2016 Scion iM 005

2016 Scion iM

All-New 2016 Scion iM Makes the Grade on KBB.com’s 10 Best Back-to-School Cars List

July 30, 2015

TORRANCE, Calif., (July 30, 2015) – As another school year rapidly approaches, the all-new 2016 Scion iM hatchback earns extra credit by offering maximum versatility and premium features at an outstanding price. The expert editors at Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com ranked the 2016 Scion iM hatchback sixth on their “10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2015” list.

The annual list highlights new vehicles recommended for students that aim to not only bridge the gap between practicality and functionality, but also deliver a fun and stylish package for around $20,000 or less. The iM hits showrooms on Sept. 1, 2015.

KBB.com editors commended the 2016 Scion iM hatchback for its efficient 4-cylinder engine that will provide drivers with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 37 mpg highway. Editors also highlighted safety features ranging from the hill start assist to eight airbags, in addition to student-friendly perks like the six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and opportunity to personalize with dealer-installed accessories.

“To earn KBB.com recognition for the Scion iM before the vehicle arrives in showrooms validates Scion’s commitment to build vehicles that fit our drivers’ lifestyles,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “The KBB.com experts praise the iM hatchback for its customizability and safety, features that will resonate with students and parents while maintaining that Scion uniqueness our drivers want.”

The 2016 Scion iM is priced at $18,460 MSRP for the six-speed manual transmission and $19,200 MSRP for the CVTi-S automatic with 7-step shifting. It comes standard with a 7-inch Pioneer® Touchscreen Display Audio System with HD Radio™ Technology and the Aha™ app, providing Facebook and Twitter feeds, and access to over 100,000 Internet radio choices.

For more on the 2015 winners, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/best-back-to-school-cars-2015/.

All prices listed above exclude the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $795.

Toyota Announces Pricing for Sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions

Toyota Announces Pricing for Sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions

• Camry and Corolla to Create Excitement With Arrival of Special Edition Models
• Limited Production Models Equipped With Unique Sport-Themed Features

July 17, 2015

TORRANCE, Calif., July 17, 2015 - -   Special Editions for special vehicles.  Toyota’s Camry mid-size sedan, the best-selling car in America for the past 13 years, and Corolla compact sedan, the world’s best-selling car of all-time, will be adding some extra summer sizzle with Special Editions for the 2016 model year.  Both models will begin arriving at Toyota dealers in mid-August. 

Camry Special Edition
When redesigning the Camry for 2015, Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts.  Only the roof remained unchanged, and it capped off the boldest Camry ever.  Now, only one year after this major redesign, America’s best-selling car will offer the 2016 Camry Special Edition for owner’s looking for an extra dose of both aggressiveness and technology.  Based on the youthful Camry SE, the limited production Camry will add sporty interior and exterior features.  In addition to features found on the Camry SE, standard equipment on the Special Edition will include:

• Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face contrasted with gloss black painted accents and P225/45R18 tires
• Power tilt/slide moonroof
• Smoked tail lamp treatment
• Blue Streak Metallic and Blizzard Pearl exterior colors
• Sport fabric seats with blue inserts and blue contrast stitching; 8-way power-adjusted driver’s seat with power lumbar support; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat
• Dark Blue interior trim
• Unique meter cluster with TFT Multi-Information Display
• Standard Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation
• Standard Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start
• Standard Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging
• Unique Special Edition badge and Camry Special Edition logo floor mats

The Camry Special Edition will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.  Like all Toyota vehicles, the Camry Special Edition will come standard with the Star Safety System.

The Camry Special Edition will carry a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,715.
Production of the Camry Special Edition will be limited to approximately 12,000 units and will run from August 2015 to January 2016.

Corolla Special Edition
The iconic Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling name plate of all-time with over 40 million sold since 1966.  With its all-new 11th generation introduced in 2014, the current Corolla is the roomiest and most fuel-efficient ever.  

Corolla will add more driving excitement with the launch of the 2016 Corolla Special Edition.  Sporty styling features, inside and out, complement a spirited driving experience made possible with steering wheel paddle shifters, rear disc brakes and Sport Driving Mode along with an array of additional standard features.  

