by Toyota in the News on March 11, 2010
Despite a spike of complaints surrounding unintended acceleration in the Toyota vehicles, the automaker is still managing to keep consumers in showrooms thanks to substantial incentives.
Toyota’s March Sales Event has reportedly helped boost sales in the first several days of the month according to Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales. Although specific details of this month’s sales haven’t been disclosed, Esmond says the numbers have surpassed expectations in light of Toyota’s current struggles. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on March 9, 2010
Toyota may finally begin operating its new plant in Mississippi in June of 2011 according to Japanese news sources. This is one of 10 assembly plants in the US, which together employ 33,400 workers and indirectly fuel another 160,700 jobs.
The Mississippi-based plant was originally intended to begin manufacturing operations in the second half of 2010. In 2008, Toyota had stopped work on the new plant, which was intended to build the Prius hybrid, due to declining auto sales in North America. With auto sales picking up again, Toyota may finally be making this plant operational. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on March 9, 2010
Toyota’s FT-86 Concept is still a long way from showrooms, as it’s scheduled to enter production in 2012, but all-new pics of the upcoming sports car may indicate that its future looks promising.
Shown off along side the Celica, MR2, Supra and the Corolla AE-86, the Toyota FT-86 should be a continuation of Toyota’s performance heritage. Since the demise of the MR2, Toyota has been without a true sports car within its lineup. If the FT-86 stays on its path to production, it certainly could help to improve the brand’s image, particularly among Toyota enthusiasts. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on March 3, 2010
While other automakers are reporting increased sales for the month of February, Toyota’s sales figures were a little less than stellar. Not only have Toyota’s recalls scared potential car buyers away, but other automakers are offering incentives that are specifically preying on the concerns of current Toyota drivers. In an attempt to move sales momentum in the other direction, Toyota is now offering a nationwide incentive plan with 0% financing.
February sales were down about 9 percent compared to a year ago. With thousands of sales lost due to sweeping high-profile recalls, Toyota is desperate to hold on to sales by offering 0% financing for as long 60 months on eight of the automakers’ most popular models. Customers can also opt for a low-payment lease deal on certain models as well. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on March 2, 2010
What we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. Toyota just released their February sales figures, and the results are exactly what was to be expected.
With increasing scrutiny on Toyota’s recall issues not only from consumers, but also from lawmakers, sales fell a total of 8.7 percent compared to a year ago. The Toyota division saw a decrease of 10.6 percent with Lexus down 5.2 percent from February of last year. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on March 2, 2010
Toyota has been consumed by negative press lately, but that doesn’t mean their vehicles have lost their competitive edge. The Toyota RAV4 in particular has remained one of the most successful compact crossovers since its introduction in the mid 1990s and continues to dominate the segment that it helped establish.
Wanting to continue its segment leadership, Toyota recently debuted the 2011 RAV4 ahead of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. With its freshened design, wider stance, and more luxurious accommodations, the 2011 Toyota RAV4 is more sophisticated than ever before. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on March 1, 2010
In response to criticism that the information within black box data recorders on board Toyota vehicles was only accessible to internal sources within the company, Toyota will soon make black box decoders available to law enforcement agencies as well as consumers.
Although federal regulations have required that data found in on-board black boxes be made available to consumers by 2012, Toyota is moving to quickly to ensure such data can be accessible by 2011. This is just one of many changes that Toyota outlined to become even safer and more transparent than ever before. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on February 24, 2010
Akio Toyoda, the President and CEO of Toyota, will testify before the House Oversight Committee today concerning the company’s decision to recall more than 8.5 million vehicles for unintended acceleration.
Yesterday, Toyota Motor Sales, USA President Jim Lentz gave his testimony, along with opening statements from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Aside from Toyoda, the automaker’s U.S. chief Yoshimi Inaba will also be testifying today. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on February 24, 2010
With the Toyota hearings in full swing, the automaker recently released a series of webinars to discuss throttle control response in detail.
Naturally, the mechanical issues surrounding unintended acceleration can be a bit technical for the average consumer, and even lawmakers. Hosted by the automaker’s National Environmental Safety and Quality Communications Manager, the webinars are intended to clarify the what the electronic throttle control system is and what role it plays in unwanted acceleration. Journalists were also invited to participate in the whiner and ask questions regarding the mechanics of these systems. [click to continue…]
by Toyota in the News on February 23, 2010
The Toyota recall hearings held by the House Energy & Commerce Committee have officially started this morning. The Committee will be investigating the issues of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles and the decisions made by the management as the problems unfolded.
Although Toyota and its executive leadership will be under tough scrutiny by the Congressional committee, they will attempt to convey the automaker’s commitment to vehicle safety, even despite the controversy that’s been brewing since last fall. [click to continue…]
