Category: Toyota News

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Toyota News

Thriving at 50 – Toyota Celebrates North American Manufacturing Milestone

LONG BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2022) – It all started in 1972 when Toyota announced its first manufacturing investment in North America. Today the automaker’s Long Beach, California, operation, TABC, Inc., celebrated 50 years of paving the way for Toyota to become a gold standard in advanced manufacturing.

Building on five decades of quality, TABC is a primary supplier of parts for Tacoma trucks and produces past model service body parts for all North American produced Toyota vehicles.

“For 50 years, the team at TABC has played an integral role in our company’s success, providing parts and components for our vehicles,” said Chris Nielsen, executive vice president, Product Support, and chief quality officer, Toyota North America. “So, it is great to celebrate all they have accomplished, and we look forward to their continuing leadership in providing quality products for our customers.”

Celebrating with the Community

As part of its anniversary celebration, Toyota officials announced $200,000 in community investments to be split among seven partner organizations, including:

  • American Red Cross
  • Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach
  • California State University of Long Beach
  • California Conference for Equality and Justice
  • Children Today
  • Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • U.S. Vets

In addition to the community investments, Toyota donated two vehicles to Rancho Los Alamitos and the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House.

“Toyota cares deeply about being a responsible member of society and improving our local communities,” said TABC president Jim Zehmer. “It is fitting for us to mark our 50th anniversary by celebrating our employees that make all of this possible and by reaffirming our ties to the community with these contributions.”

Growing with Toyota

TABC, originally known as Atlas Fabricators, contracted with Toyota in 1972 to assemble truck beds for vehicles destined for the U.S. Two years later, Toyota purchased the operation and ultimately renamed it “TABC, Inc.,” making it Toyota’s first manufacturing investment in the U.S.

In March 2022, the operation announced an investment of $27 million to support an increase in production capabilities. Currently, the plant employs approximately 350 people and represents a $485 million investment.

Toyota continues to grow its presence in North America. Today, it directly employs nearly 48,000 people, with $40.78 billion invested in its North American operations. The company’s newest plant, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, is scheduled to begin production of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles beginning in 2025.

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About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com

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Toyota News

Toyota Announces $2.5 Billion Expansion of North Carolina Plant with 350 Additional Jobs and BEV Battery Capacity

Toyota NC Logo

Toyota’s global investment climbs up to $5.6 billion, supporting electrification efforts

LIBERTY, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2022) – Toyota announced an additional investment of $2.5 billion in its newest North American facility, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). This investment adds capacity to support battery electric vehicle (BEV) battery production and adds 350 jobs, bringing the total employment to approximately 2,100. Scheduled to begin production in 2025, the facility will produce batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and BEVs.

Last year, Toyota Motor Corporation announced a global investment of approximately $70 billion (8 trillion JPY*) for electrification efforts. Today, as part of this aspirational goal, TMC announced a future battery production commitment of up to $5.6 billion (730 billion JPY), which includes the new North Carolina investment.  

“This marks another significant milestone for our company,” said Norm Bafunno, senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing and Engineering at Toyota Motor North America. “This plant will serve a central role in Toyota’s leadership toward a fully electrified future and will help us meet our goal of carbon neutrality in our vehicles and global operations by 2035.” 

In 2021, Toyota, in partnership with Toyota Tsusho, announced the new Liberty location with an initial investment of $1.29 billion for battery production and the creation of 1,750 new jobs. With today’s announcement, TBMNC’s total investment is $3.8 billion. 

“This is an exciting time for Toyota, the region and the many North Carolinians we will soon employ,” said Sean Suggs, TBMNC president. “This incremental investment reflects our continued commitment to ensuring jobs and future economic growth for the Triad region.”  

Join the Team
Toyota North Carolina is seeking motivated individuals to join its leadership team. To view and apply for open positions, visit www.toyota.com/careers. Production and maintenance employee positions will be available in early 2023. 

* Based on December 2021 Yen-Dollar exchange rate 

About Toyota  

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.   

