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We are pretty excited to welcome the German Chancellor Angela Merkel on our stand at the Frankfurt Motorshow today.
Mrs Merkel has come today to the Messe‘s Hall 8 to take a look at the Toyota Mirai – the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered car.
Mrs Merkel has been welcomed and given a broad explanation of the benefits of the advanced technology by Dr. Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.
Having a doctorate degree in Physics, she was impressed by the potential use of hydrogen, which also can make an important contribution to the ecological mobility targets of the Federal government. Toyota Mirai will be available already as of middle October in Germany, one of the first European markets for the trailblazing technology.
No need to wait until seen on the roads – step by Hall 8 to see Toyota Mirai already today.
NEW PRIUS
The rebirth of the pioneer
The introduction of the all-new fourth generation Prius marks a further advance in the history and achievements of Toyota’s hybrid power technology.
The new model builds on the strengths and achievements of its predecessors and is set to establish new benchmarks in fuel economy, emissions and efficiency. Each successive Prius has delivered improvements in these areas, but the new model is aiming to make the biggest leap yet in performance, with a target of improving CO2 emissions by 18 per cent*.
This achievement is only one aspect of a product that has evolved to acquire new capabilities and greater driver appeal. Powered by a new generation of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain, the new Prius marks significant advances in highway fuel economy and provides a much more rewarding driving experience. Acceleration is smoother and more responsive, and, at higher speeds, is quieter and has a more linear feel that is better aligned to engine speed.
The new car’s dynamic capabilities are rooted in the use of the first Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. At a stroke, this endows the car with a lower centre of gravity for improved handling response and stability. It also gives the designers a freer hand to craft a car that has richer visual appeal, with lower lines overall and a more athletic profile. TNGA also helps define zen interior, with its excellent packaging, driving position and comfort. Load space is also improved thanks to the use of a smaller, more energy-dense hybrid battery and a new double wishbone rear suspension system – features which do not intrude in trunk capacity.
The Prius remains Toyota’s technological ambassador, a showcase for new, relevant technologies that raise levels of safety, convenience, performance and comfort.
The scope of the Toyota Safety Sense package is extended in the new Prius with addition of radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control and a Pedestrian Detection function for the Pre-Crash Safety system.
The full hybrid powertrain has undergone extensive revisions to improve efficiency, reduce weight and sharpen performance. Other hybrid system components have been made more compact and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car’s lower centre of gravity.
These changes and innovations confound the popular notion of what an eco-car should be like to drive and to look at. The new Prius demonstrates the genuine rewards that remain to be enjoyed from Toyota full hybrid technology, advantages that will steadily feed through to new generations of other Toyota hybrid models.
THE THREE PILLARS OF THE NEW PRIUS
The new Prius is founded on outstanding hybrid technology, delivering unprecedented efficiency and environmental performance. But beyond these credentials it embraces stronger emotional and performance qualities that give it wider and greater appeal to customers who appreciate eye-catching, original styling, high levels of sensory quality, practicality and a driving experience that is genuinely fun and rewarding.
The realisation of these qualities in the new Prius is based on three pillars: the Toyota New Global Architecture, design and styling, and a new generation full hybrid system.
Toyota’s First TNGA Platform
The new Prius is the first model to use a Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. This plays a defining role in the car’s essential fun-to-drive quality, giving new Prius a lower centre of gravity compared to the current model, which in turn allows for an improved driving position.
Styling and Design
New Prius is not simply “another green car,” its design and high quality throughout give it greater emotional appeal and a powerful, desirable presence, underpinned by the fundamental strengths of the new TNGA platform. As Toyota’s most advanced car, it is appropriate that it is an image leader and the intention has been to produce a design that makes an immediate impact.
The car’s new low-slung stance – made possible by the TNGA platform – suggests an excellent driving performance, supported by a distinctive new body silhouette that is both athletic and aerodynamically efficient. The result is a “human-tech” design with strong emotional quality, fully exploiting the opportunity presented by the car’s lower centre of gravity.
New Hybrid System
The New Prius heralds the next generation of Toyota’s signature hybrid powertrain. This new family of powertrains builds on the two pillars that have made Toyota hybrids popular with drivers across the globe: on the one hand their fuel efficiency, and on the other the relaxed and carefree drive that they provide.
