ERLANGER, Ky., April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., today announced that Kenji Fukuta will become the new president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) effective Tuesday, May 1, 2007.
Current TMMTX president Hidehiko "TJ" Tajima will return to Japan for his new assignment at Toyota Motor Corporation as General Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Affairs Division. As TMMTX's president since October 2003, Tajima successfully oversaw planning and construction of Toyota's sixth vehicle manufacturing plant in North America. In November 2006, TMMTX began assembly of the next-generation Toyota Tundra pickup truck.
Fukuta, who is a 20-year Toyota veteran, comes to TMMTX as former General Manager at Toyota's Tsutsumi plant in Japan, which produces the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry and Scion tC vehicles.
TMMTX employs 2,000 team members and has the annual capacity to produce 200,000 Tundras.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. Toyota currently produces 11 vehicles in North America, including the Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra and the Lexus RX 350. By 2010, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build approximately 2.2 million cars and trucks, 1.45 million engines and 600,000 automatic transmissions.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com
Source: Toyota
Showing posts with label Toyota. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toyota. Show all posts
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Toyota Produces Brand-New Toyota Corolla ZR Engine in TEDA
TIANJIN, China, April 26 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Tianjin Economic- Technological Development Area (TEDA) announced today that the brand-new ZR engine from Toyota was off the production line at the second plant of Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine Co., Ltd. The engine, which meets the tail gas emissions set-out by the Euro III standard, and that has the potential to also meet the Euro IV standard, will be installed in Toyota's new Toyota Corolla, which will be off the production line at the third plant of Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine Co., Ltd. next month.
The manufacturer of the ZR engine, Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine Co. Ltd., is the core parts manufacturer of Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. The ZR engine has the characteristics of high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions, and it ranks top amongst its international peers in terms of motive power, fuel economy and environmental protection.
The environmentally-friendly engines are produced simultaneously and its output will reach 220,000 sets every year, which means the Chinese market is playing an increasingly important role for Toyota and the position of Tianjin Binhai New Area is undoubtedly more and more prominent in its strategy for the China market.
About Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA)
Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) was established in 1984 with the approval of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. It is one of the first state-class economic-technological development areas in the country.
TEDA is located in the center of a larger area bordering Bohai Sea and the east of the Asia-Europe Land Bridge, thus serving as the gate to the two super cities of Beijing and Tianjin, and the throat connecting the northeast of China. By the end of 2005, 4,067 foreign companies have landed in TEDA. Of the Fortune 500 companies, 57 multinational companies, from 10 countries and regions, including such well-established multinational giants as Motorola, Samsung and Toyota, invested in 123 enterprises in TEDA. In 2000, "Fortune" listed TEDA as one of the most highly recommended economic areas in China. In 2002 UNIDO listed TEDA as one of the most dynamic areas of China together with Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wenzhou, Shanghai Pudong and Xi'an High-tech Park.
For more information, please visit: http://www.investteda.org/
Source: Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area
The manufacturer of the ZR engine, Tianjin FAW Toyota Engine Co. Ltd., is the core parts manufacturer of Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. The ZR engine has the characteristics of high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions, and it ranks top amongst its international peers in terms of motive power, fuel economy and environmental protection.
The environmentally-friendly engines are produced simultaneously and its output will reach 220,000 sets every year, which means the Chinese market is playing an increasingly important role for Toyota and the position of Tianjin Binhai New Area is undoubtedly more and more prominent in its strategy for the China market.
About Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA)
Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) was established in 1984 with the approval of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. It is one of the first state-class economic-technological development areas in the country.
TEDA is located in the center of a larger area bordering Bohai Sea and the east of the Asia-Europe Land Bridge, thus serving as the gate to the two super cities of Beijing and Tianjin, and the throat connecting the northeast of China. By the end of 2005, 4,067 foreign companies have landed in TEDA. Of the Fortune 500 companies, 57 multinational companies, from 10 countries and regions, including such well-established multinational giants as Motorola, Samsung and Toyota, invested in 123 enterprises in TEDA. In 2000, "Fortune" listed TEDA as one of the most highly recommended economic areas in China. In 2002 UNIDO listed TEDA as one of the most dynamic areas of China together with Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wenzhou, Shanghai Pudong and Xi'an High-tech Park.
For more information, please visit: http://www.investteda.org/
Source: Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area
Monday, April 23, 2007
Toyota Camry Production Begins in Indiana
$230 Million investment creating 1,000 jobs at Subaru plant
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) and Toyota held a ceremony today to commemorate production of the plant's first Toyota Camry.
In March 2006, SIA parent Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) and Toyota announced a collaborative agreement that would include Toyota Camry production at SIA. A $230 million investment gives SIA the capacity to produce 100,000 Toyota Camrys per year. Toyota Camry production will add 1,000 associates for a total of more than 3,200 at SIA.
