toyota urban utility concept

Toyota Motor has unveiled a new compact van concept in the US which points towards the fact that the company is at least thinking about entering the compact utility van segment sometime in the near future.

The recently revealed van concept from the house of Toyota has been christened by the company as the Urban Utility concept vehicle, or in short the U2. Toyota says that this concept vehicle is the company’s reaction to the growing entrepreneurship which is transforming the mobility in cities. The small truck from Toyota comes with great features including a roll back roof and a nice multi-function tailgate that can fold down to form a ramp. Toyota Motor said that it is going to display the Urban Utility concept vehicle at the 2014 World Maker Faire in New York which is going to be held on 21st and 22 September.

The Urban Utility concept vehicle surely has a lot of potential and can actually be a great hit if Toyota really decides to put the concept into production and incorporate some more useful and innovative features into it. If really done so, Toyota’s Urban Utility concept vehicle could be the next step in this highly growing segment which was created by Ford’s Transit Connect. Ford’s urban van is a very useful, compact, fuel efficient urban van which amalgamates the advantages of a city car and a truck for the urban dwellers and it drives more like a car rather than a big people mover. Soon ford’s urban van was followed by the creations by Nissan and Chevrolet as did many other car makers to take the advantage of this highly beneficial segment.

Toyota Motor being the world’s leader thinks it can make a much better urban van with the help of its Calty design studio based in Newport Beach, California.

The president of Toyota’s Calty design studio, Kevin Hunter said in a statement that Toyota saw an opportunity in the urban van segment and is planning for a new approach with this vehicle. The potential segment is increasing based on re-urbanization of the cities and city drivers’ want for flexibility, fun driving and maneuverability. The Toyota U2 offers the audience a glimpse into the constant innovation that takes place within Toyota.

Toyota thinks its little van can be used for work and play both. The van comes with a rail system inside to hold or tie down bicycles, sports equipment, and other recreational things. The vehicle will come with smart all foldable seats to offer great flexibility.

Toyota also says that the U2’s design is meant to be “playful” and its rather bloated back is to show off the vehicle’s great storage capabilities.

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Toyota is working on several smart things for its future cars from total futuristic green cars, to automated cars, to great efficient cars that are highly safe for both the drivers and the people on the roads. One such smart feature in the upcoming Toyota cars would be the Nexus 7.

A large 7 inch highly efficient tablet which is built into the car’s dashboard is really a great idea and is hugely practical too. This very sensible idea to elegantly offer GPS solutions to the car owners is so much better than the cheap and clunky infotainment options that are usually provided by the car manufacturers in their capable cars. Well, Toyota Motor has finally come up with the idea of incorporating the Nexus 7 on board its new cars. The latest Toyota cars in Taiwan will be coming with a built right Nexus 7 in their dashboards to offer great navigation facilities to the owners.

Toyota Motor has partnered with Unimax which is owned by Asus in order to create something which the company calls the Toyota Intelligent System (TIS). This Toyota Intelligent System is nothing, but essentially a regular Nexus 7 tablet which has been customized with added features such as voice-recognition, multimedia offering, 4G connectivity capability and off course all the Google Maps features that already come loaded it.

The best part about the Toyota Intelligent System is that as time passes on, and the newer and better tablets come into the markets, the inbuilt tab on the dashboard can be easily and quickly swapped in with different models as per the consumers’ choice and thus, offer full flexibility to remain up to date. Thus, the Toyota Intelligent System offers great user experience, latest apps and features of the Nexus 7, great customized features by Toyota as well as the option to stay updated and keep up with the changing times.

However, when it comes to which car models exactly from the house of Toyota will come packed with the Nexus 7, has yet not been announced by the Japanese car major. Only time will tell as to which new car models Toyota will choose to bless with the new Toyota Intelligent System to offer efficient and great infotainment experience to the car owners.