Toyota has focused its efforts on making this next generation of hybrids even easier and more intuitive to drive. They have been set up so that they give a natural, immediate, but smooth response to any accelerator pedal input. Refined and confident, they deliver the right level of performance.
But of course, fuel economy has been improved as well. The new hybrid systems will come in a more compact package, that is lighter in weight and lower in cost. This new generation will reflect significant advances in battery, electric motor and gasoline engine technologies.
PRIUS: TOYOTA’S HIGH-TECH AMBASSADOR
The Prius has always provided a reference point for Toyota’s development of useful, intuitive high-tech features and that remains true for the fourth generation model, which benefits from a number of innovations that support safety, convenience and better, more sophisticated HMI (Human Machine Interface) performance.
New Prius Chief Engineer Koji Toyoshima explains: “Prius is the ambassador for Toyota technology, a brand vector pulling hybrid sales of our core models.”
Toyota Safety Sense with additional functions
The new Prius will make a significant advance in active and preventive safety measures with the adoption of Toyota Safety Sense. This package of safety features will be further extended in the new Prius with the addition of radar-governed Adaptive Cruise Control and a pedestrian recognition capability in the Pre-Collision Safety system.
In the current Prius range, only around two per cent of vehicles are sold with the Pre-Crash Safety system. In the new Prius this is one of the standard features of Toyota Safety Sense, together with Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist.
Extra sensors for safety and convenience
The technologies Toyota has developed for successive generations of the Prius have always served a clear purpose. This continues in the new model with an increase in the number of sensors to provide the driver with more comprehensive information, improving safety and convenience. In effect, new Prius becomes a driver’s sixth sense, recognising and anticipating things they might not notice themselves.
* According to New European Cycle (NEDC)
Updated AYGO range
A new x-clusiv special edition
From its iconic frontal ‘X’ design to its extensive range of customisation options, all styling and engineering decisions for the latest AYGO have been specifically made with fun in mind. The line-up consists of three grades: -x, x-play and x-wave- and three special editions -x-cite, x-clusiv and x-pure, which we update every year.
While the special editions have been created to showcase three widely differing personalities of AYGO, customers interested in personalisation can easily create their own AYGO with a choice of two exterior and two interior packs.
Now the AYGO range is being updated with a new x-clusiv special edition, which brings an additional level of sophistication to the model line-up.
Equipped with a black canvas top, the x-clusiv features a new Electro Grey body colour with Silver Sparkle inserts for the frontal “X” graphic, front fender garnish and rear bumper insert.
The 15” five-spoke alloys come with a machine-faced finish, a Silver Sparkle centre cap and a Piano Black centre cap ring. To further highlight the side profile of the car, a chrome belt line and privacy glass are available.
Inside, the design theme is continued with Electro Grey inserts for the air vent surrounds, centre cluster and gear lever surround. Silver Sparkle is used for the instrument panel insert and accents on the floor mats, while the inside door handles are finished in chrome.
AYGO can also be equipped with ‘Toyota Safety Sense’, a newly developed set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.
Between speeds of approximately 10 to 80 km/h, a Pre-Collision System (PCS) detects other vehicles in front and reduces the risk of hitting them from behind by reducing speed by approximately 30 km/h or even bringing the car to a complete stop.
The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) system monitors lane markings and helps prevent accidents and head-on collisions caused by leaving lanes.
AYGO is equipped with a Euro 6 compliant 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol engine. The unit delivers class-leading fuel economy of just 3.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of only 88 g/km, and can be combined with a manual transmission or ‘x-shift’ automated manual transmission.
The New AYGO x-clusiv will be available across Europe from February 2016.
AYGO x-play Concept
Since its launch, AYGO has made its mark with its striking appearance and clever customisation options, which allow you to tailor their cars to their personal taste. More than 10 parts around the vehicle can be easily replaced by alternative colours and executions, within a limited amount of time, and even after several years of ownership.
The AYGO x-play Concept demonstrates how the combination of a contrasting body colour and inserts can create a striking looking car with a unique personality.
The new Cyan Splash exterior is combined with a White Flash finish for the frontal “X” graphic, rear bumper insert, front fender garnish, side mirrors, A-pillars and the roof to create a bi-tone execution. The 15” 10-spoke alloys are finished in White with Cyan Splash centre caps.