Based on the sporty Corolla S Plus grade, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition will turn heads as it adds:

• Unique 17-inch alloy wheels with gloss black finish
• Smart Key System with pushbutton start
• Black mixed media seats with red contrast stitching
• Black interior with red contrast stitching on steering wheel, shift boot and center armrest
• Red accented dash panel and door trim
• Three exterior colors: exclusive Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl and Super White
• Special Edition floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge

Toyota’s Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and power tilt/slide moonroof will be available as options.

The MSRP for the Corolla Special Edition will be $20,635.

The Corolla Special Edition will be produced between August 2015 and January 2016 and will be limited to approximately 8,000 units.

Toyota, Nissan, and Honda Agree on Details of Joint Support for Hydrogen Infrastructure Development in Japan

Toyota, Nissan, and Honda Agree on Details of Joint Support for Hydrogen Infrastructure Development in Japan

Tokyo, July 1, 2015 -- Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have agreed on key details regarding a new joint support project for the development of hydrogen station infrastructure in Japan. In addition to partially covering the operating costs of hydrogen stations, the three automakers have also agreed to help infrastructure companies deliver the best possible customer service and create a convenient, hassle-free refueling network for owners of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs).

The joint project (conducted alongside the Japanese government's support for hydrogen stations) will partially cover hydrogen station operating expenses incurred by infrastructure companies, and was first announced on February 12. Furthermore project partners will jointly raise awareness regarding these support measures, in order to encourage new companies to enter the hydrogen supply business. Financial assistance will be provided through the Research Association of Hydrogen Supply/Utilization Technology* (HySUT), which is setting up a project to stimulate demand for FCVs.

Cars.com Names Toyota Camry as Most American-Made, Again! | Corporate

Cars.com Names Toyota Camry as Most American-Made, Again!

Cars.com Names Toyota Camry as Most American-Made, Again!

Sienna Takes Number Two Spot in Annual American-Made Index
 

June 29, 2015

ERLANGER, Ky., June 29, 2015 – The results are in, and Cars.com has named two Toyota models as most American-Made.
 
The Toyota Camry and the Toyota Sienna have claimed the top two spots, respectively, in the annual Cars.com American-Made Index. This marks Toyota’s return to the American-Made pinnacle for the first time in three years and the fifth time overall that Camry has been ranked number one on the index.
 
According to Cars.com, the “American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the United States. Factors include the percentage of parts considered “domestic” under federal regulations, whether the car is assembled in the U.S. and U.S. sales. Models with domestic-parts content ratings below 75 percent are disqualified, as well as models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor.”
 
“These results are a testament to Toyota’s continued investment and growth in the United States,” said Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz, who also serves as President of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc. “We are strengthening our commitments to American manufacturing so we can better satisfy the needs of our customers for decades to come.”
 
The Toyota Camry, America’s best-selling car for 13 consecutive years, comes out of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) in Georgetown, Ky. alongside the Camry Hybrid, Avalon and Avalon Hybrid. TMMK is Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility in North America, which also builds engines and employs more than 7,500. The plant built its 10-millionth vehicle in 2014 and will begin adding the Lexus ES to its lines this fall, the first Lexus to be manufactured in the United States. The addition of Lexus is the hallmark of a $360 million investment in the plant that also adds 750 new jobs.
 
The Sienna is assembled in Princeton, Ind. at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI) by a team of 5,000. The plant also produces the Sequoia and Highlander/Highlander Hybrid. Toyota is investing $100 million in TMMI to boost Highlander production, adding 30,000 units per year and 300 jobs by summer 2016.
 
Much of the design and engineering of both Camry and Sienna took place in the United States at Calty Design Research, Inc. and Toyota Technical Center (TTC), respectively. Calty is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., with a production design studio in Ann Arbor, Mich., and TTC is based in York Township, Mich. Camry and Sienna both have American chief engineers.
 
Toyota has 10 manufacturing facilities in the United States.

Toyota Captures Top Non-Luxury Brand Award in Edmunds.com 'Best Retained Value Awards'

Toyota Captures Top Non-Luxury Brand Award in Edmunds.com 'Best Retained Value Awards'

Four Toyota Models Top Their Segments for Best Resale Value

June 18, 2015

TORRANCE, Calif., (June 18, 2015) - Toyota was named the top non-luxury brand in the fifth annual Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value® Awards.  The awards “recognize the brands and 2015 models that have the highest projected residual values after five years based on their average Edmunds.com True Market Value® (TMV®) price when sold new.”

