Corolla Prepared to Ambush

Corolla Prepared to Ambush

Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla

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Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla

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Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla

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Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla

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Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla

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Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla

Crusher Corolla Fact Sheet
All Crusher Corolla and 2013 Toyota Dream Build Challenge photos

TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2013) – Whether he’s on a street, in the dirt or at a formal course, BMX rider and Team Toyota athlete Drew Bezanson can turn any terrain into a fun run on his bike. The intensity could go up a notch when joined by the “Crusher Corolla,” a creation dreamed up when Bezanson joined Toyota and Skullcandy to compete in theToyota Dream Build Challenge. Music and BMX come together throughout the customized 2014 Corolla to make Bezanson’s next ride a party for everyone involved.

Torrance, Calif. build shop Motorsports Technical Center infused BMX riding into the Corolla’s design with custom grind rails added to the front and rear of the vehicle, rally wheels and a rack that mounts two bikes along the vehicle’s back window. When the bikes are removed and the trunk opened, there are nesting locations for bike tools, plus a pair of mountable speakers with light bars. Suddenly, any location could be lit up and sound-ready for a BMX show. Inside, custom iPad^® integration controls the interior features, including music out of upgraded speakers shaped in the Skullcandy logo. Both front seat headrests are 3:1 scale representations of Skullcandy’s newest Crusher headphones.

“When designing the Corolla for SEMA, we imagined a BMX rider could drive next to any drainage ditch and transform the space into a performance with bikes, lights and music,” Bezanson said. “Anyone who loves spontaneity in sports and deep bass sounds should vote for my entry in the Toyota Dream Build Challenge.”

Bezanson is a Canadian native known for his creativity and talent both on the street and the course. He is a three-time Simple Session champion, along with his other wins at the Toronto BMX Jam and other competitions. Bezanson also helped design the course at the Toyota-sponsored Dew Tour City Championships in San Francisco earlier in October.

This year’s Toyota Dream Build Challenge invited five Team Toyota athletes and big-name partners to put the athlete’s passion into a vehicle. Fans can vote once per day atwww.ToyotaDreamBuild.com until Nov. 4. The victor will be announced at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. local time by Top Gear host and racing personality Rutledge Wood. Fans can watch at www.livestream.com/Toyota.

Bezanson’s competition is NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman with partner Kyle Busch Motorsports, who transformed a 2013 Camry into a rally car; freestyle skier Simon Dumont with partner Oakley with the ultimate winter 4Runner; and Supercross stars Justin Brayton and Josh Grant with partner Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross with the Let’s Go Moto Tundra.
 

Snow-Ready DC Shoes Tacoma Plows Over Its Competition

Snow-Ready DC Shoes Tacoma Plows Over Its Competition

Fans Chose Ultimate Snowboarding Ride Over Motocross, Skateboarding

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TORRANCE, Calif. (October 31, 2013) – Bring on the snow. DC Shoes and Toyota asked the footwear company’s fans to select a snow, motocross or skateboarding design for the ultimate sports Tacoma. The winning, wintery Tacoma concept was voted into reality and now will show off its frosty features at the SEMA Show Nov. 5-8.

Camburg Engineering brought to life the ideas from professional snowboarding athletes, including a powerful front snowplow to push through drifts and a telescoping ramp to drive a snowmobile onto the truck bed. Secure storage can hold multiple snowboards, shovels and gear. Even more extreme: a pop-up tent that sits on the roof with access via ladder. Sleeping on the truck would provide maximum time on the slopes, and a 40-inch LED light bar could light up a mountainside for late-night snowboarding.

“Our fans loved the concept of the snowboard-ready Tacoma, and the real-life version will blow them away,” said Dan Hartloff, events and partnerships manager for DC Shoes. “This Tacoma would add a new level of intensity to any practice session or impromptu ride with friends.”

Technology inside the Tacoma includes a mounted iPad^® mini connected via Bluetooth^® for navigation, videos and other content. All-weather Scoshe^® boomBOTTLE wireless speakers can operate in the snow, bringing music to the mountain. Additional portable communication charging ports and performance batteries will keep the team powered up without draining the Tacoma’s battery.