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants.  By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified. 

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom

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Toyota News

Toyota to Collaborate with Redwood Materials on a Sustainable, Closed-Loop Electrified Vehicle Battery Ecosystem

Areas include end-of-life battery solutions for its battery ecosystem, including battery collection, testing & evaluation, remanufacturing, recycling and battery materials production

PLANO, Texas and CARSON CITY, Nev. (June 21, 2022) – Toyota Motor North America (Toyota), as part of its commitment to reduce its environmental footprint year after year and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, has embarked on a mission to create a sustainable, closed-loop battery ecosystem for its electrified powertrains. This mission focuses not only on the collection, testing and recycling of batteries into raw materials to create a sustainable supply chain, but also aims to develop second-life opportunities for remanufactured and repurposed Toyota hybrid electric vehicle batteries by leveraging battery health screening tools and empowering data from its vehicles.

In connection with these goals, Toyota and Redwood Materials (Redwood) will explore a series of end-of-life battery solutions for Toyota’s proposed battery ecosystem. Initially, this collaboration will focus on the collection, testing and recycling of Toyota hybrid electric vehicle batteries. The companies will then look to expand into other areas such as battery health screening and data management, remanufacturing and battery material supply throughout North America.

“We are excited to be working with Redwood Materials to identify solutions for our electrified powertrains at the end-of-life that contributes to our vision of creating a sustainable, circular battery ecosystem,” said Christopher Yang, group vice president of Business Development at Toyota. “We are committed to developing sustainable solutions that allow our batteries to provide value beyond the initial lifecycle in an electrified vehicle. This also contributes to our carbon neutrality goals and our mission to build a more sustainable world for all.”

Redwood Materials is driving down the environmental footprint and cost of lithium-ion batteries by offering large-scale sources of domestic anode and cathode materials produced from recycled batteries. Redwood receives more than ~6 GWh of end-of-life batteries annually for recycling, which are then refined and remanufactured into critical battery materials. The company plans to ramp production of anode and cathode components in the US to 100 GWh annually by 2025, enough to produce more than one million electric vehicles a year. Together, Toyota and Redwood will investigate ways to seamlessly incorporate battery recycling through domestic battery materials manufacturing into Toyota’s battery production strategy, beginning with North America.

“Toyota helped pave the way for clean transportation with the introduction of the Toyota Prius more than 20 years ago. Their commitment not only to sell millions of electrified vehicles this decade but to ensure their circularity into the future is a critical step for electrification,” said JB Straubel, Redwood Materials founder and CEO. “Redwood and Toyota’s shared vision to drive down the environmental footprint and cost of transportation will continue to accelerate the adoption and access to electric vehicles.”

Toyota’s production plans include new and increased automotive battery production in the United States. Recently Toyota announced an investment of $1.29 billion in a new North American battery plant, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC). When completed, TBMNC is anticipated to produce battery packs for 1.2 million electrified vehicles per year. Toyota expects to sell eight million electrified vehicles globally by 2030 and invest $70B in their development.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

About Redwood Materials

Redwood Materials is creating a circular supply chain to drive down the environmental footprint and cost of lithium-ion batteries and the electric vehicles and sustainable energy storage systems they power. Founded by JB Straubel, the Nevada-based company is offering large-scale sources of domestic anode and cathode materials produced from recycled batteries. Redwood receives more than ~6 GWh of end-of-life batteries annually for recycling, which are then refined and remanufactured into critical battery materials. The company plans to ramp production of anode and cathode components in the US to 100 GWh annually by 2025, enough to produce more than one million electric vehicles a year.