Toyota new rwd sports car

As per the sources, the new entry level sports car from the house of Toyota Motor will be a mini sports car that will be compact, light weight, fuel efficient and more affordable. The reports further say that this new Toyota entry level sports car that is on the anvil is weigh less than 1000 kg and will have a length of under 4 meters. The car is expected to measure 3995 mm in length, 1695 mm in width and 320 mm in height. This new speculated sports car is expected to sit on a wheelbase measuring 2480 mm.

Although a new entry level sports car to sit below the Toyota GT86, the new car will not compromise on the design front. It is meant to be more affordable and cost effective and its compact dimensions justify that. It is also aimed that those sports car buyers who are looking at fun, sporty drive without taking out a huge vehicle or burning a huge whole in their pockets. This new Toyota sports car however would look great, or at least Toyota will try to make it a stunner, as the car maker is desperate to make its new cars very eye-catching. Toyota’s new motto of heart racing stylish cars will make way into all the new Toyota cars. And when it comes to this new mini sports car, then it will definitely receive an extra dose of oomph factor being an entirely new sports car.

Under the hood, the speculated new entry level Toyota sports car is expected to be powered by a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder motor that has the capacity of producing a max power of 130 bhp and a peak torque of 145Nm. This engine is again likely to be mated to a 6 speed manual transmission as well as an automatic transmission gearbox option. This powertrain should be responsive and capable enough to power this compact sports car and offer a great on road performance as well.

However, there is no official confirmation from Toyota’s side when this mini sports car is concerned. If the speculations are really true, then we can expect a concept model of the car to debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

Just to add a bit to this information, if Toyota really launches this sub-4 meter mini sports car, it might as well launch it in India. This entry level sports will get the excise duty benefits in India, plus the country is really opening up to sporty new cars. Thus, Toyota India which is working hard to boost its sales should really consider of introducing this new car.

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Car companies are foreseeing a future where every second vehicle will be an electric, hybrid and hydrogen gas fuelled vehicle. It will take time to review the extent of progression of technology. Toyota Motor Corp is eyeing the green car market, its vision is to push the technology forward, and it has invested billions of dollars to develop fuel-cell vehicles and gasoline-electric hybrids.

Despite the massive investment in green car market, majority of its profits come from conventional gasoline vehicles. The gasoline market in US is a profitable sector; gasoline vehicles have contributed steep 9% growth in light truck segment during the initial six months of 2014 and are among the highest profit bearer in the segment. Toyota’s dominant position in US market happened on the back of impressive profits generated from Highlander SUV and Tundra pick-up. The two cars contributed a fierce 10% gain in the January to June period.

Toyota has kept aside investments to fuel green car growth; the revenue holding is whooping $40 million. The company has made admirable profits in US, so much more than attractive Asian markets of Thailand and Japan. This point was confirmed by an auto analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Koichi Sugimoto. The light truck market alone is an immensely profitable sector for Toyota; it alone has yielded 42% sales in the January to June period, which is a 5% gain from a year ago.

Toyota power in US auto sector was visible in July, when the firm noted a 12% gain, mainly because of spark discounts and demand for SUV vehicles. The profit outcome of Toyota is higher than the earnings of the industry which stood at 9%. Toyota is now the second most profitable firm in US, and has taken away the second spot of Ford Motor Co. The 12% growth is not inclusive of imports, the Japanese headquartered unit takes credit for export profits. The company could not make sufficient export revenues during the April-June period because of the expensive sales tax regulation.

Toyota Japan is not predicted to head to profits anytime soon; an analyst from Barclays Yoshida predicts a 381 billion yen revenue holding, a 16% drop. The expected decline in Asian markets is 92 billion yen, a 12% dip. Toyota has formatted a plan for the financial year, and the desirable operating outcome is $2,500 for light trucks such as Tundra or RAV4 in US. The profit capacity of Camry and Prius is $1,500; Prius hybrid the best selling hybrid car in US noted a 11% sale dip during the first six months of the year.

The adverse macro-economy has taken a toll on global auto profits; there is very little room for enormous investments. Toyota has maintained bulk amounts to promote the power of green cars; it is still a long way off before the technology meets the robustness of conventional fuels.