Attending the ceremony were FHI president Ikuo Mori and Toyota Motor Corporation president Katsuaki Watanabe. They congratulated SIA associates and Toyota team members involved in the project's development for their hard work and commitment to building America's best-selling car at SIA.
"Production of the Toyota Camry at SIA represents an important start to our business collaboration with Toyota," said Mori. "Together, we were able to accomplish this goal in a short period of time through the efforts of all associates involved in this project."
"Fuji and Toyota faced many challenges for Toyota Camry production, including a short amount of preparation time, and we are grateful for the hard work of our associates and team members," said Watanabe. "We look forward to growing a long-term relationship with Fuji, SIA and the local community."
"The Toyota Camrys are rolling and so is Indiana," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We are honored by the new investment in our state and the confidence in Hoosier workers."
To thank the local community for its support, SIA and Toyota yesterday announced a $60,000 donation to the Columbian Park Zoo for its owl exhibit.
In addition to the Toyota Camry, SIA builds the Subaru Tribeca, Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy. SIA produced about 120,000 Subarus in 2006.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. Toyota currently produces 11 vehicles in North America, including the Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Solara, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and the Lexus RX 350. By 2010, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build approximately 2.2 million cars and trucks, 1.45 million engines and 600,000 automatic transmissions.
For more information about Toyota, visit http://www.toyota.com/
Source: Toyota; Subaru of Indiana Automotive
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) and Toyota held a ceremony today to commemorate production of the plant's first Toyota Camry.
In March 2006, SIA parent Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) and Toyota announced a collaborative agreement that would include Toyota Camry production at SIA. A $230 million investment gives SIA the capacity to produce 100,000 Toyota Camrys per year. Toyota Camry production will add 1,000 associates for a total of more than 3,200 at SIA.
Attending the ceremony were FHI president Ikuo Mori and Toyota Motor Corporation president Katsuaki Watanabe. They congratulated SIA associates and Toyota team members involved in the project's development for their hard work and commitment to building America's best-selling car at SIA.
"Production of the Toyota Camry at SIA represents an important start to our business collaboration with Toyota," said Mori. "Together, we were able to accomplish this goal in a short period of time through the efforts of all associates involved in this project."
"Fuji and Toyota faced many challenges for Toyota Camry production, including a short amount of preparation time, and we are grateful for the hard work of our associates and team members," said Watanabe. "We look forward to growing a long-term relationship with Fuji, SIA and the local community."
"The Toyota Camrys are rolling and so is Indiana," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We are honored by the new investment in our state and the confidence in Hoosier workers."
To thank the local community for its support, SIA and Toyota yesterday announced a $60,000 donation to the Columbian Park Zoo for its owl exhibit.
In addition to the Toyota Camry, SIA builds the Subaru Tribeca, Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy. SIA produced about 120,000 Subarus in 2006.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. Toyota currently produces 11 vehicles in North America, including the Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Solara, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and the Lexus RX 350. By 2010, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build approximately 2.2 million cars and trucks, 1.45 million engines and 600,000 automatic transmissions.
For more information about Toyota, visit http://www.toyota.com/
Source: Toyota; Subaru of Indiana Automotive
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Toyota Motor Sales, USA Announces Top Management Changes
TORRANCE, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA, Inc. announced top management changes for its Toyota and Lexus divisions.
The following Toyota executive assignments are effective immediately:
Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Lexus Division, is appointed group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division, filling the position held by Jim Lentz before his promotion to executive vice president of TMS in June 2006. Carter will be responsible for all sales, marketing and customer satisfaction activities for the Toyota Division and Scion. He continues to report to Don Esmond, senior vice president, automotive operations.
Since joining TMS in 1981, Carter has held numerous key positions, including general manager of Toyota's Denver region and general manager of Lexus' Eastern area. He also held the position of general manager and part owner of Hyannis Toyota in Hyannis, Mass.
Jim Farley, group vice president, marketing, is appointed group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division, replacing Carter. Farley will assume responsibility for all sales, marketing and customer satisfaction activities for the Lexus Division. Farley, whose replacement will be named in the near future, will also report to Esmond.
Farley joined TMS in 1990 in the strategic-planning department. Since then he has held numerous key management positions within product planning, marketing, and advertising, including an assignment as general manager of product management for Toyota Europe. Farley served as general manager of Lexus' Central area before joining Scion in July 2002.
At Scion, where he was responsible for the brand's launch, Farley served as corporate manager before being promoted to vice president. Prior to his promotion to group vice president of marketing for the Toyota Division, Farley was vice president of marketing for the Toyota Division.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicle brands in the United States, celebrating its 50th anniversary in America this year. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of 1,445 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 33,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.5 million vehicles in 2006. For more information about our company, please visit:
http://www.toyota.com/
http://www.lexus.com/ and
http://www.scion.com/
Source: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA, Inc.