The interior follows the same design theme with White Flash coloured inserts for the centre console, gear lever surround and air vent. The instrument panel is executed in Cyan Splash and the door handles are highlighted in chrome.
Do not miss the Toyota booth in Hall 8, stand D19.
NEW TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID
Prestige, comfort and efficiency
By launching the new RAV4 model range we introduce our first hybrid compact SUV in Europe.
Its full hybrid drive system combining a 2.5 litre petrol engine with a powerful electric motor, the new RAV4 Hybrid is available in both front-and all-wheel drive variants.
Developing total system power of 197 hp, the new RAV4 Hybrid marries a seamless, 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 8.7 seconds to class-leading fuel consumption of only 4.9 l/100 km* and remarkably low, highly tax-efficient CO2 emissions as low as 115 g/km*.
Reinforcing the uniquely quiet, refined and sophisticated driving experience offered by Toyota’s Hybrid technology, the new RAV4 further benefits from enhanced ride comfort and driving dynamics, a quieter cabin environment, stronger, more dynamic exterior design, improved interior sensory quality and functionality, and all the latest innovations in safety and advanced technology.
The Toyota Safety Sense system features a newly developed set of active safety technologies; a new Panoramic View Monitor displays a 360 degree, bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings to aid parking and slow speed maneuvering; and the restyled interior benefits from the enhanced functionality of both a 4.2” multi-information screen set between the combi-meters and a 7”, full-colour centre console screen incorporating the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system.
Hybrid Heritage From Revolutionary Idea to World-leading Technology
The idea of an alternative powertrain for cars was already alive at Toyota in the 1960s. But it is in the early 90s that we actually initiated a production-based development programme of environmentally-responsible automotive technologies.
With the 1997 launch of the first generation Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, we instigated a modern day revolution in automotive electrification, and a major industry milestone in vehicle powertrain development and sustainable mobility.
Following the launch of the third generation Prius in 2009, the model became the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete, stand-alone model range; the 2012 addition of Prius+ and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid creating the Prius Family.
Successive generations of Toyota’s Hybrid powertrains became ever more powerful, yet lighter and more fuel and CO2 efficient. We’ve further expanded our hybrid model line-up with the introduction of the Auris Hybrid in 2010, the Yaris Hybrid (the only full hybrid vehicle in the B-segment) in 2012 and the practical Auris Hybrid Touring Sports in 2013.
Today, cumulative TOYOTA hybrid sales in Europe almost total in 1 Million since the European launch of the first Prius in 2000.
Whereas, Toyota Motor Corporation has sold over 8 million full hybrid vehicles worldwide. This is more than any other manufacturer. Concrete, tangible proof of Toyota’s hybrid powertrains environmental record, is that these sales have already contributed to an estimated reduction in automotive emissions of approximately 58 million tonnes of CO2.
RAV4 Heritage
From Niche Model to Global Car
Toyota can rightfully claim to have created the compact SUV market with the launch of its first Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive (RAV4) in 1994.
When the first generation RAV4 was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show that year, it was quite different to a traditional 4×4. Launched as a compact (3.695 M) 3-door model, the first ‘Urban 4WD’ featured a relatively small, 2.0 litre engine mounted transversally within a monocoque bodyshell, and all-rounded independent suspension. The compact SUV market was born.
In 1994, Toyota sold 53,000 units of RAV4. The following year the sales figures doubled, then tripled the year after that, in 1996. Since then, annual sales have steadily grown with each successive generation, turning Toyota’s pioneering compact SUV from a niche model to a global car. In 2013, RAV4 sales figures outstripped those of 1994 by a factor of 10.
Today, available in 170 countries, four generations of RAV4 have sold more than 6 million units around the world, 1.5 million of them to European customers.
Since 1994, the C-SUV segment has changed and matured. Where early customers often bought compact SUVs as an alternative to sporting hatchbacks and coupes, today’s segment growth is fuelled by families looking for a more engaging and fashionable but nevertheless practical alternative to MPVs and estate cars.
The Power of Two
The perfect response to the demands of a more mature, sophisticated and competitive C-SUV market, Toyota’s new RAV4 Hybrid combines the 20 years of experience in compact SUV evolution with the latest generation of our innovative, full hybrid powertrain technology.