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However, here also Toyota begs to differ, as now the company is raising the harmful effects of this dream driverless technology if really implemented. It is known that above all Toyota is a green car pioneer and constantly striving to build an eco-friendly future mobility system. Thus Toyota says that automated driving can actually be bad for the environment as it will raise fuel consumption as well as pollution.

The Toyota scientists say that autonomous cars could risk adding to urban slump and pollution as these driverless cars could encourage the commuters to travel farther to work, as the stress of driving will be reduced considerably.

According to Toyota North America’s senior principal scientist, Ken Laberteaux such technologies should be actually delayed and arrive not before a decade’s time. Laberteaux said in an interview that faster commutes can cause unintended consequences which are not acceptable.

Laberteaux further said that history has shown the pattern that is clearly evident that in a matter of a century people have been always turning more speed into more travel, rather than actually using the increased speed to reduce travel time and using that time into something more creative or important. The time and distance aspects are interrelated and the more speed people get, they also get the urge to go further and travel to a distant place.

Toyota however is in full swing into its research of developing autonomous driving. Toyota along with other auto manufacturers and with the help of technology companies such as Google Inc. are accelerating the research of partial or entire automate driving. While this technology might increase fuel consumption and pollution, it could also considerably reduce or eliminate traffic accidents and congestions, as the driverless technology is fully computerized and calculated with high safety features of avoiding accidents. Moreover, with the driverless cars people may also use their cars as mobile offices during travelling thus enabling them to always remain connected with the world even while commuting. The driverless cars are also completely regulated by the computers and advanced robotic technologies which keeps the car in control and does not over-speed at any times. The cars would also be able to detect road conditions and traffic rules as per the area and adjust themselves accordingly. Thus, road crashes can be fully eliminated, as there would be no rash driving or irresponsible driving scenarios.

After the automated driving technology comes into the picture, the car makers can incorporate this technology in the green cars to cut out the pollution issues.

2013 Toyota New Rush TRD Sportivo

Toyota did not make impressive sales during the initial four months of the year, it was a continuous decline. The company along with many esteemed auto manufacturers had to bear the brunt of weak economy. It was only in the month of May signs of revival was witnessed, it was a welcoming surprise of two years of continuous slump. The company recorded 6% profits in May.

The new Corolla Altis is a global launch; the world is desperately waiting for the car. India’s are fascinated with the layers of luxury tucked into the car, and the demand is just overflowing. In June Toyota sold 900 units of the car a leap from the demand in May with the sale of 548 pieces. To grab the vehicle customers will have to wait two months.

Toyota brought in a new wave of excitement with launch of 2014 Etios Cross, it has unique cross attributes visible in side plastic cladding, silver roof rail and bull bar. The front grille comes with a blend of class and sophistication draped in shiny silver. The layout of headlights is adapted from Liva hatch and is filled with sparkling courtesy lights and halogen lamps. Beneath the bumper is pair of arty fog lights. The side view looks macho and stylish with glossy silver cladding. The rear section has Liva identities, Etios Cross on the whole offers different wave of wonder and adventure.

The insides of Etios Cross are as unique as exteriors; the décor is an all black piano theme. The seats are covered with premium upholstery and are super comfy. The door panels have classic black finish; the same trend is spilt over to central console. The central console on dashboard is packed with high-tech instruments in the form of instrument panel, high-end music system and air con units. There is heaps of comfort and storage amenities to look forward to like glove box, bottle holders, accessory power outlets and cup holders.

Toyota recently launched Etios Xclusive edition, it comes in an elegant package with professional jet black interiors, refreshed chrome grille, artistically styled head lights, glossy chrome treatment on tail lights and classically sculpted outer rear view mirrors. There is a world class music system with audio and Bluetooth connectivity.

The new Corolla Altis is a greater wonder of the past; the insides too are garnished with spectacular luxury, at a higher level than its predecessor. Toyota’s top seller in MPV segment is Innova, it has excited millions of robust nuclear family network in India. The company is working on a new 2016 model which is a bigger surprise of the past to offer cut-throat rivalry to Honda Mobilio.

