Autoblog

REPORT: Toyota to add 850 more jobs in San Antonio to build more pickups

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

2007 Toyota Tundra Limited - click above for high resolution gallery

NUMMI's loss will be San Antonio's gain. Toyota is adding a second shift at its truck plant and looking to hire 850 workers for the production increase, and since Toyota's suppliers are located on-site, they're also adding a second shift and hiring.

The relocated Tacoma production from NUMMI is projected to roll 150,000 vehicles out per year, still below the 200,000 trucks Toyota wanted to be making when it launched the current Tundra. It's a way for Toyota to hedge its pickup bets. When the market for the biggies sags, Tacomas may be more appealing; the plant could adjust its mix and keep going. While Toyota's pickup volume is a small slice of the market, San Antonio may wind up loving the Tundra and Tacoma in a big way.

Gallery: 2007 Toyota Tundra Limited

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Toyota to add 850 more jobs in San Antonio to build more pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals

Chris Paukert — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Toyota has announced that it will recall some 3.8 million cars and trucks to reshape and/or replace their accelerator pedals. The action is the result of fears that loose floormats may cause the accelerator pedal to stick, increasing the risk of an accident. The recall will be the largest in the Japanese automaker's history, and it will cover a wide range of vehicles from the 2004 model year through 2010 - a complete list is available after the jump. The move comes after an earlier action where Toyota announced it would recall 3.8 million vehicles to only swap floor mats.

Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota will effect the recall by sending letters to owners of its Avalon, Camry, and Lexus ES 350 models by year's end. Five other models, including the Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus IS 250/IS 350 will receive similar notices sometime in 2010.

The plan includes training dealer service representatives to reshape gas pedals, and Toyota will develop and ship redesigned gas pedals beginning in April. Those customers who have elected to have their pedals initially reshaped will still be able to have the pedal replaced when the updated unit becomes available. Vehicles fitted with Toyota or Lexus-made all-weather floor mats will also receive a new set of redesigned front mats.

Interestingly, Toyota will also install a a brake override system that will turn off the engine if both the accelerator and the brake are depressed simultaneously. According to Automotive News, this update will occur on "involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models 'as an extra measure of confidence.'" This action appears to be limited to vehicles that employ Toyota's push-button start system, but interestingly its hybrid-only Prius has apparently been excluded.

For its part, Toyota says the cost of the action will come entirely from its dedicated recall fund, a $5.6 billion dollar stash, and therefore, the recall will have "no effect" on its business. The news come on the heels of yesterday's announcement that Toyota will recall 2000-2003 Tundra pickups over frame rust issues.

A complete list of vehicles covered under the action and both NHTSA and Toyota's official press releases are available after the jump.

[Sources: Reuters; Automotive News; NHTSA; Toyota]

Continue reading BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals

BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer (ATG) takes gaming to illogical conclusions

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Truck, Japan, Toyota, Toys/Games, Specialty

Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's said that one hundred monkeys typing for eternity will eventually bang out the complete works of William Shakespeare. However, they will also come up with a whole bunch of other, um... stuff. Including the design brief for this thing. Yes friends, you are looking at a pickup truck designed to take you and several of your friends out into the woods to play video games. No, really. And if you get bored of playing HALO ~~OCD~~ ODST, you can go ride around on one of two Cannondale mountain bikes, presumably hucking rocks at the other guy. We would be rue to not point out that ATG comes complete with no less than four Xbox Elite consoles.

We'll hand out a limited number of props (very limited) for chopping out the B-pillars in order to accommodate the giant gullwings. While we didn't see the seats in action, we're fairly sure that the driver and front passenger seats swing out to allow all four peeps play along at the same time. And somehow the front video screen(s) slide into place and/or fold up out of the way. There's also a very large flat screen out back so that others can watch you and your buddies virtually kill each other. And the custom green metallic anthracite paint is the same color on your Xbox. Want to know more? Make the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer (ATG) takes gaming to illogical conclusions

SEMA 2009: Toyota Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer (ATG) takes gaming to illogical conclusions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Toyota adding 850 jobs in San Antonio truck factory

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Toyota's arrangements for its San Antonio plant are coming together after the closure of NUMMI and the announced relocation of Tacoma pickup production. The company will be adding 850 permanent and temporary workers to its labor force in Texas, taking the number of associates from 1,850 to about 2,700 - and that doesn't include increases in the supplier workforce. For those with an eye on the employment scene, Toyota posted the job openings in August and 14,000 people applied.

