Toyota to resume Tundra production Nov. 10th
October 22, 2008
SAN ANTONIO — Toyota Motor Co. will resume production at its full-size truck plant Nov. 10 but will run only one of the two production lines, officials said Tuesday.
The 2,000 workers at the Tundra plant will split their time between making the 2009 model and doing non-production improvements projects, said spokesman Mike De La Garza.
The automaker suspended production at the plant in August, cutting short its 2008 model production after high gas prices and slowing construction cramped demand for full-size trucks. The full-time workers have stayed on the payroll, undergoing training and doing improvement projects.
De La Garza said the company expects to resume production on two lines in the spring.
“Of course, all that depends on sales and market conditions,” he said.
Information from:
San Antonio Express-News: http://www.mysanantonio.com
Superspring would like to introduce you to this exciting Tundra solution
October 21, 2008
Supersprings has developed a new Superspring uniquely engineered for the new body style 2007+ Tundra. The results from testing our SSA4 have been tremendous. It is unique in that it incorporates micro-cellular foam jounces that give additional suspension properties. Also customers that experienced bed bounce issues found the addition of the foam jounces limited this problem. We at Superspring would like to introduce you to this exciting Tundra solution.
Contact:
Gerry Lamberti @ Supersprings
http://www.supersprings.com
(800) 898-0705
Toyota owners reap new rewards: Toyota Financial Services introduces Toyota Rewards Visa®
October 14, 2008
Toyota owners reap new rewards: Toyota Financial Services introduces Toyota Rewards Visa® to help consumers buy and maintain their vehicles
October 14, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Americans’ love affair with their vehicles drives them to spend nearly 18 cents of every dollar on transportation each year — with the majority going to car ownership and maintenance (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey). Given that vehicle ownership is not only a part of life but also a reflection of personal style, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) has designed a new program to help Toyota owners reduce the cost of ownership. The new Toyota Rewards Visa®, issued by Toyota Financial Savings Bank, is designed to allow qualified Toyota enthusiasts to turn everything they buy into Toyota Rewards Points redeemable toward service, parts, accessories or an eligible vehicle purchase or lease at participating Toyota dealerships.
“Already a leading provider of automotive financial services, TFS is extending its line of financing products to U.S. Toyota customers and dealers with the new rewards credit card option,” said Mike Wells, Group Vice President of Toyota Financial Services. “Toyota consumers are incredibly loyal, and we’re rewarding them by offering another smart financial management tool to help them get more out of their Toyota relationship. At a time when many consumers require extra saving and spending power, the Toyota Rewards Visa is the card that gets them more. Qualified consumers can obtain a card and redeem rewards earned through everyday purchases and use them on their Toyota vehicles.”
Whether out dining, shopping or simply getting a cup of coffee, Toyota Rewards Visa earns Cardmembers Toyota Rewards Points redeemable toward all kinds of service, parts, accessories, or an eligible vehicle purchase or lease at participating Toyota dealerships. Cardmembers can earn as they spend and realize the benefits immediately:
- Special introductory APR on all new purchases for the first six months of card ownership
- No limit on how many Toyota Rewards Points you can redeem toward your next eligible Toyota
- Redeemable toward eligible purchase or lease at participating Toyota dealers
- Earn 5 Toyota Rewards Points for every $1 spent at participating Toyota dealerships
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else that Visa is accepted
- Receive 2,500 bonus Toyota Rewards Points upon first purchase redeemable toward next eligible dealership purchase
- No annual fee for the Toyota Rewards Visa
“Credit means convenience, and today’s financially-savvy consumer will look for credit card programs that work harder for them,” said Wells. “The Toyota Rewards Visa is a smart choice for Toyota owners who want access to the daily convenience of a Visa card and the financial peace of mind knowing that their purchases add up to rewards redeemable at their local Toyota participating dealership.”
Visit www.ToyotaRewardsVisa.com or call 866-614-8845 for complete details. For more information on Toyota Financial Services’ competitive financing, visit www.toyotafinancial.com.
