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October 28
Rumors are rife in the automotive world that Toyota is considering putting the diminutive Endo into production as a potential rival to the Smart. With reports from websites all over that the Japanese automaker is already reportedly testing disguised Endos Japan.
Endo, designed by Toyota's European ED2 design studio was first unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Though the Endo obviously had the Smart car as an inspiration, it was unique in the sense that although it was only 10 feet long, it can accommodate four people.
Toyota already has such a vehicle in its European lineup: the Aygo. Made at the joint Toyota-Peugeot factory in the Czech Republic, it is already a player in the segment where the company would position a production Endo.
Will this rumor prove to be just that, a rumor? The coming days gets more and more interesting for Toyota. Meanwhile, for your Toyota auto parts needs, just click over to your trusted online auto parts store.
October 26
More good news for Toyota: the Japanese automaker’s global production climbed 3.8 percent in September, as reported by The Associated Press.
It was the company's 23rd consecutive monthly advance and kept the company on track to overtake General Motors as the world's biggest automaker. Toyota has already surpassed Ford in terms of vehicle sales in 2003.
Toyota's total output last month came to 696,594 vehicles, the company reported. Overseas production was up 2.8 percent to 340,945 units, while domestic output rose 4.7 percent to 355,649 vehicles.
Toyota has announced that it will boost global sales to 9.8 million vehicles in 2008. Toyota did not release an output target for 2007.
GM sold 9.2 million vehicles globally and produced 9.05 million vehicles in 2005, compared to Toyota's sales of 8.13 million for that year.
For the best Toyota auto parts, click over only to trusted online auto parts like Toyota Parts Online.
October 21
How do you redesign a longtime bestseller and favorite, much-loved vehicle without alienating its loyal customers and yet attracting those who crave for something new and exciting?
They say life begins at 40. And so it does with the 40-year old Toyota Corolla – which will get a makeover before its new model reaches U.S. shores in spring 2008.
Autoweek reports that Toyota will:
• Keep the history-laden Corolla name but add another name in Japan to attract younger shoppers. The sedan is now the Corolla Axio. The station wagon is now the Corolla Fielder. "Corolla" is in a smaller type size.
• Add a bit more hip and head room inside without letting the car grow longer, wider or taller.
• Offer features that appeal to both young families and owners with aging joints.
• To save neck-twisting, the Corolla is the second vehicle, after the Lexus LS 460, to get Toyota's latest intelligent parking-assist system. The option costs ¥105,000, or $879 at current exchange rates. A backup camera monitor is standard.
• The Corolla also has a system that flips down the rear seats and seat backs for a flat cargo floor, with a single pull of a lever.
Meanwhile, you can keep your current Toyota Corolla in shape with quality auto parts from Toyota Parts Online.
October 19
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy has released Tuesday the 2007 edition of the government's Fuel Economy Guide – and hybrid vehicles continue to lead the fuel economy ratings.
Toyota and Honda models dominate the top of the rankings, snatching seven of the top ten fuel economy ratings. The hybrid-electric Toyota Prius led the way with 60 miles per gallon in the city and 51 mpg on the highway, while the Honda Civic Hybrid was second with 49 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. The new Toyota Camry Hybrid made its debut at No. 3, with 40 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Ford Motor was the only American automaker to crack the top ten, with three of its Ford and Mercury hybrids.
Here are the ten best, in order:
1. Toyota Prius
2. Honda Civic Hybrid
3. Toyota Camry Hybrid
4. Ford Escape Hybrid FWD
5. Toyota Yaris (manual)
6. Toyota Yaris (automatic)
7. Honda Fit (manual)
8. Toyota Corolla (manual)
9. Hyundai Accent (manual) tied with the Kia Rio (manual)
10. Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD tied with the Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD
Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests that manufacturers and the EPA conduct according to EPA specifications. This year's label values are based on the same test methods that have been used in recent years. However, to ensure these estimates continue to remain as reliable as possible, in February the EPA proposed changing the methods to better reflect what drivers are experiencing on the road. The EPA expects to finalize these changes in time to take effect with 2008 models.