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Toyota News

Toyota to Provide bZ4X Customers with DC Fast Charger Access Through EVgo

Toyota and EVgo Make Deal

Toyota to Provide bZ4X Customers with DC Fast Charger Access Through EVgo                                

Customers to receive one year of unlimited complimentary and convenient charging at EVgo stations nationwide*

PLANO, Texas (Feb. 24, 2022) – When the 2023 Toyota bZ4X battery electric SUV arrives at dealers later this year, it will come with more than just stylish looks and emissions-free utility. The all-new EV will also mark the start of a collaboration between Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) and EVgo to provide new bZ4X customers with on-the-go access to DC fast charging stations. EVgo’s high-powered chargers provide EV drivers both flexibility and convenience to quickly charge at prime locations, such as frequently visited grocery stores, shopping centers and central downtown areas, allowing drivers to travel and charge with minimal downtime and aligning with their break, shopping, eating or errand time.

Customers who purchase or lease a new 2023 Toyota bZ4X will get one year of unlimited complimentary charging at all EVgo-owned and operated public charging stations nationwide. Customers will be able to use the Toyota App on their mobile device to sign up for this offer, locate EVgo stations and initiate complimentary charging for their new bZ4X.

“The arrival of our all-electric bZ4X marks an important step in our commitment towards electrifying 70% of our fleet by 2030. We want our bZ4X customers to enjoy a high-quality ownership experience that is as seamless and worry-free as possible,” said Christopher Yang, vice president, EV Charging Solutions, Toyota Motor North America. “Collaborating with EVgo, the nation’s largest public fast charging network, will help provide bZ4X owners with access to a fast, reliable charge where and when they need it.”

With more than 800 DC fast charging locations and thousands of Level 2 charging stations, EVgo’s charging network serves over 68 metropolitan areas across 35 states. The EVgo network is powered by 100% renewable energy.

“EVgo is thrilled to collaborate with Toyota on bringing accessible and convenient fast charging to new EV drivers with the bZ4X,” said Jonathan Levy, EVgo Chief Commercial Officer. “Toyota’s scale and EVgo’s track record of leadership in clean transportation will help make it easier for even more drivers to go electric.”

When it goes on sale, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X will offer consumers a battery-electric option that combines Toyota’s legendary reputation for quality and reliability with the performance and practicality they expect in a modern SUV.

“This is just the beginning of Toyota’s next-generation battery electric vehicle products that will join our existing portfolio of electrified vehicle options and will drive our progress toward carbon neutrality,” said Yang.

*Non-transferable; excludes commercial, fraudulent, abusive, and other unpermitted or unforeseen uses.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 in North America and has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants.  By 2025, the company’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  Toyota has more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, with electrified vehicles comprising more than a quarter of our 2021 North American sales.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit pressroom.toyota.com.

About EVgo

EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO) is the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles, and the first to be powered by 100% renewable energy. With more than 800 fast charging locations, EVgo’s owned and operated charging network serves over 68 metropolitan areas across 35 states and more than 310,000 customer accounts. Founded in 2010, EVgo leads the way on transportation electrification, partnering with automakers; fleet and rideshare operators; retail hosts such as hotels, shopping centers, gas stations and parking lot operators; and other stakeholders to deploy advanced charging technology to expand network availability and make it easier for drivers across the U.S. to enjoy the benefits of driving an EV. As a charging technology first mover, EVgo works closely with business and government leaders to accelerate the ubiquitous adoption of EVs by providing a reliable and convenient charging experience close to where drivers live, work and play, whether for a daily commute or a commercial fleet.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom

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Toyota News

The 2022 Toyota Mirai Ups Future Tech with New Toyota Teammate™ Advanced Driver Assistance 

2022 Toyota Mirai
  • Toyota Teammate™ Advanced Drive Executes Acceleration, Braking, and Steering Under Active Driver Supervision (available on Limited grade)
  • Striking, Elegant Coupe on Premium RWD Platform
  • Up to EPA Estimated 402 Miles of Range on XLE grade
  • Up to $15,000 of Hydrogen Fuel Included with Mirai Purchase or Lease

PLANO, Texas (March 10, 2022) – Toyota’s second-generation Mirai, a premium rear-wheel drive luxury fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) with striking coupe-like design, makes another leap into the future of driving with available Toyota Teammate™ advanced driver assistance technology for model year 2022.