The assumption of Tacoma duties will put the San Antonio plant on a schedule of two shifts per day for the first time since last year's plant idling. When the $100 million retooling is finished, the plant will be able to produce 200,000 Tacomas every year. Toyota engineers are preparing the assembly line now and Tacoma production is scheduled to being next spring, with 100,000 units projected annually.

[Source: My San Antonio]

REPORT: Toyota adding 850 jobs in San Antonio truck factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Back to the Future Toyota Tacoma: Pickuptrucks.com tests Marty McFly's reborn ride

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Truck, Toyota, Off-Road

Toyota Tacoma Truck concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Today, we hearken back to the days when Toyota's trucks were simply called, uh... Toyota Trucks. Suddenly, its 1985 all over again. We may be getting somewhat tired of the constant retro influences invading today's automotive marketplace, but we'll gladly give the Japanese automaker a pass if it finds a way to put the Tacoma Truck Concept - better known to many as the Back to the Future Truck - from last year's SEMA Show into production.

We'd take the BTTF Truck exactly as it sits in concept form, complete with the cream pearl exterior with retro black graphics. Inside, the multi-toned brown and beige surfaces are period perfect, though it may be tough finding an adequate supply of 20 year-old Recaro fabric. Stick with the solid front and rear axles along with the standard four-wheel drive too, but we'd prefer to see a slightly more powerful powerplant up front (diesel anyone?) than the stock 159-horsepower 2.7-liter.

As far as driving impressions go, PickupTrucks.com managed to snag some seat time in the not-so-futuristic truck, finding that it handles dirt roads with aplomb. Toyota admits that this particular concept was assembled a bit too hastily to tackle the real tough stuff, but the hardware is all there to make for a real-life off-road rambler with a few more weekends worth of wrench spinning. So, could it ever enter production? Normally, we'd say there's a snowball's chance in... the Sahara. But, you know, never say never.

Gallery: Toyota Tacoma Truck Concept (BTTF Truck)

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Back to the Future Toyota Tacoma: Pickuptrucks.com tests Marty McFly's reborn ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, UAW/Unions

Now that Toyota has decided the fate of the NUMMI plant, the company has to decide where to move production of the Tacoma and Corolla models built there. The Corolla hasn't been spoken for yet, but Toyota is confirming that its Tacoma line is moving to the San Antonio factory that currently makes the Tundra pickup.

Toyota will spend $100 million on tooling for the Tacoma, and city and county officials guess that annual units will number about 100,000. It is also estimated that 1,100 new hires will be added to the factory employment rolls, which includes the 21 suppliers on the campus. Building the new truck will give the plant the second shift it's been missing since last summer, when it went down to a single shift as auto sales declined.

For the NUMMI workers, Toyota's announcement only makes the finality all the more real. Discussions with NUMMI laborers remains ongoing, and it has been mentioned that Toyota could move some California workers to Texas. However, with San Antonio offering tax breaks based on hiring some local workers, the chances of that are probably slim. Thanks for the tip, Tony.

[Source: My San Antonio]

REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: Toyota reportedly pulls plug on NUMMI plant

Chris Paukert — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Toyota

It's over. Or more to the point, it will be. Toyota Motor Corp. has reportedly announced that it will end production at Fremont, California's New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., better known as NUMMI. Despite protestations from workers and community members to the contrary, The Associated Press is reporting that Toyota's board has voted to shutter the plant effective March 2010. The plant's future had been called into question by General Motors announcing its intention to pull-out from the groundbreaking joint venture as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.

With General Motors' pullout from the facility and the production of its Pontiac Vibe along with it, Toyota has kept the factory's 4,600 workers busy assembling the Corolla and Tacoma. The move comes amidst word that the Japanese automaker has plans to cut production by up to one million units.

