the music video by South Korean rapper PSY.
The new 2013 Toyota Auris was selected for a cosmetic tune dedicated to the anime cartoon, with the Japanese automaker's in-house tuning arm Modellista taking responsibility for the transformation.
Read more »Thursday, October 4, 2012
Ford Takes Another Swipe at the Prius V with La Linea-Inspired Commercials for C-MAX
If you take a moment to check out Ford U.S.A.'s recent press releases on the new C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, you will notice that the Blue Oval always finds some room to insert a reference or two…or three to Toyota's rivaling Prius V minivan, be that for its fuel economy numbers, pricing or features.
In Ford's latest release, the word "Prius" appears…15 times, but that's to be expected since the automaker is bumping the challenge to the next level by launching a new campaign to "establish C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid as better, more fuel-efficient hybrid alternatives to Toyota Prius V".
Read more »BRZ and FR-S Owners Complain About Rough Idle and Stalling Engines, Some Don't Like Remedy
The sports coupe jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru that entered production as the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S and Toyota GT86 was one of the most awaited cars of the year, since it rekindled the fun to drive and relatively modestly priced niche.
Despite being a long time in the making, being teased by a series of concepts, the final product received positive reviews. The three models are nearly identical, featuring a 2.0-liter flat-four engine with both direct and indirect injection driving the rear-wheels via a six-speed manual or auto gearbox and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
The problem is that Subaru and Scion customers who rushed in to buy the first batch of cars are now complaining about rough idle and stalling issues.
Read more »Wednesday, October 3, 2012
U.S. Car Sales Increase by 13 Percent in September, Market is on its Way to Reach 15 Million Units
September auto sales were up 13 percent compared to the same month in 2011, according to sales tracker Autodata. This is the best result in the last four years and exceeds even the most optimist analysts’ expectations.
It also raises the automotive industry sales’ Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) projection to 14.9 million. SAAR is determined by dividing the unadjusted annual rate for the month by its seasonality factor, resulting in an adjusted annual rate for the month.
September was the fourth consecutive month, and the seventh month this year, that the SAAR has exceeded 14 million.
Read more »Tuesday, October 2, 2012
ESC Off: Jeremy Clarkson’s “Lapses of Editorial Judgment” Still Yield him More than US$16 Million
When it comes to British motoring journalist and presenter of the Top Gear TV show Jeremy Clarkson, there’s no middle ground: you either love him or hate him; or, most likely, you love to hate him.
Whatever you may think of the man, you have to admit that his controversial comments have been one of the main ingredients that have made Top Gear the world’s most successful car show.
It’s true that JC doesn’t give a dime (though he could afford to…) about political correctness or BBC’s guidelines. In fact, he does have quite a record of “regrettable lapses of editorial judgment”, as the BBC Trust puts it.
Read more »Toyota Smart INSECT Concept Recognizes Owner, Connects to Home, Still Won't Make Coffee [w/Video]
This odd-looking single-passenger electric vehicle (EV) is the Toyota Smart INSECT concept and it made its world premiere today at the CEATEC Japan 2012 advanced technologies exhibition, which runs from October 2 to October 6, in Chiba City, Japan.
The Smart INSECT is a conceptual development of the "COMS" EV produced by the brand's subsidiary Toyota Auto Body Co., and it was designed to display next-generation communications-linked services. The name is an acronym for "Information Network Social Electric City Transporter".
Read more »U.S. Auto Industry Threatened by Rising Rate of Industrial Espionage
Industrial espionage in the United States is on the rise in most sectors. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) opened 1,212 intellectual property rights cases in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 – an increase of 66 percent compared to 2009.
The automotive industry is no exception: General Motors, Ford and Toyota have been the targets of such actions, with former employees stealing and sharing information with foreign rivals.
Assistant U.S. attorney Cathleen Corken described a case in which a Ford employee stole thousands of secrets in order to secure a job with another company, according to a report from Automotive News.
Read more »Thursday, September 27, 2012
New Toyota Auris Touring Sports Targets Europe's Popular Compact Wagon Market
You may be surprised to learn that in Europe, station wagons are quite popular and currently represent about a fourth of the mainstream C-segment (compact models) sales mix.
Toyota was absent from the category with the first generation of the Auris, but is now ready to enter the market with an estate version of its brand-new Auris hatchback.
Making its world premiere at the 2012 Paris motor show, the new Auris Touring Sports will be the first in the segment to be available with a full hybrid powertrain.
Read more »