Meanwhile for the best Toyota auto parts check out Toyota Parts Online.
October 13
A car that is just right for Superman fans. Toyota made a limited edition Yaris Superman for the Indonesian car market. The new car which is designed by an eight-year-old boy has the Superman “S” logo on its hood and back. Both sides are also designed with Superman images.
The Yaris is very Superman. You would find blue seats plus S-shields on steering wheel, floor mats, shifter, hand brake and even the tissue box. The new car will just be right for Superman fans at its thousand dollars based price.
The car recently won the Best Car Favorite at the recent 14th Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) at Jakarta Convention Center. Also, Toyota got the best stand award for maximizing the limited space available on their car and by taking advantage of the curving of the stand.
October 10
Officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have forced Toyota to make a recall on 157,000 Tundra pickup trucks concerning the NHTSA rule that requires vehicles with air bag shut-off switches to have special child-seat latches in the front seats. The recall is specifically for the 4-door Tundra Access Cab pickups built between 2003 and 2005 with air bag shut-off switches for the passenger seat and child-seat latches in the rear seats, but not at the front passenger seats.
Toyota said installing new child-seat latches for the front passenger seat of the Tundra is an extensive engineering problem, but NHTSA said that removing the air bag shut off switches could confuse consumers. Because of this problem, Toyota is making a new recall plan, sending letters to Tundra customers regarding the vehicle’s problems on the child–seat latches and air bag shut-off switches. Toyota will also recommend Tundra owners to use the rear seats for children to ensure safety.
And for the best aftermarket Toyota parts like Toyota Tundra parts, check out Toyota Parts Online.
October 05
Now here’s something for those who truly, desperately want to stand out in the crowd: car piercings.
Autoblog reports that a young team of So Cal aftermarket entrepreneurs have decided to focus on rings and studs. Yes, you read it right – rings and studs, the same stuff you see pierced in numerous body parts of humans. Now available for the bumper of your choice -- car piercings.
The car piercings come in a range of different finishes and designs, and are featured on the trend's own website, www.pierceyourride.com.
October 03
Toyota has announced the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Special Edition package exclusively for the popular FJ Cruiser.
The FJ Cruiser TRD package comes with additional exterior enhancements including all Black body paint with Black roof and "TRD Special Edition" badges, TRD 16-inch alloy wheels with BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires, and TRD performance exhaust and rock rails. Safety powertrain features include wheel locks and Active Traction control to provide ease in all-terrain navigation. On the inside, the FJ Cruiser TRD package features a multi-informational display, front and rear side curtain airbags, quickshifter for manual transmission, rear cargo floor mats with a TRD logo, and enhanced audio systems.
The TRD Special Edition package for the FJ Cruiser carries a base MSRP of $7,265 for manual transmission while models with automatic transmission is priced at $7,250, plus the original base price of the Toyota FJ Cruiser models. Toyota said they will only build 3,200 units of the FJ Cruiser TRD Special Edition package so hurry and grab one!
For best aftermarket Toyota parts like Toyota RAV4 parts or Toyota Tundra parts, just visit Toyota Parts Online.
October 01
Toyota new Auris space concept is making its world debut at the Paris Motor Show, signaling a new interpretation of Toyota's "Vibrant Clarity" design philosophy which combines a forward-looking and energetic appearance with a clear and rational approach to providing driver and passengers with a spacious and highly practical environment. Sounds fancy huh?
But that will be evident on the new Auris which Wahei Hirai, Toyota Global Design Managing Officer explains in a recent press release: "The Auris space concept is tall and spacious. The high waistline, short overhangs and forward balance of the cabin architecture ensure it retains a sense of dynamism and agility, a quality we call perfect imbalance."
With its striking gold exterior paint finish and high quality interior, the C-segment Auris concept could just be the first of the next generation of Toyota small cars.
Meanwhile, for quality Toyota auto parts, visit Toyota Parts Online.
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