The Tokyo Motor Show has almost arrived, and while foreign automakers have stayed away, Japanese automakers are releasing a swarm of dazzling new vehicles and concepts. One is the 2010 Toyota Sai hybrid sedan, which will go on sale in Japan next year.

Based largely on the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, a used car dealer Minneapolis says the Toyota Sai will be priced slightly above the all-new Toyota Prius. Compared with the Lexus HS, the Sai is a little more conservative in terms of styling, particularly when it comes to the interior design and the center console.

Of course one Los Angeles body shop points out that the powertain of the Toyota Sai is identical to the one within the Lexus HS 250h. This includes a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and Atkinson-cycle engine which Tacoma used Toyota dealers suggest is good for a combined 187 horsepower.

Toyota plans on selling about 3,000 Sai hybrids per month. Numerous accessories are also planned for the Sai. More details to come following its official launch in Tokyo.

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Stay tuned for additional coverage of the Tokyo Motor Show here.

The Toyota 4Runner had been a proud Toyota product for 25 years.  Four generations and over 1.5 million sales later, this fifth generation is even more advanced. More rugged, and athletic, the fifth-generation 4Runer has better mileage and has more space for cargo and passengers than ever before.

The 2010 Toyota 4Runner combines toughness and durability with a multi-use construction that allows it to excel in multiple areas. Taller, wider and longer, Toyota Service Tacoma says this new addition comes in three model types. Top-of-the-Line Limited, Well Equipped SR5, and Trail Grade for premium off-road performance. Washington DC Used Toyota points out that an optional 3rd row seat allows for 7people and new, larger wheels accentuate the 4Runnner’s truck-based characteristics. New aluminum alloy wheels come standard along with a roof rack. The 4Runner is available in 6 colors including variations of blue, gray, pear, and red.

The 4Runner has a 4.0 liter V6 engine which produces 270 horsepower. What many consumers will like, attests a Toyota dealer Virginia, is that the new model has slightly improved mileage thanks to reduced aerodynamic drag. Ratings for the 4Runner are 16 mpg in the city and 21 highways. An innovative system allows the driver to monitor fuel consumption per minute in real time. Auto Dealers Lexington customers will no doubt appreciate that the new 4Runner also has 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and a stronger rear differential. It also comes equipped with state of the art safety features. Front, side, and knee airbags for the driver and passenger come standard. Also the Emergency Assist Button allows the driver the instantly connect to emergency services should they be necessary.

In addition to all of these new features, a Massachusetts Toyota dealer also points out that audio has been improved greatly. Eight speakers, XM Radio and iPod connectivity can all be controlled thanks to steering-wheel mounted controls.

With so many new midsize crossovers and SUVs available, including the recently updated Honda Pilot, Toyota desperately needed to revamp its SUV without making it just another “cute-ute.” Luckily, it looks like Toyota has succeeded.

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See more Toyota truck reviews here shortly.

Toyota and GM previously teamed up for producing cars at NUMMI, a joint manufacturing venture based in Fremont, CA. Following GM’s exit from NUMMI during bankruptcy restructuring, Toyota has announced that it will be closing the plant.

The NUMMI facility was erected nearly 25 years ago as part of Toyota’s push to build cars here in America. Recently, the plan was responsible for building the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, and the Toyota Corolla.

NUMMI’s closure represents a turning point in Toyota’s history admits one Washington Toyota dealer, and perhaps reveals bigger problems and the dire state the automotive industry is in overall. Toyota has long avoided the political and public turmoil that a plant closure would cause, but it seems as though the closing of NUMMI was simply unavoidable.

Following the closure of the NUMMI plant, Toyota’s Cambridge, Ontario based facility will fill orders for Toyota dealers.  After GM withdrew from the partnership, Toyota evaluated production alternatives, and carefully considered current and future market conditions. Corolla production will be accounted for in its Ontario-based plant, but the question is where production of the Tacoma truck will move to. One possibility says Toyota Service Costa Mesa is an underutilized plant based in Texas that is responsible for the full-size Tundra.

Prior to GM’s departure from NUMMI, the automaker offered vehicles under its Chevrolet and Pontiac brands that were built on a Toyota platform. GM was eager to gain insights into Toyota’s lean manufacturing operations, while Toyota gained insights into building cars in America according to Tacoma Toyota dealers and specifically learned issues relating to human resources, unions, and government relations.