“DC Shoes brought their creativity and passion for the sport to elevate this Tacoma into a snowboarder’s dream,” said Jim Baudino, engagement marketing manager for Toyota. “Our partnership shows fans the possibilities of customization, which ultimately makes the SEMA Show one of the most engaging for enthusiasts of any kind.”

After the SEMA Show, the Tacoma can be seen at upcoming  Dew Tour events.

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The All-New 2014 Toyota Corolla and AZIATIX Are Making Music Pop

The All-New 2014 Toyota Corolla and AZIATIX Are Making Music Pop


TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2013) --In a marketplace where innovation is always in style, Toyota is firmly focused on anticipating and elevating consumer trends.
 
Consider its past collaborations. Toyota brought pop princess and digital avatar, Hatsune Miku, to life using cutting edge 3D projection technology in 2012. In 2013, Corolla partnered with HyunA, the Korean pop music starlet and member of girl group 4Minute, who had a special costarring role in PSY’s hit song “Gangnam Style.”
 
Now, Toyota Corolla is bringing fans the musical stylings of pop group AZIATIX.
 
“Over the past few years Toyota Corolla has integrated the latest in music and pop culture for our Asian American market. The all-new Corolla continues to deliver on that commitment through our partnership with AZIATIX,” said David Chung, National Manager, Targeted Advertising and Strategy for Toyota. “With more dynamic exterior styling, a spacious interior and updated technology, the new model will take drivers for an exciting ride.”
 
Developed in partnership with its Asian American advertising agency, interTrend Communications, the Toyota “Get Corolla-Ready” campaign targets the Asian American market. AZIATIX created an original track, “Baby, Let’s Go,” featured in the primary broadcast spot of the campaign, which launches next week. Evoking the exciting, energetic and confident brand direction of Toyota’s tagline “Let’s Go Places,” the track builds on the momentum of physically going places and taking off on an adventure.
 
As part of the campaign, Corolla is bringing AZIATIX to Los Angeles for an exclusive concert. Consumers can register for a chance to win prizes, including admission to the concert or an all-expense paid trip for two and a VIP backstage pass to meet AZIATIX. In addition, Toyota will be giving away prizes at the concert that promises to will “take you places.”  More details at can be found at http://www.toyota.com/corollaready.
 
Radically different than previous models, the 11^th generation Corolla makes an immediate visual impact that challenges preconceptions about the vehicle. Its technology has been dramatically upgraded as well, including standard LED headlamps, Bluetooth audio and available Smart Key System with push-button start.

Forty million people worldwide have bought a Corolla, more than any other car in history. Based on Polk U.S. Vehicles In Operation registration statistics, over 80 percent of all Corollas sold in the last 20 years are still on the road.

Toyota Corolla Nominated for Green Car of the Year

Toyota Corolla Nominated for Green Car of the Year

Named one of Green Car Journal’s ‘Top 5 Green Cars for 2014’

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 17, 2013 – The 2014 Toyota Corolla has been elevated to “green heights.”  The Green Car Journal has named the eleventh-generation sedan a finalist for the 2014 Green Car of the Year award and one of its top 5 Green Cars for 2014. The Corolla also earned the magazine’s ‘Green Car Product of Excellence’ distinction.

Finalists were selected for “their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance.”  One selection factor is the model’s availability to the mass market, giving it the potential to make a real environmental impact.

”The Corolla has been the world’s most popular name plate with over 40 million sold since 1966.  The Corolla’s environmental sensitivity has evolved with the market.  The new 11^th generation of Corolla, and the new LE Eco model in particular, offer increased levels of capability and fuel economy,” said Bob Carter, Senior Vice President, Automotive Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

The Green Car of the Year will be announced during media days at the L.A. Auto Show, Nov. 20-21, 2013.

Toyota RAV4 Rubik’s Cube = Fun³

Toyota RAV4 Rubik’s Cube = Fun³

Social Media App Connects People Through the Power of Play

L.A. Live visitors experience the RAV4 Rubik’s Cube^® - Los Angeles, CA

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Visit www.RAV4cube.com to play the RAV4 Rubik’s Cube^® online. 

NEW YORK (Oct. 18, 2013) – Already turning heads with its contemporary style and versatility, Toyota’s RAV4 is now putting a whole new twist on what’s next with an engaging social media extension of its “RAV4: Ready 4 What’s Next” interactive marketing campaign targeting Hispanic consumers. The effort features a virtual Rubik’s Cube^® that consumers can play online to create their own sharable personalized photo souvenir atwww.RAV4cube.com.

