All-New third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander SUV Makes World Debut at 2013 New York Auto Show

March 27, 2013

• All-New Dynamic, Sleek Exterior Design
• Refined, Premium Interior with Advanced Technologies
• New Six-Speed Automatic with Sequential Shift on V6 Models
• Available Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive
• Available Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

An all-new exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, complementing a new interior that will raise the bar in the mid-size SUV segment.  With three-row seating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander will offer a nuanced  balance of style, comfort and utility.  The total package is capped off with three powertrain choices: a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine a powerful V6 with a new six-speed transmission that will produce excellent all-around capability, and a V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain for enhanced mileage and fewer emissions.
 
Sophisticated, Dynamic Exterior is Sleek and Strong
Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels.  The exterior has grown in length by approximately three inches while width is increased one-half inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance.

From the front, Highlander’s hood merges with a redesigned trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders for a more aggressive appearance. 

The length of the profile, from the front fenders to the rear quarter panels, boldly stands out with sculptured wheel wells at the corners, allowing for prominently protruding wheels.  The total package is capped off by a newly designed rear lift-gate with one-touch power open/close and driver selectable memory height settings, and taillights and bumper that exude style and strength.
 
Highlander’s body structure will include high-strength steel in the front pillars for increased rigidity.  Visibility has been improved through precise repositioning of the front A-pillars, while the size of the rear quarter glass has been increased to provide a wider view for driver and occupants.

Refinement is enhanced through improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) measures.  Interior noise reduction is achieved through a 30 percent expansion of silencing insulation materials in the floor areas.  Acoustic-type glass is used for the windshield to help reduce noise entering the cabin, and even the panoramic moonroof design works to help reduce wind noise, even when the moonroof is open.

Vibration is minimized through expanded coverage of the dash silencer, enhancements to body sealing, and the strategic placement of three hydraulic engine mounts.  Improvements in the exhaust layout have been made for additional noise and vibration reduction.
 
Premium Interior Design with Advanced Functionality
Toyota engineers raised the bar on interior design for the mid-size SUV segment by adding even more refinement and functionality to the new Highlander.   The 2014 model will offer a premium interior highlighted by increased spaciousness for up to eight people, and an array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.

The new Highlander’s interior utilizes premium materials to offer an upscale experience, with most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching. All Highlanders will come equipped with a soft-touch instrument panel; and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior.  Wood-grain pattern trim can be found on the front dash and door trim for an added touch of elegance.  Premium fabrics, available smooth and perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add to Highlander’s redesigned upscale interior.  The adoption of a high quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades add to Highlander’s refinement and comfort.

A new roll-top center console box with a dampened sliding door provides a comfortable armrest, or when fully opened is large enough to hold a large handbag.  All Highlanders will feature a newly designed in-meter-cluster Multi-Information Display.  Available ambient lighting around the front dash and doors add to the refined environment.

The second row offers bench-seating for three passengers or two captain’s seats featuring a collapsible tray with cup holders for added convenience.  Getting into the third-row is made easier with the addition of a one-step second-row sliding seat function that provides nearly three more inches of space for easier entry and exit to the third-row.  An overall interior width increase of 4.3 inches in the third-row and a standard recline function creates added comfort for up to three passengers.  Like the second-row bench, the third-row will be 40/60 split for added passenger and storage flexibility and convenience.  Rear cargo space behind the third-row has also increased by up to 34 percent for added storage.

Additional available convenience features include an Automatic High Beam System, Auto Cruise Control, Smart Key, driver’s seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s seats, and a heated steering wheel.
 
Improved Dynamic Performance, Handling, Efficiency
The new Highlander will be available in three powertrains.  A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The 2.7-liter engine is teamed with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

A 3.5-liter V6 is also equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. Acceleration and fuel efficiency are improved thanks to a new six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.

The Highlander Hybrid model’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system pairs the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency.

The new Highlander will provide a more dynamic driving experience, with new technologies that include Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD), enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering.  The spring rates and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help enhance the vehicles handling characteristics.

Highlander will have a MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and available 19-inch alloys.

Highlander’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system automatically shifts from front-wheel drive (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage.  The driver is able to view the torque-distribution settings on the meter display.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential.

Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system uses information sent from various sensors (speed, steering angle and speed, throttle angle and yaw rate) to automatically govern the transmission of torque to the rear wheels, as required.

A sophisticated, high-speed interactive management system coordinates control of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance Highlander’s performance, handling and safety.
 
