Autoblog

VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota, Australia, Humor

"Clean Getaways" - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Controversy's rearing its tawdry head Down Under as a Toyota film contest has got some laughing, others crying foul play. The Clever Film Competition solicited contestants to come up with 30-second commercial clips for the Toyota Yaris, awarding $7000 (well, Australian dollars anyway) to the winning entry. And while the rules stated that the entries cannot be "immoral" or "contain any obscene language," one contestant evidently felt the boundaries ought to be pushed a little. And the judges evidently agreed.

The winning entry - entitled "Clean Getaways" - portrays a young Yaris driver picking up his date and encountering her father at the door. The exchange between them is packed with more innuendo than a porn star's Lamborghini, and though Toyota's local spokesman says they're not distancing themselves from the clip, public outcry has resulted in it being pulled from the contest website. Fortunately, we've got it posted after the jump for your enjoyment... just don't watch it with the boss hovering around. Or the wife, for that matter. On second thought, better watch it when no one's around. But watch it just the same. Cheers to Mark and Oleg for the tips!

[Sources: news.com.au; Toyota via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy

VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles over melting door panels - in China

Chris Shunk — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Toyota

If you just got into your China-made Toyota Camry only to notice that your door panel has inexplicably melted, it's probably not your fault and the problem is going to be fixed for free. That's good news for you, we suppose, but not so much for Toyota. New reports say the Japanese automaker is recalling 688,314 Chinese-made sedans for faulty electronic window control systems. The damaged switches were reportedly caused by excessive lubricant used during manufacturing, which can cause overheating and, in rare cases, melting. The excessive lube issue has been traced to a single supplier, according to China's breathlessly named General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The vehicle most affected by the recall is the Camry, with 384,000 recalls. The Corolla comes in second with 245,000 units affected, followed by 35,000 Vios and 22,000 Yaris models involved in the recall. A Toyota China spokesman reportedly told Gasgoo that no accidents have occurred as a result of the defect.

[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: Toyota recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles over melting door panels - in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota planning cheaper, Yaris-based hybrid, could arrive in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota

2008 Toyota Yaris - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report originating from a Japanese newspaper, Toyota is planning to add another smaller, cheaper hybrid to its global lineup. The new model would be based on the Yaris sub-compact and be priced well below the current cheapest hybrid: the Honda Insight. This would be consistent with Toyota's oft-repeated plans to launch hybrid variants of almost every vehicle it sells over the next decade. The price in Japan could reportedly be as low as $15,650, and according to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the Yaris hybrid could achieve a fuel efficiency rating as high as 94 mpg!

Unfortunately, this is based on the same Japanese 10-15 urban test cycle that rated the new Prius at 89 mpg. While it's not unusual for dedicated hyper-milers to rack up those kinds of numbers, they are utterly unrealistic in real world driving conditions. Most likely we'll end up with EPA ratings in the low 50s and real world performance in the high 40s for most drivers. Although the Yaris is smaller than the Insight, Honda will have something to worry about if this new hybrid makes those kinds of mileage numbers and hits that price point.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door

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

Report: Toyota planning cheaper, Yaris-based hybrid, could arrive in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota announces pricing for 2010 models, upgraded engine for FJ Cruiser

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Toyota, Off-Road

Toyota's 2010 lineup will receive a suite of aesthetic, performance, and safety changes and minor price bumps, beginning with the FJ Cruiser. ToMoCo's chunky 'ute gets engine mods that include dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms, returning 19 more horsepower and one additional mile per gallon, with a price increase of just $360. At the other end, the 2010 Yaris will count things like Vehicle Stability Control and traction control as standard on the whole range, and the MSRP gets nudged up by $150.

The RAV4 Limited gets a little more chrome inside, and the price doesn't change. Nor does the price change on the Highlander, unless you want the stainless steel exhaust tip that will run you $50. But the SUV does offer more amenities on the base model, including a backup camera and moonroof.

The Avalon's price goes up by $100. For that you get auto up/down windows in the rear. The Tacoma gets "an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality," but no price change. The vehicles will start arriving on dealer lots in August and September, and you can read up on all these changes and more in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota announces pricing for 2010 models, upgraded engine for FJ Cruiser

Toyota announces pricing for 2010 models, upgraded engine for FJ Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalls 1.3M Yaris models, which begs the question: What's the plural of Yaris?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Toyota Yaris

The 2006 and 2007 model Toyota Yaris is being recalled over a seat belt problem. In severe frontal crashes, a foam pad could reportedly ignite. The recall affects 1.3 million Yaris units (Yarises? Yarii?) worldwide, with 134,900 of those residing in the States.