The following Toyota executive assignments are effective immediately:
Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Lexus Division, is appointed group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division, filling the position held by Jim Lentz before his promotion to executive vice president of TMS in June 2006. Carter will be responsible for all sales, marketing and customer satisfaction activities for the Toyota Division and Scion. He continues to report to Don Esmond, senior vice president, automotive operations.
Since joining TMS in 1981, Carter has held numerous key positions, including general manager of Toyota's Denver region and general manager of Lexus' Eastern area. He also held the position of general manager and part owner of Hyannis Toyota in Hyannis, Mass.
Jim Farley, group vice president, marketing, is appointed group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division, replacing Carter. Farley will assume responsibility for all sales, marketing and customer satisfaction activities for the Lexus Division. Farley, whose replacement will be named in the near future, will also report to Esmond.
Farley joined TMS in 1990 in the strategic-planning department. Since then he has held numerous key management positions within product planning, marketing, and advertising, including an assignment as general manager of product management for Toyota Europe. Farley served as general manager of Lexus' Central area before joining Scion in July 2002.
At Scion, where he was responsible for the brand's launch, Farley served as corporate manager before being promoted to vice president. Prior to his promotion to group vice president of marketing for the Toyota Division, Farley was vice president of marketing for the Toyota Division.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicle brands in the United States, celebrating its 50th anniversary in America this year. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of 1,445 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 33,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.5 million vehicles in 2006. For more information about our company, please visit:
http://www.toyota.com/
http://www.lexus.com/ and
http://www.scion.com/
Source: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA, Inc.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
BorgWarner Supplies Components for 2007 Toyota Tundra 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Toyota Relies on BorgWarner Expertise in Friction Technology
On the leading- edge of an industry-wide trend toward 6-speed automatic transmissions in large pickups and SUVs, the Toyota Tundra's first six-speed transmission is built with friction clutch technology supplied by BorgWarner Transmission Systems and NSK-Warner, a BorgWarner joint venture based in Japan. The 2007 Toyota Tundra will be the featured vehicle at the SAE Detroit Section monthly dinner meeting, held on April 16, 2007, during the annual SAE Congress at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The new 2007 Tundra is Toyota's most commanding pickup truck ever, with an optional 5.7L DOHC V8 engine and 6-speed transmission powering best-in- class acceleration and trailer-towing capacity among half-ton pickup trucks.
"In a quest for greater engine torque capacity, the newest automatic transmission designs require extreme high-pressure, high-energy friction clutches. BorgWarner's leading expertise in designing and developing friction technology to meet these increasingly demanding performance requirements is second to none," said Dr. Bernd Matthes, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. "BorgWarner and NSK-Warner are also global leaders in one-way clutch technology, engineering and manufacturing. We are pleased to expand upon our 40+ year relationship with Toyota, setting new levels of performance, refinement and value."
The 2007 Toyota Tundra is manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing - Indiana (TMMI) and at Toyota's new plant in San Antonio, Texas, while the new 6-speed transmission is built by Toyota's affiliate, AW North Carolina, located in Durham, North Carolina. AW North Carolina also produces a 5-speed automatic featured in V6 and base V8 model Toyota Tundras, Sequoia SUVs, and mid-sized Tacoma pickups produced in North America. BorgWarner manufactures friction plates and one-way clutches for both transmission models at its operations in Bellwood and Frankfort, Illinois, and through NSK-Warner in Fukuroi, Japan.
A trusted supplier to virtually every automatic transmission manufacturer in the world, BorgWarner Transmission Systems produces "shift quality" components and systems including one-way clutches, transmission bands, friction plates and clutch module assemblies as well as transmission solenoids, control modules and integrated mechatronic control systems.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 63 locations in 18 countries. Customers include Ford, VW/Audi, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, Honda, BMW, Caterpillar, Navistar International, and Peugeot.
The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com/
Source: BorgWarner Inc.
On the leading- edge of an industry-wide trend toward 6-speed automatic transmissions in large pickups and SUVs, the Toyota Tundra's first six-speed transmission is built with friction clutch technology supplied by BorgWarner Transmission Systems and NSK-Warner, a BorgWarner joint venture based in Japan. The 2007 Toyota Tundra will be the featured vehicle at the SAE Detroit Section monthly dinner meeting, held on April 16, 2007, during the annual SAE Congress at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The new 2007 Tundra is Toyota's most commanding pickup truck ever, with an optional 5.7L DOHC V8 engine and 6-speed transmission powering best-in- class acceleration and trailer-towing capacity among half-ton pickup trucks.
"In a quest for greater engine torque capacity, the newest automatic transmission designs require extreme high-pressure, high-energy friction clutches. BorgWarner's leading expertise in designing and developing friction technology to meet these increasingly demanding performance requirements is second to none," said Dr. Bernd Matthes, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems. "BorgWarner and NSK-Warner are also global leaders in one-way clutch technology, engineering and manufacturing. We are pleased to expand upon our 40+ year relationship with Toyota, setting new levels of performance, refinement and value."