Advanced In-Cabin, Multimedia Connectivity
All new Highlanders come equipped with Toyota’s Entune™ multimedia system.  The Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth^® and voice recognition is standard, while an eight-inch touchscreen system and Toyota’s Entune™ app suite with12 JBL speakers is also available. 

The new Highlander will also offer an available Rear Seat Entertainment system with an RCA coaxial input terminal at the rear of the center console to allow external devices, such as gaming systems, to be connected. 
 
Comprehensive Array of Safety & Convenience Features
All 2014 Highlander’s will have eight standard airbags.  Like every Toyota, Highlander will feature the standard Star Safety System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology.  All Highlander’s will also come equipped with a standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control.  All AWD models will have an AWD LOCK switch. 

New available safety and convenience features include rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Pre-collision System.    

All Highlanders are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton, Ind. The all-new Highlander will reach dealer showrooms in early 2014.

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Take a look and share, great pride in building Toyota's
December 12, 2012

By now many of you have seen the Toyota Tundra commercial with the TMMTX Plant workers. It solicits a lot of pride in where we build the Tundra and is resonating well with consumer. Below is another opportunity to share the Toyota story with your personnel, family, friends and business associates. Take a moment to visit the site below. Once there, forward the email on to people you know and share on your Social Media sites. This is the kind of stuff that hits home, especially for those that call Texas their home. In addition, there are great shots of the pride that Toyota workers have in the vehicles they build.
Take a look and share.

http://www.wherewecomefrom.com/

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Toyota Sales Jump 17.2 Percent in November
December 3, 2012

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) today reported monthly sales of 161,695 vehicles in November, up 17.2 percent on both a daily selling rate (DSR) basis and an unadjusted raw volume basis, compared to the same period last year. Riding the crest of 19 new and updated products launched this year, TMS continued to outperform the industry, with new and updated models accounting for close to 40 percent of all vehicles sold this year, Bill Fay, group vice president and Toyota Division general manager said in a conference call with journalists. The Toyota Division posted sales of 138,976 vehicles, an increase of 17.3 percent; the Lexus Division reported monthly sales of 22,719 units, up 16.8 percent. Scion benefited from a return of younger buyers to the marketplace along with new products. It posted November sales of 5,606 units, up 57.8 percent. Industrywide, Fay said three key factors are driving growth in the market: pent-up demand, record low financing rates, and the surge of young buyers returning to the market. In fact, Gen Y buyers are returning at a higher rate than any other age group. Part of the industry increase in November was due to people beginning to replace vehicles damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. Fay said an estimated 25,000 vehicle sales in November were a result of the Sandy. Fay said four New York-area Toyota dealers were hardest hit by the super storm. Other dealers voluntarily gave up product to support those dealers, and all of the dealers were up and running within five days. The Port of Newark also was hard hit, but it was processing vehicles again within two weeks. “I can’t say enough about the extra effort and teamwork by our dealers and associates,” added Fay. Speaking for the Lexus Division, Vice President of Sales Tim Morrison said, “Lexus posted its best November sales in five years. Our momentum is extremely strong, and we will close out 2012 with a December to Remember.” Morrison added that last week was a “banner week” for the Lexus brand. “Lexus earned the top spot in the J.D. Power and Associates’ Sales Satisfaction Index, completing our 2012 grand slam of J.D. Power studies with Initial Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Vehicle Dependability and now Sales Satisfaction,” he said. In addition, last week Kelley Blue Book named Toyota and Lexus the top volume and luxury brands, respectively, for resale, and Toyota, Lexus and Scion products earned a total of nine ALG awards for high residual values.

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Prius Family Tops Consumer Guide® Automotive’s 2013 Best Buy Awards

December 3, 2012

Toyota’s entire line of 2013 Prius models has received the first-ever Consumer Guide Automotive Editor’s Choice Best Buy Award for being the best in value, features and driving experience among car and truck choices. Consumer Guide Automotive editors assessed vehicles based on price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records and resale value. The complete list of 2013 Best Buy Awards can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/Txlkag.

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Nielsen Automotive Names Toyota ‘Green Marketer of the Year’
December 3, 2012

Nielsen Automotive recognized Toyota as “Green Marketer of the Year” for increasing consumer awareness and positively shifting consumer perceptions for the auto industry’s environmentally friendly marketing initiatives. Nielsen said Toyota won by leveraging its Prius family ad campaigns, as well as its social media events. Nielsen surveyed nearly 2,600 consumers’ cross-media awareness and perceptions of environmental messages by automotive brands. Additionally, response data from 6 million viewers of national TV advertising was collected by Nielsen’s ad effectiveness measurements service. Social media “buzz” was the aggregate sentiment within green-related discussion threads, based on more than 115,000 social media messages. According to the Nielsen research, 53 percent of respondents were aware of Toyota’s green marketing initiatives. In addition, Toyota’s campaigns helped cultivate a strong green enthusiast base, which drove the most positive online sentiment among the nominees, surpassing the auto average by 64 percent. To read the full story, go to: http://bit.ly/QPUHC8.