On approved credit. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply and are fully described in the Toyota Rewards Cardmember Agreement and the Toyota Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. For more information, visit ToyotaRewardsVisa.com. To qualify, you must have a valid permanent home address within the 50 United States or District of Columbia. Redemption only available at participating Toyota dealerships in the continental United States and Alaska. Toyota Rewards Points cannot be redeemed for cash.
About Toyota Financial Services
Since 1983, Toyota Financial Services has helped millions of Toyota customers drive the vehicle of their dreams. From flexible lease and finance plans, to vehicle and payment protection products that add peace of mind, its programs are designed to meet the unique needs of Toyota drivers. TFS is committed to offering quality products that provide convenience and value, and to delivering consistent support that helps ensure customer and dealer satisfaction. Learn more at www.toyotafinancial.com.
Toyota Financial Services is a service mark used by Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC), Toyota Motor Insurance Services, Inc. (TMIS) and Toyota Financial Savings Bank. Vehicle finance, and vehicle and payment protection products are available through participating Toyota dealerships and TMCC and TMIS respectively. The creditor and issuer of the Toyota Rewards Visa is Toyota Financial Savings Bank.
Toyota Reports September Sales
October 1, 2008
Toyota reported the following to TundraSolutions.com today.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported September sales of 144,260 vehicles, a decrease of 29.5 percent from last September, on a daily selling rate basis. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 1,793,303 units, down 10.4 percent from the same period last year.
The Toyota Division posted September sales of 128,215 units, down 28.9 percent from last September. The Lexus Division reported September sales of 16,045 units, a decrease of 33.4 percent from the year-ago month.
Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded September sales of 78,912 units, a decrease of 23.7 percent from last September. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid, which posted combined September sales of 29,486 units. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 2,785 units for the month. Corolla recorded sales of 21,316 units for the month. With limited availability, the Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid reported September sales of 10,873 units. Yaris posted September sales of 5,721 units, up 0.1 percent over the same period last year.
Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 49,303 units, down 36 percent from the year-ago month. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV with September sales of 10,305 units. The Tundra full-size pickup reported September sales of 7,696 units. Tacoma recorded sales of 9,176 units for the month. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined September sales of 5,729 units. The Highlander Hybrid gas electric mid-size SUV recorded sales of 921 units for the month. Sequoia posted September sales of 2,030 units, up 27.4 percent over the same period last year. Sienna recorded sales of 9,647 units for the month, up 1.9 percent over the year-ago month.
Scion posted September sales of 8,112 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with September sales of 3,038 units. The tC sports coupe posted September sales of 2,679 units. The xD reported sales of 2,395 units for the month.
Lexus Division
Lexus passenger cars reported September sales of 9,430 units, down 35.1 percent from the year-ago month. Passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan with September sales of 4,042 units. The IS entry luxury sport sedan reported combined sales of 3,044 units. The LS flagship luxury sedan reported combined sales of 1,238 units. The GS luxury sport sedan posted combined September sales of 977 units.
Lexus Division light trucks reported September sales of 6,615 units, down 31 percent from the same period last year. Lexus sales were led by the RX luxury utility vehicle which posted combined September sales of 4,639 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 744 units for the month. The LX 570 recorded sales of 647 units, up 280.8 percent over September 2007.
TMS Hybrids
TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 200,450 units. TMS posted September sales of 15,399 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted sales of 14,579 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division posted September sales of 820 hybrids.
There were 24 selling days this month, compared to 25 selling days last September.
Toyota Introduces New 2009 Venza
October 1, 2008
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the new 2009 Venza at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Venza will raise the average vehicle to new levels by combining a unique blend of sedan refinement and sport utility vehicle (SUV) functionality.
“The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager.
All aspects of Venza’s engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and designed at Toyota’s Calty design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor. Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.
The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek car concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance.
The exterior design of the four-door Venza begins with an imposing front end featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an aggressive, yet classy appearance. The front conforms to a sleek and aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, crisp character lines, and a roofline and ground clearance that are lower than a typical car’s. From behind, Venza’s refined appearance is complete with an angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnect with the hatch door.