The 2007 Toyota Tundra is manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing - Indiana (TMMI) and at Toyota's new plant in San Antonio, Texas, while the new 6-speed transmission is built by Toyota's affiliate, AW North Carolina, located in Durham, North Carolina. AW North Carolina also produces a 5-speed automatic featured in V6 and base V8 model Toyota Tundras, Sequoia SUVs, and mid-sized Tacoma pickups produced in North America. BorgWarner manufactures friction plates and one-way clutches for both transmission models at its operations in Bellwood and Frankfort, Illinois, and through NSK-Warner in Fukuroi, Japan.
A trusted supplier to virtually every automatic transmission manufacturer in the world, BorgWarner Transmission Systems produces "shift quality" components and systems including one-way clutches, transmission bands, friction plates and clutch module assemblies as well as transmission solenoids, control modules and integrated mechatronic control systems.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 63 locations in 18 countries. Customers include Ford, VW/Audi, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, Honda, BMW, Caterpillar, Navistar International, and Peugeot.
The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com/
Source: BorgWarner Inc.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race: Experienced Celebrity Drivers Weigh In!
LONG BEACH, Calif., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Anybody who thinks it's easy to get behind-the-wheel of a race-ready Toyota Scion tC and race at top speeds through the downtown streets of Long Beach, California, on a 1.97-mile street circuit for this year's Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on Saturday, April 14, can't even comprehend the skills and discipline required. Just ask four celebrities who have done it before: Actor William Shatner, best known for his Emmy- winning role as Denny Crane in Boston Legal and as Star Trek's Captain Kirk; Melissa Joan Hart, star of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch; Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer, Dara Torres, and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.
Shatner, who has participated in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race three times - 1978 (the second year of its inception), 2001 and 2006 - offers the perspective of one who has seen the changes over the years. Hart is a three- time participant, too, coming in second in 1999, tangling with George Lucas and Elway in 2000, and competing against Torres in 2004. Torres - who raced against Shatner in 2001, won in 2002 to become the first female ever to win the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, and came back in the Professional Category in 2004 - knows what it takes to be a champion. However, it's Elway who probably knows this year's field better than most, since in 2000 he raced against Lucas and in 2006 he faced off against Bucky Lasek, Martina Navratilova and Dave Mirra.Here's how they see this year's field stacking up.
Celebrity Hollywagers.com Past Celebrity Drivers' Odds & Comments
Driver Odds
Martina
Navratilova 3 to 1 SHATNER (WS): 1 to 1. She's tough!
MELISSA JOAN HART (MJH): 4 to 1. Athletes
know how to play to win, and she's got
nothing to lose by lapping Lucas.
TORRES (DT): 2 to 1. I'm picking her to
win!!! Competitive, probably likes to beat
the boys, used to winning, didn't win last
year so she wants it this year!!
ELWAY (JE): 5 to 1. Great competitor! Was
just getting the hang of it last year when
the race ended!
Dave Mirra 4 to 1 WS: 5 to 1. BMX is road racing - just
without a motor.
MJH: 2 to 1. The one to beat if his car
serves him right!
DT: 4 to 1. Just the fact his car failed
last year, he's pissed!!! He's a biker; he's
not afraid of speed; he's going for it!
JE: 2 to 1. Was tough last year till engine
blew. Can't be too aggressive!
Joshua
Morrow 4 to 1 WS: 15 to 1. He's young. He's restless.
MJH: 2 to 1. He will be in the front pack,
but can he keep his car on the track?
DT: 3 to 1. Don't let anyone tell you second
place doesn't SUCK!!! He'll go for the win.
JE: 4 to 1. Won't forget last time he
finished second!
Celebrity Hollywagers.com Past Celebrity Drivers' Odds & Comments
Driver Odds
Kendra
Wilkinson 7 to 1 WS: 3 to 1. Who's watching her car?
MJH: 20 to 1. I predict she'll be distracted
by all the racers' butts in the race suits
and probably won't even make it in the car
by the time the green flag drops.
DT: 20 to 1. She's a lover not a fighter,
but if she wears something a little sexy
before putting on the race suit, she might
cause some distractions!!!
JE: 20 to 1. Likes to compete. Could be the
sleeper!
Kelly Hu 10 to 1 WS: 7 to 1. She knows a thing or two about
special effects.
MJH: 5 to 1. Seems to be one of the edgy
chicks but she'd best be careful she doesn't
get too excited and end up in the wall!
DT: 11 to 1. She plays poker; she's competed
in pagents; she knows competition; she won't
want to lose.
JE: 14 to 1. My kids love XMen 2!
Aisha Tyler 15 to 1 WS: 25 to 1. Her legs won't fit!