For its part, California officials attempted to rally an incentives package to convince Toyota to keep the plant open, but the effort to keep the plant in operation has evidently failed. With the half-year lead time before the facility's closure, lawmakers will be looking hard to find a new tenant to take over the facility.

[Source: The Associated Press via Google | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

BREAKING: Toyota reportedly pulls plug on NUMMI plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Unlikely Goodwood - Rod Millen's Toyota Tacoma charges up the hill

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Videos, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Rod Millen's Goodwood run in a Toyota Tacoma -- Click above to watch video

Last year, Rod Millen took his Toyota Tacoma Pike's Peak runner to the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Looking, sounding, and handling nothing like a Tacoma, and powered by - according to the caption - a "2-little turbocharged 4-cylinder," Millen flings the thing up the hill, all the while the forced-induction drivetrain is chattering away like a pack of rabid chipmunks. He manages to avoid the hay bales, but then nearly collects what looks like a Bowler Nemesis at the end for his troubles. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Top Speed]

Continue reading VIDEO: Unlikely Goodwood - Rod Millen's Toyota Tacoma charges up the hill

VIDEO: Unlikely Goodwood - Rod Millen's Toyota Tacoma charges up the hill originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

As part of its "New GM"/"Old GM" bankruptcy proceedings, General Motors has announced that it will abandon its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture with Toyota.

According to an official statement, GM and Toyota worked to find a future product that would work for both automakers, but they were apparently unable to do so. As a result, GM will assign its NUMMI stake to "Old GM," effectively ending a 25-year partnership with the Japanese automaker.

Over the last quarter-century, the Fremont, California plant has produced a number of vehicles for GM, including the current Pontiac Vibe, as well as the Geo/Chevrolet Prizm, and the Bowtie'd Nova that preceded it.

There is no word on what (if any) effect the deal's collapse will have on Toyota's NUMMI-made products which include the Tacoma pickup and Corolla sedan. According to NUMMI's official website, 5,440 workers are employed at the plant. Official press release after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: General Motors; NUMMI | Image: Hokubei]

Continue reading After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota

After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota Sequoia

Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

400 owners can be wrong: NHTSA closes Tacoma unintended acceleration investigation

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Toyota

As is usually the case when complaints of unintended acceleration are levied against a vehicle, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded that no specific vehicular defects have been found in 2004-2008 Toyota Tacomas. The mid-sized truck had been under fire from over 400 owners who claimed their trucks had accelerated without them touching the gas resulting in 51 crashes and 12 injuries. According to Toyota, however, the truck features a drive-by-wire system and its computer records any event of a mismatch between the gas pedal and the engine's throttle. None of the trucks involved in accidents reported any such codes. The NHTSA has closed its investigation and believes that driver error is the most likely cause for the vast majority of complaints while a few could be attributed to loose floor mats.

While the fact that the Tacoma has received so many specific complaints is worrisome, we are not big believers in unintended acceleration and tend to agree that publicity of the issue may well have attracted more erroneous claims. Debris stuck under the brake or pedals that are just closer together than some drivers are used to remain possible explanations, but could hardly be considered defects.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

400 owners can be wrong: NHTSA closes Tacoma unintended acceleration investigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

IIHS crash tests small pickups, majority flunk

John Neff — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Safety

Click above for more of the IIHS side impact crash tests for small pickups

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently performed side crash tests for the first time on small pickups. Their sampling included the Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier and Chevy Colorado. The results were published today and they indicate that small pickup owners might want to start wearing helmets while driving.

The IIHS has only three grades for its crash tests: Good, Marginal and Poor. The Dakota, Ranger and Frontier all earned Marginal ratings, while the Colorado could only muster a Poor rating due in part to the moving barrier actually coming in contact with the dummy's head during the simulated crash. The Tacoma, however, was the only vehicle to earn a Good rating. It was also the only small truck tested with side air bags, which are an option for 2008 but will be standard equipment on 2009 Tacomas.

If side airbags are an option, the IIHS will, as a rule, test a vehicle without them unless an automaker wants to rerun the crash test with a model that has side airbags and is willing to pay for the cost of the vehicle that's crashed. Not unsurprisingly, the archaic Ranger was the only small pickup that doesn't offer side airbags at all, though it was surprising that none of the other automakers requested their models be tested with side airbags. The IIHS also tells us that small pickups have the highest driver death rates of any vehicles on the road, which makes these tests all the more significant.

