Toyota of Colchester

If you are looking for a good deal on the price of a new Toyota car, put a hold on your search until you've made it to Toyota of Colchester, CT. Getting great deals on the model you want, has just been made easier for you. Toyota cars have a longstanding reputation for outstanding overall reliability and great value for money. Check out your local Toyota of Colchester dealer to see what is offered.

Toyota of Colchester is offering $500 off on any new Toyota purchase from the dealership. The $500 discount is an opportunity that not only let’s you save, but also allows you to get behind the wheels of your dream Toyota at a price that you can afford. The offer runs through the 1st to 30th of November.
Toyota of Colchester stocks and sells Toyota models that include the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Camry Solara, Corolla, Matrix, Prius, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Prius Hybrid, and Camry Hybrid.

The Colchester dealership offers services to customers in Salem, Lebanon, Columbia, Chester, Essex, Scotland, New London, and Manchester. The online dealership offers current Internet Specials such as New Vehicle Specials, Pre-Owned Specials, and Finance Specials.

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Toyota Dealer Connecticut - Toyota of Colchester, the leading Toyota Dealership located in Colchester, Connecticut (CT). We provide a wide selection of Toyota models such as the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Camry Solara, Corolla, Matrix, Prius, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Prius Hybrid and Camry Hybrid

Expiring Hybrid Tax Credits for Toyota …#34; What Does It Mean for the Market?

The IRS has announced that people buying Toyota hybrids will no longer be able to claim a tax credit. This raises the issue of expiring tax credits and what it means for the future of hybrid cars.

Hybrid cars are extremely popular and none more so than the Toyota Prius. The popularity arises from a number of sources. They include everything from the fact the cars pollute much less than traditional gas engine autos to the fact the cars get much better mileage and so on. Another major factor is the hefty tax credit a person gets when buying a new hybrid. At least until recently.

The conspiracy theorists are absolutely correct. The government does try to influence our conduct. Unlike the wild conspiracy theories you read about, the technique used is fairly mundane. The government likes to wiggle the carrot of money in front of our collective faces. Smoking is bad, so it piles tax upon tax on the purchase of smokes.
In the case of cars, the process works the other way. Our oil addiction is bad, so the government is trying to motivate us to try hybrid vehicles by giving us a large tax credit for buying a new one. The credit can be up to $4,000, which is a huge amount of money.

This tax credit, however, phases out over time. As a manufacture sells more hybrids, the credit is reduced by the IRS each quarter. The final magic number is 60,000 hybrids. When a manufacture sells this number, it loses the tax credit benefit. This has just happened with Toyota and, as its subsidiary, Lexus.

To be absolutely clear, you decision to purchase a Toyota or Lexus hybrid no longer should involve any consideration of a tax benefit. Why? There isn’t one. Will this fact change your mind when it comes to buying a hybrid or not? Nobody in the auto industry is particularly sure nor do they really care as none of the manufacturers are remotely close to the 60,000 sold figure.

It does, however, raise the issue of what will happen to the hybrid market as more manufacturers lose the tax credit. Will the market die or not? The best we have is an educated guess. Yes, the market will slow down. No, it will not disappear. Why not? A couple of reasons come to mind. First and foremost is the fact people are willing to pay to be green. Given the choice, a large percentage of people will pick an environmentally friendly car. The loss of the tax credit doesn’t change that so long as hybrids are not priced dramatically higher than other cars.

The second issue is more cause and effect. Simply put, oil prices are rising and predicted to continue to do so in the future. This means prices at the pump are going to continue to go up dramatically. Some even suggest we have seen the peak of oil production in the world, which would mean prices are going to go up a huge amount. Regardless, we can all expect to pay more at the pump. Will we still be buying cars that get 25 miles to the galloon or hybrids that get 50? The answer would seem obvious.

We can’t predict the future, but it appears the hybrid vehicle market will survive the loss of the tax credits that currently exist. The real question is whether you and I will survive astronomical gas prices!

About the Author
Aazdak Alisimo writes about hybrid cars. Find hybrid car dealers around the country at HybridCarDealerDepot.com.

Martinsville: Toyota NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Recap, Quotes

But we’re re-grouping and trying to build some new cars for 2008 -- Dr. (Eric) Warren (Competition Director) and all of our friends at TRD (Toyota Racing ...

Toyota Sells 2.34 Million Vehicles in 3Q

Toyota beat GM in global vehicle sales in the first half of the year, riding on its reputation for high quality, low-mileage small cars such as the Camry, ...

Toyota Hybrid Sports Car

Every loyal customer to Toyota and the people behind the company itself are looking forward to 2008. Why? Because that is the slated release for the much-awaited Toyota hybrid sports car dubbed the Volta. Toyota has always been known to set itself apart from all other car manufacturers, releasing some of the most outrageous designs that seem to grow onto society once the cars establish themselves as bestsellers.

Japan Goes Italian

Toyota's hybrid sports car can only be a real head turner. This is what's expected when you have an elite group of designers to give the new concept car a new, nice Italian twist. Pictures of the concept car have emerged from the company itself and the first thing that may come to mind is the Lamborghini Diablo; only the Volta is eco-friendly.

Toyota believes that hybrid technology can also be used in high-performance vehicles such as the Toyota Volta. After all, it is rumored to go from 0-60 in 4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph; not as fast as the Diablo or any Ferrari but the important thing is how much gas this vehicle doesn't use.

The Name Game

The 2008 new Toyota Volta will be paying homage to Alessandro Volta, the man who came up with the electric battery in 1800. It is only very apt considering that this vehicle does run on a type of battery. The Volta runs a V6 engine and there's an electric motor on each axle.

The electric motor will be used to operate several things at the same time such as, for example, a computer that operates the movement of the wheels, activation of brakes, etc.; basically something known as drive by wire, a technology that is fitted into modern fighter jets, so you can imagine how much time in design was spent on this near-future release. This technology also allows for an awkward feature that can have the passengers reposition the steering wheel and pedals in front of them.

Economy

Two centuries after the invention of the electric battery after which the new hybrid is named, Toyota aims to have the Volta out and running by 2008. It is expected to have a tank that holds only 13.7 gallons that will allow it to go 435 miles when filled up. Plus, if 408 horsepower isn't enough, you will just have to weight for later versions of the Volta because this is the top speed estimated for the initial release.