“We are excited to provide consumers with this fun and creative extension of the Toyota RAV4 brand,” said David Chung, National Manager of Targeted Advertising and Strategy for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.  “The social media app has been very popular and created a deep level of engagement with people, who have made and shared thousands of customized Rubik’s Cubes with their networks.”

The RAV4 Rubik’s Cube^® is optimized for use on mobile and tablet devices running Android or iOS -- those used most frequently for social networking. The game provides an immersiveexperience for users by replicating the kinesthetic hand-eye movements used when playing a physical Rubik's Cube^®. Intuitive gestures allow the user to rotate rows and columns, as well as to rotate the cube three-dimensionally in space to see all sides.

“The app takes advantage of Facebook's newly improved rich media News Feed functionality that allows users to experience gameplay directly in-feed, without the need to visit a separate page,” said Andy Nelson, Director of Social Media / Content Production of Conill, Toyota’s Hispanic marketing partner. “Developed primarily in HTML5--with a Flash fallback--the game is also playable on most desktops and can be accessed directly through the native Facebook application.”


The RAV4 Rubik’s Cube^® is a part of an interactive and experiential marketing campaign launched earlier this year at select locations in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. During live events, such as baseball games, thousands of visitors created their own personalized, physical Rubik’s Cube^® featuring their photos set against the scenic backdrop of the venue.

To date, the interactive portion of the campaign has resulted in:

• One in three virtual Rubik’s Cube^® creations have been shared on Facebook and/or Twitter
• Geo-targeted social media strategy and onsite events increased the average app visits per day by 98% and average time spent on the app by 58%
• 62% of visitors shared their virtual Rubik’s Cube^® with friends and family online via interactive kiosks during live events
• Average daily fans of Toyota Latino Facebook page grew by 107% during the campaign (compared to average daily fans during a similar time frame before the campaign launch)

Scion Owners Fill the Toy Chest for Needy Kids

Scion Owners Fill the Toy Chest for Needy Kids

Annual Scion Night Collects 27,000 Gifts for Toys for Tots, Celebrates Fans

Tundra trucks stand filled with toys at the annual Scion Night on Oct. 16, 2013, at Knott's Scary Farm. Scion owners and their guests donated more than 27,000 items that were delivered to the Toys for Tots Foundation.

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Scion vehicles parked outside the annual Scion Night event at Knott's Scary Farm on Oct. 16.

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Scion owners and their guest enjoyed games, food trucks, a skate park and a zip line during the annual Scion Night at Knott's Scary Farm on Oct. 16.

TORRANCE, Calif., (Oct. 17, 2013) – The line of Scion owners held all the variety of a toy store in their arms. Thousands of action figures, games, trucks, dolls and more were donated to the Toys for Tots Foundation at the annual Scion Night held at Knott’s Scary Farm amusement park, attended by more than 12,500 owners and their guests.

“We appreciate all the Scion owners who donated this year to less fortunate kids, in what has become our region’s largest charitable event,” said Staff Sgt. Cedrick McKenzie for the Toys for Tots Foundation. “This partnership with Scion – and this year Toyota, too – has been an important piece of serving our communities and families around the holidays.”

Scion Night is the brand’s largest owner appreciation event, and this year it included more than 13 car clubs from around Southern California and more than 3,500 Scion vehicles. For the past five years, the first 10,000 Scion owners and their guests who arrived in a Scion and brought a gift for Toys for Tots received free entry to the amusement park. More than 125,000 toys have been donated since the partnership began.

The federal government shutdown brought a new partnership to this year’s Scion Night. The military vehicles that collected the toys for low-income families were idled by the ongoing government shutdown. To fill the resource gap, Toyota provided 14 Tundra trucks to hold the items, and the toys were delivered to the Toys for Tots Foundation.

Near the tents with mounds of toys, guests waited for the Halloween-themed park to open. Some stayed near vehicles featuring custom body kits, aftermarket speakers and even a chandelier mounted inside an xB.  Ernie Villalvazo sat with members of the Fuscion Car Club, and said Scion has become a piece of his family’s life beyond the multiple vehicles they have owned.