With Toyota looking to slash costs everywhere it can amid slumping auto sales, the move has not been terribly surprising. Nonetheless, the plant employs 4,700 workers, which now are faced with an uncertain future.

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It appears that the Big Three aren’t the only ones dealing with manufacturing issues as Toyota manufacturing has also faced increasing challenges.

Toyota is synonymous with hybrid technology and producing eco-friendly vehicles. But as technology becomes the forefront of future automotive development, Toyota appears to be hesitant to move past its hybrid reliance and towards all-electric cars.

While Toyota is seen as a green automaker in the eyes of countless consumers, particularly with the launch of its all-new 2010 Toyota Prius, the automaker is beginning to fall behind in the race to produce an electric car admits some Boston Toyota dealers. Electric car technology is becoming the focus of several automakers including Nissan, Mitsubishi, and even General Motors. But Toyota oddly doesn’t have their hat firmly in the ring, despite their obvious technology credentials.

Nissan appears to now be at the forefront of electric car technology. The automaker has just unveiled the new Nissan Leaf, which should be available to consumers by 2012. However, Toyota will be introducing a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle later this year, but sadly Toyota dealers Los Angeles say it isn’t an all-electric alternative to compete with the all-new Nissan Leaf. More importantly, the Toyota plug-in hybrid will only see very limited production.

In the future, consumers and experts alike believe that electric technology will only play a larger role in the automotive industry – yet Toyota remains skeptical. Toyota is known for approaching problems and challenges with pragmatism. EV technology is substantial challenge, and Toyota has indicated that battery life and reliability must far exceed current technology to be viable for mass sales which a Toyota dealer St Paul and others reasonably agree with.

While limitations of battery technology cannot be overcome overnight, Toyota may be taking a back seat to rivals should the automaker continue that pragmatic approach. That being said,  a Car Dealership Santa Barbara believes Toyota is correct in citing the fact the electric cars don’t have the range that will make them ideal for all customers, particularly drivers that live in rural areas and require longer commutes.

Toyota has long held a reputation of reliability, before it fostered a reputation for eco-friendliness. Executives believe that this reputation could be tarnished if EV technology doesn’t perform to their standards says Seattle Used Cars. Although customers want fuel economy, they certainly won’t make the switch to an EV if has to remain in the shop.

Regardless of Toyota’s direction, EV technology for the masses appears to be coming to fruition. Hopefully, Toyota will be able to capitalize on this new technology, but the window of opportunity already appears to be closing.

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Toyota electric vehicles don’t appear to be coming soon, but look here for further news.

Toyota’s third generation Prius appears to add to the formula that has already made this hybrid an astounding success. Despite losing ground in some segments in recent months due to the decline in new car demand, the Toyota Prius continues to be the number one hybrid on the road.

Also competing against the recent third generation Prius is the all-new Honda Insight. Despite both cars having somewhat similar lines and both offering incredible mileage, the Toyota Prius features a more robust hybrid system that Toyota Parts Woodbridge says gives the Toyota an edge in terms of mpg. Once the electric motor is engaged, the system is also completely silent, and the transition to gasoline power is seamless.

The Toyota Prius is not without its quirks admits one Trenton used car dealer. With the gas engine starting and stopping at various points, it’s easy for any driver to recognize how different the Prius is from a conventional gas powered vehicle. Even the gearshift is more of a joystick that a traditional shifter. While the Prius is certainly different, it shouldn’t take long before drivers feel natural behind the wheel.

Powering the 2010 Toyota Prius is a 1.8-four liter engine. Combined with an electric motor, the Prius deliver 134 horsepower and scant move to 60 miles per hour in 9.8 seconds. That may not seem impressive, but Used Cars Kingston customers have found that the Prius has plenty of power. EPA fuel ratings for the Prius are 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 miles per gallon on the highway.

What’s really impressive about the latest Prius is the styling. Toyota did a good job of making the exterior styling crisper and sportier overall. Drivers can even get 17 inch wheels as standard equipment on the Prius V model. Inside, the interior continues to look as though it was inspired by an episode of the Jetsons, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing acknowledges to car buyers at one dealer specialzing in Albuquerque used Toyota. The interior features quality materials and an array of conveniences including leather, heated seats, satellite navigation, and an available JBL sound system.