Toyota France expects to release this to the European market in 2008. However, Germany might be happy to know that the car will be for sale there by December of 2007. Experts are speculating that prices for the Toyota hybrid sports car will range from $72,000 to $165,000 in the US market once it hits North American shores.

Whether or not the market is ready for this sports car, Toyota itself is ready to prove that hybrid technology does belong in the automobile industry and will suit any purpose and application.

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Thinking about driving your own Toyota Hybrid sports car? Then find your best links to hybrid car deals now!

Toyota Land, renowned dealers for Toyota vehicles in Springfield, NJ

This is Toyota Land, prominent dealer for new and used Toyota vehicles of all types, including Toyota cars, Toyota trucks, Toyota SUVs, and Toyota vans in Springfield, NJ. We are currently offering a dual reason for celebration: we have a Columbus Day offer, which combines with a Construction Sale at our dealership! As part of this double fun, we are offering a great saving of $100 off on monthly payments till January 2008!

Our range is exhaustive, yet our professional sales staff will guide you every step of the way! Choose from the widest range of Toyota models such as the Avalon, Camry, Camry Solara, Corolla, Matrix, Prius, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Land Cruiser, RAV 4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra.

Our website is a veritable treasure house of innovative features. There is a whole host of facilities you can make use of, all of which are designed to make your car shopping experience as easy as you can imagine, and as useful as it can get. Visit our various sections, such as the Toyota Specials, Website Specials, Finance Specials, Quick Quote, Online Specials, Online Service Appointments, and New Vehicle Specials. If you would like an authentication of objectivity during trade-in value for your vehicles, we assure you that we are part of the Kelly Blue Book network.

We also carry genuine Toyota spares and accessories. If you want to relax at home while buying a car, it's not a problem. You can confidently shop online for these authentic spares.

If you are residing in Millburn, Maplewood, Vauxhall, Irvington, Millburn, Baltusrol, Brantwood, Summit, and thereabouts, you could not have asked for a better Toyota dealership to take care of all your needs! http://www.1800toyotaland.com

About the Author

At Toyota Land, renowned dealers for Toyota vehicles in Springfield, NJ, there is a huge Columbus Day and Construction Sale offer.

Toyota joins NY Marathon Fuse

A runner will not probably want to encounter a car, but Toyota hood protectors maker, Toyota, targets to have close encounters with thousands of runners in two marathons that will take place on the streets of New York.

In order to become an exclusive auto sponsor at both the ING New York City Marathon and the NYC Half Marathon presented by Nike, the giant Japanese automaker has signed a three-year deal. Financial terms were closed and the company will feature its hybrid platform, including the Prius, Highlander SUV and Camry Hybrid, through regional TV and print, on- and off-course signage as well as operational usage such as transporting athletes and officials. Aside form a money prize, both the men's and women's winner at the ING New York City Marathon will receive a Prius.

The alliance will activate in support of the NYC Half Marathon presented by Nike which will take place on August 5. The ING New York City Marathon will be happen on Nov. 4, and the previous car sponsor was DaimlerChrysler's Smart micro compact in 2005.

Bryan Riss, Toyota's vehicle operations manager for New York region said that Prius is their glamorous hybrid and it gets the most attention from the Hollywood crowd but they want to support their whole hybrid line. He added that Toyota's long-term plan is to have a hybrid for each model the company builds, and that this alliance will help make more consumers aware of their hybrids. Also sponsoring the New York Marathon is Avis and said it would include Prius as a car rental option starting this summer.

Ann Hinegardner, svp-business development and marketing strategies at New York Road Runners, which monitors both marathons and several other running events year-round, said that the car category is very important to the marathon, and signing Toyota is in line with their commitment to the environment as well as to health. According to her, Toyota plans a full activation now through November.

Tour's Third Time

The AST Dew Tour will have several new strategies in place as it enters its third season this week: Louisville, Denver and San Jose have been replaced by Baltimore, Salt Lake City and Cleveland as tour stops; MTV has been added to the media mix; and the tour name itself has changed from the Dew Action Sports Tour but Pepsi's Mountain Dew remains title sponsor and all lead sponsors at the five venues are back.

The schedule began with the Panasonic Open in Baltimore in June 21-24 and runs through the PlayStation Pro in Orlando on October 18 to 21 featuring top action sports athletes in BMX, motocross and skateboarding contesting for points and monetary prizes.

Wade Martin, president and general manager at the AST Dew Tour, Aurora, Ill, said that this was the first part of their strategy to build AST [Action Sports Tour] as an umbrella brand that will be comprised with other events. He added that they want AST to become what NASCAR is to its fans and consumers. Martin further said that AST has plans include a U.S. winter action sports tour and global events.

Outlets such as NBC and USA Network (event coverage), Fuel TV (previews and reviews), FSN radio, VOD in a potential of 30 million homes and iTunes will be the avenues through which the tour will reach people. Two behind-the-scenes shows and features prior to each tour event are new this year on MTV and MTV2. Attendance last was about 250,000, which is up 15,000 from the inaugural tour. The AST Dew Tour is owned by NBC Universal and Live Nation.

Martin said that the challenge in their 3rd year will be the same challenge in their 10th year that is getting more people to attend in person, watch or access the events and support their sponsors. The Right Guard Open (Cleveland, July 19-22), Vans Invitational (Portland, Ore., Aug. 16-19) and the Toyota Challenge (Salt Lake City, Sept. 20-23) are other tour stops.

About the Author

Kaye Leery is has a degree in Information Technology. She enjoys her profession as an IT consultant. She is also passionate about writing and plans to pursue a Creative Writing workshop in Iowa.

Why Is Prius The Much-Loved Toyota?

Why is the Toyota Prius much-loved? One answer may be that Prius shoppers want everyone to know that they are driving a hybrid. But there are numerous reasons to add to the list.

Only a third of Prius owners cited that reason just three years ago, according to CNW, which tracks auto shopping trends. "I really want people to know that I care about the environment," said Joy Feasley of Philadelphia, the owner of a green 2006 Prius. "I like that people stop and ask me how I like my car." Dan Becker, the head of the global warming program at the Sierra Club added, "The Prius allowed you to make a green statement with a car for the first time ever."

