Toyota Blog
Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burnersFiled under: Tech, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Toyota 
Diesel's near-term prospects in America took a huge hit with the revelation that nine diesel-powered 2010 models are on hold. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have put the kibosh on rolling out more oil burners due to cost and perception issues.
Toyota's obviously on a hybrid run and doesn't want to expel the effort or expense of investing in diesel for the American market -- and having to overcome America's dirty diesel perceptions. The others, as mass market manufacturers, simply need more justification for the cost and complexity of oilburners in order to make the case for consumers to spend more.
Additionally, diesel's benefits are weighted differently according to EPA or CAFE standards. The EPA mileage numbers present diesels well, but CAFE's differing fuel mileage equation makes gas-hybrids look better than diesels, and CAFE is something all automakers are looking at. However, you'll notice that German brands aren't mentioned -- their price premium and European diesel volumes make a worthwhile case for diesels, so those diesel Jetta Sportwagons won't be going away any time soon.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size modelsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Hatchbacks, Daimler, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota 
According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is considering a partnership with Daimler to build Mercedes-Benz' A- and B-Class sub-compacts on the Japanese automaker's MC platform. The idea is to maximize the efficiency and output of Toyota's European plants, and could also include sharing development costs on each brand's next generation flagships: the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. Daimler has dismissed the report as "speculation," while a Toyota Motor Europe spokesman toed the company line, only saying "It's part of our normal business practice that we regularly talk to other carmakers but there are no specific projects planned at the moment."
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Reuters]REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsToyota stung by possible Prius headlight defect?Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Government/Legal, Green, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Toyota, Carsumer Advocacy
2007 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery
We'd wager that the last thing Toyota wants in the midst of the super-important launch of its new third-generation Prius is a negative stigma attached to the previous model. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the Japanese automaker may have on its hands as a number of owners of the 2005-2008 Toyota Prius with the HID headlight option are banding together on online forums, message boards and in possible class action lawsuits against the automaker in relation to failing headlamps.
According to Advertising Age, these HID headlight bulbs and their associated electronics can sometimes cost well over $1,000 to replace after they've gone faulty, and Toyota is unwilling to pick up the tab. At least one lawsuit has reportedly been filed last month by Girard Gibbs in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on behalf of a Putnam County, N.Y., Prius owner. The suit contends that the problem is a "dangerous but undisclosed safety defect" and alleges that "Toyota is concealing the problems from owners" despite having been "long been aware of Prius' HID headlight problem." It's possible that the suit will get class-action status.
The NHTSA has reportedly filed a preliminary investigation into the issue and contacted Toyota on May 13 regarding 338 complaints it has received so far from Prius owners about the HID headlamps. Spokesmen from Toyota have said the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA investigation, which may or may not end up calling for an official recall.
[Source: Advertising Age]Toyota stung by possible Prius headlight defect? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsToyota Camry tops this year's Cars.com American-Made IndexFiled under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota 
Cars.com has once again published its annual American-Made Index that rates vehicles built within the United States based on their sales and percentage of domestic parts content. This year's list has a number of movers and shakers based mainly on the fact that a troubled economy has torpedoed sales of some models and others are now ineligible because their parent brands are being canceled.
The Ford F-150 has lost its top ranking in the American-Made Index for the first time since Cars.com began producing the list back in 2006. The new No. 1 is - gasp - the Toyota Camry. Assembled in Georgetown, KY and Lafayette, IN, the Camry's upswing in domestic parts content helped it barely edge out the F-150, which has seen both its sales and domestic parts content fall year-over-year. Toyota, in fact, had four models make the American-Made Index this year including the Sienna, Tundra and first-timer Venza.
General Motors placed the Chevrolet Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra, while Ford had the aforementioned F-150, and list newcomer Ford Taurus, which enjoys the highest domestic parts content of 90 percent. No Chrysler vehicles made the top ten, although one Honda did: the Lincoln, AL Odyssey has an 80 percent domestic parts content rating and thus sewed up the #10 spot. You can view the full list after the jump and visit Cars.com to read more about how the index was produced.
[Source: Cars.com]Continue reading Toyota Camry tops this year's Cars.com American-Made Index Toyota Camry tops this year's Cars.com American-Made Index originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Scion iQ headed for America by early 2011 with a few changesFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Scion, Toyota 
Scion iQ Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
As expected, Toyota's youthful Scion division will indeed get a version of the diminutive iQ for the North American market, possibly by either the end of 2010 as an '11 model or in early 2011 as a '12 model. According to Motor Trend, the car will cost about the same as the Yaris and get the usual modifications for the American market, such as slightly extended bumpers and recalibrated airbags.