MJH: 14 to 1. Played a scientist on Friends
but I am not sure that will help her handle
a vehicle.
DT: 15 to 1. If she just smiles at the guys
while she's racing, those dimples might help
her pass them!!!
JE: 20 to 1. Starting position is key!
John Salley 16 to 1 WS: 30 to 1. His legs might interfere with
his vision.
MJH: 6 to 1. I love this man personally, but
everyone knows the bigger you are, the
slower the car goes. SO he has to step it up
a bit more than the tiny girls.
DT: 10 to 1. He knows competition, but his
weight is going to kill him, just like it
did to Jim Kelly. If he siphons some of the
gas out of his car before he races, he'll be
a contender.
JE: 15 to 1. Size will be a factor. Needs a
bigger engine!
Robin Quivers 18 to 1 WS: 150 to 1. No chance. Stultified by
Howard Stern.
MJH: 6 to 1. Sounds like she has something
to prove and the know-how to do it. Anyone
who comes into this race knowing how to
"blip a throttle" has an advantage!
DT: 17 to 1. She's a race car fan, but can
she talk a good game or race a good race??
JE: 30 to 1. Better do better than Bubba!
Kathryn
Morris 18 to 1 WS: 7 to 1. An ace on any case, she might
set the pace and win the race, all with a
smile on her face.
MJH: 10 to 1. Could be the strong silent
type. If she has good lines and is able to
stay near the front pack, she may be able to
pull ahead when the front pack causes a
wreck! (Example: Donny Osmond's mistake in
1999)
DT: 25 to 1. If she's a yogi, then she just
might not have the intensity it takes to
win; she might be too mellow!!!
JE: 35 to 1. Can she stay ahead of the pros?
George Lucas 20 to 1 WS: 100 to 1. He's seven years older
[since he last raced] ... and much slower.
MJH: 7 to 1. He's one of the most powerful
men in Hollywood. No actor in his right
mind would try to pass this man if they know
what's good for them. I made that mistake in
2000, and he reminds me of it every time I
see him - and he still hasn't given me a
job!
DT: 12 to 1. Because he's competed before,
he'll know the course and what strategies to
use, so that's why I put him above the
Hollywagers odds
JE: 10 to 1. Experience will help!
Emily Procter 40 to 1 WS: 10 to 1. She's a poker player - very
sneaky.
MJH: 16 to 1. Tough girls who know their
way around a car often get stuck in the
middle of the pack.
DT: 14 to 1. If she's an avid poker player
she knows odds, so if I put her a little
lower than what I think she might be able to
do, then it might motivate her!!
JE: 15 to 1. Poker playing will help
strategy!
Fans also can log onto Hollywagers.com to see how professional race handicappers think the celebrity drivers stack up. [The odds have been presented solely for entertainment purposes exclusively by Hollywagers.com, powered by Pregame.com, the country's largest bet-centric information site. There will be no actual wagering on the outcome of the race.]
NOTE: Celebrity odds are provided for entertainment purposes only. Wagering on the outcome of the race is neither encouraged nor implied.
Source: Toyota Motorsports, Inc.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Toyota Driving Expectations Offers Chicago-Area Teens New Approach to Driving Education
Program Teaches Teens and Parents Defensive Driving Techniques via Real-World Scenarios
One of the most important events in a teenager's life is obtaining a driver's license. But while young drivers account for just 6.6 percent of all licensed drivers, they account for nearly 14 percent of all fatal crashes. In the Chicago area alone this year, at least 10 teens have already died in motor vehicle accidents. A January crash in Riverside that claimed the lives of two young drivers captured the attention of the entire state, including legislators. In an effort to improve these odds, Toyota is bringing its program to promote safe driving among teens, Toyota Driving Expectations, to Gurnee, Ill. at Six Flags Great America, April 20 - 22.
This unique program, which is free of charge and designed to teach teens and parents about defensive driving techniques against a backdrop of real- world scenarios, is coming to the Chicago area to help prevent future teen driving deaths.
In Gurnee, 14 program sessions will be held-two four-hour sessions on Friday, April 20 between 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. and six four-hour sessions on both Saturday and Sunday, April 21 - 22 between 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Online registration is now open at www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
"Toyota is committed to providing teens with the tools they need to be better prepared on the road and to become better drivers," said Paul Holdridge, Toyota's vice president and general manager - Chicago Region. "Since its inception in 2004, more than 4,000 teens and parents have successfully completed the Toyota Driving Expectations program, which was developed after several pilots and valuable feedback from teens, parents and the National Safety Council."
Toyota Driving Expectations goes beyond what is currently taught in typical driver training classes in order to help teens identify and react to dangerous driving situations. To better understand the critical relationship between distractions and reaction time, teens and parents navigate a driving course while drinking water, listening to loud music and talking on a cell phone. They also experience hard braking maneuvers on wet and dry pavement and maneuver through multiple slalom driving courses under the watchful eyes of professional drivers.