“Earning the Edmunds.com ‘Best Retained Value®’ award is a great honor and a testament to Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability and reliability, all key ingredients for great value,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.

Four Toyota models also took home the top prize in their segments for best resale value, more than any other brand.  They were:

• Tacoma Pickup – Midsize Truck
• Tundra Pickup – Large Truck
• Highlander – Midsize SUV
• Avalon – Large Car

Newsweek Names Toyota One of the World’s Greenest Companies

Newsweek Names Toyota One of the World’s Greenest Companies

Toyota Moves up 57 Spots from Last Year

June 04, 2015

PLANO, Texas (June 4, 2015) – Newsweek has named a car company as one of the world’s greenest companies, ahead of highly-regarded brands like Microsoft, Google, Nike and Coke. Toyota moved up 57 spots in Newsweek’s annual green ranking to #35 in the Global 500 and #2 in autos.   

Newsweek in partnership with Corporate Knights Capital and HIP Investor evaluated the world's largest publicly-traded companies, using eight metrics to measure environmental performance. Companies were scored against their industry peers on each metric, including energy, water and waste levels.

“We are proud to be recognized as one of the world’s greenest companies,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “Through continuous improvement, our global teams have made great strides in reducing our environmental impact. From hybrids to fuel cells, Toyota is at the forefront of developing energy efficient technologies. We are deeply committed to contributing to the environment, our communities, and to leading the future of sustainable mobility.”

The world’s largest automaker is being recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices and its efforts to develop green vehicles, including the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which emits only water vapor. Toyota’s green initiatives saved over 93 million gallons of water in North America and reduced  energy use by 22% in Toyota’s North American manufacturing plants. And Toyota Financial Services issued the auto industry’s first-ever Asset-Backed Green Bond to finance the purchase of almost 40,000 green vehicles.

The full Newsweek Green Rankings list is available now on Newsweek’s website athttp://www.newsweek.com/green-2015 and on newsstands June 5.

2015 Toyota Summer Driving Tips

2015 Toyota Summer Driving Tips

Summer Safety 101: Getting Your Ride Road Trip Ready

June 03, 2015

Whether historic U.S. Route 1 is your main vacation drag or you’re cruising for a day on Pacific Coast Highway or motoring west on the route that’s the best, summer means one thing to many Americans…road trip.  

Before you sally forth, you might want to tackle a few technical “to dos” to ensure your trip is as smooth as your driving style.
 

1. Total recall.  Similar to getting an annual physical from the doctor, it’s smart to stay in the know about your vehicle.

To find out if a vehicle has been involved in a safety recall or service campaign, Toyota owners can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) – found on the driver’s side dashboard or driver’s side door where it latches – at http://www.toyota.com/recall. They can also use the owner’s app (available through iTunes or Google play) to scan in their VIN.
 
To check out a vehicle from another manufacturer, owners can access thehttps://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/. 
 
If your vehicle is involved in a safety recall, the manufacturer is obligated to provide a free remedy; so contact your local dealer and make an appointment to handle the issue.

 

2. No tired tires. Before taking those tires on the road, focus on: air, wear and spare.
   • Air – A properly inflated tire can help you avoid a flat. Refer to the owner’s manual or a label inside the doorframe for the correct pressure and check tires when they’re cold (haven’t been driven on for three hours) for most accurate reading.
   • Wear – Take five minutes to inspect for excessive or irregular wear. If tread is worn to 1/16 of an inch, it’s time to replace. Irregular wear patterns indicate tires might need rotation or realignment.
   • Spare – Make sure the back-up has your back and run the spare through the same tests as your other tires.

 

3. Take care for rubber wear. Inspect belts, hoses and wiper blades for blisters, cracks or cuts. All are susceptible to summer heat, so replace if not in tip-top condition. And make sure hose connections are secure.

 

4. Get plenty of fluids. Be good to your trusted steed and follow up on fluids: oil, brake, automatic transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant.  And if it’s time to have the oil changed or coolant system flushed, just do it.

 

5. Light it up. Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior and trailer lights.

 

6. Be cool.  AC working? Check.  ‘Nuff said.