Fortunately, the Big Wheels body kit fitted to the conceptual Scion iQ shown off at the New York Auto Show won't come to the States as standard equipment. We're not entirely sure what powerplants Toyota plans to use in the American iQ, but in other markets it's available with three engines displacing between 1.0- and 1.4-liters, and no hybrid iQ is currently planned due to cost and packaging considerations.
Interestingly, MT also reports that the Toyota FT-EV electric car concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, based on the iQ minicar, will hit the market by 2012. At this time, the Japanese automaker may still be deciding between tried-and-true nickel metal hydride batteries or more powerful but unproven lithium ion units. Regardless, Toyota's aiming for a 50-mile range and an eight-hour recharge from a standard wall outlet.
[Source: Motor Trend]REPORT: Scion iQ headed for America by early 2011 with a few changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGM execs to reportedly meet with Toyota regarding hybrid sharingFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Toyota, Rumormill 
2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery
Rumors that General Motors may get access to Toyota's proprietary hybrid technology just won't go away. Today, Bloomberg cites two unnamed sources in reports that Toyota President Akio Toyoda and GM chief Fritz Henderson will meet this August in Michigan to discuss the possibility of a GM-badged version of the Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback.
For the record, both General Motors and Toyota have repeatedly denied that any such talks have taken place in the past and have said it's unlikely that they ever will in the future. Many of these rumors indicate that the two automakers are considering building the Prius together at the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture in California, but GM has today announced that its involvement in NUMMI is over.
It remains a possibility that Toyota will fully take over the reigns at NUMMI to finally build the Prius in America, but even if that's the case, it's extremely unlikely that General Motors will have anything to do with the project in light of its own massive undertaking of readying the Chevrolet Volt for the market in 2011.
[Source: Bloomberg]
Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.GM execs to reportedly meet with Toyota regarding hybrid sharing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBrain Power: Toyota develops thought-controlled wheelchairFiled under: Tech, Toyota, Lifestyle 
Toyota Brain Machine Interface Wheelchair - Click above for high-res image gallery
You shouldn't need Professor X-style telekinetic powers to move a wheelchair using only your mind, at least not according to Toyota. The World's Largest Automaker is busily developing its Brain Machine Interface, which uses thought-control and brain wave analysis technologies in an attempt the make life better for elderly or handicapped people.
A series of electrodes are attached to the scalp and measure the brain activities associated with certain thoughts. The BMI then displays those signals on an attached screen and can create a set of instructions that may be useful in all kinds of scenarios, including to move an electric wheelchair.
According to Toyota, the company's BMI technology has advanced to the point where it's practically instantaneous (the delay is just 125 milliseconds), is 95-percent accurate and will adapt itself to any user's thought patterns. Next logical question: How long until our cars come sans pedals and steering wheels? Thanks for the tip, FaLeX!
[Source: Dawn.com | Photo by YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty]Brain Power: Toyota develops thought-controlled wheelchair originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAfter 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with ToyotaFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Pontiac, Toyota 
As part of its "New GM"/"Old GM" bankruptcy proceedings, General Motors has announced that it will abandon its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture with Toyota.
According to an official statement, GM and Toyota worked to find a future product that would work for both automakers, but they were apparently unable to do so. As a result, GM will assign its NUMMI stake to "Old GM," effectively ending a 25-year partnership with the Japanese automaker.
Over the last quarter-century, the Fremont, California plant has produced a number of vehicles for GM, including the current Pontiac Vibe, as well as the Geo/Chevrolet Prizm, and the Bowtie'd Nova that preceded it.
There is no word on what (if any) effect the deal's collapse will have on Toyota's NUMMI-made products which include the Tacoma pickup and Corolla sedan. According to NUMMI's official website, 5,440 workers are employed at the plant. Official press release after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
[Source: General Motors; NUMMI | Image: Hokubei]Continue reading After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQFiled under: Concept Cars, Economy, Aston Martin, Toyota 
Toyota iQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet Concept - Click above to enlarge
With a nod to our current global economic and environmental issues, super GT maker Aston Martin has reportedly announced the world's first super luxury supermini. Having blown their development budget on the V12 Vantage RS, Rapide and One-77 hypercar, they turned to an unlikely partner for some help: Toyota. Aston Martin has taken the Toyota iQ 3+1 commuter and given it a tailored suit from Savile Row. The result is the new Aston Martin Cygnet you see above. In case you're wondering, a "cygnet" is a baby swan, not to be confused with an ugly duckling.