Another unique aspect of Toyota Driving Expectations is that a parent or guardian must accompany the teen driver to the four-hour program. Parents and teens are split into separate groups for part of the course, allowing parents to learn about vehicle safety technology, defensive driving and how to design and set realistic expectations for their teen. The program concludes with teens and parents reuniting to develop a safe driving contract to be put into practice when the families return home.
For more information, please visit www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. According to a 2005 Center for Automotive Research study, Toyota, along with its dealers and suppliers, has generated nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs, including jobs created through spending by direct, dealer and suppliers employees.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
One of the most important events in a teenager's life is obtaining a driver's license. But while young drivers account for just 6.6 percent of all licensed drivers, they account for nearly 14 percent of all fatal crashes. In the Chicago area alone this year, at least 10 teens have already died in motor vehicle accidents. A January crash in Riverside that claimed the lives of two young drivers captured the attention of the entire state, including legislators. In an effort to improve these odds, Toyota is bringing its program to promote safe driving among teens, Toyota Driving Expectations, to Gurnee, Ill. at Six Flags Great America, April 20 - 22.
This unique program, which is free of charge and designed to teach teens and parents about defensive driving techniques against a backdrop of real- world scenarios, is coming to the Chicago area to help prevent future teen driving deaths.
In Gurnee, 14 program sessions will be held-two four-hour sessions on Friday, April 20 between 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. and six four-hour sessions on both Saturday and Sunday, April 21 - 22 between 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Online registration is now open at www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
"Toyota is committed to providing teens with the tools they need to be better prepared on the road and to become better drivers," said Paul Holdridge, Toyota's vice president and general manager - Chicago Region. "Since its inception in 2004, more than 4,000 teens and parents have successfully completed the Toyota Driving Expectations program, which was developed after several pilots and valuable feedback from teens, parents and the National Safety Council."
Toyota Driving Expectations goes beyond what is currently taught in typical driver training classes in order to help teens identify and react to dangerous driving situations. To better understand the critical relationship between distractions and reaction time, teens and parents navigate a driving course while drinking water, listening to loud music and talking on a cell phone. They also experience hard braking maneuvers on wet and dry pavement and maneuver through multiple slalom driving courses under the watchful eyes of professional drivers.
Another unique aspect of Toyota Driving Expectations is that a parent or guardian must accompany the teen driver to the four-hour program. Parents and teens are split into separate groups for part of the course, allowing parents to learn about vehicle safety technology, defensive driving and how to design and set realistic expectations for their teen. The program concludes with teens and parents reuniting to develop a safe driving contract to be put into practice when the families return home.
For more information, please visit www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. According to a 2005 Center for Automotive Research study, Toyota, along with its dealers and suppliers, has generated nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs, including jobs created through spending by direct, dealer and suppliers employees.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Toyota Mobility Donates Vehicles to Two Young Vets Wounded in Iraq
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and auto show management presented two modified vehicles to veterans wounded by improvised explosive devices during their tours in Iraq at the opening ceremonies for the New York International Automobile Show (NYIAS) this week.
U.S. Army vet Luis Puertas, 20, of Long Island City, Queens, checked out his new wheelchair-accessible 2007 Toyota Sienna Rampvan outside the Javits Convention Center. He lost both legs when an IED exploded under his Humvee in Baghdad last September.
Luis was fitted with two prosthetic legs at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Although he can now walk short distances, the Sienna Rampvan will greatly increase his mobility. It was extensively modified, first by BraunAbility of Winamac, Ind., which lowered the floor 10 inches and added a powered wheelchair ramp. After evaluating his needs, J. Bussani, Inc. can install a wheelchair docking device and hand controls at its facility in Bethpage, N.Y., so that Luis can drive the Sienna unaided.
The second vet is U.S. Marine Ryan Donnelly, 23, a native of Centereach, Long Island now living in Manhattan. He took delivery of a 2007 Toyota Yaris that was equipped with a left-foot accelerator by J. Bussani, Inc. of Bethpage, NY. Ryan lost his right leg below the knee in Iraq in October, 2005. He was fitted with a prosthetic device at Walter Reed Army Hospital. A Purple Heart recipient, he served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.
About Toyota Mobility:
The Toyota Mobility Assistance Program includes a comprehensive resource information web site at www.toyota.com/mobility, where consumers can locate rehabilitation specialists, driving instructors for persons with disabilities, and mobility equipment dealers who sell and install the equipment as well as provide user training.
About BraunAbility:
The Braun Corporation is the largest mobility products company in the world. Braun also produces scooter and chair lifts, Lift-Up Seats, wheelchair ramps and other aids for the estimated 54 million Americans with disabilities.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
U.S. Army vet Luis Puertas, 20, of Long Island City, Queens, checked out his new wheelchair-accessible 2007 Toyota Sienna Rampvan outside the Javits Convention Center. He lost both legs when an IED exploded under his Humvee in Baghdad last September.