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Now coming to the interesting point, the donated vehicle, it is an assortment of the tenth and eleventh gen model. The eleventh gen car is a recent one that launched last summer. The vehicles are donated to schools to allow kids to gain deep insight into the workings of automotive technology.

The director of Tupelo Career Technical Center Evet Topp said, she was happy with the cars she chose, and students will understand the workings of a vehicle, this is not the first time that Toyota has decided to donate a vehicle. The company did so a year ago, but time we have received it directly from the firm. The second donation has happened after years; Toyota donated 29 cars worth $400,000 to community colleges and emergency management agencies.

The general manager in production control department of the unit, Kirk Manley said, ‘’the vision of the donation was to aid young students to learn the nuances of automotive technology, which is probably a leap into the future. A team member Manley said,’’ we hope the kids will learn all the technical aspects of a car, to maintain the competitive levels and expand to a whole new level. ‘’

The vehicles are not meant for the public; they were stuffed into trucks and transported to schools. Each student was given a couple of Corollas. Anyone will be excited by the episode of Toyota donating vehicles. The director of Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Centre Phil Ryan it was a godsend gift, the car given to us in 2001 was Camaro, now the system is completely different.

The Technology Education Director and New Albany or Union County School of Career John Ferrell said, ‘’ the students will have an edge imbibing new technologies and gain deeper knowledge. Officials of Toyota and Manley are hopeful that the event will be a regular one. The donation of vehicle is spread across all education institutions from schools to community colleges to universities. The trial vehicle is engineered by staff of Toyota unit in Blue Springs area of Mississippi and is an advantage for them to know everything about a car and its manufacturing process and also emphasize on the essential departments of engineering such as development and safety, workforce and vocational training.

It is an excellent initiative of Toyota to donate vehicles across various educational institutions. Auto technology is progressing like never before, companies are working on futuristic vehicles which are novel and imaginary. Cars are fascination products for people of all age groups; it starts at the toddler stage. It will be interesting if Toyota vehicles are donated in Indian schools and colleges, the car market in India is huge with incredible diversity to meet the aspirations of all sections of the society. Let’s hope it happens the learning process will be more enjoyable.

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Now how does a free piston work, every engine moves with the aid of crankshaft. The mechanism here is different, when power is induces the piston transfers its kinetic energy into its surrounding fixed structures and generates three phase AC current. It does not generate sparks on regular gasoline or diesel engine. The thermal efficiency output is 42% and claimed to be superior to regular engines. Toyota launched demo equipment which is two feet long and 8 inches, the power output is 15hp. It has two cylinders to balance momentum and emit minimal vibration.

The free piston engine operates on electric current; the valves too are electrical, perfect to transfer sufficient power through the stroke. The engine has a two stroke design featured in a video. Sources say a two stroke engine could be problematic; the main concern is greater level of emission. According to Toyota a twin system that yields 20kW power in a light electric car can attain peak speeds of 120kph or 75mph.

The novelty of high efficiency free piston engine is linear movement of current, linear combustion engines and generators have been used earlier. The mechanism is operational in smartphones, energy backpacks and Faraday flashlights. Single acting direct power pistons are commonly used for Russian military as power assist boots. The idea is to form a strong co-ordination between both the strokes, and that is what Toyota has done.

Although the layout appears innovative and efficient Toyota will have to look deeper into the engineering details. The deceleration and re-acceleration happens at terminal end of stroke, any variation between electromagnetic power and combustive power input has to be looked into, and the main focus here is power absorption. The general solution will be to insert air springs; preventing efficiency loss is a task.

The device runs on alternate current (AC), Toyota might use incorporate a direct current (DC) conversion equipment to charge the battery, it might not happen if Toyota has inserted an AC battery. The principle behind the construction of linear alternators is similar to layout of linear motors, the mechanism is not straight forward, and engineers will need to look into control functions that determine the energy levels of coil in a motor.