This spring, over half of the Prius owners surveyed by CNW Marketing Research of Bandon, Ore., said that the main reason they bought their car was that it makes a statement about them.

Mary Gatch of Charleston, S.C., picked the car over a hybrid version of the Toyota Camry after trading in a Lexus sedan. "I felt like the Camry Hybrid was too subtle for the message I wanted to put out there," Gatch said. "I wanted to have the biggest impact that I could, and the Prius puts out a clearer message."

Unlike the original Prius buyers, who wanted to be first with its innovative technology, the latest owners are far more conscious of foreign oil dependence and global warming, said Doug Coleman, Toyota's product manager for Prius. "Consumer knowledge and consumer awareness is changing," Coleman said.

Prius sales for the first six months of the year increased 93.7 percent from last year, to 94,503, and the Japanese automaker has already sold close to as many Prius cars as it did in all of 2006.

The Toyota Prius was first embraced by famous celebrities and remains in trend long after most cars have lost their hum. Owners have included Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Billy Joel, and Larry David. David has bought three, including one for his role in the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Now Prius drivers are typically found in cities on the East and West Coasts, and in college towns like Ann Arbor, Mich., and State College, Pa. "You can't drive across town without seeing half a dozen of them," said Peter Darnell, a software engineer and Prius owner in Westford, Mass., north of Boston. Darnell admits to feeling smug this year when gasoline prices spiked above $3 a gallon. But that was not the main reason he purchased a Prius. "I have to admit that I'm a granola-crunching liberal, and I really liked the idea of minimizing the impact on the environment," Darnell said.

Corey Confer, the general sales manager at Joel Confer Toyota in State College, said that he had received calls from as far away as Key West, Fla., from buyers looking for a Prius. His dealership advertises an $800 discount on each vehicle. A number of dealers in the West are adding $2,000 premiums.

Nationwide, Prius sales increased dramatically in May, when gasoline prices rose over $3 a gallon. Worldwide, Toyota has sold over one million Prius cars. Toyota was alarmed to see Prius sales even out last year. But before gas prices hit record levels, Prius sales were climbing again.

Toyota executives have said that they plan to offer a hybrid version of everything the company sells worldwide, perhaps as soon as 2010. That fact could make a fanatic forget about the most fascinating Volkswagen Touareg part. Japanese press reports said that the Japanese automaker may even build Prius into a separate brand, with basic and sporty Prius models.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Toyota Official Partner for the Osaka 2007

Toyota Motor Corporation has announced recently that it would be providing a total of 220 vehicles of which will include 134 Prius Hybrid passenger vehicles. These Toyota vehicles are to be used as official cars for the 11th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Athletics Osaka 2007 (Osaka 2007) which will run from August 25 through September 2, 2007 in Osaka, Japan.

Toyota the producer of durable and high quality Toyota car cover is the official automotive partner for the Osaka 2007. Toyota has also previously become the official partners for the 2003 Championships in Paris and the 2005 Championships in Helsinki. For this year's Osaka Championship, Toyota will be helping to promote the IAAF's environmentally considerate Green Project by means of providing vehicles that have less damaging impact on the environment.

Aside from the Prius, other vehicles such as the FCHV-BUS (a fuel-cell hybrid vehicle bus), the Alphard Hybrid minivan, and the Dyna light-duty hybrid truck are to be provided by Toyota. Aside from the Osaka 2007 Championship, Toyota is also scheduled to supply the vehicles such as Welcab vehicles (especially those equipped vehicles) for use by those competitors in wheelchairs. These vehicles are to be employed for a variety of uses like for instance serving as the lead vehicle or the media vehicle for men and women's marathons plus transport athletes and officials.

For this year's championships, as a way of showing support to the children who will take on the responsibilities of the next generation, Toyota will give 900 people with free tickets to come and witness the performances of some of the world's top athletes. For those interested the ticket applications will be accepted starting July 20 through August 6, 2007.

The applications may either be submitted online or by postcard and in the event that the number of applicants exceeds the number of tickets, a draw will be held to select ticket recipients.

The Green Project was launched by the IAAF starting with the 11th IAAF World Championships in Athletics with the aim of contributing to environmental conservation. The objectives of the project include implementing measures that would help in reducing environmental impact and at the same time collect donations which are to be used for afforestation initiatives. The IAAF also plans to announce more details of the said project soon.

Details of the Osaka 2007

Event: 11th IAAF World Championships in Athletics Osaka 2007 (Osaka 2007) Time: August 25 - September 2 (nine days) Venue: Nagai Stadium, Osaka, Japan Sponsor: International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Scale of event: Countries/regions: 212 Athletes/officials: 3,200 (expected) Number of events: 24 for men, 23 for women Event website: http://www.osaka2007.jp/index_e.html Other: The first World Championships in Athletics was held in Helsinki, Finland in 1983. The event is held every two years. This is the second time the event has been held in Japan; the first was the 1991 Tokyo Championships held 16 years ago.

About the Author

Kaye Leery is has a degree in Information Technology. She enjoys her profession as an IT consultant. She is also passionate about writing and plans to pursue a Creative Writing workshop in Iowa.

VW's Magotan to compete with Toyota's Camry

Volkswagen AG, Europe's largest automaker and the biggest overseas carmaker in China has started selling Magotan sedans in the country and in the process challenging Toyota Motor Corp.'s Camry which is equipped with high quality Toyota thermostat.

The Magotan sedans are equipped with 1.8-liter or 2-liter engine and have a base price starting 192,800 yuan or $25,000 basing in an email coming from Volkswagen. On the other hand Toyota's China-made Camry has a price that starts at 197,800 yuan more expensive than the Magotan by 5,000 yuan.

The Wolfsburg-based automaker plans to add as many as 14 new models in China by the end of 2009 in an effort to maintain its market lead. Likewise, the automaker's Santana and Jetta sedans has claimed the top two spots in the first-half sales rankings in the country and comparing that with Camry which went on sale last year and was only able to obtain the fourth rank.

According to Tiecheng, President of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co. one of Volkswagen's China ventures, "The Magotan helps to diversify FAW-Volkswagen's product structure, allowing us to be more competitive in the market."