The new RAV4 Hybrid marries dynamic styling, premium interior quality, ingenious packaging and versatility with a full hybrid powertrain offering improved driving feel for an even more a sophisticated driving experience.
The new RAV4 hybrid offers class-leading fuel consumption figures and remarkably low CO2 emissions, promoting significant taxation and Benefit-in-Kind savings.
Driving dynamics – Enhanced Ride Comfort and Steering Feel
The new RAV4 model range benefits for numerous measures designed to enhance ride comfort and driver involvement without sacrificing either stability or controllability.
The linear-type shock absorber had been changed to combine degressive- and choke-type valves, allowing for better adaptation of damping force to differing vehicle speeds and road conditions, and improving ride comfort. The coil spring constant has also been optimised to create a flatter ride feel.
The steering gear box benefits from an increase in rigidity of the installation faste-ning points, promoting a better steering feel.
Improved NVH for a Quieter Cabin
With a particular emphasis on rear seat occupant comfort and ease of conversation within the cabin, the NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) performance of the new RAV4 has been comprehensively improved.
The surface area of the floor silencer has been increased by some 55%, the rear finish plate reshaped, and sound absorbing material added in several locations around the rear deck, reducing road, tire and exhaust noise.
The sound insulation efficiency of both front and rear doors has been improved through an increase in sound absorbing material and the addition of door trim outer insulator, further lowering wind and road noise.
And the instrument panel silencer size has been increased to reduce the transmission of engine noise into the cabin.
Innovation – Safety and Advanced Technology
The new RAV4 range is equipped with ‘Toyota Safety Sense’, a newly developed set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.
Combining a camera and millimetre-wave radar for a high level of detection performance, the RAV4’s Toyota Safety Sense system features a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with a Pedestrian Detection function, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) technology.
New RAV4 will continue to offer Blind Sport Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert within its safety equipment on top of newly introduced Toyota Safety Sense.
Panoramic View Monitor
A new Panoramic View Monitor uses four cameras, mounted on the underside of each door mirror, and the front and rear of the new RAV4 to display a 360 degree, bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings.
Unique to Toyota, the system may be activated to give a clear, 3D visualisation of the surroundings whilst the vehicle is still parked, before a gear is selected and the parking brake released.
The monitor can display a composite view which combines the images from any of the four cameras, as well as the path guidance lines of the Rear View Monitor system, providing an invaluable aid to parking and slow speed manoeuvring.
The system’s wide, 180 degree front and rear view screen projections allow the driver to check blind spots to the front and rear sides of the vehicle. The side cameras remain operable even when the door mirrors are retracted. And a panoramic zoom view function allows for the closer observation of nearby objects that would otherwise be difficult to see.
4.2” Multi-information Screen
The newly designed instrument binnacle of the RAV4 is equipped with a 4.2” colour TFT (Thin Film Transistor) multi-information screen. Controlled by the steering wheel switch gear, with the possibility to coordinate its display with that of the 7” full-colour centre console screen, the multi-information screen offers a wide variety of functions and displays.
These include the customisation of vehicle settings, trip computer information, Smart Stop & Start telemetry, a hybrid powertrain energy monitor, turn-by-turn navigation and real-time AWD vehicle posture and steering lock indication.
Exterior Design – Stronger, More Dynamic Image
The front of the new RAV4 reflects its stronger, more dynamic styling with a po-werful, more prominent execution of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design language.
The Toyota logo is prominently set within a slender upper grille which anchors new, Keen Look LED or halogen headlamp clusters, both of which incorporate LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) to give the new compact SUV a readily identifiable frontal signature.
The middle grille has been widened, and the lower, trapezoidal grille significantly enlarged in keeping with Toyota’s Under Priority family model styling. The extremities of both middle and lower grille combine to form deep, foglamp-housing pockets placed at the very extremities of the front bumper to emphasises the RAV4’s wide, stable front track.
The front underguard has been restyled to give it a stronger visual emphasis, reinforcing the new SUV’s rugged, off-road credentials.
To the side, a new wheel arch and rocker garnish places a cleaner, bolder emphasis on a vehicle profile further enhanced by a choice of new 17” and 18” alloy wheel designs.