Although technically just a concept, word has it that the vehicle will be put into limited production and sold exclusively to existing Aston Martin owners, at least initially. There's a full press release after the jump, but the Cygnet should sell for around £20,000 (around $33k USD) when it goes on sale late next year. The car will retain the iQ's unique 3+1 seating but will be tailored to the individual customer's needs when it is assembled in Gaydon. Think of it as a move to "1-down" BMW's MINI brand. We only have the one photo for now, but from what we can see it doesn't look as unfortunate as we might have expected with Aston's distinctive grille, hood cutouts, side vents, and of course, the winged badge. Still, you have to wonder what this sort of thing might do to the Engish company's brand equity, no? Follow the jump for the presser. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
[Source: Toyota via Autocar]Continue reading REPORT: Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQ REPORT: Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsNew Toyota CEO takes 30% pay cut, sees no recovery for two yearsFiled under: Japan, Toyota, Earnings/Financials  Akio Toyoda, the new President of Toyota and grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda, is predicting another two years of tough times for the auto industry. In order to stay afloat, the Japanese automaker, under the direction of Toyoda, will build more autonomous operations in North America and concentrate on a more region-specific lineup to help the company pull through the recession.
While the company will be steered "back to basics," the changes will not involve plant closures - Toyota wants to make sure it retains capacity for when the market bounces back. Toyoda will also personally take a 30% pay cut this year. "The new Toyota sets sail in very stormy waters," said Toyoda at his first news conference. "But right now we're working at full speed to cut costs and jump-start sales with the support of various government incentives being rolled out... We want to do everything possible to avoid a third consecutive year of losses."
[Sources: Reuters / Reuters]New Toyota CEO takes 30% pay cut, sees no recovery for two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsToyota reaffirms 2015 release of new hydrogen vehicleFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Toyota 
Toyota Highlander FCV - Click above for high-res image gallery
In 2007, Toyota drove one of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia. Earlier that same year, a Toyota FCHV drove from Tokyo to Osaka on one tank. The company is certainly in favor of at least researching the technology, and it has repeatedly said that it will start series production of a fuel cell vehicle in the middle of the next decade. At one point, Toyota hinted that 2014 might mark the big year, but that's looking unlikely now.
During a recent shareholders' meeting in Japan, Toyota VP Masatami Takimoto said that Toyota now plans to start production of this new car in 2015. That's still quite soon, as no one expects the hydrogen infrastructure problem to be solved by then. Thanks to Greg B. for the tip!
[Source: AFP]Toyota reaffirms 2015 release of new hydrogen vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Toyota Prius ad campaign most liked by TV viewers (w/VIDEO)Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota 
2010 Toyota Prius Harmony commercial - Click above to watch the video after the break
By now, we've all probably seen the commercials from Toyota's latest marketing campaign for the 2010 Prius hybrid... and we've all probably developed an opinion about them. Any time an advertising campaign is as interesting and different as this one, there are bound to be opposing viewpoints either favoring or strongly disliking them.
Fortunately for Toyota, it seems that more people like the commercials for the 2010 Prius than not. In fact, Toyota's "Harmony" spot topped Nielsen's Top 10 Most-Liked New Ads list in May, and the "MPG" commercial came in at #3. For what it's worth, an advertisement for Coke came in at #2.
If you've somehow managed to miss these commercials on television since the campaign was launched back in May, we've pasted three of them after the break for your viewing pleasure. Oh, if you don't like the American marketing campaign, there's always the Japanese commercials with Superman - or better still, check out Casual Mafia's "In My Prius" sendup.
[Source: Advertising Age via Prius Chat]Continue reading REPORT: Toyota Prius ad campaign most liked by TV viewers (w/VIDEO) REPORT: Toyota Prius ad campaign most liked by TV viewers (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Toyota's push to build green cars may destroy 17th century Japanese rice paddiesFiled under: Toyota 
Toyota has worked hard to cultivate its image as the "green" automaker. And with so many hybrids on the road, it's hard to argue. Some critics have cited the fact that mining for battery components is bad for the environment and the thousands of miles that massive, CO2-spewing ships travel to park those hybrids on our shores more than negate the positive effects. It's hard to argue with 50 mpg for $22,000, though, and, after all, politicians love them some hybrids.