Toyota Teammate is built around the philosophy that people and vehicles can work in partnership to achieve safe, convenient and efficient mobility. Toyota Teammate, available on the 2022 Mirai Limited grade, provides two functions: Advanced Drive and Advanced Park. Mirai Limited will feature standard Advanced Park, while Advanced Drive will be available as a purchased upgrade.

The first-generation Mirai (2016-2020) was the first production FCEV offered for sale to retail customers in North America. This second-generation Mirai is a complete reboot from the first generation, with a stunning design that doesn’t quit, more engaging driving performance, a zero emission range of 402 EPA-estimated miles on the Mirai XLE (previous EPA rating of 312 miles) and technology that brings the future of mobility to the present.

Toyota Teammate Steps Up to the Plate

Toyota Teammate’s Advanced Drive function is designed to support drivers by accurately detecting driving conditions to plan and execute acceleration, braking and steering commands under active supervision of the driver. It can also maintain the vehicle within the lane, follow other vehicles, change lanes, navigate certain interchanges and traffic jams and overtake slower vehicles.

Advanced Drive is classified as a Level 2 system as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE), where the driver continues to perform part of the dynamic driving tasks while the feature is engaged. This functionality allows for hands-free driving on limited access highways under certain conditions with eyes-on-the-road operation. This feature can benefit the driver by reducing fatigue over long periods of driving, enabling the driver to pay closer attention to surroundings for greater safety.

When initiated and monitored by the driver, Advanced Park performs the operations necessary for hands-free parking by controlling steering, acceleration, braking and gear changes when parallel parking or backing into a parking space. Using 360-degree sensing, which integrates the functions of complete-circumference cameras and ultrasonic sensors, the system also provides a bird’s-eye view display to allow the driver to check the vehicle’s position relative to any obstacles during Advanced Park operation.

FCEV: Making Electricity from Hydrogen 

The Toyota Mirai is an FCEV, in essence a “plug-less” electric vehicle. So how does it work?

An FCEV generates its own electricity onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen from the outside air, with water as the only emission. Pressing the accelerator pedal yields immediate flow of electric power from the fuel cell and/or battery to the rear-mounted AC synchronous electric motor, which drives the rear wheels. As you drive, the fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen with oxygen from the air and a chemical reaction produces electric current and water, which drops out of a hidden vent pipe beneath the car.

Electricity generated by the Mirai’s fuel cell and regenerative braking system is stored in a lithium-ion battery. There’s no need to charge a big battery, which can take several hours in an EV even with fast charging. Instead, the FCEV driver simply fills the tank with hydrogen, just as millions of drivers do every day with gas vehicles.

With an FCEV, the fuel is non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline. Every 2022 Toyota Mirai will include up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen with a purchase or lease. 

Mirai Pricing

The 2022 XLE grade has a starting MSRP of $49,500. An Advanced Technology Package, which includes Bird’s Eye View camera, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking and front seat foot illumination, can be added for $1,410.

The Limited grade has a starting MSRP of $66,000. Advanced park is standard and the Toyota Teammate Package can be added for $5,170, which includes Advanced Drive with 10-year subscription (including extension of Safety Connect, Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist trials); 2-year extension of Remote Connect trial; 12.3-in. color TFT LCD gauge cluster; 120V/100W power outlet and dual-bulb LED headlights. (New Advanced Drive System Service subscription required after expiration of 10-year period, if available. 4G network dependent.)

Both the XLE and Limited grades offer special colors for the price of $425 including Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red and, exclusive to the Limited, Hydro Blue; 20-inch Super Chrome Alloy wheels are available for the Limited grade for an additional $1,120 (Super Chrome Alloy wheel option is not available on Limited grade models equipped with the Toyota Teammate Package).

Each Mirai comes with up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen.

An extended ToyotaCare maintenance plan, good for three years or 35,000 miles, is included with the vehicle. Other owner benefits include roadside assistance for three years (unlimited miles), an eight-year/100,000-mile FCEV warranty on key fuel cell electric vehicle components, a complimentary rental experience for up to 21 days during the first three years of ownership, and much more.