Toyota has executed the third generation Prius well by maintaining its stellar fuel economy while adding style and comfort. While it may not be as affordable as the Honda Insight, it appears that it will be holding on to its title as the hybrid segment leader.

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The Big Three aren’t alone in their troubles as Toyota also faces necessary restructuring to help cut costs and weather the current sales slump. That being said, Toyota is far from declaring bankruptcy like some of its Detroit-based counterparts thanks to popular vehicles and healthy cash reserves. But with an $819 million loss in the first quarter of this year, forecasts are still looking a bit bleak.

One of the biggest changes at Toyota this year is the appointment of a new president, Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder. Since taking the reins of the company in June, Providence Used Cars points out that Toyoda has already voiced his frustrations with Toyota’s performance, and has already begun making sweeping changes to top management.

Toyoda had long been a fixture in the company’s U.S. operations, where he has earned respect from dealers and corporate employees alike. Many including Boston Toyota dealers believe that his leadership will likely bring a new vitality to the troubled automaker. Regardless, he’s likely to move quickly in his efforts to curb costs.

One reason why Toyota vehicles remain in high demand is due to their reliability and value – not because they look sexy or are particularly entertaining to drive. From a product development aspect, Washington DC Toyota dealers expect that this is one thing that will likely change as a result of new management in addition to aggressive cost cutting. However, Toyota cannot afford to alienate the customers that buy Toyota vehicles because of their practicality. It’s a fine balance that Toyota must achieve to maintain its role as the world’s top automaker.

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See Akio Toyoda’s next moves at Toyota in the News.

This year has certainly been tumultuous for the auto industry. Even though Toyota became the world’s largest automaker, it too has seen tough times due to dwindling auto sales. But despite challenges in numerous auto markets, it has continued to be a sales leader through the first half of this year.

From January through June, Toyota has sold 3.56 million vehicles, with GM trailing at 3.55 million vehicles. But with GM losing brands and losing sales, Toyota Lexington points out that Toyota has other adversaries that are making headway, including Volkswagen which has sold 3.1 million vehicles in the first half of 2009.

Capacity is not one of Toyota’s problems. Already Toyota has trimmed production, and closures of production facilities are looming. One facility that will be closing is NUMMI, a joint venture with GM based in Fremont, CA that has been responsible for the production of the Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, and Toyota Tacoma.

Meanwhile, Toyota also has a plant in Mississippi that has yet to be completed, but the closure of NUMMI will certainly alleviate overcapacity issues suggests personnel among Los Angeles area Toyota dealers. Aside from production, marketing and sales operations are also being scrutinized at Toyota following a shuffling of management which has included the appointment of new chief Akio Toyoda, the grandson of Toyota’s founder.

Although Toyota has plenty of cash in reserves, it appears to be getting a bit sparse. With auto sales continuing to disappoint, Toyota is hoping to remain number one going into the second half of this tough year. With the immense popularity of the third generation Prius at several San Diego Toyota Prius dealers and the success of new Lexus models, Toyota still possess plenty of strengths.

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Track Toyota’s wins and losses on this Toyota blog.

With GM’s continuing promotion of its upcoming Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric car, other automakers look to be busy tinkering with their own electric vehicles beyond mainstream hybrid offerings. Consumers are no doubt looking to Toyota, the hybrid car leader, to again lead the way in offering plug-in electric vehicles, but they seem to have been slow to adopt such technology in lieu of their popular Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

Despite a rather conservative approach to its plug-in electric plans, Toyota now looks to be changing its tune and has committed to producing 500 Toyota Prius models with plug-in capabilities, which appeases Toyota Parts Santa Fe which hopes Toyota continues its leadership in ‘green’ innovation. The plug-in cars will be used for testing purposes before Toyota releases them to the public. These vehicles should become operational by the end of 2009.

In addition to widespread testing of plug-in electric vehicles later this year, Tustin Toyota Repair says Toyota has also made the commitment to offer plug-in hybrids to the public by 2012. As opposed to a more progressive plug-in electric vehicle, the plug-in hybrids could be based on the Prius, which continues to be in extremely high demand at one dealer that specializes in Toyota Car Loans Lexington thanks to its redesign for 2010. Additionally, Toyota plans to produce 20K to 30K plug-in hybrids, which will likely be capable of traversing between 10 and 20 miles on electric power alone.

