Car NEWS log

posted by admin on Jan 31

Texas is facing a great pickup battle having Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota as contenders. Toyota Motor Corp., meanwhile, works to lure true truckers in Texas to win over more customers. This is why it has unleashed its redesigned Tundra to steal a portion of Ford F-150’s sales. But the best-selling pickup is not the only potent rival. There is the new Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram. Moreover, the Japanese automaker is expected to exert extra effort in order for its goal to materialize.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, Ford F-Series dived nearly 3.6 percentage points across the nation to hold 30.7 percent of the market. In Texas, the models lost 5.5 points to fall to 31.9 percent, reported the Michigan-based R.L. Polk & Co. In comparison, the Tundra, sources divulged recorded nearly 3.5 points nationwide and 3.7 in Texas in its first year since a major redesign.

“Those numbers might not seem huge, but when you consider truck buyers are second only to luxury buyers in terms of loyalty, Ford’s drop and Toyota’s climb are significant,” said Lonnie Miller, the director of industry analysis at Polk. “There’s no doubt been a very aggressive push by Toyota.”

“We certainly had a lot more full-size pickups traded in for Tundras in ‘07,” said Tom Shopoff, the director of truck support for Gulf States Toyota, a network of dealerships that includes statewide Tundra best-seller Fred Haas Toyota World in Spring. “We have a tremendous product.”

But Shopoff predicted the Tundra would see a bubble burst. “You’ve seen the big bubble,” he noted.

Increased competition from Toyota comes at a time when auto sales in general and pickup sales in particular, are down, according to Houston Chronicle. Auto sales in 2007 fell 2.4 percent, and large pickups were down 2.7 percent, Libby said in an interview.

“That means more competition, which in turn means more incentives and lower prices,” Libby concluded. “The winner in all this is the consumer.”

posted by admin on Jan 30

Toyota might be showing some light at the end of the tunnel in their motorsports program. Things seemed to click at Daytona where Toyota looked good in testing. But basically Toyota is an also ran in F-1 and the sports car racing realm.

I guess with the success of the Prius, it seems only natural that Toyota tries to field a hybrid race car. Watch out Le Mans 2010. Toyota looks like they will be hauling a hybrid to the 24 hours.

Any bets on their chance of winning?? Is there such a thing as infinity to 1?

See full article.

posted by admin on Jan 27

Toyota has released prices on the all-new 2009 Corolla Sedan (see details and images here) that will begin arriving at dealerships in February. Available in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS, the Corolla is offered with a pair of 4-cylinder engines, a 132 …

posted by admin on Jan 25

Scion and Toyota stands to be quiet. Toyota Enbrel medicine that it had chosen a. Get free and easy new car price quote in minutes. This is my first time posting in the three years. Interest in Toyota and ask for their continued support. Keyed rear spoiler will also be available.

Aston Martin Race Series on Aston Martin Asia Cup. Please visit our home page at http. This brings the total number of local Zyrtec 10mg to six. Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than. Work for this project will begin in February.

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posted by admin on Jan 16

It looks a mix of the new Toyota Camry and Lexus RX - but it’s supposed to. Toyota, the company that invented crossovers, has introduced the Venza for consumers moving from SUVs to Cars. Seems like Crossover is the new buzzword for Station Wagon.
Toyota hopes the Venza, which seats five and looks sleeker than other sport utilities, attracts baby boomers and young families. The Venza features 285 hp, high rising seats, fold down rear seating to create SUV like cargo space and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The model, which will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada later this year.