Toyota is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to administer the recall. The fix evidently takes an hour at the dealership, and affected owners should begin receiving letters next week. According to Toyota officials, NHTSA has logged no reports of pad ignition in an actual consumer crash.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door

[Source: Detroit News]

Toyota recalls 1.3M Yaris models, which begs the question: What's the plural of Yaris? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Hatchback, Toyota

If you've been distressed by not being able to buy a clown car at any local lot, Toyota has news for you: the company is working on a Yaris-sized seven-seater. That is odd enough to make us ask "What?" and "Why?" in several languages. Even better, though, is when Toyota engineer Hiroki Nakajima says "We can do it, and give limo-like legroom in the back." We aren't sure what Nakajima-san's idea of a limo is, but the current five-searter Yaris doesn't have limo-like room for the people in the front, much less the back and the cargo area...

The next Yaris is due in 2011, and recent rumors suggest the use of Toyota iQ's packaging to make it more roomy inside. Toyota has also said it planned to build an MPV on blueprints of the iQ. While a repackaged Yaris with iQ clever bits would be an impressively spacious subcompact, we simply can't see it making for a limo-like minivan.

[Source: Auto Express]

Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota iQ platform will spawn new compact cars

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Hatchback, Toyota

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ

Toyota developed an all-new architecture for its iQ city car, but in an effort to defray the costs the automaker will be using the platform to underpin three new models.

The first will be the next-generation Yaris, due out in 2011, which will be packaged more efficiently to improve interior volume and be a more competent competitor to the Honda Fit. A new hybrid model is also in the works that takes aim at another Honda - the new 2009 Insight - while a seven-seat people mover is also slated to be built atop the iQ's architecture.

MotorTrend sat down with the iQ's chief engineer, Hiroki Nakajima, to discuss a half-dozen innovative packaging solutions employed on the city car, including a differential moved to the front of the engine to allow more interior room, a higher-mounted steering rack and wiper motor assembly, a smaller, more efficient climate control system and a flat, thin fuel tank that lies beneath the passenger seats.

All these innovations have cost some serious coin to develop, but over the iQ's lifetime, along with the implementation of these systems on other models, Toyota is confident that the expense is worth it for both the automaker and consumers.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ

[Source: MotorTrend]

Toyota iQ platform will spawn new compact cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota adds 5-door Yaris to U.S. lineup

Alex Nunez — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Toyota

Click above image for a gallery of the Yaris 5-door

Small cars are back en vogue thanks to lofty fuel prices. As a result, Toyota is completing is Yaris lineup in the U.S. by finally adding the 5-door liftback to its list of offerings for the 2009 model year. Available in other markets (including Canada) since inception, the 5-door Yaris occupies roughly the same footprint as the 3-door, but is a lot more practical if you're going to be carrying backseat passengers frequently. Its powertrain will mirror the other Yaris offerings, and we're assuming it'll get the optional sport appearance package available on the 3- and 4-doors. Those sport models, by the way, get a new body kit and interior color schemes for MY09. Other '09 changes include the availability of cruise control on the hatch, as well as the addition of standard front side airbags and rear side curtains. Toyota hasn't released pricing or photos of the U.S. spec Yaris 5-door yet. We imagine the former won't stray too far off from the 3-door. In terms of photos, the gallery below shows you the base UK-market 5-door. Move the steering wheel over and you've pretty much got it. At least now when I catch the occasional episode of Psych, I won't be muttering that the blue 5-door Yaris the lead characters drive isn't available in the U.S.