“I volunteer at Scion charity car shows with my daughter, and it has become a bonding time for us,” he said.

Others sampled from food trucks, tried out a skate park and slid down a zip line. Park gates opened at 7 p.m. to the mazes, rides and musical entertainment.

“When you attend Scion Night, you see that the cars are often extensions of the owners and their passions are second to none,” said Dave Harbuck, Scion corporate manager. “There were many first-time visitors this year, and we will continue to evolve Scion Night alongside our fans to invite more into the Scion family and say ‘thank you’ to them.”

For photos and participant feedback on the event, visit:

• Blog: www.scion.com/blog

10 Years Texas Proud

10 Years Texas Proud

Toyota Donates 10 Trucks to Celebrate a Decade in San Antonio 

From the announcement in 2003 through the recent production of its 1 millionth truck and the line-off of the 2014 Tundra, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas has been a source of pride for the Greater San Antonio area.

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A Commitment to our Community: Since its announcement in 2003, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas has worked in and with the San Antonio area to help build a better community, whether through financial support or the volunteerism of team members. Leaders Sharon Baughman, Henry Cuellar and Stephanie Weiss share their thoughts on how important TMMTX has been to the San Antonio area.

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Since its announcement in 2003, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas has been a source of pride for its team members, community, state and region. Team members Lorenzo Lopez and Joseph Tapia, and elected officials and leaders Henry Cisneros, Henry Cuellar, Joe Farias, Phil Hardberger and Carlos I. Uresti share their reflections on the plant's beginning and thoughts on its future.

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TMMTX 1 Millionth Truck Timelapse Video

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Toyota Tacoma rolls off the line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Aug. 6, 2010.

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TMMTX President Hidehiko "T.J." Tajima speaks at the opening off the Texas plant during a line-off ceremony for the Toyota Tundra in November 2006.

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Toyota executives break ground in San Antonio for the Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas plant on Oct. 17, 2003.

SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 17, 2013) – Everyone has a lucky number.  And for 10 San Antonio organizations, 10 is their new lucky number.

Exactly 10 years to the date after breaking ground, Toyota Texas has donated 10 trucks to thank the community for a decade of support, trust and friendship.  Team members, suppliers and guests celebrated the anniversary at the plant.

Designated “10 for 10,” the 10 area non-profits and institutions to receive a Texas-builtTundra or Tacoma include:

• Christian Senior Services Meals on Wheels
• Floresville Independent School District
• Habitat For Humanity of San Antonio
• Northside Independent School District
• San Antonio College, Challenger Center
• San Antonio Fire Department
• San Antonio River Foundation
• Somerset Independent School District
• Southwest Independent School District
• South San Antonio Independent School District

Toyota Texas represents a $2.2 billion investment and assembles Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks.  The plant has an annual capacity to produce 200,000 trucks and directly employs 2,900 workers.  Seven of its 21 on-site suppliers are minority joint ventures – six of which are locally owned - and combined with the plant, total employment is nearly 6,000.

“Toyota Texas is committed to deepening our roots in our neighborhood here on the South Side,” said Toyota Texas President Chris Nielsen. “We want to thank San Antonio, its citizens and community partners for their unwavering support during the past decade.”

“Toyota has proven to be a solid partner for the State of Texas and a valued member of the community of San Antonio,” Gov. Rick Perry said. “Since ground was broken a decade ago, Toyota has been instrumental in jumpstarting our economic development efforts, which have been wildly successful at attracting jobs from across the country and around the world. The First Lady and I wish everyone at Toyota continued success over the next 10 years and beyond in Texas.”

Toyota Texas Milestones:

Date	Milestone
February 2003	Toyota Texas site announcement
October 2003	Groundbreaking ceremony
November 2004	First steel ceremony
December 2004	On-site supplier announcement
May 2005	On-site supplier groundbreaking
November 2006	Line off ceremony
August 2009	Tacoma announcement
August 2010	Tacoma line off ceremony
July 2013	Production of the redesigned 2014 Tundra begins
September 2013	1 millionth truck production

GM boosts price of new trucks to pay for rebates

GM boosts price of new trucks to pay for rebates

General Motors has boosted prices of its redesigned 2014 full-size pickups $1,500 – enough to pay for a $1,500 rebate currently offered on most models.