Related Media

 

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants.  By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom

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Toyota News

Two First-Production 2022 Toyota Tundras Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Help Raise More Than $1.2 Million for Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund

The First 2022 Toyota Tundra at the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction

PLANO, Texas (Jan. 31, 2022) – Toyota auctioned two of the first i-FORCE MAX Tundras at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, over the weekend, resulting in more than $1.2 million going to benefit the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund.

The Toyota Tundra Capstone with VIN 001 sold for $700,000. The Toyota TRD Pro with VIN 002 sold for $550,000.

The Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund is a first-of-its-kind program launched by the company in an effort to further support Team USA’s Paralympic athletes as they pursue their sport dreams. To date, more than 430 U.S. Paralympic athletes and hopefuls have received direct support from the Fund, with contributions from across the country, including from Toyota dealerships. With proceeds from the Toyota auctions at Barrett-Jackson, the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund has now raised more than $4.9 million.

U.S. Paralympian Kaitlyn Verfuerth, who received support from the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund, joined Toyota on the auction block both nights.

“I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would help Toyota auction off a Tundra for $550,000!” says Verfuerth. “These funds will go directly to help Paralympic athletes train, have proper equipment and have access to the best coaching. This type of support is life-changing, and I cannot thank Toyota enough for helping me go more places than I’ve ever imagined.”

Each winning bidder will also receive:

  • A Toyota-hosted trip for two to Park City, Utah, for an exclusive program to cheer on the Team USA athletes who will be competing at the Paralympic Winter Games.
  • A Tundra engine cover signed by chief engineer Mike Sweers.
  • An exclusive framed print of the original Tundra styling sketches from Calty (Toyota’s North American design studio), signed by Calty president, Kevin Hunter, and Tundra exterior designers, Adam Rabinowitz and Chung Lee.

Vehicle specs for each truck auctioned off can be found here.

*The auction-winning vehicles will not be immediately available and will be delivered in spring of 2022.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom

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Toyota News

A Toyota Milestone; 50 Million Corollas Sold.

Toyota's praised family of Corolla vehicles.
Toyota's praised family of Corolla vehicles.

After 12 generations and 55 years of production, the 50-millionth Corolla has been sold, marking a major milestone for not only Toyota but the automotive industry as a whole. Introduced to the U.S. in the spring of ‘68, the Toyota Corolla was relatively unknown to American consumers but quickly grew to be the world’s top-selling car. Known for its reliability, the Corolla earned the trust and confidence of its owners, slowly forming a long list of lifelong followers with every car sold.

Generations of Reliability

With the first Corolla rolling onto U.S. shores in 1968, Toyota immediately began to make a name for themselves amongst automakers. The first-generation Corolla was a simple, clean, yet refined design, available in coupe, four-door sedan, and two-door wagon models, with its reliability, truly paving the way to popularity. Experiencing immediate success in the U.S. market, Corolla quickly became the poster child for value and reliability in its class, while also growing to be one of Toyota’s biggest assets.

Following the massive success of the first-generation Corolla, Toyota continued with the Corolla name and has produced over 50 years’ worth of ultra-reliable vehicles. Offering more comfort, convenience, and performance with each new generation, the Corolla further solidified itself as one of the best value and most reliable vehicles in existence. Such value, performance, and safety are hard to resist, resulting in millions of Corolla owners, spanning multiple generations of a family.

As sales continued to soar, the 1973 Oil Embargo was enacted and resulted in a major fuel crisis with long lines and sky-high prices at the pump. Fuel became so expensive that fuel rationing had to be put into effect, casting fear and doubt in millions. That fear and doubt led those millions to the Corolla and its fantastic fuel efficiency, further popularizing the Corolla and carrying Toyota even closer to the top.