Gallery: Toyota Yaris 5-door Liftback (UK Version)

[Source: Toyota]

Toyota adds 5-door Yaris to U.S. lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris Liftback

Dan Roth — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Hatchback, Toyota

2008 Toyota Yaris - Click above for high-res image gallery

Read a few car reviews and it's easy to walk away with the impression that we're a jaded lot; only interested in performance, luxury, and price. Any vehicle that doesn't have stupendous amounts of the first two for the tiniest pile of the latter gets kicked to the curb. It's true, driving cars that don't belong to us facilitates a certain view into how the other half lives that could definitely ruin one on lesser vehicles. On the other hand, there's an entirely different type of enjoyment to be extracted from cars that forego ostentation without ratcheting up the crap factor. Toyota's Yaris will never be mistaken for a Lexus, but it's neither the absolute nadir, nor ultimate zenith of autodom, meaning it has a shot.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door

Continue reading Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris Liftback

Review: 2008 Toyota Yaris Liftback originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota, Lifestyle, UK

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Toyota Yaris SR

The Euro-spec Toyota Yaris is a well-equipped little car. But things like the nine airbags, chrome exhaust finisher, and remote central double locking are merely gravy for the real show on this new SR model: a fully-integrated portable TomTom navigation system that doubles as a touchscreen interface for the car stereo.

It's a neat little trick, and the unit also offers Bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection for MP3 players. We wonder, though, if this is about simply making life easier and aesthetically cleaner for GPS users, or if people are really clamoring for a portable GPS. This blogger has never seen anyone walking down the street taking direction from a TomTom -- but this blogger also lives in LA where nobody walks anywhere, so maybe I'm not the best judge. If nothing else, certain Euro Yaris takers can finally kiss the suction cups goodbye. Uh, Toyota, how 'bout some of that love over this way, please?

Gallery: Toyota Yaris SR

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit

Europe gets Toyota Yaris SR with dockable TomTom nav unit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda still mulling over Mazda2, while Honda dealers clamor for more Fits

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:08:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Scion, Toyota

According to Mazda President Hisakazu Imaki, "As soon as North American dealers see this, they ask for it." That, in reference to the new Mazda2, a freshly styled sub-compact that is set to go on sale in Europe this fall.

The only problem is that Mazda execs are still waffling on whether or not to throw their hat into the ring in N.A. to compete with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Currently, Mazda's focus is set on the ever-expanding crossover segment, and Mazda's corporate cousin, Ford, is working on the release of a Mazda2-based vehicle for sale in the U.S.

But Mazda (and Ford's) delay is causing buyers to head on down to their local Honda dealer to place an order for a Fit. The only rub: they still can't keep enough in stock. Honda's production plans for the Japanese-manufactured Fit is only 54,000 units per year, and both Honda bigwigs and U.S.-based dealers admit that it isn't enough to keep up with demand. In 2006, 27,934 Fits were sold in the U.S., and in the first six months of this year, they've moved 23,769 units off the lot. In a fuel-efficiency crazed market, demand is off the charts, but until Mazda/Ford and Honda get its act together, buyers are laying down their cash for the Yaris, xB and Versa.

[Sources: Mazda2 - Automotive News (Sub. Req.); Fit - Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Mazda still mulling over Mazda2, while Honda dealers clamor for more Fits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nasty Fit: Honda calls out Ottawa government over federal rebate

John Neff — Fri, 18 May 2007 14:52:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Green, Hatchback, Honda

The Canadian p~~rovince of Ottawa~~ government is learning the hard way that one does not mess with Honda Canada. We reported last month that the automaker was irritated its Fit just missed qualifying for a federal ecoAUTO rebate of $1,000 CDN that was established to promote the purchase of fuel efficient cars. The rebate applies to new cars that use less than 6.5 liters of gas for every 100 kilometers driven. The Honda Fit uses 6.6 liters/100km, which means shoppers who purchase a Fit aren't eligible for the $1,000 rebate. Honda claims it designed the Fit to be both safe and environmentally responsible, and refuses to sacrifice one attribute for the other.

One of the Fit's direct competitors, the Toyota Yaris, consumes 6.4 liters/100km, and is thus eligible for the rebate. As such, according to this report, Toyota is practically the only automaker in Canada not upset about the federal rebate program that officially began on March 19th. Perhaps that's because sales of the Yaris in Canada grew by 15% in April, the first full month the rebate was offered. Sales of most its competitors that weren't eligible for the rebate reportedly fell, some by double digits.

Though it has voiced its concerns to Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, Honda is stepping out and fighting back. The company has bought ad space in newspapers across Canada and is publishing an open letter that criticizes the Canadian government's rebate program. If any Canadian reader finds the ad, we'd love to know everything that's said, but one quote from Honda president Hiroshi Kobayashi will be, "At Honda, we offer pride of ownership because we do not sacrifice safety for the environment." Honda is also offering its own $1,000 rebate on the Fit to match the government's offer, even making it retroactive for those who purchased a Fit all the way back to March 19th.