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Toyota, Lexus and Scion Combine for Nine Awards in ALG’s 2013 Residual Value Awards
November 26, 2012

Toyota, Lexus and Scion earned a total of nine awards in the 14th annual ALG Residual Value Awards that forecast which vehicles will retain the highest percentage of their MSRP after three years of ownership. This year’s awards are based on 2013 model-year vehicles. Six Toyota vehicles won their segments: FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Prius c, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra. Scion FR-S won the sports car segment.

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Toyota, Lexus and Scion Combine for Nine Awards in ALG’s 2013 Residual Value Awards
November 26, 2012

Toyota, Lexus and Scion earned a total of nine awards in the 14th annual ALG Residual Value Awards that forecast which vehicles will retain the highest percentage of their MSRP after three years of ownership. This year’s awards are based on 2013 model-year vehicles. Six Toyota vehicles won their segments: FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Prius c, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra. Scion FR-S won the sports car segment.

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Toyota, Lexus Are Top Brands in Kelley Blue Book Resale Value Awards … Again

November 26, 2012

For the second year in a row, Toyota and Lexus are the top non-luxury and luxury brands, respectively, in the annual Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards, which assess how well 2013 models are expected to retain their original list price after five years of ownership. According to KBB, “Toyota’s entire lineup of 2013 model-year vehicles is expected to retain the greatest amount of its original value after the initial five years of ownership.” Six Toyota models won in their categories: Avalon, FJ Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra. The FJ Cruiser was the vehicle with the highest resale value among all 2013 models. Tacoma was second overall; 4Runner was fifth and Land Cruiser was sixth. Scion tC won its category and was 10th on the overall Top 10. To read a New York Times article about the awards, please click on http://is.gd/Elpmu2

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Toyota and Scion Will Introduce Several Customized Vehicles at SEMA Show
October 29, 2012 

Toyota will hold a press conference at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., on Oct. 30 at 11:00 a.m. PDT to introduce nine customized vehicles for its SEMA Show display and to announce the winner of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. Three of the nine brand-new and unique custom-built vehicles are based on the all-new 2013 Avalon. To view the event live on the internet, go to http://on.fb.me/RpiDdm. Further information on the Toyota customized vehicles, can be found by visiting www.toyotanewsroom.com. Scion has three FR-S Tuner Challenge cars that they revealed last week in advance of the SEMA Show. For detailed specifications and images on each of the FR-S Tuner Challenge cars, please visit www.ScionNewsroom.com or http://bit.ly/SG7yCF.

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Venza Earns 5-Star Safety Rating in NHTSA New Car Assessment 
October 29, 2012 

The 2013 Toyota Venza has received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) highest rating for frontal, side and rollover crash tests. Venza received five stars after NHTSA tested both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Also called the New Car Assessment Program, NHTSA created the 5-Star Safety Ratings System to provide consumers with information about its evaluation of the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles. To learn more about the rating and watch videos of the crash tests, please go to: http://1.usa.gov/VaOGMe.

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Toyota’s Production Expertise Helps Rebuild Missouri Town, Lower Hospital Costs

Toyota’s donation of its Toyota Production System expertise continues helping schools, hospitals and nonprofits improve their operations, extend their reach and increase their impact. Two recent examples illustrate how Toyota, through its non-profit arm – the Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC), is making a positive difference. One is Rebuild Joplin, an effort to rebuild the Missouri town devastated by a tornado last year. Using lessons learned from the Toyota Production System, Rebuild Joplin has reduced construction time of replacement homes by three weeks on average. To learn more, please click on http://is.gd/W59FBY. The Toyota Production System also is helping a Virginia hospital lower its costs and improve health outcomes. To view the recent TV report on the program, please click on http://is.gd/LFv43D.