In the mid-80s Toyota sales had skyrocketed due to their heroic performance during the Oil Embargo, leading Toyota to build a U.S. plant for Corollas. This move to the U.S. not only increased vehicle reliability, but consumer confidence as well because Americans love anything made in the United States. With such success in producing vehicles in the U.S. Toyota has continued to manufacture vehicles there, opening up the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Inc. (TMMS) in 2011 which is home to Corolla production. Recently Toyota has even joined forces with Mazda and built a manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Alabama which will be the home of the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota’s all-new crossover SUV.

Onward and Upward

After over 50 years and 50 million Corollas sold, Toyota isn’t ready to stop there. With big plans for future generations of Corolla, Toyota is sure to stay at the top of its class as it plans to continue pumping out the ultra-reliable Corolla. As mentioned, for 2022 Toyota will be releasing the Corolla Cross, a highly anticipated crossover SUV that is sure to dominate its market. The Corolla lineup is a proud family of vehicles, boasting a variety of models including sedans, a hot hatchback, hybrids, and the upcoming Corolla Cross.

Seeing its latest refresh in 2019, the Corolla is ready to keep delighting families and making memories by offering updated models to fit the modern customer. Reviving the hatchback, the 2019 refresh of the Corolla was a huge hit among Toyota enthusiasts and even earned newly loyal fans. It’s no secret that in modern times Toyota continues to be a leader and innovator, with generations of loyal customers clinging on to their every move.

Not ready to stop at 50 million Corollas sold, Toyota has its sights set on the future, aiming to put even more cars in America’s driveways as the years go on. Toyota is a leader in offering stylish, safe, efficient, and dependable vehicles that are ready to help write endless chapters in your adventure story. With the Corolla Cross coming in 2022, Toyota is ready yet again to shake up the automotive industry and forge new precedents with its foray into small compact crossover SUVs that are affordable.

Thank You

As Toyota continues to make cars, they want to take time to reflect upon the journey and thank their millions of customers. With 50 million Corollas sold, Toyota is ready to carry on into the future, making memories and traveling millions of miles along the way. Become a part of the Toyota family today, stop in at Lithia Toyota of Abilene to check out our fantastic selection of Corollas and other Toyota models. Everyone has a Corolla story, what’s yours? Share your Corolla story by using #MyCorollaStory on your social media.

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Changing Tires with the Seasons.

Different Tires for Different Seasons.

Looking for new tires this season? Call Lithia Toyota of Abilene today!

At the Tire Shop

It’s 4pm on a Friday afternoon and you’re in line at the tire shop anxiously awaiting the enormous bill that you’re about to incur. “Next!” yells out the middle-aged service writer, motioning from amongst a whirlwind of paperwork, for you to come to the counter. At the counter you tell the service writer that you need four new tires and he asks you “Summer, winter, all-season?” and it dawns on you at that moment that you’re totally unprepared for this question. “There’s a difference in tires?” you think to yourself, and your mind begins to wonder how you’ve gone so long not knowing there were different tires, let alone what those differences are. Being in a position like this isn’t all that uncommon, unless you’re a car enthusiast or a mechanic yourself, chances are you were never told about the differences in tire compounds and why there is even a need for different tires. They say you learn something new every day, and today’s lesson is on the various tire compounds and their specific uses, so buckle in and come along for the ride.

Different Tires, for Different Seasons

Both the summer and winter are filled with their own unique wonders and magical times, but also filled with their own unique challenges at the same time. Winter can be cold, harsh, and unforgiving, both to humans and machines alike. While the summer may not come with ice and snow like winter, it can still be host to poor or dangerous driving conditions just like winter is. With the winter and summer being total opposites, it makes sense that there isn’t just one tire to handle both seasons. Tire manufacturers nowadays have tire offerings in three different categories, Summer, Winter and All-Season, each boasting their own advantages and disadvantages. Now you may be wondering, why not just buy all-season tires for all the seasons? Stick around and read about why all-season tires aren’t necessarily for all of the seasons, and why winter tires should be kept to colder temperatures.

Summer Tires

Summer tires are excellent dry and wet condition tires in warmer weather, making them perfectly suited for rainy summer evenings and sweltering hot afternoons. In order to gain superior traction and handling that summer tires are known for, they were designed with less grooving for water clearance and even have a more streamlined tread pattern which increases the amount of tire in contact with the road, ultimately providing better traction. On top of the increased traction and handling, summer tires also boast better fuel economy due to their reduced rolling resistance. While summer tires are great because of their increased traction and handling, the technology used to achieve those results ends up being detrimental to the car and driver if driven in cold weather conditions. Because of the summer tires’ streamlined tread design, they become much more brittle in cold weather and therefore are considered unsafe in winter driving conditions. Purchase your summer tires and have them mounted and balanced at Lithia Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene, TX, then hit the roads in confidence with your new tires.

Winter Tires

Cold weather brings a plethora of problems, from snowfall shutting down roads to black ice causing accidents, the winter is no joke. That is why it’s imperative to head into every winter prepared for the challenges the cold weather forces you to encounter daily. One way to fight back against the cold, cruel beast that is winter is with winter tires. Winter tires are designed with more natural rubber in the tire compound, allowing the tire to maintain flexibility even in temperatures below freezing. In addition to the unique rubber compounding, winter tires boast more aggressive tread patterns that help dig into the snow and ice, providing traction and handling without having to stud the tire. While winter tires are great in cold weather, it’s not a great idea to keep them on during the warmer months as the softer rubber compound will cause accelerated wear and tear of the tire and pose handling and traction issues as well. After running winter tires during the cold weather months, make sure to switch off to a good summer tire or a set of all-season tires. Before winter sneaks up on you, make sure to drop by Lithia Toyota of Abilene Service Center to get your winter tires and winter car servicing.

All-Season Tires

All-season tires means they can be used in all seasons right? Unfortunately, that is a common misconception amongst drivers today, with most drivers believing they can run one set of all-season tires year-round with no issues. While all-season tires sound like they can do it all, they really just excel at being mediocre in all seasons. With winter tires sporting extra rubber to maintain a softer compound for the cold weather conditions, and summer tires boasting a stiffer tire that provides better traction in warm weather, all-seasons take a bit of inspiration from both which results in a hybridized version of summer and winter tires. All-season tires sacrifice a bit of the warm and wet weather traction in favor of being able to grip in ice and snow, making them a great choice for those that live in climates that don’t drop below freezing often or if at all. The true way to determine if an all-season tire is the right tire for you is to base it off of your local climate, a very neutral climate area is the best place to use all-season tires in. If you’re looking for a great middle ground between summer and winter tires, purchasing all-season tires at Lithia Toyota of Abilene is a great option.

Which Tire is Best for Me?

Choosing a tire seemed simple before all of this info, right? While there are many factors that go into purchasing a tire, you don’t have to be an expert to make a choice, as our parts experts at Lithia Toyota of Abilene will guide you in choosing the right tire for your vehicle. In order to make it a little easier to select a tire, consider your climate and daily driving conditions first, then make sure to stop by Lithia Toyota of Abilene to speak with a parts professional and order your tires today!

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Toyota News

The Stars Align for 2022 Toyota Tundra

The Stars Align for 2022 Toyota Tundra

With a host of new features and returning fan favorites, the 2022 Toyota Tundra will expand possibilities for adventure when it is fully unveiled later this fall. Sign up to get the latest updates for the 2022 Toyota Tundra here. #Tundra

Click the source article below to view the video!

Source Article: https://pressroom.toyota.com/the-stars-align-for-2022-toyota-tundra/

Categories
Toyota News

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Makes U.S. Debut and Expands Corolla Lineup

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Makes U.S. Debut and Expands Corolla Lineup

For more than 50 years, Corolla has been synonymous with dependability, fuel efficiency, safety and value – and today, Toyota is evolving the series even further. Based on the ever-popular Corolla sedan, the all-new 2022 Corolla Cross, which made its U.S. debut today, is the bold compact crossover you didn’t know you needed until now.