Luis was fitted with two prosthetic legs at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Although he can now walk short distances, the Sienna Rampvan will greatly increase his mobility. It was extensively modified, first by BraunAbility of Winamac, Ind., which lowered the floor 10 inches and added a powered wheelchair ramp. After evaluating his needs, J. Bussani, Inc. can install a wheelchair docking device and hand controls at its facility in Bethpage, N.Y., so that Luis can drive the Sienna unaided.
The second vet is U.S. Marine Ryan Donnelly, 23, a native of Centereach, Long Island now living in Manhattan. He took delivery of a 2007 Toyota Yaris that was equipped with a left-foot accelerator by J. Bussani, Inc. of Bethpage, NY. Ryan lost his right leg below the knee in Iraq in October, 2005. He was fitted with a prosthetic device at Walter Reed Army Hospital. A Purple Heart recipient, he served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.
About Toyota Mobility:
The Toyota Mobility Assistance Program includes a comprehensive resource information web site at www.toyota.com/mobility, where consumers can locate rehabilitation specialists, driving instructors for persons with disabilities, and mobility equipment dealers who sell and install the equipment as well as provide user training.
About BraunAbility:
The Braun Corporation is the largest mobility products company in the world. Braun also produces scooter and chair lifts, Lift-Up Seats, wheelchair ramps and other aids for the estimated 54 million Americans with disabilities.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Toyota Reports March 2007 US Sales
TORRANCE, Calif., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Boosted by record hybrid sales, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported all-time best-ever monthly sales of 242,675 vehicles, an increase of 7.7 percent over March 2006.
"This month marks a milestone eight years in the making," said Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. "Record U.S. sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids have now topped the half-million mark." The Toyota Division posted best-ever March sales of 213,820, up 8.7 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever March sales of 28,855 units.
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever March sales of 121,881, up 13.6 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Toyota Camry, which posted March sales of 42,254, up 4.5 percent over the same period last year. Toyota Camry Hybrid reported sales of 5,144 units in March. The Toyota Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted all-time best-ever monthly sales for the second consecutive month with 19,156 units sold, an increase of 133.2 percent. Toyota Corolla reported best-ever March sales of 34,355, an increase of 2.5 percent. The Toyota Yaris subcompact posted sales totaling 7,614 units for the month.
Toyota Division light truck sales were up 2.9 percent, an all-time best-ever month of 91,939 units. Light truck sales were led by the Toyota RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), which reported all-time best-ever sales of 17,837, up 27.5 percent over the year-ago month. The all-new Toyota Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 13,196 units, up 7.8 percent over Toyota Tundra sales last March. The Toyota Highlander and Toyota Highlander Hybrid posted combined March sales of 11,693. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 2,501 units for the month. FJ Cruiser reported March sales of 6,057 units.
Scion posted March sales of 10,978 units. The Scion tC sports coupe led the way with March sales of 6,314 units. Scion xB posted sales of 2,799 units for the month.
Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars reported best-ever March sales of 18,128 units, an increase of 26.7 percent over March 2006. Passenger car sales were led by the Lexus ES 350 luxury sedan with March sales of 7,444 units, up 69.7 percent. The all-new Lexus LS 460 reported sales of 3,134, an increase of 125.4 percent.
Lexus Division light trucks reported March sales totaling 10,727 units with the Lexus RX 350 and Lexus RX 400h reporting combined March sales of 8,603 units. The Lexus RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,471 units for the month.
TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 61,635 units, an increase of 68 percent over the same period last year, while cumulative hybrid sales to-date surpassed the 500,000 sales mark. In March, TMS posted sales of 28,453 hybrid vehicles, up 105 percent. Toyota Division posted sales of 26,801 hybrids, up 137 percent over the same period last year, while the Lexus Division posted sales of 1,652 hybrids.
There were 28 selling days this month, as compared to 27 selling days last March.
Public Web sites: http://www.toyota.com/
http://www.lexus.com/
http://www.scion.com/
http://www.toyota50th.com/
TOYOTA RETAIL SALES
(INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)
March, 2007
-- CURRENT MONTH -- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE --
DSR% DSR%
2007 2006 CHG 2007 2006 CHG
YARIS 7,614 1,339 448.3 19,186 1,339 1295.6
COROLLA 34,355 32,312 2.5 88,195 82,287 4.4
CAMRY 42,254 38,981 4.5 105,863 93,775 10.0
AVALON 7,523 8,697 -16.6 19,635 22,543 -15.2
PRIUS 19,156 7,922 133.2 39,682 22,123 74.7
SCION xA 1,865 2,820 -36.2 5,345 7,163 -27.3
SCION xB 2,799 5,060 -46.7 8,500 12,970 -36.2
SCION tC 6,314 6,368 -4.4 15,093 16,223 -9.4
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS.