Toyota's plans to build a new technical center and test track only 30 miles from its Aichi, Japan headquarters has those critics chirping anew, as the land pegged for construction is a 17th century rice patty. Toyota plans to use the facility to fine-tune its vehicles and stay ahead of Honda and GM in the hybrid game, but the cost of the price may be a bit too steep.
To clear the 1,631 acres to create the facility, Toyota will need to deforest 691 acres, fill the rice paddies and flatten mountains. Flatten mountains? Really? Good thing Toyota also owns Hino heavy trucks. Activists allege that the construction will destroy the habitat of the endangered gray-faced buzzard and oriental honey buzzard, too.
[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Three Lions/Hutton Gallery/Getty]REPORT: Toyota's push to build green cars may destroy 17th century Japanese rice paddies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Toyota's hybrid Supra successor on track for 2011Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota 
Toyota FT-HS Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery
With all the rumors and anticipation surrounding Toyota's joint venture with Subaru to produce a front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe, the automaker's Supra successor has been put on the news cycle's back-burner. However, according to a report by Best Car, development has continued in earnest since the FT-HS Hybrid Sports Car Concept debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in 2007 and a prototype will supposedly begin making the rounds later this year.
Although the FT-HS was originally due to arrive in 2009, the Toyobaru's parallel development and market conditions have pushed back the introduction of a Supra-successor until 2011. When it hits, expect two versions to be available: a traditional gas-powered model, likely fitted with a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid "Sports" variant packing the GS450h's 2GR-VSE 3.5-liter V6 mated to the JDM Crown Hybrid's electric drive system and cranking out around 400 hp to the rear wheels. If Best Car's report is to be believed, we could see the next iteration of the FT-HS concept at the Tokyo Motor Show this November, with the production model debuting sometime in 2010 before its on-sale date the following year.
[Source: Best Car via 7Tune]REPORT: Toyota's hybrid Supra successor on track for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Toyoda wonders aloud if Toyota has faltered by following GM's leadFiled under: Toyota  During the reign of company President Katsuaki Watanabe, Toyota became the number one automaker in the world, along with amassing $52 billion in cash and marketable securities. That sounds like one of the most amazing runs in the history of the automotive industry, but it's more than a little disappointing to company scion Shoichiro Toyoda.
The 84 year-old Toyoda is apparently the mild-mannered type, but Bloomberg is reporting that he read the riot act to Watanabe and his fellow execs. The news agency's sources say that Toyoda railed Watanabe for being "so anxious to boost sales and profits that he'd let Toyota emulate bankrupt General Motors." Toyoda also reportedly chastised execs for becoming too dependent on large and expensive cars, trucks and SUVs, saying, "customers need to save money."
Toyota may have made $17.7 billion in 2007, but the $4.5 billion it lost in 2008 and the $5.7 billion it expects to shed in 2009 shows that Toyoda may be on to something. If the company is to turn around in the next few years, though, it'll have to come at the hand of another Toyoda. Shoichiro's son Akio takes over as president on Tuesday.
[Source: Bloomberg | Image Source: AFP/Getty]REPORT: Toyoda wonders aloud if Toyota has faltered by following GM's lead originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsToyota ups the small car score with the iQ3 (iQ cubed)Filed under: Economy, Euro, Hatchbacks, Toyota 
Toyota iQ3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
While the original iQ is apparently a museum piece, the new iQ3, which Toyota announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is now on sale in the UK. The iQ cubed adds a 98 bhp 1.33-liter engine with Toyota Optimal Drive to the diminutive Smart competitor and the start-stop system helps the iQ3 get CO2 emissions down to 113g/km. On the UK's combined cycle, the most efficient iQ3, the manual with a six-speed gearbox, gets 49 mpg (U.S.). Even with a Multidrive CVT transmission, the iQ3 can achieve 46 mpg (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 120 g/km. Both models qualify for the UK's Band B road tax, which is just £35 a year. The manual starts at £11,495 while the Multidrive begins at £12,495. If you have more money to spend, four trims are offered that add everything from chrome trim to Bluetooth connectivity. Make the jump for all the details.
Continue reading Toyota ups the small car score with the iQ3 (iQ cubed) Toyota ups the small car score with the iQ3 (iQ cubed) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: More Toyobaru scuttlebutt comes to the surfaceFiled under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota, Rendered Speculation 
A "Toyota insider" has supposedly spilled a few more beans to 7Tune about the upcoming front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe the automaker is collaborating on with Subaru, and according to the source, the 2+2 will carry a few of the Lexus LF-A's design cues when it hits the market next year.
