Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota sued for pranking woman to sell Matrix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/report-toyota-sued-for-pranking-woman-to-sell-matrix/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/report-toyota-sued-for-pranking-woman-to-sell-matrix/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/report-toyota-sued-for-pranking-woman-to-sell-matrix/#comments

If you're trying to sell cars, perhaps it's best to not alienate or scare the daylights out of potential customers. Toyota has tried a few new approaches lately, and agency Saatchi & Saatchi may have thought it out-clevered itself with a faux-stalker effort for the Matrix, but it's landed both the agency and the automaker in legal hot water.

Amber Duick, a California woman who was seriously freaked out by a fake stalker named Sebastian Bowler -- no, we're not sure how it was intended to tie in to the Matrix, either -- has asked Toyota for $10 Million in exchange for the hornswoggling she received. Emails from the nonexistent Mr. Bowler so intimidated Ms. Duick that her work suffered and she made her boyfriend sleep with weapons nearby, just in case.

The whole punking came about by her opting in, Toyota's lawyers say -- as in, she asked for it. Sure, says Duick's own attorney, if you count an undecipherable and dubious online personality test forwarded by a friend as an actual opt-in agreement, instead of just a legal fig-leaf. The legal flap is going to take some time for both parties to work out or ride through the court system, but you paranoids out there can rest easy; Saatchi wrapped up this campaign last year, so it's on to some other internet silliness to push the Matrix now. Thanks for the tip, Martin!

[Source: ABC News]

REPORT: Toyota sued for pranking woman to sell Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amber duickAmberDuickmatrixmatrix bowlerMatrixBowlersaatchiSaatchi and SaatchiSaatchi++SaatchiSaatchiAndSaatchiSaatchiSaatchisebastian bowlerSebastianBowlertoyotatoyota matrixtoyota matrix advertisingtoyota matrix fake stalkertoyota matrix lawsuittoyota matrix stalkertoyota online advertisingToyotaMatrixToyotaMatrixAdvertisingToyotaMatrixFakeStalkerToyotaMatrixLawsuitToyotaMatrixStalkerToyotaOnlineAdvertisingSun, 18 Oct 2009 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/toyota-recalls-95-700-corolla-matrix-and-scion-xd-models-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/toyota-recalls-95-700-corolla-matrix-and-scion-xd-models-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/toyota-recalls-95-700-corolla-matrix-and-scion-xd-models-over/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Toyota Matrix -Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has begun working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 95,700 vehicles with a brake issue that could lead to poor stopping at low temperatures. The recall involves 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models with the 1.8-liter engine, and only customers in 19 cold weather states are eligible for the recall.

Toyota says the problem may arise when condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation port seeps into the brake system vacuum port and freezes. As ice accumulates, the brake vacuum port could plug up and "power assist to the brakes would gradually decrease and lead to lengthened vehicle stopping distances." That doesn't sound good. Owners of affected vehicles will soon receive a notice from Toyota, followed by instructions to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for no-cost repairs. Dealer technicians will install a newly designed intake air connector that relocates the brake system vacuum port, a one-hour procedure.

While it's definitely a good thing that Toyota caught this issue as soon as it did, we have a bit of an issue with the fact that the recall is only for cold weather states. It's not like a Corolla or Matrix can't cross state lines during winter, and nobody deserves to be met with brakesicles when they try to stop. Hit the jump to pour over Toyota's press release.


Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern

Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brake freezeBrakeFreezecorollamatrixrecallscionscion xdScionXdtoyotatoyota matrixtoyota recallToyotaMatrixToyotaRecallxdThu, 27 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota to end production at NUMMI in March]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-toyota-to-end-production-at-nummi-in-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-toyota-to-end-production-at-nummi-in-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-toyota-to-end-production-at-nummi-in-march/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Toyota Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Word 'round the campfire (okay, by way of the Asahi Shimbun newspaper in Japan and via Reuters) is that Toyota will end production at its NUMMI plant in California in March of next year. Though a spokesperson for the automaker claims no final decision has been made about an official closing of the plant, reports indicate that suppliers have already been notified about plans to shutter the assembly lines early next year after more than a quarter century in operation.

General Motors' only current contribution to the plant in California is the Pontiac Vibe, which officially ends production this month. Toyota is said to be moving production of the Tacoma pickup to its plant in San Antonio, Texas, and final assembly of the Corolla will reportedly join the Matrix, its hatchback sibling, in Ontario, Canada and a factory in Japan.


Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix


[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota to end production at NUMMI in March originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 toyota matrix2009ToyotaMatrixnew united motor manufacturingnew united motor manufacturing incnew united motor manufacturing inc.NewUnitedMotorManufacturingNewUnitedMotorManufacturingIncNewUnitedMotorManufacturingInc.numminummi plantNummiPlantpontiac vibePontiacVibetoyotatoyota matrixtoyota motorToyotaMatrixToyotaMotorMon, 17 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/dampened-pontiac-vibe-production-ends-this-august/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/dampened-pontiac-vibe-production-ends-this-august/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/dampened-pontiac-vibe-production-ends-this-august/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It was originally thought that the Vibe would be the terminal Pontiac, but now that we've learned that the Excitement runs out of the NUMMI plant by the end of August we're not so sure. While the curtain will drop on the Vibe, General Motors hasn't totally ruled out future co-production with Toyota at its joint venture in Fremont, CA.