The construction of linear motor that runs on AC current is not the same as electric vehicles that pump peak powers of 740hp. It is interesting to learn of Toyota’s aim to design a high-efficiency free piston engine, the motion here is linear using AC current, different from regular engines that move on rotating motion using crankshaft combustion. The advantage with this form of engine could be lower vibration and emission levels and lighter vehicle. The only hindrance is the company will have to make sure that coils are energized using control functions.

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These losses have created a significant impact on its long term results and their focus is to now support existing employees when Toyota transits from being a sales firm to a distribution organization. Toyota had to bear very high reconstruction costs during past financial year which amounting to $889 million comprising of $ 505 million in asset write downs followed by $384 million for employee redundancy payments. If these would not have existed than Toyota would have managed to make nearly $266 million in profits during early part of 2014. These costs have reduced Toyota’s profits in Australia for financial year 2012-13 and it posted only $144 million though its global profits were at an all time high of $ 19 billion.

Despite these losses Toyota is confident that its brand power will help sustain sales until it finally closes down all operations and moves out of Australia. Presently Corolla is its top selling imported model which is doing good business along with Camry and Hilux. Local production at Toyota’s unit in Australia is being used within local markets and also exported to Middle East, New Zealand and islands in South Pacific. Its overall exports stand at 67000 units and it employs around 3700 people across Australia who will be retrenched phase wise until the firm shuts down operations in 2017. Though Toyota will be shutting down manufacturing operations in Australia it will continue selling cars which will be wholly imported as a CBU unit.

Toyota’s decision to curtail production in Australia has been based on accumulating losses over the years due to high cost of production followed due to rising salaries and price of inputs. High rate of Australian dollar has also affected exports as its products can now be sold to nations with higher currency value. Free Trade Agreements have also contributed to reduction in profits for multi-national firms like Toyota and Ford as now they have to work in fragmented economic conditions. Once Toyota’s manufacturing unit at Australian comes to a halt in 2017 it will put an end to the nation’s automobile industry leading to loss of jobs within the unit and with retailers working with Toyota. During previous financial year Toyota lost $3000 on production costs which forced it to take a hard decision of closing down manufacturing operations in Australia.

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During the most recent event held at this center at Michigan to celebrate this commendable achievement of earning 1355 patents within a single year, the speaker at this event stated that Toyota has always been innovative and forward thinking which is why it has managed to stay as most popular carmaker around the world for several years. In automotive sector it is imperative for every manufacturer has to either adopt new technology that others have created or develop new technology of its own which is viable. In current scenario of global markets with advancements made in communication which helps people to learn quickly about changes around the world, automobile manufacturers have to adapt really fast to avoid missing the action.

The Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing division or (TEMA) has a team of automobile engineers and scientists who work together in close harmony to set the pace for automobile industry through technologically advanced innovations. Besides the facility in Michigan, Toyota has two other research and development centers, of which one is located in California and another at Phoenix, AZ. The first research center of Toyota at Michigan was set up way back in 1977 which for past 35 year has been driving forward Toyota’s ideas and innovations. Toyota Technical Center has a separate division for evaluating new products after production to check functionality of all fittings. Besides vehicles under Toyota brand, the Toyota research center also checks and improves models under Lexus range with engine tuning to increase output and safety crashworthiness.

The Toyota Technical Center has helped to develop varied range of vehicles like Camry, Rav4 electric car, Tacomo, Tundra and Venza models. Besides improving technology within its cars through own team, Toyota also works with technical firms like IBM and research wings of Universities to develop new products. Toyota’s management has maintained a futuristic mindset and its research team uses thermal management technology to improve hybrid vehicles which are expected to be vehicles of the future. With diminishing supply of fossil fuels and rising environmental degradation due to pollution, Toyota is trying to develop vehicles which will reduce emissions and also provide a viable means of transport through hybrid vehicles. As the firm’s senior executive stated while handing forth the awards to respective winners, “At Toyota we don’t keep pace – we set the pace”.