Here comes the 2009 Toyota Tundra!
November 11, 2008
TundraSolutions.com is pleased to report that the San Antonio Toyota plant is once again operational. Only minutes after the 6:30 AM shift started the first 2009 Toyota Tundra was finished and awaiting a new owner. Tundra Solutions has received numerous emails from workers who were excited and happy to be once again building our favorite trucks. Toyota plans to add a second shift in April of 2009 to the first shift that returned Monday but the shakey economy leaves that outlook in doubt. Tundra sales are off 65 percent since last year, the largest drop among Toyota models.
Plant workers were not out of work during the recent shutdown. In fact since August they have been working on process improvements and about 1,000 of them were implemented by the end of the downtime.
Tundra Solutions has also learned despite increased material costs the 2009 Toyota Tundra’s general price will only increase $100.00. Shoppers in the Denver, Chicago, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Gulf States Toyota and Southeast Toyota regions should be pleased to know that all 2009 4×4 5.7L V8 models will now feature Flex Fuel capability as standard. FFV models will be available only in these regions, and there will be no difference in price vs. the regular gas versions sold elsewhere.
These FFV models match their regular gas counterparts in terms of performance, towing capacity and payload. Buyers may choose to fuel their FFV Tundra with either conventional gasoline or E85.
The 2009 Toyota Tundra will begin shipping to dealers on November 17th.
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
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.
Bluetooth ® Hands-Free systems available in 15 Toyota models
July 12, 2008
Beginning with the 2009 model year Toyota will be offering Bluetooth ® hands-free wireless systems in 15 models and will make it avilable on the 2009 Venza when it goes on sale this fall. Toyota reported to TundraSolutions.com yesterday that with more states enacting laws that prohibit driving while talking on handheld cell phones, the Bluetooth® hands-free systems connection between certain Toyota models and most Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones provide an easy wireless solution. Built into optional Toyota onboard DVD navigation and JBL audio systems, the technology provides users with convenient hands-free phone capabilities.
Bluetooth® hands-free systems are available on Toyota RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models with a JBL audio unit. The system is also available on Toyota 4Runner, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tundra, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Solara models with the JBL audio unit or DVD navigation system.
The available DVD navigation and JBL audio systems enable the driver to make and receive hands-free phone calls on most compatible Bluetooth® equipped cell phones via the vehicle’s built in microphone and speakers. There is no need to connect any interface cables between the phone and the vehicle. Owners simply need to register the phone by “pairing” to the system.
Due to differences in the quality of various handsets and Bluetooth® chip programming, phone functionality levels may differ by cell phone. The customer typically can enjoy the following Bluetooth® hands-free benefits on Toyota models:
• Integrated phone operation utilizes built-in microphone and audio speakers.
• One touch call answering via the steering-wheel control or the navigation screen.
• Automatic audio mute when receiving or making a call.
• Place a call from an outgoing or the incoming call log (up to five most recent calls – on DVD navigation system only).
• Voice command functions also allow the driver to make or receive calls.
Owners can refer to the LetsTalk Web site at toyota.letstalk.com for a listing of compatible phones and functionality.
Tundra Production Suspended in Texas
July 12, 2008
Toyota is reporting to TundraSolutions.com that production has been suspended for the new Tundra at the San Antonio, Texas plant for at least 3 months. According to a recent press release the changes are as follows:
- Prius will be built at a plant under construction in Blue Springs, Miss. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2010. Prius, which will join the Kentucky-built Camry Hybrid as the second Toyota hybrid built in North America, enables Toyota to better respond to increased consumer demand for hybrid vehicles.
- The Highlander mid-size SUV, originally scheduled to be built in Mississippi, will now be manufactured in Princeton, Ind., beginning in Fall 2009.
- Production of the Tundra full-size pick-up truck, currently built in Indiana and Texas, will be consolidated at the San Antonio plant in Spring 2009.
In addition, Toyota will temporarily suspend Tundra and Sequoia production beginning August 8 due to the declining overall market for full size trucks and SUVs. Production is scheduled to resume in early November. Team members at both facilities, as well as the Huntsville, Alabama plant that builds Tundra and Sequoia engines, will continue to be provided work.
Toyota officials report ”the truck market continues to worsen, so unfortunately we must temporarily suspend production. But this good news about production mix demonstrates our long-term commitment to our North American operations and to our team members, supplier partners, and communities where our plants are located,” said Jim Wiseman, vice president/external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA). “By using this downturn as an opportunity to develop team members and improve our operations, we hope to emerge even stronger.”
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and currently operates 13 manufacturing plants. In addition, new plants are under construction in Ontario and Mississippi. Toyota directly employs over 43,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $21 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 $30 billion per year. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com.