Europe's largest automaker, Volkswagen has about 19 percent of China's car market accomplished in the first half of the year after boosting sales by a quarter to 431,369. The FAW-Volkswagen which is a venture with China FAW Group Corp. will make the Magotan which is offered as the Passat in Europe. Volkswagen also has a venture with Shanghai Automotive Co. the listed unit of SAIC Motor Corp.

In other news, Jim Press, the President of Toyota North America has made a rather bold statement saying that "eventually, everything will be a hybrid." And aside from that he has shown his confidence in Toyota's ability and so proud of their product line that he goes as far as saying that the ground-breaking Toyota Prius hybrid is just like Ford's Model T.

It should be noted that the Ford Model T has often been considered as the first of its kind and a car which was made accessible to the masses. It was somewhat advance for its time and has helped in shaping the automotive industry into what it is today. Mr. Press is also saying that the Prius just like the Model T is equally revolutionary.

The everything-will-become-hybrid speech of Mr. Jim Press has aroused various reactions and of course there are those that contradict Mr. Press' statement saying that not everything will be hybrid. But with the present trend in the auto industry maybe who knows we might all end up driving hybrids.

About the Author

Kaye Leery is has a degree in Information Technology. She enjoys her profession as an IT consultant. She is also passionate about writing and plans to pursue a Creative Writing workshop in Iowa.

Toyota and Scion of Northwest Arkansas, Committed To Excellence In Service

Toyota and Scion of Northwest Arkansas is equipped with highly qualified and dynamic professionals whose constant endeavor has been to earn the goodwill of customers and usher in professional excellence in all spheres of an automotive franchise. Toyota NW Arkansas steers you into the world of technological wonders, where you can possess the comfort and power in style. Quality, reliability, transparency, convenience and enviable sales record are a few of the reasons why it makes sense to choose Toyota NW Arkansas. The quest for innovation is the foundation for Toyota and Scion of Northwest Arkansas.

Now, through the Toyota NW Arkansas sophisticated website, which is embedded with special, unique features, the dealership has made things more than easy for its customers. Just everything about Toyota and Scion cars is made available at the click of a mouse. You can buy genuine parts and accessories and even schedule a service appointment, online. Vehicle research, virtual brochure and reviews help you explore everything you want to know about your favorite cars. There are other attractive features like online specials, finance specials, new vehicles special, pre-owned specials and weekend specials which make online shopping experience more interesting and exciting. These innovative designs and features have bolstered the concept of online shopping.

Toyota and Scion of Northwest Arkansas presents to you a varied choice of new and pre-owned Toyota and Scion models. Collection of Toyota cars include Corolla, Camry, Avalon, Matrix, Prius, Camry Solara, Yaris, Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Highlander, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna and FJ Cruiser. It also has an exquisite array of Scion vehicles such as xA, xB and tC.

Here is an overview of few of the Toyota and Scion models available with the dealership: Toyota Corolla equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, pumps out 126 horsepower. The most popular model of Toyota, Corolla, is available in CE, LE and the sporty S versions. Its stylish, contemporary design speaks to your aesthetic sense. Its foundation of legendary quality, dependability and value speaks to your common sense.

The new 2007 Toyota Camry comes with a four-cylinder engine or a V6 engine. It also comes with an all-new hybrid drive train that delivers 192 horsepower. The Camry is available in three different models namely SE, XLE and Hybrid.

The 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser is an SUV that has the seating capacity of 8 passengers and offers just one trim level, the base model. Powering the 2007 Land Cruiser is the 4.7 liter V8 engine which provides 265 hp @5400 rpm and 310 lb.-ft torque @3400 rpm. Its transmission is a 5-speed automatic with overdrive

Scion xA, the least-expensive model in Toyota's youth-oriented Scion line, is a 4-dr hatchback powered by 103-hp 4-cyl engine with manual or optional automatic transmission. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are optional. Standard equipment includes ABS, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.

The 2007 tC, a 2-dr hatchback coupe comes from Toyota's youth-oriented Scion division. It has a 160-hp 4-cyl and a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Standard equipment includes ABS and a driver knee airbag among other features.

Website: http://www.toyotanwarkansas.com Email: toyotanwarkansas@gmail.com

About the Author

The Toyota and Scion of Northwest Arkansas, one of the leading dealers of Toyota and Scion cars in South Metro Parkway Rogers, Arkansas (AR), has carved a special place in the hearts of many. Its quest for innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a special place for those who would love to buy Toyota and Scion machines.

Toyota: 2007 Sales Forecast Still On Track

The Toyota Motor Corp., which outpaced the General Motors Corp. in global vehicle sales in the first half of the year for the first time ever, set the full-year target late last year, Detroit News reported. The target is up six percent from the 8.8 million vehicles it sold around the globe in 2006.

GM has been auto industry's global top seller for more than seven decades now. Currently, the Detroit-based automaker has made no forecast for this year's sales. The Detroit-based automaker and its affiliates sold 9.1 million vehicles worldwide in 2006. But like the speedy Borla, GM is likely to be overtaken by Toyota.

On the other hand, Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe said that he was leaving the company's sales target unchanged even though reviews were underway for all the regions. The largest Japanese automaker is seeing sales grow in the United Stated and other global markets. Escalating gas prices have produced fuel-efficient Toyota models such as the hybrid Prius and small cars Corolla, Camry and Vitz, which is also known as the Yaris.

Toyota plants were shut after a July 16 quake in north-central Japan, which damaged Riken Corp., a major auto parts supplier. The company said last Monday that 20 of its 31 assembly lines in Japan will be up by Tuesday. The closure has cost the Japanese automaker production of about 46,000 vehicles, and that number is expected to increase to about 55,000 overall, about 60 percent of them exports, Watanabe said. Toyota plans to catch up later this year on the lost production, he said.

Koji Endo, an auto analyst with Credit Suisse in Tokyo, said those vehicles amount to about three days of production, which can be easily made up on a weekend. "Overall, sales growth in North America, Russia, China and Europe is more than likely to make up for declines in Japan and Asia, and Toyota is likely to surpass its target," he said. "Toyota has set a conservative target. There is hardly any negative impact from the earthquake."