You hear that? It's Honda's Kobayashi saying, "Eat it, Flaherty!"

Thanks for the tip, Rob!

[Souce: The Globe and Mail]

Nasty Fit: Honda calls out Ottawa government over federal rebate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2007 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fit for Debate, Fit for Rebate

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Government/Legal, Safety, Hatchback, Honda

Honda's Canadian subsidiary is facing an interesting choice: fuel economy at the expense of safety.

New federal regulations recently passed in Canada award a $1000 rebate for cars that fall below a fuel consumption threshold, set at 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers in that wacky metric system. While the competing Toyota Yaris tests at 6.3l/100km, Honda's smallest offering, the Fit, sits just on the line at 6.5.

Honda figures the differential is created by the host of safety features - including more air bags and anti-lock brakes - which it includes with the Fit which do not come standard on the Yaris. Strip the safety features out, however, and Honda is confident the extra weight saved would bring the Fit below the limit and qualify for the federal rebate.

The question is surely not unique, as carmakers face similar issues in different markets around the globe. But it casts light onto the whole question of safety versus economy, even before cost considerations come into the picture. For your dime, and for your planet, is it worth sacrificing your safety?

[Source: Windsor Star via Vancouver Sun]

Fit for Debate, Fit for Rebate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota GB launches Yaris SR 1.8

Alex Nunez — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Toyota

Click photo for gallery

Last week, Toyota Great Britain announced the addition of the Yaris SR 1.8 to the top of the division's Yaris lineup. With its 130-horsepower Dual VVT-i powerplant, it immediately becomes the spunkiest Yaris, capable of a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) run in 9.3 seconds while managing over 39 miles per gallon in the combined cycle. Not bad at all, especially when you consider that we can only get the Yaris with a 106-horse 1.5L engine.

The SR trim level adds 17" alloys and nice visual touches like foglights, a trailing-edge roof spoiler, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum interior trim. Also note the better-looking Euro taillights. Shoppers desiring for the car's sporty looks but not the more high-zoot motor can opt for the SR trimmings on cars equipped with the 1.3L VVT-i (87 hp) and 1.4L D-4D diesel (90 hp). It's available in both three and five-door hatchback bodystyes, and the Yaris SR 1.8 is offered in continental Europe as the Yaris TS. Again, the people across the pond win. We get the impossibly heinous Yaris 4-door sedan with the smaller engine in the US market, while they get the much-better-looking 5-door hatch and a new topline powerplant? Sheesh.

[Source: Toyota GB]

Gallery: Toyota Yaris SR 1.8 (UK Market)

Continue reading Toyota GB launches Yaris SR 1.8

Toyota GB launches Yaris SR 1.8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TRD/Modellista Turbo Yaris revealed at TAS

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:06:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows

Although the Yaris hasn't piqued the interest of small car enthusiasts Stateside as much as Honda's Fit, there is a large contingent of tuners in both Japan and Europe that have turned their attention to Toyota's sub-compact three- and five-door hatch.

For the Tokyo Auto Salon, Modellista and TRD wanted to tap into that enthusiasm and teamed up to create the Modellista Concept. Based off the standard Yaris (or Vitz if you hail from the Land of the Rising Sun), the two in-house tuners strapped a turbo to the 1.5-liter engine to produce 150 HP and 144 lb.-ft. of torque.

To handle the added oomph, they equipped the Yaris with a limited slip differential, as well as a new suspension setup that drops the hatch down about 20 mm. The 17-inch OZ wheels and four-piece body kit, complete with intercooler-friendly front fascia, accentuates the new stance.

According to AutoExpress, a version of this Yaris will go on sale in Japan within the next few months, although nothing was mentioned about European or American offerings.

Make the jump for a couple more pics.

[Sources: AutoExpress, Toyota, Modellista]

Continue reading TRD/Modellista Turbo Yaris revealed at TAS

TRD/Modellista Turbo Yaris revealed at TAS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Toyota

This just in from the Department of Mundanity: Toyota hikes prices on seven models in their 2007 lineup.