***Press Release***

Toyota stages world debut of all-new Venza at 2008 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 14 /CNW/ - Toyota unveiled the all-new 2009 Venza crossover
sedan at a press conference here today at the 2008 North American
International Auto Show (NAIAS). Venza will raise the crossover vehicle to new
levels by combining a unique blend of sedan refinement and sport utility
vehicle (SUV) functionality.
"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling,
comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with
the surprising utility of an SUV," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director,
Toyota Canada Inc. "This winning combination will be ideal for active
'boomers' and young couples with small families."
All aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted specifically
for the North American market where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was
engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and designed at
Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich.
Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in
Georgetown, Ky.
The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new
crossover vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling
themes that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily
on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior
and premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUV
attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive
performance.
The exterior design of the four-door Venza begins with an imposing front
end featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an
aggressive, yet classy appearance. The front conforms to a sleek and
aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, crisp character lines and a roofline
and ground clearance that are lower than a typical crossover. From behind,
Venza's refined appearance is complete with an angled rear hatch, rear spoiler
and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnect with the hatch door.
On the inside, Calty designers and TTC engineers made comfort, refinement
and utility a priority for the five-passenger Venza. A lower rocker design
will allow occupants to more easily step in and out of the vehicle than a
typical sedan. Venza will also feature a higher ride height and hip points
that will provide significantly better driver visibility than most sedans and
easier ingress and egress than most SUVs.
Venza will feature a spacious interior providing ample room for all five
passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats.
The rear hatch provides a low cargo height that allows for easy loading and
unloading of luggage and outdoor gear. Easy-to-use levers, one on each side of
the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing
additional storage space for extra long items such as surf boards, skis,
camping gear and gardening equipment. For added passenger comfort, the rear
seats recline up to 14 degrees.
A creative interior design complemented with an array of comfort and
convenience features provides Venza with a refined look and feel that is
commonly reserved for a luxury sedan. The flow of the instrumentation panel
(IP) creates a unique 60/60 design that gives both driver and front passenger
the look and feeling that 60 percent of the IP is accessible from their
seating position.
An extra long center console extends from the IP and slopes down to a
center compartment with a unique sliding console cover. Sliding open the
compartment lid reveals a large storage well deep enough to hold a large
purse. The compartment is also illuminated and equipped with an auxiliary
audio jack and 12-volt power point. The upper portion of the center console
houses the gear-shift lever for easy and comfortable driver access. Climate
control functions are centrally located on the upper center console, providing
easy accessibility for both driver and passenger. The center console also
contains an iPod/MP3 storage compartment with wire management and illuminated
dual cupholders.
All Venza models will be equipped with an array of standard features
including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic
steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic
rearview mirror with compass, a multi-information display, cruise control,
optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza
will come standard with dual exhaust tips and will be the first Toyota model
to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models will come
standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.
Chrome accents throughout give Venza a refined look and feel. Models
equipped with an optional leather-trimmed interior will feature
wood-grain-type trim and seats stitched with dark piping that is tastefully
coordinated with Venza's standard linear grain dashboard and steering wheel.
An array of storage space will be available throughout the vehicle to
accommodate passenger belongings. A large storage compartment with an
additional 12-volt power point located on the passenger side of the front
center console will be sizeable enough to contain maps and magazines.
A panoramic roof will be offered as an option and will be a first for the
Toyota vehicle lineup. The roof will feature separate glass panels over the
front and rear seats. The front glass panel will have a power tilt/slide
function.
Venza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system, another
Toyota first. When high beam headlights are in use, sensors in the Automatic
High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the
headlights to low-beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer detect
oncoming traffic, the system will switch the headlights back to high-beam
mode.
Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped
with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and
Bluetooth(TM) technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD
changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth(TM), rear seat entertainment
system, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.
The sleek and sporty styling, refined interior and outstanding utility
features are complemented with fun-to-drive performance attributes expected by
owners with active lifestyles. Aggressive handling typically found in a
performance coupe is well-balanced by the on-road comfort of an upscale sedan.
Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It
will provide drivers and passengers the best of both worlds by delivering the
quiet comfortable ride expected from a full-size sedan along with the
peace-of-mind that comes with all-wheel-drive.
Power will be generated by an available 3.5-litre V6 that will produce
268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a
towing capability of 3,500 pounds (1587.6 kg). Standard power will come from
an all-new 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that will deliver capable
performance and provide excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both
engines will be mated with a six-speed sequential-shift
electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
Venza will be equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety
features. It will provide a total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee
airbag and side and curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Venza will also be
the first sedan with Toyota's 5 prong safety system, featuring anti-lock
brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist,
and vehicle stability control. Venza will also feature active head restraints
as standard equipment.
"Venza will establish an exciting new crossover niche that will combine
the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Wearing. "It
will cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry,
the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and
functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty package."
"When it goes on sale in late 2008, the Venza crossover sedan will
represent Toyota's latest commitment to driving change in the marketplace." <<
2009 VENZA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
----------- POWERTRAIN
---------- 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine
Horsepower: TBD
Torque: TBD
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission 3.5-litre V6
Horsepower: 268 @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 246 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission
Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive DIMENSIONS
---------- Overall Length: 4800.6 mm
Overall Width: 1905.0 mm
Overall Height: 1610.4 mm
Wheelbase: 2776.2 mm
Ground clearance: 205.7 mm
Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels (four-cylinder only)
20-inch alloy wheels (standard on V6 and available on
four-cylinder)
Tire Size: 20-inch: 245/50R20
19-inch: 245/55R19
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (1587.6 kg) V6 model
Seating Capacity: 5
>>