Check out the official press release after the jump, and peruse the gallery of crash test photos below to witness the utter crappiness that is small pickup crash worthiness.

Gallery: IIHS side crash test - small pickups

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading IIHS crash tests small pickups, majority flunk

IIHS crash tests small pickups, majority flunk originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota to offer Ironman packages for Tundra, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Truck, Toyota

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Ironman edition Toyota Tundra

Back in April we brought you an initial report of the upcoming "Ironman" edition Toyota Tundra, and full details have now made their way into cyberspace. The package will be comprised of a number of dealer-installed accessories and components aimed at pumping up the testosterone levels in Toyota trucks. The special-edition is named for Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, who has raced Toyota trucks to an unparalleled 10 championships and 84 career victories.

Not only will there be an Ironman Tundra, but also Ironman editions of the smaller Tacoma truck and the retro FJ Cruiser beachcomber. Whereas the previous reports suggested that engine output would remain unchanged, the Ironman Tundra will actually offer a supercharger that boosts output from 381 hp to a whopping 504, and torque from 401 lb-ft to a stump-pulling 550. The Tacoma and FJ Cruiser likewise have their power increased from 239 hp to 304 and from 278 lb-ft of torque up to 334. Other components on offer for the Ironman Tundra are a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust, Bilstein shocks, Hella lamps, a Hurst pistol-grip shifter and 20-inch Alcoa aluminum-alloy rims with General tires. Similar accessories will reportedly be available for the Tacoma and FJ Cruiser as well.

With Toyota truck sales slumping, the company's performance division TRD hopes that the new Ironman packages will help boost sales. However, most buyers are not expected to pony up the $20k for the full monty, with most anticipated to spend between eight and ten grand on Ironman accessories from the pick-and-choose menu. The components are supplied directly by California-based Halo Special Edition Vehicles, which hopes to sell 500 Ironman packages this year before increasing targets to 5,000-10,000 packages in 2009.

Gallery: Ivan "Ironman" Stewart Signature Series Toyota Tundra

[Source: Automotive News]

Toyota to offer Ironman packages for Tundra, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota under spotlight for possible Tacoma sudden acceleration

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Toyota

Audi went through it in the '80s. Jeep went through it a couple years ago. Other makers have been accused of it, and now it's Toyota's turn: the NHTSA is considering investigating Tacoma pickup trucks from 2004-2008 due to claims of unintended acceleration. In one instance, a man said he turned off his cruise control to exit the freeway, and the truck surged on him, forcing him to dodge a few vehicles -- even as he had his foot on the brake pedal.

Toyota says there is nothing wrong with the Tacoma's drive-by-wire system. The trucks that have been inspected have not shown the error codes Toyota would expect if the throttle and accelerator pedal were out of whack. The company wrote to the NHTSA and said, "Toyota believes that it is likely that many of the consumer complaints about the general issue of unwanted acceleration ... as well as many of the complaints about this subject that have been received by Toyota, were inspired by publicity."

We can't comment on the claims of unintended acceleration, as we have no idea if they are true or publicity driven. But we can wonder out loud why the brakes suddenly don't work. No matter what a car does -- even at full power -- the brakes should still do their job. After Audi's debacle, the NHTSA conducted a 2-year investigation of the issue and found nothing wrong with those cars, and everyone who sued Audi lost in court. Perhaps the folks in Tokyo should make time for a call to Ingolstadt.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Toyota under spotlight for possible Tacoma sudden acceleration originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota Tacoma under bit of fire for sudden acceleration

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Toyota

Ever since the CBS 60 Minutes debacle involving the Audi 5000, the terms "sudden acceleration" and "unintended acceleration" have been indelibly beaten into the minds of most Americans. In recent times, vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee have been labeled with the unintended acceleration tag and have all been summarily dismissed as driver error. In every case so far, demonstrations have shown that standing on the brake pedal, even with the gas pedal to the floor, will always stop the vehicle.