Outlining the Toyota's midyear strategy, Watanabe said that the company will contribute more to efforts against global warming and pollution by working on new technologies, including plug-in hybrids. More common hybrids already in mass production, such as the Prius, switch between an electric motor and gas engine to produce superb mileage. Additionally, plug-in hybrids do not need to be plugged in to recharge.

Other automakers also are working on the development of auto plug-in technology. Plug-in hybrids are equipped with batteries that power an electric motor, with an internal combustion engine for use when the batteries run low. The batteries can be recharged using a standard wall outlet.

Toyota said that in June, sales of its hybrid cars had passed one million units - a milestone for the Japanese automaker that started selling the Prius a decade ago but dominates the hybrid market at the present time. Toyota's 2007 global sales target would score the ninth consecutive year of global sales growth for the automaker.

Watanabe brushed off a question about the prospects of becoming number one in sales. "We must be thankful many customers are choosing to buy our products. "Being number one is a result of that," he said. "Toyota will continue to work to become a good corporate citizen in the United States and follow its principle of producing cars where they're sold."

Watanabe acknowledged the Japanese market was tough, but said new models were being well received in Japan in recent weeks. As part of an effort to woo buyers, side airbags and curtain-shield airbags will be offered as standard features on upcoming new models in Japan, he said.

About the Author

Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that's exactly where you can find Mike.

Toyota To Test Plug-In Hybrid

The race to come up with the first production plug-in hybrid vehicle heats up as Toyota announced that it already has a PHEV ready for testing. The Japanese automaker looks ready to take on General Motors which is currently making the biggest waves in the development of a PHEV with its Chevy Volt.

The announcement made by Toyota means that it now leads major automakers in the development of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. PHEVs are considered as the next step for automakers after hybrids.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are essentially hybrid vehicles. The difference is that PHEVs are designed with plug-in capability. By plugging in a PHEV into an electric socket, its battery pack can be recharged. The battery pack is also more powerful than the ones used on hybrids. The plug-in capability of these vehicles mans that they can travel more distances without burning petroleum fuel.

The plug-in hybrid developed by Toyota was recently given the certification for public road use by Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport. The Japanese automaker is yet to announce what the plug-in hybrid will be called.

Similar in construction to a hybrid, the Toyota PHEV is also equipped with a small internal combustion engine and an electric motor. According to the company, this vehicle can carry up to 5 persons.

Although this vehicle received certification ahead of the Volt, when it comes to the cruising range of the vehicles, the Volt has the upper hand. Toyota announced that on 3-4 hours of charging, the battery pack of the vehicle can power it up to about 13 kilometers. In comparison, the Volt's battery pack is expected to power the vehicle for 64 kilometers.

It is obvious though that Toyota is still on the process of perfecting this technology. With developments of Li-ion battery packs being pushed through by the automaker, it can be expected that future PHEVs from Toyota will have a longer cruising range than this PHEV. Aside from increasing the cruising range of the PHEV, Toyota will also be working on reducing the cost of production of the vehicle.

Even if the plug-in hybrid vehicle unveiled by Toyota can equal the expected cruising range of the Volt, the automaker must lower the production cost to make it a practical choice for auto buyers. With its powertrain more fuel efficient than the Saturn engine of an Aura Green Line, it can be expected that once Toyota introduces this vehicle in the United States auto market, consumers will be lining up to buy one.

The PHEV will be tested on Japanese roads. The automaker announced that they will be using eight units of the plug-in hybrid vehicle in their tests. This test will provide Toyota with valuable information which they can use for further enhancement of the PHEV.

Toyota's Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto said that the commercial release of plug-in hybrid vehicles depend largely on the development of efficient batteries for automotive application. "It's difficult to say when plug-in hybrids could be commercialized, since it would depend largely on advances in battery technology," Takimoto said.

Aside from developing a Li-ion battery pack for the new generation Prius, Toyota will now also be looking to equip their PHEV with a Li-ion battery pack. General Motors' Chevy Volt is also expected to be equipped with the same type of battery. The only problem being faced by these automakers is the development of a Li-ion battery which can withstand automotive application.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Cal To Road-Test Toyota Plug-In Hybrid

The Toyota Motor Corp. took a big leap last Wednesday towards marketing plug-in hybrid cars when it announced it would provide two specially-made Priuses to the University of California for testing on American roads.

The largest Japanese automaker will be the first to put the experimental electric-gas hybrid cars on American streets for daily driving when the Priuses take to the road in Berkeley and Irvine this fall, said Michael Taylor, a Chronicle staff writer. Plug-in hybrids run mostly on rechargeable batteries can run 100 miles on a gallon of gas.

Toyota's announcement came less than a week after a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Electric Power Research Institute, a power-industry trade group, revealed that the widespread use of the gas-sipping cars would dramatically limit greenhouse gases and curb domestic oil consumption.

Bill Kwong, a Toyota spokesman, said that the plug-in test program will be conducted at UC Berkeley and UC Irvine. The customized cars appear like the conventional Priuses, but unlike the showroom model, the experimental version runs mostly on its electric motor and plugs into a 110-volt house current for overnight charging. Kwong said that the car will travel up to seven miles on electricity alone and can go up to 60 mph in pure electric mode.

"This is absolutely the first step of a major manufacturer in putting plug-ins on the road," said Felix Kramer, the founder of the California Cars Initiative, a Bay Area plug-in hybrid advocacy group. "It forces every single carmaker to figure out what it's going to do. It means the race is really on."

Hybrids are powered by a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Advocates of alternative energy have reiterated for years that because most daily trips are often no more than a few dozen miles, those trips could be made on electric power, saving the gas side of the car for prolonged journeys.

Many advocates see plug-in hybrids as a means to save the gasoline side of the car for longer journeys. "Toyota's experimental hybrids will simply add a second nickel metal battery. Susan Shaheen, a research director at UC Berkeley's Institute of Transportation Studies, will supervise the testing of one of the plug-in Priuses. Institute staffers, faculty members and students, along with employees of some local businesses, will take the altered Prius through its paces to see how it performs in the everyday world, the trip to the grocery store, the run down to San Jose for a business meeting," wrote Taylor.

"I'll look at the response of users to plug-in technology, see how they (deal with) refueling and charging, to get a sense of how different this is from (using) a traditional internal combustion engine car or a gas-hybrid vehicle," Shaheen said. "And I will definitely get to drive this car, I hope."

Shaheen said that nonetheless, she thinks hybrid energy "is an alternative pathway and we're looking for different energy pathways, so the choice is not only a gasoline-powered car. When I do research, I think people are looking for choice. They are seeking energy pathways."

Other automakers are working on plug-in vehicles to catch up. General Motors says that it is building a plug-in version of its conventional Saturn Vue SUV hybrid. The Saturn AC compressor, engine, exhaust, filter and more will be enhanced to serve that purpose.

DaimlerChrysler, meanwhile, has had about six Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid vans in fleet use on American streets in 2006. The Ford Motor Co. is developing a fleet of about 20 plug-in hybrids to "test the technology and see how this works with the (electrical power) grid," said Jennifer Moore, a Ford spokeswoman.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Toyota to test Plug-In Hybrids in Japan, US, and Europe

Toyota Motor Corporation the producer of Lexus brake dust shields has recently announced that it has developed a plug-in hybrid vehicle that will be used for public road tests to be held in Japan, US, and Europe.

Aside from ToMoCo, General Motors and Ford of US are also working on their own plug-in hybrids, which have become an important technology for the reduction of harmful gases that caused global warming.

Plug-in hybrids including that of Toyota generally make use of batteries that power an electric motor. It also has an internal combustion engine that takes over in powering the vehicle once the battery is low. The batteries are charged by simply plugging them into a standard wall outlet.

The plug-ins however run longer on electricity and ideal for shorter distances than the more common hybrids on the road such as the Prius. The Prius is another type of hybrid vehicle that switches between an electric motor and gas engine that results to lesser consumption of fuel.

Toyota is also the first automaker to be given approval by the Japanese government to conduct road tests on public roads. Toyota said that it will gather information about the tests from eight plug-in vehicles that are to be used by the government to determine emissions and fuel efficiency.

Masatami Takimoto a Toyota executive who is in charge of the technology said that the approval came last Wednesday morning. Takimoto however decline to comment on to when Toyota will introduce a plug-in hybrid to the market. But he did say that further development in battery technology is still needed.

The vehicle to be used for the test is called the Toyota Plug-in HV which was displayed last Wednesday and runs on the same nickel metal hydride battery found on the Prius with a traveling range of 13 kilometers or 8 miles on electricity alone. According to Takimoto the test will help determine the range that consumers want.

Large scale production of plug-ins is still not pursued due to issues on costs and battery technology which limits the vehicles' range. But manufacturers are competing to bring the technology to the market as consumers seek for other alternative aside from traditional engines and high gasoline prices.

Almost all automakers are working to create their own hybrids but Toyota has still the advantage since it has over 10 years of experience in selling the technology. Toyota mostly based the improvements on its hybrids from feedbacks of drivers rather than from lab results.

Toyota has several hybrid offerings available which include the Prius, the hybrid Camry, and the hybrid Lexus. The Japanese automaker has also set a target of selling a million hybrids after 2010 which is not impossible especially since last June the automaker has been able to obtain a cumulative sale of hybrids more than 1 million---a milestone for the automaker.

About the Author

Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois.

Toyota Unleashes 'Plug-in Hybrid' Car

According to Chang-Ran Kim's writing for Reuters on Wednesday, Toyota Motor Corp. unleashed a "plug-in" hybrid car based on its popular Prius model. The report said that it would test the fuel-saving vehicle on public roads, which is another first for the industry.

But the Japan-based car maker claimed that the car, which is called the Toyota Plug-in HV, was not suited for commercialization purposes because it uses low-energy nickel-metal hydride batteries rather than lithium-ion batteries, which are believed to be a better fit for rechargeable plug-in cars.

Not like earlier gasoline-electric hybrids, which run on a parallel system twinning battery power and a combustion engine, the plug-in cars are built to enable short trips powered entirely by the electric motor, through a battery that can be charged by using an electric socket at home.

A number of environmental endorsers see them as the best available technology in order to minimize gasoline consumption and global-warming greenhouse gas emissions. But engineers claim that battery technology is still not enough to store enough energy for long-distance travel.

Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto, the person in charge of Toyota's powertrain technology, told a news conference that it is hard to say when the plug-in hybrids could be commercialized for the reason that it would largely depend on advances in battery technology.

Scheduled to be tested also in the United States and Europe, the Toyota Plug-in HV possesses a cruising range of just 13 km or 8 miles on one charge, even with its trunk full of batteries.

Two of Detroit's Big Three - General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. - are also working on plug-in hybrids, in alliance with battery makers such as Germany's Continental AG.

In January, GM revealed a concept version of the plug-in Chevrolet Volt that would be powered by a lithium-ion battery. Its target for production is set at 2010.

And just this month, Ford associated with No. 2 U.S. electric utility Southern California Edison for real-world testing of a fleet of up to 20 rechargeable vehicles. These automobiles are to be based on the Escape Hybrid SUV. Ford has claimed that plug-ins could enter showrooms in five to ten years from now.

Launcher of the first mass-volume gasoline-electric hybrid car in the world (the Prius), Toyota said in 1997 that it would test eight prototypes of the plug-in hybrid to collate data on real-life driving over the next three years after getting government approval on Wednesday. Each Lexus with quality Lexus axle is also a well known hybrid-er.

Many automakers such as Toyota, Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., are working with Japanese battery makers in order to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries with reinvented storing energy capacity.

About the Author

Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois.

Toyota to Initiate Sustainable Plant Activities

Toyota Motor Corporation has recently announced via its website www.toyota-media.com/euen/ its plan of initiating sustainable plant activities for its production operations. The activities will focus on the role of nature in developing production sites that blend with their natural surroundings. Toyota wants to develop and operate such production sites with the objective of reducing CO2 through the use of renewable energy including those derived from biomass and natural energy source such as wind and solar power. The automaker also aims to contribute to the local community and to help in conserving the environment by mean so planting trees and plants. It also wants to achieve a groundbreaking environmental performance through introduction of innovative technology and kaizen or improvement activities. Toyota the producer of high quality Lexus car cover plans to employ its sustainable plant activities at its TMC's Tsutsumi Plant which manufactures the Prius hybrid vehicle and chosen to pioneer the model sustainable plant. Aside from the cogeneration system that is already in place, the plant will also make use of a 2,000kW photovoltaic generation system which is one of the biggest in current use among the world's automobile plants. The press release posted at www.toyota-media.com/euen/ reported that Toyota is planning to paint some of the Tsutsumi's exterior walls and other surfaces with environment improving photo catalytic paint which is designed to break down air-born nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. The paint is said to have the cleansing effect of around 2,000 trees. An environmental sustainable plant is not complete without the greeneries; Toyota is planning to have trees local to the area planted in the plant. The automaker also intends to use its biotechnology and its afforestation knowledge like for instance covering the ground and walls with NOx-absorbent vegetation. And as part of its plan to contribute to the local community it will open an on-site environmental educational facility for the enjoyment of the general public. By implementing all of the above environmental plans with the photovoltaic generation as the main focus, Toyota hopes to lessen Tsutsumi's CO2 emissions by 5 percent which is equivalent to what a 240 hectare tropical rain forest can absorbed. Toyota Motor is also doing some developments on its Takaoka Plant. The automaker is installing new innovative assembly line which will begin operation soon. Toyota is hoping that the by further streamlining production systems such as Global Body Line and Set Parts System, it will be able to improve its productivity and energy efficiency. Moreover, the automaker is also expecting that with the addition of the a second innovative assembly line at Takaoka in 2009, the plant will be able to reduce CO2 emission by 35 percent. About the Author Joe Ratzkin is an avid fan of anything automotive. This 34-year old bachelor wanted to be a mechanic when he was a kid but changed his mind and became a freelance writer and researcher instead. He is currently based in Chicago, Illinois.

Toyota Prius: World's Greenest Car

Switzerland recently hailed the Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius as the world's greenest car, reports Reuters.

The land of breathtaking Alps has named the Japanese automaker's hybrid after the vehicle has recorded the highest green rating in a draft study evaluating the environmental impact of driving around 6,000 different cars, including C02 emissions which contribute to global warming.

The Swiss government said that it hopes that the list, which is still in draft form and could be revised before it is finalized next year, will persuade drivers to buy cars which have the lowest impact on the environment. Additionally, the list could also be used to impose an emissions-related tax on cars. "The goal is to modernize the fleet of cars and to make the use of natural resources as efficient as possible, so that using cars will exert less pressure on the environment," says Adrian Aeschlimann, a spokesman for the Federal Office for the Environment.

The Prius, one of the mass-produced hybrids, was produced for sale in Japan, Europe and North America. The hybrid first arrived in showrooms in Japan in 1997 and around the globe in 2001. By the end of 2003, about 160,000 vehicles had been produced for sale.

The milestone product line of the Japanese automaker is engineered to showcase cutting-edge features which are way incomparable with the Toyota Celica radiator and other parts and accessories. It has won several awards to make it noticeable even by celebrities. The Prius has won the Car of the Year Japan accolade in 1997 and 1998, the American Car of the Year in 2004, and the European Car of the Year award in the following year.

The hybrid was rated by the States Environmental Protection Agency's revised fuel economy procedure at 48 mpg in city driving, and 45 mpg on the highway. California Air Resources Board has rated the hybrid as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

In the 2000 North American lineup of the automaker, the vehicle was slotted between the Corolla and the Echo. The hybrid was redesigned in 2004 to turn into a midsize hatchback that slot between the Camry and Corolla. The new version of the vehicle was certified as an Advanced Technology Partial zero-emissions vehicle.

The Toyota Prius, equipped with a twinning battery power and a combustion engine, also is considered as one of the most affordable car vehicles in the United States. It also is the best selling hybrid on the road today, though they account for only a fraction of auto sales worldwide.

Switzerland's NZZ am Sonntag newspaper recently published the names of the top 20 and bottom 20 cars. The Swiss government confirmed the names to Reuters.

The list, as reported, includes Fiat's Punto 1.2 Bipower and its Panda 1.2 Bipower, the Daihatsu Cuore and Citroen's C3 1.4i GNV were all in the top five of the draft list, which will be sent to the industry for comments before being finalized. Ford's Transit and Transit 4x4, the Volkswagen's T5 and Peugeot's Boxer were in the bottom five. The Nissan Patrol GR 3.0, meanwhile, got the lowest rating. The said list will be sent to the industry for comments before being finalized. Small cars and other hybrids dominated the top 20 of the list.

The United States accounts for more than half of Toyota's Prius sales. China and U.S are the world's top emitters of CO2, reports Domain -B.

Environmentalists welcomed the Swiss government initiative. "It's great when a national government is behind this, and a list like that will have much more sway and can function as a guideline for the automotive industry," says Juergen Resch at Germany's environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Toyota Proves its Dependability in J.D. Power Study

For the 13th consecutive year, vehicle models from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. earned the most awards in each segment and ranked as the highest brand at the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. "There are many studies conducted throughout the year, but VDS remains one of the most significant measures of long-term vehicle quality and reliability. Any studies that don't take into consideration the durability of a vehicle over an extended period of ownership are not true indicators of overall quality and customer satisfaction." said Jim Lentz, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Sales. "Internal studies show that dependability is consistently the top purchase reason for Toyota, Lexus and Scion buyers, and we will continue to prioritize quality as our product offerings and sales volume increase." he added. J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study determines models in every vehicle segment that has the best reliability and residual value. J.D. Power and Associates conducted a survey from more than 50,000 vehicle owners and measured the problems encountered during the three years of ownership. In addition, J.D. Power and Associates also ranked the best three vehicle models in each segment. Toyota's Lexus luxury division once again obtained the first place in the nameplate rankings with only 145 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Toyota brand was in the fifth place with 178 PP100, and Scion with 220 PP100. In the Top Three Models per Segment, Lexus eared five awards including GS 300/GS430 (Midsize Premium Car), GX 470 (Midsize Premium MAV), LS 430 (Large Premium Car), LX 470, (Large Premium MAV) and the SC 430 for the Premium Sporty Car segment. Toyota models also earned awards with the Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla (Compact Car), Toyota Celica (Compact Sporty Car), Toyota 4Runner (Midsize MAV), and the Toyota Land Cruiser for the Large Premium MAV segment. Meanwhile, the Scion xA was ranked as the highest model in the Sub-Compact Car segment. "Automakers may reap numerous benefits from producing dependable vehicles -- not only in higher residual values, decreased warranty costs and opportunities for remarketing their vehicles, but also in higher customer satisfaction and increased likelihood of customers recommending or purchasing newer dependable models." said Neal Oddes, Director of Product Research and Analysis for J.D. Power and Associates. Oddes added: "This is why it is especially important for automakers to successfully launch new vehicle models with high initial quality and appeal -- models that perform well in these regards tend to exhibit particularly strong dependability later in their life cycle." This only proves that Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models continue to improve their reliability, dependability, and quality auto parts (like catalytic converter) for American customers. About the Author Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Hybrid Cars-Toyota Prius

In Britain there had been several attempts to build steam cars with varying degrees of success with Thomas Rickett even attempting a production run in 1860. Lawson in 1896 and making their first cars in 1897. Since the 1920s, nearly all cars have been mass-produced to meet market needs, so marketing plans have often heavily influenced automobile design. Sloan who established the idea of different makes of cars produced by one company, so buyers could "move up" as their fortunes improved. Hybrid Hybrid vehicles are on track to achieve record U. Hybrids combine the best of electricity and gasoline. Hybrid technology also works on a larger scale. Hybrids sound good -- they are, for example, exempt from the range limitations of battery-powered cars. Automobile propulsion technologies under development include hybrid cars, battery electric vehicles, hydrogen cars, and various alternative fuels. Experts say hybrid sales on pace for record-setting year. Sales this year despite signs consumer interest in hybrids is waning, an auto information company. Full hybrid systems allow both the gasoline engine and electric motor to provide power to the wheels; often, this allows the vehicle to shut down the gasoline engine when stopped at a red light, and to start driving the car on electric power only. The hybrid systems available from Toyota, Lexus and Ford employ this technology. Mild hybrids, by contrast, use the electric motor primarily to boost the performance of the gasoline engine, when it needs extra power; this technology is seen most often in the hybrids sold by General Motors. In the mild hybrid vehicles available today, most use what's known as a Stop/Start hybrid system, which shuts the gasoline engine off at idle (like at a red light) and instantly starts it up again on demand (like when the light turns green and you hit the accelerator). Toyota Rather than ask engineers and designers what they had in mind for loyal owners, Toyota asked loyal owners what they wanted the engineers and designer. Toyota first demonstrated a futuristic hybrid concept vehicle at the Tokyo Auto Show in 1995. The Toyota Prius is the best-selling hybrid in the US. The hybrid systems available from Toyota, Lexus and Ford employ this technology. In 2000, Honda and Toyota both started selling "hybrid" electric cars that evade those bothersome range limits. The Toyota Prius, a five passenger hybrid about the size of a Corolla, gets 52 miles per gallon around town and 45 on the highway. Toyota was supposed to start introducing the lithium-ion hybrids between 2008 and 2010, according to the Journal. See all models Hybrid News Toyota unveils plug-in hybrid car; Japanese automaker Toyota has unveiled what it says is the world's first certified plug-in and go car for public use. A handful of other hybrid cars, SUVs, minivans and pick-up trucks are expected to go into production and be available in the next two or three years. All of the hybrid cars available today are considered "parallel hybrids," for the ability of both the electric motor and gasoline engine to provide power to the wheels. About the Author John Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.WeKnowCars.com. He provides more information on all types of car and car issues that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Toyota Hybrid Cars

Toyota believes that in order to have a positive environmental impact, a large number of consumers must embrace the technology. Toyota remains committed to developing an "Eco Vehicle," one that will have a minimal impact on the environment. Toyota was the first company to introduce a hybrid vehicle to the mass market in 1997. Toyota has sold more than 600,000 hybrid vehicles worldwide, and 300,000 Prius hybrids in the United States. Toyota is battling with General Motors to be the world's top-selling carmaker.

Toyota

Well equipped with standard features like Push Button Start, cruise control, keyless entry, power door locks and windows, and a liquid crystal multi-information display, the 2007 Toyota Prius offers great value for a great price. So for good training, great colleagues and a company that really acts like an employer of choice, make Toyota your first stop. High fuel prices have boosted sales of Toyota's small cars and hybrid vehicles which run on petrol and electricity. Today Toyota joined almost every other major car company who had already unveiled plans for producing cars that run on energy supplied by the electric grid. Announcing the official plug-in Prius based on the most popular hybrid vehicle to date, Toyota said it would test the fuel-saving vehicle on public roads. Today's Toyota Plug-in HV runs on the same nickel metal hydride battery as the Prius and has a cruising range of 8 miles on electricity. "It's difficult to say when plug-in hybrids could be commercialized, since it would depend largely on advances in battery technology," said Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto, in charge of Toyota's power train technology, told a news conference. Why can't Toyota just make a plug-in option for the current Prius with the current nickel metal hydride batteries?

Prius

Toyota has sold more than 600,000 hybrid vehicles worldwide, and 300,000 Prius hybrids in the United States. The Prius is a feat of modern technology. Announcing the official plug-in Prius based on the most popular hybrid vehicle to date, Toyota said it would test the fuel-saving vehicle on public roads. Today's Toyota Plug-in HV runs on the same nickel metal hydride battery as the Prius and has a cruising range of 8 miles on electricity. Toyota remains cautious about assigning a date for production of a plug-in Prius. The car could hit showrooms by late 2009, roughly the time that Toyota hopes to have its next-generation Prius ready to go. The Prius has won numerous awards from automotive, consumer, and environmental groups. Also Prius's that people have moded also do 40mpg on batteries alone.

TOYOTA Universal Design Showcase gives everyone a chance to find out how interesting and widespread Universal Design is. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) works side-by-side with hundreds of North American suppliers to build our top quality vehicles. Toyota's purchasing principles, supplier development efforts, and desired products.

About the Author

John Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.WeKnowCars.com. He provides more information on all types of car and car issues that you can research in your pajamas on his website.