posted by admin on Jan 15

_ DEARBORN, me _ — Toyota Motor corp Toyota Motor ford motor CO to become D NR overhaul Corp.(TM). 2 automakers by STATE OF sales in 2007, using again product and unyieldingly strategy too break Ford’s 75-year bolting device on D position. Toyota 48,226 more sell cars and trucks than Ford, according to sales illustration release to Thursday Toyota’s sales its above 3% for D year, lift give to product such as D Toyota tundra admission, what through again saw to sales jump 57%. Ford’s sales fallen 12%, end also wows one year that its expect to be D badly 1998 since for D auto industry like consumers annoy more over highly gas price and D economics Ford korporativ historians Bob Kreipke said it its D _ only time since 1931 that Ford its not second behind General Motor Corp. (GR.) Ford’s car sales drop 24% for all from 2007 as united model such as D ford mustang aged and ford taurus sedan its not capable too equal D volume of D of older version _ truck sales its down 5% for D year _ Jim Farley, recently Ford’s global marketing chief after career Toyota, said D number not to change again on again Ford’s resumption plan _ “actually, it actually accelerate D way we’re running D business,” Farley explain to D connected Press. _ “it stress D difference between as we’re running D business and as our competitor its running D business. _ it require us too Stock to D plan, no doubt, but us too material accelerate D also require it development from again product.” _ Farley pointedly out the fact that Ford have united to strike in 2007, particularly its ford edge and Lincoln MKX crossover carrier Ford grows crossover 62% over D year, far outpacing D industry wide average of 17%. ford motor CO ford motor CO (f) said Thursday its December STATE OF sales fallen on low require for both cars and light trucks. Ford an entire of 211.194 carriers sell 8,9% of 231.900 in Decembers, down in D same month of 2006th _ D Dearborn, me based company its also expect to lose D NR. 2 STATE OF sales position for 2007 too Toyota Motor Corp. if D Japanese automakers releases its illustration late Thursday _ it its D only time since 1931 the fact that Ford wasn’t second behind General Motor Corp., according too Ford korporativ historians Bob Kreipke. _ D December drop contains a 13% reduces in einzelverkauf sales and a 1% drop in fleet sales, Ford said. _ sales of passenger cars fallen and contains 8,4% to 64,651 of 70.618 in December 2006 a 26,1% reduces in sales of D iconic ford mustang to 8,315 unit and 16,4% require drop in for D Lincoln MKZ to 3.173. ford focus sales rose 3,5% to 14,023 and ford fusion sales 7% jump to 13.545th _ sales of light trucks fallen 10,2% to 126,014 of 140.380, as require for D company’s top sell f of Series admission dip 22% to 55.069. ford expedition sales stolpern 30,2% to 7,516 and ford explorer sales fallen 18,7% to 10.887th _ sales of D ford edge crossover carrier jump more than 500% to 13.722nd _ for D fully year 2007, Ford sales fallen 11,8% to 2,6 million of 2,9 million D year before _ adjust for additionally selling a day in 2007 compare with 2006, Ford sales fallen 12.1%. Ford said its light carriers sales rate also expect to be in D distance from 15,2 million to 15,7 million for D only half of 2008, citing expectation of continue with difficulty economically condition Ford portion fallen 11 Cent to $6,49 in afternoon trading after adjust a 52 week low from $6.45 more earlier in D learning section

posted by admin on Jan 14

Toyota announces plans to have a plug-in hybrid by 2010. The batteries will be the much improved lithium-ion instead of the current nickel metal hydride