"It's the oldest game in the book – raise the price and raise the rebate. It's a marketing message," says Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Shoppers have come to expect a rebate, and are less attentive to whether the price of the vehicle has gone up commensurately, he says.

The new prices make the least-expensive 2014 GM pickup – a Silverado with two-wheel drive and regular cab -- $26,670 including $1,095 shipping.

The peculiarities of car buying mean that it's easier to get financing for a $36,500 truck that comes with a cash rebate of $1,500 than it is for a $35,000 truck – even though the net price is the same.

The $1,500 rebate becomes all or part of the down payment that lenders want to see. "Dealers like that. They can use it to help get customers qualified for a loan," says GM spokesman Jim Cain.

Average transaction prices for full-size pickups are $40,000 to $42,000, Brauer says, "so $1,500 is nothing."

The higher prices were announced to dealers Oct. 7 and are effective from then. The $1,500 rebates run though Oct. 31. GM, Ford Motor and Chrysler Group's Ram are battling fiercely for sales so rebates, cheap leases, low-interest loans all are likely to continue.

"This price adjustment was planned and is a normal part of business," Cain says. The 2014 trucks were launched in the summer at the same prices as similar 2013 models, and "a new truck with more capability, more power, better mileage, more equipment – that's kind of a rebate itself," he says.

Might seem odd coming just after a month when Chevrolet Silverado sales were down 10.8% and GMC Sierra sales were off 1.5%, according to sales tracker Autodata.

But in GM's view, that's because it ran short of leftover 2013 pickups before it had fully ramped up production of the 2014s – not because the new pickups are unpopular.

Even though Cain says GM has just 20,000 of the 2013s left in stick, discounts on those are huge: as much as $6,000 on a 2013 Silverado regular cab, $5,500 on an extended cab.

Toyota Financial Services Offers Payment Relief to Customers Affected by Federal Government Shutdown

Toyota Financial Services Offers Payment Relief to Customers Affected by Federal Government Shutdown
TORRANCE, Calif., October 14, 2013 – Toyota Financial Services (TFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to its customers affected by the federal government shutdown. This broad outreach includes any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customer financially burdened by the government shutdown, including furloughed workers, businesses and employees of businesses directly affected by the shutdown, government contractors, and suppliers. TFS or LFS customers in good standing with their accounts may be eligible to defer up to three months of payments. 
 
“The government shutdown has placed an unanticipated financial strain on many individuals and families,” said Al Smith, Toyota Financial Services Group Vice President of Service Operations. “Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services remain committed to making the lives of our customers easier, so we are pleased to be able to provide some flexibility to our customers affected by this situation.”
 
Customers who have been affected by the shutdown and would like to discuss their account options are encouraged to contact TFS or LFS:
 
Toyota Financial Services customers may call (800) 874-8822 or contact TFS via email using the Mail Center function after logging into ToyotaFinancial.com.
 
Lexus Financial Services customers may call (800) 874-7050 or contact LFS via email using the Mail Center function after logging into LexusFinancial.com.

Toyota Develops New Pedestrian Safety Technology

Toyota Develops New Pedestrian Safety Technology

Pre-collision System with Pedestrian-avoidance Steer Assist
Uses Automatic Steering to Help Avoid Collisions

Overview of the Pre-collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian-avoidance Steer Assist

Toyota City, Japan, Oct. 11, 2013 — Toyota Motor Corporation announces that it has developed a Pre-collision System (PCS) that uses automatic steering in addition to increased pre-collision braking force and automatic braking to help prevent collisions with pedestrians.  Toyota is committed to developing safety technologies that help eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries involving pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

The new PCS with Pedestrian-avoidance Steer Assist can help prevent collisions in cases where automatic braking alone is not sufficient, such as when the vehicle is travelling too fast or a pedestrian suddenly steps into the vehicle’s path.  An on-board sensor detects pedestrians and issues a visual alert on the dashboard immediately in front of the driver if the system determines that there is a risk of collision.  If the likelihood of a collision increases, the system issues an audio and visual alarm to encourage the driver to take evasive action, and the increased pre-collision braking force and automatic braking functions are activated.  If the system determines that a collision cannot be avoided by braking alone and there is sufficient room for avoidance, steer assist is activated to steer the vehicle away from the pedestrian.