Overall, it's nothing spectacular, with MSRPs rising just 0.7-percent or $136 on average. The vehicles included in the price increase are the Yaris, with a bump of $100, the unchanged and much-maligned Corolla up another $100, the other unchanged, Corolla-based Matrix MSRP moves north an additional $150, the FJ Cruiser gets another $200 tacked onto its sticker, the four-wheeled appliance known as the Camry has another $200 affixed to its bottom line (hybrid not included), the RAV4, cutish-ute comes in at another $200 higher and the Tacoma will cause you to haul in an additional $200 if you want to drive off in Toyota's entry-level pickup.

Yawn. We're going out for a cup of coffee and we'll be back with more exciting news later in the day.

If you care to endure the press release, follow along below the fold.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models

Upwardly mobile: Toyota lifts prices on seven 2007 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two more Toyota plants coming to North America

Scott Davis — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 06:51:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Lexus, Toyota

First the Tundra, then a Camry in NASCAR, now they are building trucks in Texas?! The line between domestic and import cars will become even fuzzier as Toyota continues its assault on becoming the number one auto manufacturer in North America and the world.

Over the next 2-3 years, they will add two more assembly plants in North America, bringing the total to seven including the Subaru facility in Indiana. Plans for the new facilities are to build the Yaris and an as-of-yet unnamed sport-utility. With five North American vehicle manufacturing plants currently cranking out 4,200 vehicles daily (1.55 million in 2005), including the Tacoma, Corolla, Camry, Lexus RX350, Tundra, Sequoia, Sienna, Solara, and Avalon, we can only fear what is next. The newest facility in San Antonio, Texas is building the 2007 Tundra pick-up truck. Hmm, a Japanese automaker building trucks in Texas. Someone at Toyota is laughing all the way to the bank.

[Source: CNNMoney.com]

Two more Toyota plants coming to North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 06:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faster than a speeding Yaris: the Superman Limited Edition

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:51:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota

The Caped Crusader gets to drive the coolest-of-cool Batmobiles, but what does the Man of Steel get? A Yaris.

The Toyota Yairs Superman Limited Edition comes only in Superman blue, natch. And you can tell it's special from all them snazzy decals: they're on the hood, the sides and on the back - big S shields and a flying Superman sticker. Inside, the comic book dream continues with blue seats and S-shields on the steering wheel, floor mats, handbrake, shifter and even on the tissue box.

If you're retching, you can take comfort, and if you're drooling, you can take a flight (and another appointment with your shrink): this bad boy is for sale only in Indonesia, thankfully, for a thousand-dollar premium over a Clark Kent-normal Yaris. (Think, though: a thousand bucks could buy you a lot of Superman comics.)

What we want to know is what eight-year-old boy won the design contest that brought this to fruition.

[Source: Flickr, Carscoop]

Continue reading Faster than a speeding Yaris: the Superman Limited Edition

Faster than a speeding Yaris: the Superman Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Toyota Yaris TS

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Toyota

Autoblog's Eric Bryant covered the world premiere of Toyota's new flagship Yaris model, the TS. The big news is the TS's new 1.8-liter engine with Toyota's Dual VVT-i, putting out a respectable 130 hp through a five-speed manual gearbox - good for 0-62 mph in 9.3 seconds. The extra power comes along with a sport-tuned suspension, quicker steering and an exclusive body kit.

Three- and five-door TS models will hit U.K. showrooms in early 2007. Check out more live shots and the full press kit after the jump.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Toyota Yaris TS

Paris Motor Show: Toyota Yaris TS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota names Corolla-based hatch the "Auris"

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Toyota

Hatchback, Toyota hath named thee, and thy name is Auris. Based on the Corolla sedan and placed up-market from the sprightly Yaris, the Auris five-door hatch features design elements similar to its kid brother, particularly around the front end with its the bulbous hood, oversized headlamps and grille with prominent emblem.

With the popularity of hatchbacks over sedans a fact in overseas markets, the Auris will be sold in Europe. There are many variations of the Corolla sold around the world, and the one sold in the U.S. is not the same as the hatchback that Europeans are offered, so it's unlikely we'll ever see the Auris this side of the pond. There likely will never by an Aygo sold here, as well.

Auris is the Latin word for "good taste". Think it's fitting, or is it a misnomer?

[Source: paultan.org]

Toyota names Corolla-based hatch the "Auris" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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