The latest vehicle under unintended acceleration fire is the 2006-2007 Toyota Tacoma, with 33 documented cases on file at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). So far, no proof of mechanical failure has been found, and the most likely scenario, according to the NHTSA and Toyota, is a misapplication of pedals by the driver. Possible culprits remain bunched-up floor mats, debris under the brake pedal or gas and brake pedals closer together than drivers are accustomed to. Still, this case in under investigation by the NHTSA and Toyota is said to be cooperating.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Toyota Tacoma under bit of fire for sudden acceleration originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota paying big bucks for bad Tacos

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Truck, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

We've already recently covered Toyota's efforts to ease the pain of some Tacoma owners. Here's a refresher: some Tacomas from 1995 through 2000 received insufficient rustproofing and are now experiencing frame failures. In an effort to mitigate customer pain and suffering, Toyota is extending the warranty on rust-through for vehicles with frames that have not yet perforated, and will repair or repurchase Tacomas with extensive enough corrosion. It is not a recall, not even a silent one, repeat that strenuously to your reflection.

That's all old news, but we keep receiving reports of the buy-back program offering phenomenal amounts for old trucks. Many message boards are alight with tales of payouts equaling 140 - 150% of the offending Taco's value, and Toyota itself pledges to consider any buy-back candidate an "excellent condition" specimen, regardless of how horribly it's been abused. The reasoning behind these happenings is likely manifold. Upon discovery of extensive corrosion, it could be a liability to allow the driver to continue using the vehicle. Also, making people extremely happy with make-goods likely improves the odds that they'll take the short walk from service to sales and drive away with a new Toyota. The program may be costly, but if enough people jump up and exclaim "Oh, What a Feeling!" it will be a priceless goodwill coup. Thanks to all who tipped.

[Source: CarSpace]

Toyota paying big bucks for bad Tacos originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota extends rust warranty on older Tacoma pickups to 15 years

John Neff — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Classics, Truck, Toyota

Toyota had begun receiving a few reports from customers that excessive corrosion was occurring on the frames of some older Tacoma pickups, specifically 1995 to 2000 models. The Japanese automaker determined that during this half decade of production, some Taco frames may not have received the kind of corrosion protection from the factory that's needed to withstand harsh climes, especially ones where salt is used to deice roadways. While there is no recall and Toyota says that the number of instances where it has found rust go beyond the surface of the frame to penetrate the metal is small, the automaker is pulling an unorthodox move and doing something about anyway.

Toyota is extending the rust perforation warranty on all 1995-2000 Tacoma pickups, some 813,000 units, to 15 years from the original date of purchase, AND you don't have to be the original owner, or the second or the third even. Anyone who owns a Tacoma from this era and finds rust perforation on the frame can have his or her truck officially inspected for rust damage, in which case Toyota will either repair or buy back the truck regardless of its condition. Owners will start receiving letters by mid-March, and those who don't can visit a dealership for a free inspection.

Now if you'd excuse us, we need to start shopping for a used 1995-2000 Toyota Tacoma in Syracuse, NY.

[Source: Toyota Open Road Blog]

Toyota extends rust warranty on older Tacoma pickups to 15 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota seriously considering A-BAT: The Prius of pickups?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Toyota

click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota A-BAT concept

We've harped on the fact that this market is ready for a small truck that splits the difference between full-sizers of today and compact pickups of yore. While many in the industry are skeptical about whether such a vehicle could be a sales success, Toyota is looking hard at the A-BAT concept, which debuted in Detroit as a vehicle that could slot in below the Tacoma.

Toyota execs are keeping a close eye on how the public responds to the hybrid trucklet while it makes the rounds of the national show circuit, and hopes that it garners the same amount of interest that the FJ Cruiser concept did, which was instrumental in bringing it to market.

While it's debatable that a hybrid truck sporting some of the high-tech features and unibody structure of the A-BAT is a viable product, the idea might be sound, and Toyota wants to be at the forefront of the small truck revolution if it does come to fruition.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Toyota A-BAT Concept

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Toyota A-BAT Concept - Live Reveal

Toyota seriously considering A-BAT: The Prius of pickups? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments