Toyota RAV4 hybrid in development?

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Crossover, Toyota

Toyota may be hard at work on a new hybrid version of the RAV4. AutoExpress reports the automaker is keeping a close eye on the CUV segment to determine whether or not buyers would be receptive to the idea of a hybrid RAV4. Yoshikazu Saeki, deputy chief engineer with the automaker, said that a hybrid iteration wouldn't be difficult to do. Saeki spoke with AutoExpress during the LA Auto Show, and said that while Toyota has no interest in building either a seven-seat version of the RAV4 or a sportier model along the lines of the Nissan Juke, a hybrid isn't off the table.

"We are watching the market," Saeki said. "After introducing the new RAV4 we will see. There will be a possibility of introducing a hybrid RAV4 and we will respond to what the market wants."

Than again, we've heard these rumblings before. Back in 2009, Toyota said almost the exact same thing after the Shanghai Motor Show three years ago.

Toyota RAV4 hybrid in development? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/toyota-rav4-hybrid-in-development/

Toyota reveals 9 acres of talking road as smarter cars get safer

Toyota has revealed its latest plans to get the cars of tomorrow talking to the road, each other, and smoothing out driver-error for safer transportation, with the launch of the Intelligent Transport System test site. A near nine acres of replica roadways in Japan, the ITS Proving Ground is equipped with a road-to-vehicle communications system that alerts compatible cars to nearby pedestrians, other cars, traffic signals, and more. As well as increasing safety, the wireless tech could also be used to maximize fuel efficiency.

The test ground is part of Toyota’s work on car communications, whether that be the road (and road furniture, like traffic signals) talking to your car, or cars talking between themselves. Operated on the 700MHz band, which has broad range thanks to its easily-diffracted signal, the wireless tech will be able to warn of poor road conditions out of the driver’s line of sight, pedestrians in the road, and even the pattern of traffic signals, allowing the car to pre-empt slowing in a more fuel-efficient way.

Meanwhile, even objects that can’t talk to your car – such as brick walls – can be made safer, using Toyota’s Intelligent Clearance Sonar. That monitors objects around the car, and automatically applies the brakes, as well as reducing engine power and sounding an alarm to warn the driver. It works in tandem with Drive-start Control, which can cut power if an auto-transmission is shifted between reverse and drive in a situation of driver panic.

"For example," Toyota explains, "if while reversing in a parking lot, a driver unexpectedly strikes an object, the driver may become startled and shift gears from reverse to drive while continuing to press the accelerator." The Drive-start control system would step in at that point.

As for crashes at higher speeds, there’s Toyota’s new Pre-collision System (PCS) with a promised 90-percent effectiveness at preventing rear-end collisions. Effective when the speed difference between the two vehicles is under 37mph – such as when you’re driving at 50mph, and the car in front is going at more like 12mph, Toyota suggests – the PCS can automatically slow the car with brake assistance, whether the driver has applied them manually or not.

The PCS uses millimeter-wave radar to track the distance between cars, and can apply twice the braking forced of the driver on their own. If both driver and PCS are braking, Toyota says the system enable deceleration of up to 37mph; if the driver isn’t braking, that’s cut to 9-19mph effectiveness.

Both Intelligent Clearance Sonar and Drive-start Control are set to appear “in upcoming vehicles” Toyota says, though there’s no timescale for their inclusion. PCS, meanwhile, will arrive “starting with soon-to-be-launched models” Toyota teases.

http://www.slashgear.com/toyota-reveals-9-acres-of-talking-road-as-smarter-cars-get-safer-12256550/

Tundra Pulls (Off) Enormous Endeavour

Last month we were thrilled to announce that a Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck would be towing the Space Shuttle Endeavour during part of its journey to its new home at the California Science Center.  Well… mission accomplished!

On Friday night, October 12^th, a Tundra pickup truck – without any special modifications – successfully towed the Space Shuttle Endeavour across a bridge spanning the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. The shuttle and custom tow dolly weighed a combined 292,000 pounds.

Just a short distance from Los Angeles International Airport where Endeavour began its 12-mile journey on its way to the California Science Center, the Manchester bridge crossing was cause for concern due to weight limitations. The combined weight of Endeavour and its robotic transporter was 500,000 pounds.   Given that challenge, it was necessary to transfer the shuttle to a lighter-weight dolly before crossing the bridge over the 405.

Toyota’s 2012 Tundra CrewMax 4X4 with a 5.7 liter iForce V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and a tow rating of 10,000 pounds, had no problem achieving this massive feat. Before transporting Endeavour, we did extensive testing and worked with the Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineering transport company, to develop a dolly that would take Endeavour over the bridge.

The Toyota Tundra was driven by professional driver Matt McBride.   Along for the ride was Garret Reisman, one of the astronauts aboard the orbiter when it went to the International Space Stationin 2008. Reisman noted, “After all it’s been through in space, I’m really glad we got it safely over the bridge and, ultimately, to its new home at the California Science Center.”

Currently, a Toyota Tundra is on display at the Science Center where there is a working exhibit that demonstrates the physics of leverage. The Tundra used to tow Endeavour on Friday, will replace that  truck in the giant lever demonstration sometime after the shuttle pavilion opens on Oct. 30.

At Toyota, we’re dedicated to supporting the advancement of scientific study and partnering with organizations that share this mission. Our role in helping transport the shuttle continues a 20-year partnership between Toyota and the California Science Center to provide financial support to promote science learning including a comprehensive look at America’s history in space.

It was truly an honor to join the many California businesses and foundations that brought Endeavour to the people of Southern California.  If you find yourself in LA, stop by and visit the shuttle exhibit.  Be sure to follow the hashtag #TundraEndeavour on Twitter for more information and updates.

Toyota to Beef up Green Vehicle Lineup

TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. is boosting its green vehicle lineup, with plans for 21 new hybrids in the next three years, a new electric car later this year and a fuel cell vehicle by 2015 in response to growing demand for fuel efficient and environmentally friendly driving.

Toyota said Monday it will offer an electric compact called eQ, based on its iQ model, in Japan and the U.S. in December though the number of the vehicles made will be extremely limited — about 100 for special fleet use, according to the company. The car, which will be called the iQ EV in the U.S, is priced at 3.6 million yen ($45,000) and has a limited cruise range of around 100 kilometers or 62 miles.

In the U.S., an electric version of the Rav-4 sport utility model, which Toyota worked on with U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors, goes on sale this month.

The fuel cell vehicle, which runs on hydrogen to produce electricity, will be offered from 2015. Details for that model were not released.

Like other Japanese automakers, Toyota is gearing up for expansion after getting battered the last few years by the financial crisis and disasters in northeastern Japan and Thailand that disrupted production.

The manufacturer is also counting on its reputation for green technology that it has built with its hit Prius, the world’s leading gas-electric hybrid, to woo buyers.

But rivals are working on green offerings, too, such as Nissan Motor Co. focusing on its Leaf electric car. Another challenge is that customers in emerging markets, which are driving growth in demand for autos, are still not as interested in hybrids and other fancy — and expensive — technology.

Takeshi Uchiyamada, the executive overseeing technology and new model development at Toyota, said the long-term potential for fuel cells was great, compared to electric cars, because of greater cruise range and shorter charging time. He said tens of thousands of fuel cell vehicles were likely to get sold in the 2020s.

A good compromise at the moment is the plug-in hybrid, which works as an electric vehicle until the battery runs down, and then switches to its hybrid motor, so there’s less chance of being stranded than with a standard electric car. Toyota has sold 15,600 of its plug-in vehicle since launching it earlier this year.

Uchiyamada said the positive reception for new technology, such as the hybrid, surprised Toyota, underlining the deep interest the public has in reducing emissions and protecting the environment.

Although annual hybrid sales were tiny when the Prius first went on sale in 1997, such sales have grown to more than one million a year worldwide, comprising 10 percent of Toyota’s global sales.

In Japan, where green subsidies have been a big plus in recent years, hybrids make up nearly half Toyota’s sales, Uchiyamada, the engineer known as “the father of the Prius,” said.

“The public’s consciousness is a lot higher than we ever imagined,” he said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/toyota-beefs-up-green-vehicles-plans-electric-car-for-this-year-fuel-cell-vehicle-by-2015/2012/09/24/9e97a43e-0602-11e2-9eea-333857f6a7bd_story.html

Team Toyota: Who Makes These Great Cars?

For a Japanese automaker, Toyota sure does make a lot of cars in the United States. Toyota has been involved in the United States automotive market for more than 55 years and over that time, the car maker has made a positive impact in the U.S. economy. In the automotive industry, almost every car produced has parts manufactured all over the globe, but Toyota is one of the global manufacturing companies that has made a significant investment in the United States, when so many manufacturers have left the company.

Manufacturing Plants in the United States

Toyota has manufacturing plants in the United States, where they build nine popular models. The factories are located in Texas, Kentucky, Indiana, and Mississippi. Sienna, Sequoia, Highlander, and Camry are manufactured in Indiana. The Avalon, Camry Hybrid, and Venza are manufactured in Kentucky. In Texas, the Tundra and Tacoma trucks are made and the Corolla is made in Mississippi. Some of these models have been made in the United States since the first Toyota plant was constructed in 1998. Almost every state has either a dealership, a financial services office, a manufacturing or supplier plant, an R&D office, or another role in the manufacturing of Toyotas.

Environmental Concern Beyond the Prius

As the creator and manufacture of the Prius, Toyota has shown the world that they care about the environment. Most people do not realize that Toyota does not just build one top Hybrid vehicle, but eleven different Hybrids. Toyota does not just build environmentally friendly cars, but they are also committed to creating green factories and dealerships, like the only LEED certified dealership in the world built in Eugene, Oregon. Ten of the Toyota facilities around North America have also received LEED certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and there are rigid standards that buildings must meet to earn this high honor.

Safety and Security

Toyota is not only committed to the environment, but to the people who drive their cars, too. Today’s cars are safer than any other time in automotive history, but many children still die in car accidents because they are not seated in safe car seats. In Cincinnati, Toyota joined forces with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to help get children from families in the lower socio-economic groups to get their children into car seats and seat belts. The project, called Buckle Up For Life, was so successful in Cincinnati that it has spread to other large cities around the country, like Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Antonio.

Safety Research Facilities

Not only is Toyota committed to making sure that children are safe on the roads, but they are committed to ensuring safety across the board. Toyota has invested more than $50 million to create the Collaborative Safety Research Center which looks at accident data to collaborate with hospitals, research universities, federal agencies, and more to build the safest vehicles on the road. Their founding partners include The University of Michigan, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Virginia Tech.

Job Creators for Americans

Most people today hear all about the job losses, but they rarely hear about job creation. In Blue Springs, Mississippi, the newest Toyota Plant will create 2,000 new jobs by the time is full of employees in 2012. The plant is expected to create up to 150,000 Toyota Corollas each year with this $800 million investment in this small town near Tupelo. The plant is about the size of 45 football fields, but the plant is a “zero-landfill” building, so that it will reuse everything and leave nothing in landfills; this also shows how committed Toyota is to protecting the environment.

Research, Development, and Philanthropy

Toyota not only has manufacturing facilities all over the Midwest and Southern states, but they also have a variety of other facilities all over the United States. Toyota is extremely proud of the fact that the company spends over $1 million each hour on research and development. Whether the R&D dollars are spent on safety, the environment, or anything else, the fact that Toyota spends that money at facilities in the United States is quite amazing. Toyota also spend a very large amount on philanthropic foundations; they have spent over $595 million donating that money to education foundations, medical foundations, and so much more.

One of the most amazing and fun creations from Toyota’s Research and Development efforts includes the THUMS (Total Human Model for Safety). This is simulation software that is used to measure injuries that occur in the human body. Crash test dummies do not have internal organs, ligaments, muscle or bones, so there is no way to tell how much damage is done to the human body during crash tests. So, to increase knowledge, Toyota created this technology and they have shared it with other car companies and even with colleges and universities, like Wake Forest where they are using THUMS to understand what happens to football players when they are hurt when they are tackled.

http://www.toyotaplace.com/blog/

Next-gen 2014 Toyota Corolla caught testing in U.S.

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Toyota

Given the level of competition in the compact segment, these recent spy photos show that Toyota is getting serious with its next-generation Corolla. As the second-best-selling nameplate in the world, the last few Toyota Corolla redesigns have been rather minor, but based on these pictures, the new car will get much more competitive styling.

The boxy lines of the current Corolla seem to be replaced with a sportier look that includes a sloped hood and a shorter decklid borrowing design cues from new cars like the 2013 Toyota Avalon and 2012 Toyota Camry. From what we can see of the front end, the headlights have a rounded, scalloped shape similar to the new Avalon while the taillights match the L-shaped design of the Camry. The car pictured here appears to be a higher trim level, with what appear to be HID headlights, fog lights and possibly even LED taillights. Like the outside, the interior of this test mule is heavily cloaked with camouflage, but we can make out the new three-gauge instrument cluster that replaces the current car's two-gauge layout, and this upscale model includes chrome trim around the edges.

In terms of powertrain changes, an updated version of the 1.8-liter four will likely bring more power and better fuel economy, and big changes should come to the transmission. A six-speed automatic should replace the aging four-speed used in the current Corolla, and there's speculation a continuously variable transmission could be offered. Since a 40-mpg EPA highway rating has become the de facto standard in the compact sedan segment, we expect vastly improved fuel economy numbers from whatever new powertrain Toyota drops in this car.

Production of the 2014 Toyota Corolla is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2013, so we wouldn't be surprised to see this car on display at the L.A. Auto Show or Detroit Auto Show.

Next-gen 2014 Toyota Corolla caught testing in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/25/next-gen-2014-toyota-corolla-caught-testing-in-u-s/

Toyota Sales Reclaim spot as world's largest Automaker

Toyota has pushed ahead of General Motors and Volkswagen as the worlds largest automaker in the first half of 2012.

According to a new Bloomberg report, the 4.9 million units sold by the Japanese automaker in the first six months of 2012 represents an impressive 34-percent jump. Toyota's sales beat out GM by 300,000 units and VW by 520,000.

Still, The General's sales were up 2.9 percent to 4.67 million vehicles sold, while Volkswagen moved 4.45 units, an 8.9 percent increase. While Toyota has enjoyed success in its top markets, North America and Japan, GM and VW have struggled with the economic crisis in Europe.

The results pave the way for Toyota, led by President Akio Toyoda, to reclaim the lead in annual global auto sales from GM a year after the tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand roiled production. The recovery in production helped Toyota’s sales rebound in the U.S. and Japan, its two biggest markets, while GM and Volkswagen struggled with a shrinking European market.


The Japanese automaker was able to accomplish this even in the wake of the disastrous tsunami in its home market and flooding that occurred in Thailand. According to IHS Automotive market analyst Rebecca Lindland, the strong start may be followed by a downturn in momentum:

Toyota previously took the top spot as the largest global automaker from GM back in 2008 amidst the American financial crisis, but General Motors reclaimed that title in the wake of Japan's natural disasters.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2012-07-25/toyota-extends-global-sales-lead-over-general-motors-vw.html

Toyotaâ??s Tiny Car Films Street Views That Google Missed

Google isnâ??t the all-powerful Internet god we once thought it was. While taking street view pictures and videos all over the world, they encountered a small problem. Their street view cars couldnâ??t fit in many of the narrow streets of Belgium and other European nations. The solution to this small problem? A tiny car, the Toyota iQ, is getting geared up with a 360° camera, computers, and endless amounts of cables to finish Googleâ??s street views of Belgium and hopefully all over Europe.

Developed by a company out of Belgium called Happiness Brussels, a communications and advertising agency, the car is called The Brick. The car functions much like the popular Smart Cars. Patrick Glorieux, the idea provider for Happiness Brussels, says they thought of the project after noticing that a huge selection of Belgiumâ??s streets didnâ??t have a street view option on Google Maps.

The search engine king started recording Belgian streets last year. Google started experimenting with the street view project in 2007 and it quickly became a permanent feature of Google Maps. The Google cars are still working their way around the globe.

Once Happiness Brussels got Googleâ??s blessing to work on their project, Glorieux says they had to find the perfect street view guy after contacting suppliers of street view cameras from Spain, Germany, and Holland. It was important to find the right equipment and people to run the project so the images come out with the same high quality Google produces. Then they designed and outfitted The Brick in Belgium and the programming features were done in a Vietman-based company called Bliss Interactive.

The next step was to collect a list of all streets in Belgium that havenâ??t been filmed yet. They employed a new form of Internet collaboration called Crowdsourcing in which users could help them locate each and every missed street. Using their website, iQStreetView.be, anyone can go in and tag streets or roadways that are missing from Google. So far users have tagged around 250 streets.

Glorieux wants Belgian residents to continue tagging any and all streets they find that are missing on Street Views. He says the most exciting part of this project is that they have no idea how many streets are still missing so they donâ??t know where the data will stop. Once all data is collected, Glorieux is going to provide this information to Google so they can see how to use it. Though the project isnâ??t affiliated with or being sponsored by the Internet giant, Google has acknowledged the creative prowess of the project and Glorieux says they insisted on finding the best crew in Europe since theyâ??re handing over all their data to Google.

The Brick wonâ??t retire to one of its tiny carports until the end of year at the soonest and the agency has encouraged citizens to continue locating missing streets. Happiness Brussels will continue compiling the data on their servers until they see no more new streets getting tagged.

To learn more about the Scion iQ series of cars please visit us at http://carlockscion.com/Saltillo-MS/Dealer/New/Scion/iQ/

 

http://www.cars-10.com/2012/07/toyotas-tiny-car-films-street-views-that-google-missed/

Toyota Sales Increase More Than 60 Percent in June 2012

• 

ORRANCE, Calif. (July 3, 2012) – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported June 2012 sales results of 177,795 units, an increase of 54.3 percent compared to the same period last year on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for 27 selling days in June 2012 compared to 26 selling days in June 2011, TMS sales were up 60.3 percent from the year-ago month.

The Toyota Division posted June total sales of 157,773 units, an increase of 51.7 percent on a DSR basis from June 2011. On a raw volume basis, Toyota Division sales were up 57.5 percent from the year-ago month.

For the first half of the year, TMS reported sales of 1,046,096 units. With 154 selling days in the first half of 2012, compared to 152 selling days during the first half of 2011, sales were up 27.0 percent on a DSR basis from the same period last year. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for two extra selling days in 2012, sales were up 28.7 percent during the first half of the year.

June and first-half year sales were driven by consumer interest in our new models including the Prius c, the newest member of the Prius family, and the Camry, the best-selling car in America, said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. We expect to see continued stability in the automotive market during the second half of 2012 thanks to pent-up demand, low interest rates and a continued influx of new products.

The Lexus Division reported total sales of 20,022 units in June 2012, up 79.0 percent from June 2011 on a DSR basis. Volume-wise, Lexus Division sales were up 85.9 percent compared to the same period last year.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded combined monthly sales of 90,079 units, up 68.1 percent from June 2011. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid with combined sales of 32,107 units, and Corolla reported combined June sales of 26,647 units. The Prius family of vehicles posted June sales of 19,150 units.

Toyota Division light trucks recorded June sales of 67,694 units, an increase of 34.3 percent compared to the same month last year. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV and Tacoma mid-size pickup truck, with monthly sales of 15,129 and 11,864 respectively. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid reported combined sales of 10,379 units, and the Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 8,693 unit.

Scion posted June sales of 8,400 units, up of 134.1 percent over June 2011. The newly launched FR-S sports car led the way with sales of 2,684. The tC sports coupe reported sales of 2,128 units, flat year-over-year. The xD five-door urban subcompact posted sales of 1,017 units, and the xB urban utility vehicle posted June sales of 1,869 units. The all-new iQ premium micro-subcompact posted monthly sales of 702 units.

Lexus Division
Lexus reported passenger car sales of 10,247 units, up 99.7 percent from June 2011. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan led Lexus passenger car sales with sales of 3,780 units, while the IS luxury sports sedan reported sales of 2,572 units. The CT 200h premium hybrid compact posted 1,387 units.

Lexus luxury utility vehicles recorded sales of 9,775 units, up 61.4 percent over June 2011. Lexus light truck sales were led by the RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined June sales of 8,641 units. The GX 460 mid-size luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 808 units, while the LX luxury utility vehicle recorded sales of 326 units.

TMS Hybrids
TMS posted June sales of 25,776 hybrid vehicles, an increase of 335.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted June sales of 23,105 hybrids, while Lexus Division reported sales of 2,671 hybrids for the month.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+sales+increase+more+60+percent+june+2012.htm

Toyota tops Interbrand Best Global Green Brands second year running

Toyota retains the number one position in the second annual Best Global Green Brands report published by Interbrand this week. The report gauges the gap between public perception of a brandâ??s environmental performance (or green image) compared to actual environmental practices using publicly available data and information.

The companyâ??s success in the annual report, according to Interbrand, is that Toyota has continued to maintain environmental sustainability as part of the companyâ??s core management priority. Interbrand also cites the expansion of the worldâ??s first mass-produced full hybrid model, the Toyota Prius, into a full family range 15 years after the modelâ??s launch as a further success story for the company.

Sales of the companyâ??s full hybrid vehicles have surpassed 4 million units globally since the end of April 2012, including around 430,000 units sold in Europe. Toyota Europe plans to increase the sales share of full hybrid Toyota and Lexus vehicles in 2012 to 14% which currently stands at around 10%.

In South Africa, the quiet revolution gathers momentum with the imminent launch this month of the European-built Toyota Yaris Hybrid. This brings the local Toyota Hybrid family to three: the recently re-positioned Prius is at the top of the environmental chain, followed by the very well received Auris HSD and now the Yaris HSD, which is the first time that Toyota will offer its greenest technology in a B-segment vehicle. On the luxury front, Lexus has a full spectrum hybrid range (CT, RX, GS and LS).

As the company continues to strive to create the ultimate eco-car, Toyota remains committed to its 360° approach in sustainable operations, aiming to reduce carbon emissions throughout the complete manufacturing and sales processes. The company is also working towards conserving natural resources through re-use and recycling of materials.

*About Interbrand
Interbrand is the worldâ??s leading brand consultancy and author of the annual Best Global Brands report. In this yearâ??s report, automotive and technology brands dominate the ranking. Toyota maintains the number one spot for the second year running, continuing to make environmental sustainability a core management priority. The original Prius model - the primary launch pad for Toyotaâ??s green image - has recently been expanded to encompass an entire family of sustainable automobiles, including the companyâ??s first plug-in model. This year, Toyota also achieved near zero-landfill status at all of its North American manufacturing plants, and continues its commitment to build LEED certified buildings and dealerships.

With long term goals around fuel efficiency, superior energy use, and the reduction of toxic emissions, the automotive industry has been able to turn such consideration points into areas of environmental leadership. The industry as a whole has launched a competitive range of high-profile alternative fuel vehicles - from electric models to hybrids - and even some with internal combustible engines. Overall, the automotive brandsâ?? investment in developing and marketing fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles is paying off, in terms of both performance and perception.

http://toyotablog.co.za/blog-entry/toyota-tops-interbrand-best-global-green-brands-second-year-running

The Most American Car is.......The Toyota Camry

What does it mean for an automobile to be "American-Made" these days? Historically it usually came with a hood or trunk emblem that was affixed in Detroit. Not so much, anymore.

The Toyota Camry was named the most "American Made" car by cars.com.  The website's annual "American-Made
Index" measures how much of a car's assembly takes place in the United States, and how much a car appeals to Americans.  The Camry has been the number one American-made car four years running. Cars.com based its decision on the Camry's U.S. Sales, where its parts come from, and where it is assembled.

The editors wanted to choose a car that had a significant positive impact on the American economy. That ruled out low-production models like the Corvette, which is made entirely in the U.S. but only accounts for a small number of sales and jobs.

"When people think about buying an "American" car, they might just think automatically of the Detroit Three," said Patrick Olsen, Editor in Chief at Cars.com. "In reality, this classification isn't as cut and dry as it used to be. Today, Fiat owns a majority stake in Chrysler, companies like Toyota are increasing production of their vehicles in the U.S. and parts are coming in from all over the globe. Our index accounts for all of these factors to determine where vehicles rank."

According to Cars.com, at least 75 percent of the U.S.-built Camry's parts come from American suppliers. The vast majority of Camrys sold in the U.S. are assembled here, in Georgetown, Kentucky and Lafayette, Indiana, to be exact.

Toyota has gone to great lengths to tailor the Camry to American tastes. Camry-badged NASCAR racers trade paint with Fords, Chevys, and Dodges most weekends. Even the name is an Americanization of kanmuri, the Japanese word for "crown."