Although Lexus' "L-Finesse" styling has remained exclusive to Toyota's luxury brand, certain elements of the language have begun to filter down to the automaker's mainstream models, specifically the recently released Venza CUV. The rendering above hints at some of the lines that could make the cut on the production version of the "086A," but contrary to past reports, 7Tune's tipster says that the Toyota and Subaru versions won't be remarkably different - only the front grille, headlamps and taillights will be unique. The report goes on to say that Toyota is desperately trying to keep the price below the two million yen mark (a little over $20,000) and, coinciding with earlier rumors, Subaru is actively considering offering an STI version of the coupe.
In a related story, ToMoCo's new president, Akio Toyoda - the exec who recently piloted the LF-A around the Green Hell during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring - told Auto Motor und Sport, "This sports culture, which we have neglected for so long, will again be maintained." Toyoda clearly wants to see the automaker back on the radar of enthusiasts and the first example of this newfound focus could find its way onto the stage at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.
[Sources: 7Tune, Auto Motor und Sport via Japanese Nostalgia Car]Rumormill: More Toyobaru scuttlebutt comes to the surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: New Great Wall hatchback plunders Toyota Yaris' bootyFiled under: Spy Photos, Economy, China, Hatchbacks, Toyota
Great Wall i7 - Click above for image gallery
If we were heading up one of China's numerous automakers and we were looking through the annals of history for a vehicle design to crib, our choice probably wouldn't be that of the Toyota Yaris. It's not so much that the Yaris is a bad car, it's that the success of Toyota's little subcompact hatchback is probably based more on the merits of its nameplate and reputation for reliability and low running costs than its styling. No matter, China's Great Wall has indeed aped a good portion of Toyota's five-door hatchback for its latest entry into the small car wars, imaginatively named i7.
The rear end may have a lot of Toyota in it, but we especially like the front grille, which appears to be a Vulcan mind-meld between the design languages of both Dodge and Audi while managing to look completely horrid original. Inside, the i7 combines the unloved central gauge cluster of the Yaris with some very fake wood trim around the shifter and upholstery borrowed from a mid-Nineties Dodge Neon.
So far, there's no word on what powers the i7 or when it's expected to make it into production.
[Source: China Car Times | Photos: BitAuto]Spy Shots: New Great Wall hatchback plunders Toyota Yaris' booty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGet ready to see more Priuses at the pump in your neighborhood this summerFiled under: Hybrids/Alternative, Marketing/Advertising, Toyota 
2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery
The third generation Toyota Prius is just ramping up its marketing mojo, and one place you'll see plenty of the gold standard hybrid is at the gas pump. Toyota is hooking up with Gas Station TV to present "Prius Neighborhood" television program to the over 1 million unique pumpers viewers that stare at the company's pump-mounted LCD screens while they fuel up.
Prius Neighborhood is the latest effort to intertwine social media with traditional communication tools. Anyone can submit grassroots and community events via the GSTV website, and select events will actually appear at the pump, sandwiched between ads for the 50 mpg hybrid.
Those interested in following events on Prius Neighborhood can do so on Facebook, as well as Twitter at @GSTVevents. The site contains a calender of charity and community events searchable by zip code, and some of the events will be chosen for airing. GSTV airs in over 1,000 gas stations in the US, hitting 22 of the 25 top markets. Hit the jump to view the official press release after the jump.
[Source: IT News Online]Continue reading Get ready to see more Priuses at the pump in your neighborhood this summer Get ready to see more Priuses at the pump in your neighborhood this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBREAKING: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger reportedly headed to NASCAR in 2010Filed under: Motorsports, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Ford, GM, Toyota 
Whether or not you're a fan of NASCAR, the simple fact remains that none of the cars bear much resemblance to their factory counterparts, and it's not like the "Fusions" and "Chargers" are particularly sexy, either. So in an attempt to boost the series' viewers and souvenir sales, Fox Sports is reporting that Ford and Chrysler plan to introduce Mustang- and Challenger -bodied racers into the Nationwide series next year.
The new designs are due to be submitted for approval on June 26, and the 2010 NASCAR competitors are reportedly going to be visually closer to stock than anything we've seen since the new "aero-matched" cars began rolling out earlier this decade. Unfortunately, the new Mustang and Challenger cars will still be far removed from their stock siblings, and General Motors has apparently decided not to join its domestic rivals and produce a Camaro shell. Both GM and Toyota will reportedly run their current Impala and Camry bodies, respectively.
[Source: Fox Sports via Cars]BREAKING: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger reportedly headed to NASCAR in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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