Toyota Once Again World’s Largest Automaker

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After the tsunamis, earthquakes, and flooding that have happened in and around Japan for the last couple of years, Toyota’s production had understandably slowed.  In a comeback that would make Hollywood proud, however, Toyota has reclaimed its title as the world’s largest producer of automobiles.

Between January and March, Toyota sold 2.49 million vehicles, edging out (by 210,000) GM.  Fueling the rise back to the top is the demand for fuel-efficient cars, namely the Prius, which in 2012 has outsold the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf combined.

In that same line of thinking, Toyota is happy to announce its first all-electric vehicle, the RAV4 EV.  The new RAV4 EV is said to have a miles per charge (MPC) of 100, and performs at a level equivalent to its gas-powered sibling.

With a giant in the fuel-economy driven industry and an exciting new vehicle soon to be released, Toyota looks to be in strong position to continue to defend its title for quite some time.

Toyota Supra Comeback?

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Rumors continue to fly around the auto industry that Toyota will produce a successor to the Supra. The famous sports car has not been produced since 2002 and with Toyota rebounding from several setbacks; it could be reborn as soon as 2015.

Since the Lexus FLA and Scion FR-S were released, now seems like the perfect time for Toyota to design their own sports car. There has been no official announcement from Toyota on the design or specs of the would-be new Supra.

It is believed that the new Toyota Supra will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine and will be paired with Lexus’s Continuously Variable Transmission. 400 horsepower and rear-wheel drive could result from this combination. The new Supra will also reportedly use a GRMN MRS Prototype chassis. Pricing speculations land the new Supra to be priced above $60,000.

Toyota to Unveil RAV4 EV

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During the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium next Monday at 3pm Eastern in Los Angeles, Toyota will reveal the company’s first all-electric vehicle known as the 2012 RAV4 EV since it sold roughly 1,500 electric crossovers between 1998 – 2003.

Toyota has partnered with Tesla to electrify a small SUV to provide an all-electric vehicle that will differ visually from the gas powered models.  This small SUV brings a new front-fascia treatment losing the tradition grille and adds new LED fog lights, while the rear end shows to have a new tailgate without the RAV4’s standard spare-tire carrier.  It is said to have a range of 100 miles between charge

Come next week we will learn more about where the EV will be sold, when this electrifying vehicle will be launched, and what the price will be.  Toyota has provided a teaser image of the “electric” badge that will be seen on the side of the car.  Look for this shocking SUV to steal the show when it hits the floor next week.

Toyota Drastically Improves 2013 Toyota Avalon

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The 2013 Toyota Avalon has received major and significant upgrades. The new model, designed in America, will offer a stunning exterior styling, a spacious and luxurious interior, and offer the most premium technology.

The new Avalon underwent several structural and chassis improvements to enhance its handling and ride quality. Drivers will notice the more aggressive and responsive handling of the new Avalon. The Avalon’s body structure was improved on the new Avalon, making it more aerodynamic and improving fuel economy.

Toyota dramatically improved the interior of the Avalon, adding more technology and creating a more spacious and premium interior. The high craftsmanship and upscale experience will give Toyota drivers a better perspective on the all-new Avalon.

There will be a plethora of technology in the new Avalon. Such technology will include three color display screens, a Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and Toyota’s Entune multimedia infotainment system. Available as options on the new Avalon include a premium navigation system, JBL Synthesis premium audio system, and dynamic radar cruise control.

Toyota to Improve R&D

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Toyota has announced that it has revamped its vehicle development system in order to speed up the decision making process, reduce costs, and better appeal to world-wide car buyers. The largest Japanese car maker, Toyota is calling this new initiative its new “Global Architecture”.

Under this new policy, chief engineers will have more authority, research and development will be divided into three groups, based on geographic locations, and final design decisions will be made by smaller teams.

Toyota believes that making these changes will help the car maker re-attain its status as the number one car maker, by sales volume, in the world. The changes are also expected to produce higher quality vehicles and products, while reducing costs for both the company, and for consumers.

2013 Toyota Venza Receives Upgrades

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The all-new Toyota Venza will receive significant upgrades to its 2013 model that will debut at the New York International Auto Show later this week. The affordable mid-size crossover will offer enhanced exterior styling, new standard convenience features, and updated option packages.

A new 19-inch wheel design, a modified grille, and updated fog lamps and taillights highlight the exterior improvements to the Toyota Venza. Toyota will also offer three new exterior color options for the Venza.

Available in three trims, LE, XLE, and Limited, the 2013 Venza will come with several powertrain combinations. Customers can choose from a 4-cylinder or a V6 engine, along with front- or all-wheel drive.

Interior storage on the 2013 Venza is plentiful. The adjustable center console provides a sliding cover and armrest, a large storage compartment, and three MP3 player holders. A USB port, auxiliary audio jack, and 12-volt power outlet are also included in the center console.

The Venza will also offer the Toyota Entune infotainment system. Entune integrates smartphone capabilities with in-vehicle access to navigation, entertainment, and information services. Voice-recognition controls, several music options, and plenty of mobile applications are all included in the Toyota Entune System.

Photo of New Toyota Released

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Toyota has released a picture of the new car it will unveil at the New York Auto show. There has not been a name assigned to the new car, but many believe that this new vehicle will be an update for the Toyota Avalon.

Those with knowledge of the new car suggest that it will be similar to the current Toyota Avalon with significant styling changes. It is also believed that the new vehicle will go on sale at dealerships later this fall.

The brand-new sedan was designed in the United States and it will debut at the New York Auto show on April 5th.

Highlander Hybrid to be Produced in U.S.

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Toyota announced that its 2014 Highlander Hybrid will be produced in its Princetown facility in Indiana. Toyota will invest $400 million into the Indiana factory and create 400 additional jobs to meet the production increase of 50,000 cars.

The gasoline 2012 Toyota Highlander is currently being produced in Indiana, while the Highlander Hybrid is currently being produced in Japan. The Hybrids will be produced in the U.S. by the end of 2012.

By producing the Highlander Hybrid in the U.S., Toyota will incur lower production costs and hopefully lower sticker prices for consumers. Toyota is also forecasting the sale of hybrid vehicles will increase over the next few years with the rising cost of gas.

The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines the utility of a 7-passenger SUV with the fuel efficiency earning 28 miles per gallon.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good

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Toyota announced at the Chicago Auto Show that it will bring back its “100 Cars for Good” program for 2012. The program, which was introduced in 2011, will have Toyota donate 100 vehicles to 100 non-profit companies over 100 days.

Vehicles available in the “100 Cars for Good” program include the Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Prius v, Siena, Sienna Mobility, and Tundra. A six-year 100,000 miles powertrain warranty will also be included with each vehicle donated.

Organizations that would like to participate in this program can start applying on March 12 at http://www.facebook.com/toyota. The application process will last for two weeks, or until 5,000 applications are received. Once the organizations are narrowed down to 500, there public will be able to vote on which organizations should earn the free vehicle.

Public voting will be sometime during the month of May and will continue for 100 consecutive days. Once voting begins, five organizations will be profiled daily, with the public deciding which organization should earn the vehicle. The four runners up every day will receive a $1,000 grant from Toyota.