With a solid partnership with electronics leader Panasonic that will yield lithium ion batteries, Toyota has ample resources to continue its reputation for green innovations. Unfortunately, Toyota is just one of many automakers that are betting big on the success of electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The automaker’s reputation will likely be an advantage over the much-hyped Chevy Volt, but Toyota needs to keep producing eco-friendly hits if it hopes to retain its status as a leader in green technology.

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Information surrounding Toyota’s upcoming plug-in electric cars as always can be located here.

The five-door Toyota Yaris is a new model for 2009, helping satisfy demand as more consumers not only want fuel efficient compacts, but also are interested in versatile hatchbacks. Previously, the Yaris was offered only as a two-door hatchback or a sedan. Now the four-door hatchback variant can help Toyota compete with a broader range of compacts.

Powering the 2009 Yaris is a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower and 104 lb ft of torque, which is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. While a five-speed manual can be had with the two-door hatchback or the sedan, the five-door only has the automatic. While it may not sound like much, Santa Barbara Auto Loans specialists say the Yaris deliver ample power for the price.

Of course many potential Toyota Yaris buyers will be attracted to the efficiency of this little compact says Used Cars Kingston NY. With 29 miles per gallon in city driving and 35 miles per gallon on the highway,  Albuquerque Auto Financing points out that the Yaris has competitive fuel economy without the added cost associated with hybrid vehicles.

Despite its small engine and high fuel economy, the Toyota Yaris is surprisingly fun to drive, and offers plenty of peppiness for around town driving. For those who crave just a little more power, this can be easily achieved with the help of a Toyota Racing Development turbocharger available through Toyota Parts City of Industry. The suspension for the Yaris is well tuned, and provides the Yaris with spirited and nimble handling, but without a harsh ride.

The interior of the Yaris S provides a comfortable and sporty environment. According to Toyota Car Loans Tacoma, the S package includes auxiliary audio, rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and unique cloth on the bucket seats up front. Other features include power windows and locks and a 60/40 splint rear bench seat that makes it easy to stow larger cargo.

Despite its small size, customers at Ogden Toyota dealers have found that the Toyota Yaris offers plenty of room up front and in the rear. With the rear seats folded down, there’s even a commendable 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear compartment.

There are many affordable compact cars to choose from these days, but few are as efficient and as fun to drive as the Toyota Yaris. With the latest five-door body style, the Toyota Yaris is now even more versatile which should help it remain a dominant choice in this segment.

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Read more new Toyota reviews here.

Automakers have ample challenges in today’s auto market. To make matters a bit more challenging, new fuel and emissions regulations are going to be put into place in the U.S. Perhaps the most stringent of these new regulations is California’s, which will require 3% of sales from certain automakers to be zero-emissions vehicles.

While Toyota may be synonymous with hybrid technology and fuel efficiency, the new regulations are still incredibly restrictive. It’s estimated that Toyota will have to spend nearly $1 billion to meet the new requirements. This new regulation is only for automakers selling 60,000 units per year or more. Other automakers, such as Honda and Ford, will also have to comply. But with domestic automakers suffering, Honda and Toyota hold much of the market share right now, which according to Los Angeles Auto Loans means they will have a much higher cost in developing and marketing zero-emissions vehicles.

Toyota’s costs will come not only from the cost of components and the batteries that go into zero-emissions vehicles, but Toyota Service Goleta reminds us that costs will also come from additional necessary resources or revampings, such as service centers, engineers, marketing and advertising, warranty coverage, and other equipment needed to build such vehicles suggests one used cars Los Angeles dealer.  At 3% of their current sales, Toyota will be required to sell around 15,000 of these zero-emissions vehicles by 2012. If they fail to become compliant, they will not long be allowed to sell cars in California.

With the new regulations in place, Toyota and other automakers are scrambling to become compliant in a tight timeframe. Not only will this require money, but Toyota of Bastrop also points out that it will require serious research and development, and retooling. Should Toyota and others be successful in offering electric vehicles to the public, the next challenge will be  convincing car buyers to purchase them, as they will likely be pricier than gas-powered models.

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Learn more about fuel efficient Toyota models currently in development.