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Toyota Tops Corporate Loyalty Analysis In The 2nd Quarter

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. ranked highest in corporate loyalty in the 2nd Quarter of 2012, according to the Experian Automotive Loyalty and Market Trend analysis. Toyota saw its corporate loyalty increase from 41.6 percent in Q2 2011 to 47.3 percent, surpassing General Motors and Ford. This increase marks the first time Toyota has achieved the top spot since Q3 2009. Experian Automotive defines corporate loyalty as measuring whether a new vehicle purchase matches a prior vehicle owned at the corporate level. This includes brands under the corporate umbrella. In other highlights, total vehicle purchases were up by more than 370,000 units reaching 3.6 million in Q2 2012. Toyota posted the largest unit sales gain with 145,000 additional registrations. Toyota also had the biggest market share gain in the 2nd quarter with 2.8 percent. To see the Experian Automotive press release and an infographics on the Loyalty and Market Trend report, please go to: www.ExperianAutomotive.com.

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Tough Toyota Tundra To Haul Endeavor Space Shuttle Into History

Tonight Toyota will help make history tonight as a sturdy Tundra pickup helps pull the retired Space Shuttle Endeavour across a major freeway overpass during a journey from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the California Science Center. The 2012 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 1.2-ton pickup is slated to tow Endeavour nearly a quarter of a mile across the Manchester Boulevard Bridge over the 405 Freeway sometime late tonight in Pacific Daylight time zone. Tundra will pull the 5-story shuttle and custom tow dolly weighing a combined 292,000 pounds over the bridge at about two miles per hour. The pickup is assembled at Toyota’s San Antonio, Texas plant, and is equipped with Toyota’s powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine. The area surrounding the Manchester Bridge will be closed. There will be a few spots along Endeavour’s route where people can catch a glimpse of the massive space shuttle, but Los Angeles Police Department officials say access will be limited and security will be significant during the move. To view an outline of the shuttle route, please visit the KNBC-TV website at www.nbclosangeles.com. The California Science Center, the eventual home of the shuttle, is inviting people to watch the move in real time at a Goggle+ event site: http://bit.ly/RmAZMr. Toyota’s relationship with the California Science Center started 20 years ago with a commitment to inspire youth in the fields of engineering, innovation and future technology. Tundra has been a part of the Center’s display, supported a bio-diversity focused expedition for the center and will be part of the future Endeavour museum display. Toyota has launched a mico-website at www.toyota.com/tundraendeavour to provide shuttle and Tundra information, as well as offer an opportunity for visitors to contribute support to the Science Center. The Daily Breeze, a local news organization, said it plans to provide continuous live coverage of the shuttle Endeavour's slow-speed journey from LAX to the California Science Center from pre-dawn Friday to late Saturday - including photos, videos and live updates at www.dailybreeze.com.

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2013 Toyota Avalon: Infused with Inspiration

October 3, 2012

Follow along over the next few months as we share how we completely redesigned the 2013 Toyota Avalon.

Introducing the 2013 Toyota Avalon, coming fall 2012. It’s a whole new car, front to back, inside and out. From the drawing board to life-size concept models to the test track, our designers and engineers have dedicated themselves to rethinking how the driver and passengers can be moved — literally and figuratively.

The result? An Avalon with a sleek, modern profile. It’s more luxurious on the inside with ambient lighting, a high-tech dashboard with IntelliTouch™ capacitive controls, and available heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, all trimmed in supple leather. And for the driver, it’s more fun behind the wheel, with tighter suspension, available paddle shifters, and drive modes.

How it all came together is quite a story, and we’re sharing it right here. So keep stopping by for some inside info and updates on everything Avalon.  http://www.toyota.com/avalonexperience/ 

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Toyota Tundra to Tow Space Shuttle Endeavour to California Science Center

The Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck is slated to tow the space shuttle Endeavour during its final journey to the California Science Center on October 13.  The Endeavour will travel a total of 12 miles from Los Angeles International Airport on city streets to be permanently displayed at the Science Center.  The 2012 Tundra CrewMax will tow the 300,000 pound historical artifact down Bill Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles.

The Tundra CrewMax ½ ton pickup is identical to models currently found in Toyota dealerships with no additional modifications made to increase towing capacity or generate more power.  The truck is equipped with Toyota’s powerful 5.7 liter V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 10,000 pounds.;

The tow Tundra will replace the existing Tundra model currently in a Science Center exhibit and will be displayed after the Endeavour exhibit opens on October 30.

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Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center Launches New Projects and Partnerships

Toyota has announced the expansion of its groundbreaking partner-based automotive safety initiative with the launch of seven new research programs in partnership with four leading research institutions from across North America.

The new partners include Stanford University, University of Toronto, University of California San Diego and Ohio State University.  The seven projects bring the CSRC’s total research portfolio of joint research programs to 26.

The new projects build on the CSRC’s efforts to help reduce the risk of driver distraction and help better protect vulnerable traffic populations, including children, teens, seniors and pedestrians.

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