“Our loyal customers love the quality, durability and reliability that has helped make Corolla the best-selling nameplate in history,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing.  “With the all-new Corolla Cross we are building upon that foundation and offering more versatility and fun to adapt to their evolving lifestyles.”

Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the compact SUV maximizes the inherent potential of the high-strength TNGA-C platform and a 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, enabling the all-new model to achieve high-quality performance, a comfortable ride and outstanding spaciousness. What’s more, the surprising cargo capacity gives it the versatility to accommodate life’s adventures.

Well-Appointed, Yet Powerful

Spread across three grades – L, LE, and XLE – the versatile design of the Corolla Cross is spacious, modern, powerful and high-quality. From an engineering perspective, the 2022 Corolla Cross offers an approachable exterior as well as a higher line-of-sight thanks to the TNGA-C platform. Key design cues include a distinctive black grille flanked by LED lighting with black body accents – giving the entry SUV a confident stance. And from the rear, the design elements continue, with an integrated rear spoiler and LED lighting. Wheel options range from 17-inch steel on L to 18-inch alloy on XLE.

Inside, Corolla Cross’ spacious interior shares many similarities with its sedan and hatchback siblings. The all-new model can be outfitted with a power moonroof, as well as either single- or dual-zone automatic climate control, with all grades featuring standard heating and air conditioning vents for rear seat passengers.

SofTex-trimmed seating is also available, as is a 10-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar and heated front seats.

In back, storage space can be maxed out thanks to the 60/40-split folding rear seats that come standard on all grades, while XLE models also include a center armrest with two cupholders. And to make access to the roomy cargo area even more convenient, the Corolla Cross has an available power liftgate with height adjustability.

Corolla Cross will also be available with accessories that expand its capability including a roof rack with crossbars, an activity mount for carrying items, such as bicycles and all-weather floormats.

Small But Mighty

Who says a crossover has to feel small? The Corolla Cross is equipped with the mighty 2.0L Dynamic Force engine and Direct Shift CVT from Corolla sedan’s sportier “S” grades. That means a punchy 169 horsepower and a physical first gear that provides a truly engaging driving experience, all while providing exceptional efficiency.

Corolla Cross’ suspension also plays a role here, as it’s fully independent for all-wheel-drive models, while front-wheel-drive vehicles feature a brand-new torsion beam system in the rear.

Additionally, every Corolla Cross is capable of towing up to 1,500 lbs.

And for those who choose AWD, Toyota’s clever Dynamic Torque Control system can direct up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when it’s needed – and disengages completely when it’s not. This feature helps Corolla Cross maintain great fuel economy estimates – another strong suit for this powertrain – with an estimated 32 combined MPG for the FWD model and an estimated 30 combined MPG for the AWD model.

Connected and Charged Up for the Long Drive

Inside Corolla Cross, advanced technology does not disappoint. This includes an available 7-inch Multi-Information Display with a digital instrumentation layout and an available 8-inch multimedia touchscreen. The ease of use and vast range of in-car entertainment and connected functionalities, including standard compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, will be sure to keep passengers occupied. Mobile devices will stay topped off through wireless charging (standard on LE and XLE), or through the conveniently located USB media port. LE and XLE grades offer two USB charging ports for rear seat passengers, welcoming all devices along for the drive.

The available Audio Plus multimedia with Remote Connect and a nine-speaker JBL® sound system is the perfect complement to a road trip playlist. And when it’s time to turn on the tunes, Amazon Alexa connectivity keeps Amazon’s digital assistant just a question away. Other connected features include a standard three-month SiriusXM All Access trial subscription to more than 300 channels accessible throughout the country.

Safety

True to Toyota form, modern safety is key for Corolla Cross. That’s why all grades come standard with both the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced active safety systems, as well as Toyota’s signature STAR Safety System.

Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert come standard on LE and XLE, while Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is standard on XLE. And nine airbags are mounted throughout the cabin to help protect occupants.

Source Article: https://pressroom.toyota.com/2022-toyota-corolla-cross-makes-u-s-debut-and-expands-corolla-lineup/