The number of traffic fatalities in Japan has declined for 12 consecutive years, reaching 4,411 in 2012.  However, of that total, pedestrian fatalities are the most common, accounting for 37.0 percent^*.

Last year, Toyota developed a system that uses increased pre-collision braking force and automatic braking to help prevent collisions with pedestrians.  The system, which was adopted on the Lexus “LS”, warns the driver when it detects a potential collision with a pedestrian or obstacle. If the driver does not take action to avoid the collision, the system activates.

TMC aims to make PCS (Pedestrian-avoidance with no steer assist) more affordable and roll it out by 2015 on a wider range of vehicles, before introducing PCS with Pedestrian-avoidance Steer Assist.

^{*National Police Agency Traffic Bureau data}

Toyota to Launch Advanced Driving Support System Using Automated Driving Technologies in Mid-2010s

• Safer Highway Driving
• Reduced Environmental Effects and Driver Workload

Automated Highway Driving Assist (AHDA) maintains inter-vehicle distance.    

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The Advanced Active Safety Research test vehicle, based on the Lexus “LS”, is being used in research at the Toyota Research Institute of North America in Saline, Michigan.

Toyota City, Japan, October 11, 2013 — Toyota Motor Corporation announces that it has developed a next-generation advanced driving support system, Automated Highway Driving Assist (AHDA), which uses automated driving technologies to support safer highway driving.

AHDA links two automated driving technologies to support safer driving and reduce driver workload: Cooperative-adaptive Cruise Control, which wirelessly communicates with preceding vehicles to maintain a safe distance; and Lane Trace Control, which aids steering to keep the vehicle on an optimal driving line within the lane.

Toyota recognizes the importance of the driver being in ultimate control of a vehicle and is therefore aiming to introduce AHDA and other advanced driving support systems wherethe driver maintains control and the fun-to-drive aspect of controlling a vehicle is not compromised. Toyota plans to market the newly developed AHDA in the mid-2010s and other driving support systems as soon as possible to provide safe and secure means of transportation.

Ahead of trials on the Shuto Expressway near the Tokyo metropolitan area starting October 15, Toyota will exhibit AHDA at the 20th Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress Tokyo 2013, an international conference for intelligent transport systems (ITS), to be held from October 14 to 18.

In addition, to enable prompt market introduction of next-generation driving support systems, Toyota will make use of the cutting-edge component technologies and know-how acquired through automated driving research conducted with the advanced active safety research vehicle unveiled at the 2013 International CES in Nevada, United States in January this year.

Automated Highway Driving Assist (AHDA)

Cooperative-adaptive Cruise Control
In contrast to standard radar cruise control (which uses millimeter-wave radar to detect other vehicles), Cooperative-adaptive Cruise Control uses 700-MHz band vehicle-to-vehicle ITS communications to transmit acceleration and deceleration data of preceding vehicles so that following vehicles can adjust their speeds accordingly to better maintain inter-vehicle distance.  By reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, the system improves fuel efficiency and helps reduce traffic congestion.

Lane Trace Control
Lane Trace Control, which features completely new Toyota automated driving technologies, employs high-performance cameras, millimeter-wave radar and control software to enable an optimal and smooth driving line at all speeds.  The system adjusts the vehicle’s steering angle, driving torque and braking force when necessary to maintain the optimal line within the lane.

Automated Driving Technologies Research

At the 2013 International CES, Toyota displayed the advanced active safety research vehicle, a test vehicle for automated driving technologies that Toyota is researching under its Integrated Safety Management Concept^*.  The test vehicle, based on the Lexus “LS”, is being used in research at the Toyota Research Institute of North America in Saline, Michigan, and is capable of autonomous driving.  It is fitted with forward-looking cameras to detect traffic signals, as well as front-mounted sensors to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles to determine traffic conditions, such as intersections and merging traffic lanes, in the vehicle’s vicinity.  Such research on various elemental technologies is aimed to help drivers choose the safest routes possible.

Toyota has been researching automated driving technologies since the second half of the 1990s, and has been conducting public road tests in the U.S. for a number of years.  Within Japan, Toyota has been testing its next-generation Intelligent Driver-support System on public roads for approximately two years.

