Automotive Update

We all know that Toyota is one of the top automakers in the world and that they are certainly leading the way in hybrids however did you know that the brand new Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept is actually one car that is going to be entirely European built?

Toyota is one of those companies that usually have their work done in Japan as well as the US but the Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept will be the first European built car.

The cool thing about that is that the Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept will actually be on sale in Europe this summer, so they will not have to wait for it!

Recently unveiled at the motor show in Geneva, the Toyota Verso is definitely making waves and garnering a lot of talk. The idea here is to combine a lot more space with plenty of comfort and tons of practicality as well, along with dynamic driving abilities and better handling.

Have they succeeded with this? Time will tell, but things definitely look promising. It was designed at the same studio where the new Prius was created.

Inside of the Verso, drivers will find an improved version of the Toyota Easy Flat 7 System, so that the five individual seats in the rear can be folded. The rows which comprise those seats have been made much more comfortable as well, so there will definitely be something for everyone.

Transport for London, the agency appointed to manage the trains, subways, busses, and roads of London is conducting an experiment of how drivers will respond to a GPS linked system which will control how hard they step on the gas pedal.

The transport agency used its fleet of Toyota Priuses to give the idea a test. The concept centers on finding out if accidents can be prevented if computers guided by GPS technology connected to a speed database. The computer can take over the throttle of the car in case the driver goes over the set limit.

The study is just conducted in London and the proponents are planning to add some cabs and buses by late 2009 to see how it will affect the transport network.

The motive may be good but some look at it with an ulterior motive with a bureaucracy that is looking into ways so they can control and charge the motorists. Some people are looking into imposed tolls and penalties which may be set by the European Commission.

Read the rest of this entry »

The results of a recent crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety might make consumers think twice before getting four brands of full-sized 2009 pickups.

The research group reveals that the Nissan Titan which is not equipped with airbags for side impacts and the Silverado from Chevrolet were rated “poor” during the tests.

“Marginal” ratings were issued for the Dodge Ram that comes standard with side-impact airbags. The crew cab version of the Silverado was assessed as poor while the Titan that comes optional with airbags was also rated marginal.

The GMC Sierra also did not fair well getting the same ratings as its sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado.

The IIHS issues ratings in four categories: good, acceptable, marginal, poor.

Read the rest of this entry »

Aiko Toyoda from the founding family of the Toyota Motor Corporation was named next president. He will lead the Japanese car manufacturing firm in battling the declining sales of vehicles amid the financial crisis, and into this he will integrate a U.S. perspective.

The 52 year old Toyoda will take over the post from current Toyota President, Katsuaki Watanabe, in June 2009.

The company expects Toyoda to inject an international approach to solve the dismal performance of the company’s overseas operations which is part responsible to its first major losses in 70 years.

The history of Toyota is witness to great forward strides in the market. Toyoda will be taking over the reign in a time when there are so many challenges. The company is decreasing its production, cutting the workforce, and struggling to keep its sales.

A big chunk of the sales of Toyota is attributed to its performance in North America. This dropped as much as 15.4% in 2008 or down to 2,217660 units rolled out to the market.

Read the rest of this entry »