The Vibe is the twin of Toyota's Matrix, and tended to earn Pontiac a lot of "it's a good GM car, because it's actually a Toyota" commentary, frustrating to no end in the halls of the RenCen, we're sure. Check out the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August

Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac Vibe GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Last Pontiac Standing will be the nearly new Vibe. The compact hatchback was the predictable pick not just due to its young age, but because it is part of General Motors' longstanding NUMMI joint-venture plant with Toyota.

Understandably, the Vibe isn't set to get a big update for 2010, but according to GM's 2010 Product Guide, front- and all-wheel drive models will continue, as will the sportier GT. The Vibe will receive a new Ignition Orange Metallic paint option (Mystic Blue Metallic goes away), a new luggage rack will be available on all-wheel drive models, and a couple of new option packages appear on the order sheet for the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder model (Sun & Sound and cargo management). Air-conditioning will be standard across the range for the first time.

In other news, the G6 will also soldier on in 2010, albeit only for fleet buyers. It is unclear what body styles will survive, but the sedan is a reasonable bet, although it is possible that coupe models will soldier on as well.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT


[Source: General Motors]



Last Call: Pontiac Vibe final consumer model for dead brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G6nummipontiacpontiac G6pontiac vibePontiacG6PontiacVibetoyota matrixToyotaMatrixvibevibe gtVibeGtWed, 10 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's not every day that you get more for the same money. Yet that's what Toyota is offering with the 2010 Corolla, which will come with traction control and vehicle stability control and no price increase over the outgoing model. The MSRP of that car remains $15,350 for the base model 5-speed sedan. The Matrix also adds the two features as standard, but the price on the CUV goes up by $201, to $21,960. Both cars will arrive in dealer showrooms at the end of February, and for more pricing info you can check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control

2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcorollacrossovercuveconomyfeatureshatchbackmatrixoptionssedanstability controlStabilityControltoyotatoyota corollatoyota matrixToyotaCorollaToyotaMatrixtraction controlTractionControlvehicle stability controlVehicleStabilityControlSat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Pontiac Vibe - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the original Pontiac Vibe hit dealer showrooms for the 2003 model year, it was a different kind of General Motors vehicle in just about every way. Sure, it wore a Pontiac badge and had that horrible plastic cladding hanging off its sides, but the vehicle's basic shape was unlike anything else in the General's lineup. There was a very good reason for this, as the Vibe is produced by GM's joint venture with Toyota called NUMMI, or the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. This JV currently produces the Vibe, Corolla and Tacoma pickup for both automakers, and the new Vibe is basically the same vehicle as the 2009 Toyota Matrix with a different skin and interior.

For 2009, the Vibe loses all that plastic armor but keeps its Toyota ties, receiving the recently updated Corolla underpinnings and powertrains. Will the Vibe's many changes make the little Pontiac good enough for prospective buyers to consider again? We took a brand new 2009 Vibe GT for a week-long spin to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Pontiac Vibe GT2009PontiacVibeGtAuboblog GarageAuboblogGaragefeaturedGMhatchbackpontiacpontiac vibePontiacVibereviewToyota MatrixToyotaMatrixvibeFri, 25 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[NHTSA probing windows on Toyota Matrix, Corolla and Pontiac Vibe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/nhtsa-probing-windows-on-toyota-matrix-corolla-and-pontiac-vib/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/nhtsa-probing-windows-on-toyota-matrix-corolla-and-pontiac-vib/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/21/nhtsa-probing-windows-on-toyota-matrix-corolla-and-pontiac-vib/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Toyota's Matrix wagon, Corolla sedan and its mechanical twin the Pontiac Vibe sport wagon are all in hot water after motorists have begun to issue complaints about their power side-front windows. Reports indicate the windows are getting stuck, making popping noises, and in some cases shattering and injuring passengers. To date, more than 503 complaints have been received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is currently looking into the issue. Ultimately, the investigation may trigger a recall affecting 676,747 vehicles manufactured during the 2003 and 2004 model years at NUMMI, the GM-Toyota joint-venture plant that found itself in a pot of hot water after an employee accused her superiors last November of letting defective vehicles leave the facility.

Interesting to note: This may become the first windows recall that doesn't require PC owners to download a patch. (Hardy har har.)