Based on the insights gained from automated driving research, Toyota aims to provide advanced driving support systems optimized to help enable safer driving and contribute to realizing the ultimate goal of any society that values mobility: the elimination of traffic fatalities and injuries.

In anticipation of the super-aging populations of the future, these advances will also be used to develop technologies that support senior drivers with recognition, decision-making and vehicle operation, with the aim of achieving a mobility society where they can lead fuller lives.  Furthermore, Toyota is working to provide more stable driving environments that contribute to the alleviation of traffic congestion, thereby reducing economic loss and CO₂ emissions.

^{*The concept does not refer to the individual safety systems on the car, but the integration of those systems to offer the optimum driving support at “all driving stages” from parking, to normal operation and the moments before and after a collision, and even avoidance at the moment of an accident.}

Toyota | 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In to Start Under $30,000

Toyota | 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In to Start Under $30,000

• Base Prius Plug-in model MSRP reduced by $2,010 to $29,990
• Prius Plug-in Advanced model MSRP reduced by $4,620 to $34,905

2012, 2013 and 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

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2012, 2013 and 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 9, 2013 – It just got a little easier for drivers to maximize their fuel savings and be environmentally responsible.

Toyota’s most advanced technology passenger car, the Prius Plug-in, will be available to customers at a substantially reduced price beginning with the 2014 model year.

Toyota has reduced MSRP on the 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid by over $2,000, making the starting MSRP $29,990 (excluding DPH). This price repositioning on the base Prius Plug-in Hybrid is not accompanied by any reduction in vehicle content.

The 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid is well-equipped (similar to a Prius Three), but adds these appealing features:

• Heated cloth front seats – a unique standard feature available only on Prius Plug-in
• Remote Climate – a feature that allows customers to activate their A/C remotely (standard on Prius Plug-in, available on Prius Three)
• Ability to drive extended distances in EV Mode, helping to increase  fuel efficiency
• Unique 10-spoke alloy wheels
• 1 additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare, for a total of 3 year

Pricing for the 2014 Prius Plug-in Advanced model has also been adjusted to make the model more accessible to consumers with a $4,620 reduction in MSRP to $34,905 (excluding DPH).  The Prius Plug-in Advanced will still offer popular features including:

• Premium HDD Navigation with Entune^® App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL
• SofTex-trimmed heated front seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• Head-Up Display
• Safety Connect

The 2014 Prius Plug-in Advanced will offer DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, PCS (Pre-Collision System), LED headlights and fog lights as part of an optional Technology Package for customers seeking the highest level of technology.

Production of the 2014 model year Prius Plug-in begins in October with pricing taking effect when these models arrive in showrooms in November.The Prius Plug-in qualifies for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $2,500 in addition to the State of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) which offers a $1,500 rebate. Information about the Federal Tax credit and vehicle eligibility can be found on: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/article/0,,id=219867,00.html

The 2014 Prius Plug-in is also eligible for the State of California’s HOV lane sticker (www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm). The Prius Plug-in is available in 15 states (California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Hawaii). For special deals in your local area, please visit www.buyatoyota.com.

 

Grade	Engine/ Trans.	Highlight Features	13MY MSRP	14MY MSRP	MSRP $ Change	MSRP % Change
Plug-in Hybrid	1.8-liter HSD/ E-CVT	Display Audio with Navigation, Entune App Suite and backup camera; USB/Aux and Bluetooth; unique 15” alloy wheels, Smart Key System on 3 doors and Push Button Start; heated front seats; Remote Climate; HSD blue accent headlights and exclusive Plug-in Hybrid badging; additional year of Roadside Assistance through ToyotaCare	$32,000	$29,990*	-$2,010	-6.3%
Plug-in Hybrid Advanced	1.8-liter HSD/ E-CVT	Prius Plug-in Hybrid plus: Premium HDD Navigation with Entune App Suite (including Plug-in Hybrid Applications) and JBL, SofTex-trimmed heated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, Head-Up Display, Safety Connect	$39,525	$34,905*	-$4,620	-11.7%

     











*Prices in Hawaii will vary.
 

Name	Description	MSRP
Technology Package (available on Prius Plug-in Advanced)	Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, LED Headlights and Fog Lights	$2,610
Special color	Blizzard Pearl	$395