Rounding out the list Toyota had 2 other cars in the top 10. The Toyota Sienna at #4 and the Toyota Tundra at #7.

Check out our current Camry Incentives @ http://www.carlocktoyotaoftupelo.com/showroom/2012/Toyota/Camry/Sedan.htm
Come by and test drive one today.

Happy 4th of July from Everyone here at Carlock Toyota of Tupelo

The United States of America was founded with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. With this document, we claimed our independence from Great Britain. Fifty-six men of simple means inscribed their names on a piece of paper. They were normal men of varying professions, united in a single desire: freedom. By signing that document, those men asserted their independence, and in doing so, gave birth to our country. It did not come easy. At the time, Great Britain was one of the most powerful nations in the world.

We won more than just our freedom, though. America became a model for the rest of the world. We defeated a European empire to establish a republic based on democratic principles. The world would never be the same again. The century that followed saw huge changes in the old order, with monarchies being overthrown and replaced with governments that work under the consent of the governed. America showed them it could be done. And it all started with the Declaration of Independence.

We as Americans should never forget why we have our freedoms, and the great cost our forefathers paid. Today, there are those who are willing to give everything for their country. These brave service men and women remind us that the liberties we often take for granted are valuable and worth defending.

We are not a perfect nation, but the founding principal our country is based on is nothing short of divine: all men are created equal, born with inalienable rights. It's an ideal we're still trying to live up to today. But if there's any greatness to be had, it's in the struggle against our own worst impulses, through the decades and centuries, to live up to that simple, yet profound, maxim.

The Fourth of July is a chance for us as a nation, as a united people, to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy, and the costs others have paid to protect them. This Fourth of July, I hope you will join us in reflecting, remembering, and thanking those American soldiers who came before, and those who continue to defend the freedoms that make our country great.

Happy 236th Birthday, America. May it be just one of many, many more to come.

Toyota Camry Driver Clint Bowyer picks up First Win of Season at Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif.â??Clint Bowyer and his crew chief both needed jobs at the end of last season. They found them at Michael Waltrip Racing, a team that survived a near-collapse in its first season only to struggle in its bid to rise above mediocrity.

The team then picked up Mark Martin, who needed a team that would let him race a partial schedule. Later came Brian Vickers, who was out of work but willing to fill the seat for some of Martin's off days. The team overhauled its approach, changed its way of thinking, and made sweeping upgrades throughout the organization.

It's made for a dramatically improved organization all year, and now MWR has its first victory of the season.

Read more: Clint Bowyer picks up 1st win of season at Sonoma - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_20955350/mcmurray-and-montoya-like-direction-team#ixzz1z6aWHmuJ
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_20955350/mcmurray-and-montoya-like-direction-team

5 Toyota Models Considered Toughest Cars For 2012

Nowadays, a vehicle’s job isn’t just to take you from point A to point B. It should provide its passenger safety, dependability, reliability and more.

Toyota, a firm believer in Kaizen – “continuous improvement,” according to Forbes, once again succeed in creating the “Toughest Cars for 2012.” Read below.

Forbes Lists Five Toyota Vehicles as Toughest Cars for 2012

Of the nine vehicles on the Forbes list of the Toughest Cars for 2012 list, five are Toyota products — Toyota Highlander, Prius and Sienna and Scion xB and xD. Forbes based its conclusions on the research, dependability studies, and safety testing of J.D. Power and Associates, Consumer Reports, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

First, the publication selected vehicles in each segment (including cars, minivans, SUVs, and crossovers, but excluding trucks) that received a “Top Three” rating in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Next, it compared that list with Consumer Reports “Most Reliable” vehicles, based on its 2011 Annual Auto Study. Any vehicle that appeared on both lists then proceeded to the final scrutiny, the IIHS’s Top Safety Picks for 2012. In order to make the list, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” on all four of the IIHS’s crash tests.

If you’re ready to test drive or see one of these Toyota models yourself, feel free to contact us here at Carlock Toyota of Tupelo - www.carlocktoyotaoftupelo.com

http://sanfranciscotoyotablog.com/2012/03/19/5-toyota-models-considered-toughest-cars-for-2012/