The rear of the vehicle features new rear lamp clusters incorporating LED techno-logy, giving the new RAV4 a high-tech light signature. The bumper has been restyled to give it greater prominence and place a greater emphasis on the vehicle’s width and broad stance. And the rear underguard has also been redesigned to give it greater visual prominence.
The model range flagship, the RAV4 Hybrid may be identified through the use of exclusive, hybrid blue logos and ‘Hybrid’ badging, as well as model-specific 17” alloy wheels.
The new RAV4 will be available in choice of nine exterior body colours, of which two -Dark Red metallic and Blue metallic- are new.
Interior Design -Improved Sensory Quality and Functionality
The sophisticated and stylish architecture of the RAV4 interior has been enhanced to combine better functionality with greater visual harmony and consistency and improved sensory quality.
The driver’s instrument binnacle, centre console and gear lever surround console have been redesigned, the dashboard, door panel and centre armrest trims restyled, and new, more consistent, premium quality finishes adopted throughout.
The driver’s instrument binnacle now features a prestigious, twin analogue dial design incorporating a 4.2” multi-information screen. The centre console panel has been redesigned to incorporate a large, 7” multimedia system touch-screen.
The dashboard, door panel and centre armrest trims have been restyled for greater comfort and tactility, and matt black and neutral silver finishes applied throughout for improved sensory quality. Further interior visual harmonisation has been achieved through the use of consistent, blue back-lit instrument, and ambient, lighting.
An expanded range of interior colour schemes will be available, including four high grade leather upholstery choices, Beige and Grey being refreshed in colour and style while Tan being the new offer.
*Subject to final homologation
Do not miss the Toyota booth in Hall 8, stand D19.
TOYOTA C-HR CONCEPT
Stunning looks, exciting drive
A new C-HR Concept makes its world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. With its diamond-shape based bold design language, an engaging full-hybrid driving experience and new platform architecture, it brings the future compact crossover one step closer to the final production model, which will be revealed at Geneva next year.
Inspired by the warm welcome that the first C-HR Concept received from you at the 2014 Paris motor show, our designers have created a second C-HR Concept. Boasting a 5-door cabin, this new design comes closer to the compact crossover which is now confirmed for production. We have collected feedback from customers, and integrated it in the improved design of the new CH-R concept that you can see today in Frankfurt.
This highly-innovative, stylish, lightweight and dynamic hybrid crossover is designed to stand out on the road.
C-HR’s compact proportions place it between the B-SUV and C-SUV segments, the concept offers the combination of outstanding agility and flexible packaging, both essential to those with urban lifestyles.
It has been designed around a new platform, developed under the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture), to satisfy the demands for state of the art handling and controllability.
A Refined Diamond Styling Theme
The new, 5-door C-HR Concept continues our exploration of an expressive new, diamond architecture styling theme. Below a compact, sensual cabin profile, the lower bodywork has been sculpted to represent the facetted surfaces of a highly-durable, precision-cut gemstone.
In plan form, the corners of the bodyshell have been cleanly shaved off. This both removes mass from the overall volume, and highlights the powerful flair of the front and rear wheel arches, reinforcing the crossover’s broad, planted stance from every viewpoint, and matching the customer’s desire for a car with a confident and sporty look.
Adding impact to the corners to further reinforce the new crossover’s solid stance and the low centre of gravity came from the new TNGA platform, the large, diamond-patterned lower grille is flanked by strongly sculpted downward projections. These powerful frontal elements are underscored by an aeroinspired, floating front spoiler.
From the side, the highly-faceted lower body, muscular wheel arches and aggressively angular rear shoulder are juxtaposed with an exceptionally sleek cabin profile. Its ‘floating’ status reinforced by a piano black paint finish, the roof is detailed with patterned openings which create a uniquely animated play of light within the C-HR Concept’s cabin space.
The ‘diamond-cut’, machined-surface spokes of a unique, 21” wheel design hint at the sophistication and efficiency of the C-HR Concept’s full-hybrid powertrain.
Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) Platform
The new C-HR Concept is a striking representation of the benefits of TNGA; an innovative, integrated vehicle development approach we introduced on new models from this year forward. Read all about it here.
A New, More Efficient Hybrid System
C-HR Concept doesn’t only stand out through its unique design. It also introduces hybrid technology to the segment. In this case, a new and more compact full-hybrid powertrain with lighter components. It reflects significant advances in battery, electric motor and petrol engine technologies, offering further reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The C-HR Concept’s next-generation full-hybrid powertrain combines state-of-the-art battery technology with new, highly-compact electric motors offering a marked increase in power density.