CAR 121,881 103,501 13.6 301,501 258,443 13.6
ES 350 7,444 4,231 69.7 18,050 10,787 63.0
LS 460 3,134 1,341 125.4 8,563 3,546 135.2
SC 430 370 533 -33.1 954 1,384 -32.9
GS 300 1,908 2,205 -16.6 4,664 5,675 -19.9
GS 430/450h 195 278 -32.4 553 835 -35.5
IS 250/350 5,077 5,210 -6.0 12,409 13,165 -8.2
TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR 18,128 13,798 26.7 45,193 35,392 24.4
TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR 140,009 117,299 15.1 346,694 293,835 14.9
SIENNA 13,071 16,287 -22.6 34,959 40,390 -15.7
RAV4 17,837 13,494 27.5 41,405 33,944 18.8
FJ CRUISER 6,057 2,784 109.8 16,045 2,784 461.4
4RUNNER 9,052 10,800 -19.2 23,937 27,925 -16.5
HIGHLANDER 11,693 11,622 -3.0 31,383 29,403 4.0
LAND CRUISER 222 298 -28.2 682 885 -24.9
SEQUOIA 2,568 3,446 -28.1 6,938 9,068 -25.5
TOTAL SUV 47,429 42,444 7.8 120,390 104,009 12.7
4X2 TACOMA 10,851 9,185 13.9 27,027 24,699 6.6
4X4 TACOMA 7,392 6,477 10.1 19,301 17,108 9.9
TOTAL TACOMA 18,243 15,662 12.3 46,328 41,807 7.9
TUNDRA 13,196 11,800 7.8 29,186 31,825 -10.7
TOTAL PICKUP 31,439 27,462 10.4 75,514 73,632 -0.1
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT
TRUCK 91,939 86,193 2.9 230,863 218,031 3.1
LX 470 270 489 -46.8 826 1,485 -45.8
GX 470 1,854 2,334 -23.4 5,239 6,093 -16.2
RX 350/400h 8,603 10,971 -24.4 22,233 25,407 -14.8
TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK 10,727 13,794 -25.0 28,298 32,985 -16.4
TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT
TRUCK 102,666 99,987 -1.0 259,161 251,016 0.6
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 213,820 189,694 8.7 532,364 476,474 8.8
TOTAL LEXUS 28,855 27,592 0.8 73,491 68,377 4.7
TOTAL TOYOTA 242,675 217,286 7.7 605,855 544,851 8.3
MEMO:
DOM. COROLLA 29,965 28,257 2.3 78,276 74,050 3.0
DOM. CAMRY 32,420 33,042 -5.4 80,254 83,177 -6.0
DOM. PICKUP 31,439 27,462 10.4 75,514 73,632 -0.1
DOM. RX 350 6,608 6,889 -7.5 15,229 15,308 -3.1
SELLING DAYS 28 27 77 75
TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 51,973 33,505 49.6 123,336 78,673 52.7
LEXUS IMPORT CAR 18,128 13,798 26.7 45,193 35,392 24.4
TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT
CARS 69,908 69,996 -3.7 178,165 179,770 -3.5
TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 140,009 117,299 15.1 346,694 293,835 14.9
TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT
TRUCK 44,861 38,998 10.9 113,452 94,941 16.4
LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK 4,119 6,905 -42.5 13,069 17,677 -28.0
TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT
TRUCK 47,078 47,195 -3.8 117,411 123,090 -7.1
LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK 6,608 6,889 -7.5 15,229 15,308 -3.1
TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK 102,666 99,987 -1.0 259,161 251,016 0.6
SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 52,099 53,454 -6.0 132,643 134,210 -3.7
Memo: Lexus Sport
Utility 10,727 13,794 -25.0 28,298 32,985 -16.4
SMALL VANS 13,071 16,287 -22.6 34,959 40,390 -15.7
PICKUPS 31,439 27,462 10.4 75,514 73,632 -0.1
* NORTH AMERICAN BUILT
VEHICLES
COROLLA 29,965 28,257 2.3 78,276 74,050 3.0
CAMRY 32,420 33,042 -5.4 80,254 83,177 -6.0
AVALON 7,523 8,697 -16.6 19,635 22,543 -15.2
SIENNA 13,071 16,287 -22.6 34,959 40,390 -15.7
PICKUP 31,439 27,462 10.4 75,514 73,632 -0.1
SEQUOIA 2,568 3,446 -28.1 6,938 9,068 -25.5
RX 350 6,608 6,889 -7.5 15,229 15,308 -3.1
TOTAL 123,594 124,080 -3.9 310,805 318,168 -4.9
N.A. VEHICLES % OF
TOTAL 50.9% 57.1% 51.3% 58.4%
SELLING DAYS 28 27 77 75
DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE
Source: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.
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