Monday, September 28, 2015

Scion Checks the Box With Final xB Special Edition Model

Scion Checks the Box With Final xB Special Edition Model




September 28, 2015
TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2015) – As Scion’s iconic box, the xB, ends its run, Scion is taking the road less traveled to a place where the mountains meet the streets. Scion has partnered with 686, the snowboard technical apparel company, to create the xB 686 Parklan Edition. Starting today, a total of 686 xB special edition models are available for buyers seeking a unique combination of fashion and function. It will be priced at $19,685, excluding a delivery, processing and handling fee of $795.

The 2015 xB 686 Parklan Edition incorporates seats with the quilted patterning and modern cubist camo style reflecting 686’s design influence. Gloss black 16-inch alloy wheels featuring the 686 stamped logo tie in with the black-out badges, side mirrors, rear license plate garnish and door handles.

On the outside, the Cocoa Bean Metallic paint is accented with red lines in the front, rear and on the side mirrors to capture 686’s brand.

For added functionality on the slopes, there is an incognito driver’s side zippered storage pocket and zippered seat back pockets. Each xB 686 Parklan Edition also comes with all-weather floor and cargo mats. Additionally, a custom INNO Cargo Box and Roof Rack system is available.

“The xB has been part of Scion from the very beginning and we wanted to give it a meaningful send-off,” said Scion Vice President Andrew Gilleland. “What better way to do that than to partner with 686, which caters to people who live their lives to the fullest? Whether it’s used on the streets or the slopes, this xB will become a classic.”

Scion and 686 first worked together in 2011 with a Numeric xB show car designed with snowboarders in mind. That relationship has continued through the years, culminating in this special edition model.

“Before we designed this car, we took an xB on a three-week road trip from California to Boston and we captured the action in our movie, 686 Seconds,” said Brent Sandor, 686 Director of Marketing. “By taking the car from the city to the mountains and back again, we learned the xB can handle adverse conditions inside and out. With a cargo box on top and all-weather floor and cargo mats on the inside, it was the perfect inspiration for our special edition collaboration.”

For more information, please visit the Scion blog

Friday, July 31, 2015

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.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Toyota Announces Pricing for Sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions

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.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

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.

Monday, June 29, 2015

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.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

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'



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

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Newsweek Names Toyota One of the World’s Greenest Companies

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.