On the inside, Calty designers and TTC engineers made comfort, refinement and utility a priority for the five-passenger Venza. A sweeping rocker design will allow occupants to more easily step in and out of the vehicle than a typical car. Venza will also feature a higher ride height and slight line that will help provide significantly better driver visibility than most cars and easier ingress and egress than most SUVs.
Venza will provide a spacious interior providing extra room for all five passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats. The rear hatch provides a very low cargo height that allows for easy loading and unloading of luggage and outdoor gear. One-touch levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items such as surf boards, skis, camping gear and gardening equipment. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.
A creative interior design complemented with an array of comfort and convenience features provides Venza with a refined look and feel that is commonly reserved for a luxury vehicle. The flow of the instrumentation panel (IP) creates a unique 60/60 design that gives both driver and front passenger the look and feeling that 60 percent of the IP is accessible from their seating position.
An extra long center console extends from the IP and slopes down to a center compartment with a unique sliding console cover. Sliding open the compartment lid reveals a large storage well deep enough to hold a large purse. The compartment is also illuminated and equipped with an auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power point. The upper portion of the center console houses the gear-shift lever for easy and comfortable driver access. Climate control functions are centrally located on the upper center console, providing easy accessibility for both driver and passenger. The center console also contains an iPod®/MP3 storage compartment with wire management and illuminated dual cup holders.
Venza models will be equipped with an array of standard features including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-function display, cruise control, Optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza will come standard with dual exhaust tips and will be the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models will come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.
Chrome accents throughout give Venza a refined look and feel. Models equipped with an optional leather-trimmed interior will feature wood-grain-type trim and seats stitched with dark piping that is tastefully coordinated with Venza’s standard linear grain dashboard and steering wheel. An array of storage space will be available throughout the vehicle to accommodate passenger belongings. A large storage compartment with an additional 12-volt power point located on the passenger side of the front center console will be sizeable enough to contain maps and magazines.
A panoramic roof will be offered as an option and will be a first for the Toyota vehicle lineup. The roof will feature separate glass panels over the front and rear seats. The front glass panel will have a power tilt/slide function.
Venza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system, another Toyota first. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in the Automatic High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the headlights to low beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer detect oncoming traffic the system will switch the headlights back to high beam mode.
Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped with a premium JBL Synthesis 13-speaker audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, integrated satellite radio capability, music streaming via Bluetooth® technology and XM® “real-time” traffic; rear seat entertainment system with Surround Sound and 9-inch display; Smart Key System; back-up camera; power rear door; heated seats, mirrors and deicers; HID headlights; and towing package (3500 lb. max).
The sleek and sporty styling, refined interior and outstanding utility features are complemented with fun-to-drive performance attributes expected by owners with active lifestyles. Aggressive handling typically found in a performance coupe is well-balanced by the on-road comfort of an upscale sedan.
Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will provide drivers and passengers the quiet comfortable ride expected from a full-size car along with the peace-of-mind that comes with all-wheel-drive.
Power will be generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver capable performance and provide excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines will be mated with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
Venza will be equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features. It will provide a total of seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, front seat side mounted, front driver and passenger seat-mounted side and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Venza will also be the first car with Toyota’s STAR Safety System™, featuring anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control. Venza will also feature front active head rests as standard equipment.
“Venza will establish an exciting new niche that will combine the finest attributes of Toyota’s diverse vehicle lineup,” said Carter. “It will cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty package.”
“When it goes on sale in late 2008, the Venza will represent Toyota’s latest commitment to driving change in the marketplace.”
2009 VENZA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
2.7-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower: TBD
Torque: TBD
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission
3.5-liter V6 engine
Horsepower: 268 @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 246 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission
Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 189.0
Overall Width: 75.0
Overall Height: 63.4
Wheelbase: 109.3
Ground clearance: 8.1
Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels (four-cylinder only)
20-inch alloy wheels (standard on V6 and available on four-cylinder)
Tire Size: 20-inch: 245/50 R20
19-inch: 245/55 R19
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs. (V6 model)
Seating Capacity: 5
Photo courtesy of Toyota.