A Global Project Rooted in Europe
Recognizing that Europe is the most demanding market for small and mid-sized vehicles, we use this region as benchmark for defining future global A-, B- and C-segment cars.
In the case of the C-HR Concept, there was close cooperation between our vehicle planning centres in Japan and in Europe, in order to get a good understanding of the latest European customer demands and vehicle trends. The styling of the concept car is the result of a global cooperation between ED2 (European Design Development Centre) and the other Toyota design centres.
Following the overwhelming reaction to the first TOYOTA C-HR Concept shown at the 2014 Paris Motorshow, we at Toyota Motor Europe, will continue to work hand in hand with TMC (Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan) to enter the C-Crossover segment.
Do not miss the Toyota booth in Hall 8, stand D19.
Here are some updates from Geneva Motor Show…
As weird as it might sound there are ninjas on the Toyota stand. Well, we can explain. Toyota is presenting Toyota Safety Sense, a set of newly developed active safety technologies. The aim is that these safety features prevent or mitigate collisions, just like ninjas would protect you from an intruder. Every hour there is a martial art demonstration by professionals and you can also take your own safety pose (you can either share it on social networks or simply walk away with your memorable image).
— Toyota Europe (@toyota_europe) March 3, 2015
But back to serious business. The Toyota Safety Sense consists of:
– Pre-Collision System (PCS) which detects object ahead of the vehicle and reduces the risk of hitting the car in front
– Lane Departure Alert (LDA) monitors lane markings and if you leave your lane without indicating, it will warn you
– Automatic High Beam (AHB) detects other vehicles’ lights and adjust automatically high and low beam
– Road Sign Alert (RSA) reads road signs for you, and displays them on the dash
To make it more clear, have a look at the light-hearted videos that explain what this is all about.
So here we are, at the opening of the 85th International Geneva Motor Show. Everything is ready to welcome first the media (3-4th March) & then the public in the 10 days that follow.
Where to start… ? Ah yes, cars! What do we actually show today? Let’s see ..
New Avensis
Designed, engineered and built in Europe, our new D-segment player has arrived. More dynamic exterior, great looking LED headlamps and a fantastic interior… wherever you put your hands it’s quality, soft touch material, there’s a huge (8”) multimedia touch screen and a really fancy new instrument binnacle, with tubed speedometer and tachometer and a TFT multi information screen – which even reads you the road signs – in between. Everywhere, chrome highlights and super quality materials remind you that you are sitting in a real premium vehicle. Of course the driving has improved as well, the new Avensis has received 2 new diesel engines and the noise level has been reduced to a surprisingly low level. And seen the equipment level you get for your money, it’s a really good deal!
This model has been known for its quality-durability and reliability (it has even won the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Award in 2014 in Germany) and now, with the new Toyota Safety Sense, it also becomes a star in terms of safety, and the perfect travel companion.
New Auris
Auris has many talents, but perhaps its biggest differentiator is its hybrid powertrain. The Auris Hybrid now has a CO2 as low as 79 (!!!) g/km – no surprise that this is the most sold hybrid model in Europe.
But if you’re not shopping for a hybrid, there is still plenty of choice with the new Auris. Take the brand new 1.2T turbocharged petrol engine, the new 1.6 D-4D diesel engine or the 1.4 D-4D that has been improved so much that it is now one of the most efficient in its class. This model gets a new look as well (and what a look!) and its interior will leave you speechless, we can guarantee you.
Toyota Mirai
Even though we have talked quite a lot about and sales have already started in Japan, Geneva Motor Show marks the official European Premiere of our hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle. By now, probably everyone knows, but we would like to remind you anyway… IT ONLY EMITS WATER!!!! How is this possible? Watch our video.
There will be people doubting the viability of this technology – just like there were many questioning the feasibility of hybrid vehicles. But hybrid became popular, and today, many are following Toyota’s example. See where we are coming from? Toyota is again pioneering a very important technology, that is essential in a world that is running out of fossil fuel and that is in bad need of a clean-up
Stand animations
As weird as it might sound there are ninjas on the Toyota stand. Well, we can explain. Toyota is presenting Toyota Safety Sense, a set of newly developed active safety technologies. The aim is that these safety features prevent or mitigate collisions, just like ninjas would protect you from an intruder. Every hour there is a martial art demonstration by professionals and you can also take your own safety pose (you can either share it on social networks or simply walk away with your memorable image).