[Source: Detroit News]

NHTSA probing windows on Toyota Matrix, Corolla and Pontiac Vibe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NHTSANUMMIPontiac VibePontiacVibeToyota CorollaToyota Matrixtoyota windows recallToyotaCorollaToyotaMatrixToyotaWindowsRecallWindowsThu, 21 Feb 2008 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Matrix unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-2009-toyota-matrix-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-2009-toyota-matrix-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-2009-toyota-matrix-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Update: Video of the live reveal of the 2009 Matrix is now posted after the jump.

click above image for more high-res pics of the 2009 Toyota Matrix

Along with the new 2009 Corolla, Toyota unveiled its closest sibling, the 2009 Corolla Matrix at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Think of it as a Corolla wagon, though Toyota would like you to believe it's inspired by crossovers and SUVs yet has the "soul of a two-door sports car. Sports cars, however, usually come with larger motors than what the Matrix is packing. The five-door hatch can be had with either a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 132 HP or a 2.4L four generating 158 HP, both of which are shared with the Corolla sedan. Trim levels for the Matrix are trimmed down to just the Standard, S and XRS. Both engines are available with any trim level, and are paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto with the 1.8L engine and five-speed auto with the 2.4L engine. The Standard model rolls on 16-inch steel wheels with a six-spoke wheel cover, while the S model gets 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels and the XRS wears 18-inch twin five-spoke rims.

Check out Toyota's full press release after the jump for more details and view the new 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix

Continue reading SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Matrix unveiled

SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Matrix unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Matrix2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix2009 Toyota Matrix2009Matrix2009ToyotaCorollaMatrix2009ToyotaMatrixsemaToyota MatrixToyotaMatrixWed, 31 Oct 2007 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-2008-toyota-matrix-rally-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-2008-toyota-matrix-rally-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-2008-toyota-matrix-rally-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

UPDATE: Video of the Corolla and Matrix tuners is available after the jump

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics.

Toyota unleashed the new Matrix in a Halloween-infused joint press conference here in Vegas. The production version of the new (Corolla) Matrix debuted across the street, but we were on hand to see the Rally version unveiled on the floor at SEMA. The new design lends itself well to some modifications, but like most of the vehicles here at the show, it's more about flash than function. The front-mount intercooler helps feed a supercharged version of the Matrix's 2.4-liter four. The OZ wheels and upgraded brakes speak to the concept's functionality, as does the stripped out interior, added fuel cell and multi-point rollcage.

We'll have more details on the production version momentarily, but in the meantime, check the gallery below. Also, in case you missed it, you can check out the new Toyota Corolla right here.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Matrix Rally

Continue reading SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept

SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 toyota matrix2009ToyotaMatrixbreakingcorollamatrixtoyotatoyota matrixToyotaMatrixWed, 31 Oct 2007 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Toyota Matrix looks boo-tiful]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/27/2009-toyota-matrix-looks-boo-tiful/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/27/2009-toyota-matrix-looks-boo-tiful/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/27/2009-toyota-matrix-looks-boo-tiful/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Don't be afraid. Click image to enlarge.

SEMA 2008 coincides with Halloween this year, and as we've already reported, Toyota will use the show as a backdrop for the intros of the new Corolla and Matrix. Yesterday, the automaker revealed the first teaser image of the latter, all dressed up in its Halloween costume. Considering the horrific "costumes" some other SEMA exhibitors use to (cough) enhance their cars, we think Toyota is to be applauded for its restraint here. We're sure forward visibility through the eyeholes is not a problem at all. Plus, it probably just passes through other cars, walls, and assorted road obstacles anyway, so collisions aren't a concern, either.

We'll be there to see what's under the sheet next month.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2009 Toyota Matrix looks boo-tiful

2009 Toyota Matrix looks boo-tiful originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 toyota matrix2009ToyotaMatrixmatrix ghostmatrix halloweenMatrixGhostMatrixHalloweentoyotatoyota matrixToyotaMatrixThu, 27 Sep 2007 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia shows off next Carens at Madrid Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/kia-shows-off-next-carens-at-madrid-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/kia-shows-off-next-carens-at-madrid-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/kia-shows-off-next-carens-at-madrid-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,

More details on Kia's new Carens have surfaced, now that the mini MPV has debuted in Madrid. The five-to-seven seater is widely expected to show up in U.S. dealers as the 'Rondo' where it will mix it up with everything from the Mazda 5 to Chevrolet HHR and Toyota Matrix.

A marked improvement in the visuals over the previous iteration will help the Carens case, as will the fact that it's bigger in virtually every dimension: length, width and height. For the Europeans, at least, a 142 brake horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine will be available paired with a five-speed manual, along with a turbodiesel of identical displacement latched to a six-speeder. A four-speed slushbox will be available with either transmission. U.S. consumers can dream, but if the Carens crosses the pond, we imagine expecting the derv-burner would be a stretch.

The Carens is expected to base at around £12,000 ($22,300 USD).

A U.S. on-sale date has not been announced, but the model is slated to hit UK dealers this August.

[Sources: Reuters; Kia]

Kia shows off next Carens at Madrid Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 May 2006 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0-literCarensChevrolet HHRChevroletHhrdieselKiaMadrid Auto ShowMadridAutoShowMazda 5Mazda5MPVRondoToyota MatrixToyotaMatrixFri, 26 May 2006 21:34:00 EST