But back to serious business. The Toyota Safety Sense consists of:
– Pre-Collision System (PCS) which detects object ahead of the vehicle and reduces the risk of hitting the car in front
– Lane Departure Alert (LDA) monitors lane markings and if you leave your lane without indicating, it will warn you.
– Automatic High Beam (AHB) detects other vehicles’ lights and adjust automatically high and low beam
– Road Sign Alert (RSA) reads road signs for you, and displays them on the dash
To make it clearer, have a look at the light-hearted videos that explain what this is all about.
Come and see us on the Toyota stand or follow us for more news on Twitter! #ToyotaGeneva
Hey folks, we have some hot news for you! Remember some time ago (in December 2013 to be exact) we have talked about Kirobo and sending this brave tiny taking robot to International Space Station?
Well, he has just made his way back.
After an impressive 18 months on board the International Space Station, humanoid communication robot Kirobo returned to Earth as a passenger on SpaceX’s CRS-5 Dragon cargo supply spacecraft which successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean earlier today.
Today Toyota announced its motorsports activities for 2015 during its annual Motorsports Press Conference in Japan. Highlights of the event were the announcement that Toyota will return to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2017 and confirmation of Toyota Racing’s driver line-up for the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship.
World Rally Championship (WRC)
Over the next two years Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) will continue its test programme with the Yaris WRC car to prepare for a full return to the series in 2017, when updated technical regulations are expected to be introduced.
The new Yaris WRC features a 1.6-litre turbo-charged, direct-injection engine, which produces over 300 hp, while its chassis has been shaped through advanced simulation, testing and production techniques.
Developed and built exclusively by TMG at its technical centre in Cologne, Germany, the car has already completed a preliminary test programme on tarmac and gravel stages throughout Europe, creating a promising foundation on which to build over the coming months.
Over the next two years, as the team moves closer to WRC participation, the car will undergo a full test programme consisting of several WRC venues around Europe on a variety of surfaces, its development slowly expanding with the dedicated team of specialists to engineer and operate the car also being increased.
Junior Development Programme
Alongside the honing and evolution of the Yaris WRC, TMG is also hoping to generate more stars behind the wheel with the launch of its Junior Development Programme.
The first beneficiary of the scheme is Frenchman Eric Camilli, 27, who has already tested the Yaris WRC. He will now carry out the development programme alongside experienced countryman Stéphane Sarrazin, also a racer in Toyota’s FIA World Endurance Championship team, and Sebastian Lindholm, a veteran Finnish driver.
A rich rallying heritage
When the Yaris WRC makes its competitive debut in 2017, it will mark almost two decades since Toyota’s last World Championship rally, in 1999.
That season marked the end of over 25 years of continuous rally activity at TMG, which began life as Andersson Motorsport GmbH – named after company founder Ove Andersson – and competed in WRC as Toyota Team Europe (TTE).
In those days, TTE participated with iconic cars such as the Celica Twincam Turbo – and GT-Four variants – and the Corolla WRC, and featured legendary drivers such as Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol.
Since 1972, Toyota has achieved 149 podiums, 43 wins, four drivers’ and three manufacturers’ World Championship titles: a rich rallying heritage indeed.
World Endurance Championship
Toyota Racing will continue to race in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Last year, when it became possible to fully utilize the maximum potential of the hybrid system, the Toyota TS040 Hybrid won five out of eight races, winning the manufacturers’ and drivers’ world titles.
This year, the fourth year of participation, Toyota Racing will enhance its full-hybrid powertrain—the Toyota Hybrid System-Racing (THS-R)—aiming to extend both world titles, for the first time, win the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours (held June 13–14).
As World Champions, TOYOTA Racing will take the #1 and #2 plates while the individual driver line-ups have been fine-tuned for maximum performance.
The #1 car will feature drivers’ World Champions Anthony Davidson and Sébastien Buemi alongside Kazuki Nakajima. Alex Wurz, Stéphane Sarrazin and Mike Conway will share the #2 car.