Tundra Headquarters Blog

Forbes Magazine Names Tundra a 2012 Tough Truck

time — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:23 +0000

Forbes Magazine recently completed an exhaustive process to name the Toyota Tundra a 2012 “Tough Truck.” The Tundra is continuing to improve its perception among full-size truck buyers and this honor pushes it past other trucks.

Forbes Magazine named the 2012 Toyota Tundra a Tough Truck after an exhaustive review of tests.

The process Forbes Magazineused began with the Consumer Reports‘ list of Recommended Pickup Trucks which puts every truck that comes their way through a series of 50 different tests. These tests focus on a variety of items such as safety and reliability.

Next, this list of “Recommended Pickup Trucks” was matched against J.D. Power’s “Dependability Ratings.” From there, every pickup that got an overall ranking of 3 out of 5 stars (the Toyota Tundra got 5 out of 5 stars) was judged against the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s “IIHS Top Safety Picks.”

The Toyota Tundra is one of very few full-size pickup trucks to meet this criteria and subsequently become named one of The Toughest Trucks of 2012 by Forbes. It joins the Honda Ridgeline and Ford F-150 on Forbes list. Forbes Magazine said “Tundra can mix it up with the big boys, going head to head with Ford, Chevy, GMC and Ram in the pickup battles.”

Consistently proving itself to be a serious contender against the rest of the competition, the Tundra is quickly gaining wide-spread acceptance as a favorite amongst guys that know exactly what they want and expect from a “tough truck.”

Find new Tundra info in our official 2012 Tundra buyer's guide.

Toyota Opens Domestic Parts Plant Instead of Importing

time — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:48 +0000

As a bit of good news coming out of the job recession that has plagued the U.S. for the last three years, Toyota announced plans to build a new manufacturing operation in Georgia within the next two years.

Toyota recently announced it will open a new parts plant in Georgia to produce parts rather than keep importing parts from Japan.

Announced as of January 2012, Toyota Corporation will add to its U.S. footprint with the construction of a new factory in Jackson County, Georgia. The $350 million facility will operate as a compressor plant for the company, creating 320 new jobs in the area. By bringing the plan online in the U.S., Toyota will be able to source its vehicle compressors locally rather than having to rely on shipping from manufacturing facilities in Japan.

With the new facility location to be known as the Toyota Industries Compressor Parts America plant, it will be the first Toyota plant with compressor parts completely made inside the U.S. for Toyota vehicles. The operational date of the factory is expected to open in the final quarter of 2013.

It is expected that the factory will feed parts not only to Toyota’s manufacturing facilities, but also to other carmakers such as General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and Kia. By adding to its manufacturing footprint in the U.S., Toyota’s approach will help the company diversify its support facilities into different locations.

This approach can help the carmaker avoid some of the shipping delays that occurred in 2011 after the Japanese tidal wave and related factory shutdowns in Japan.

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Car Commercials Super Bowl 2012

Jason (Admin) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Here’s a recap of the most important car commercials of the 2012 Super Bowl - if you like this post, please share it on Facebook!

In no particular order:

Chrysler’s Halftime In America Ad

Staring Clint Eastwood, this relatively long commercial generated a lot of attention for Chrysler and a fair bit of political controversy, with some conservatives claiming this ad is a thinly veiled ad for Barack Obama.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Audi’s Vampire Party Ad

It’s a little dark, but also a little funny, and it does a nice job of tying into the whole vampire culture that seems to engulf the so-called “echo boomers.” It also does a nice job of highlighting Audi’s LED headlights, something that is innovative for 2012 (but will be commonplace in just a few years).

Click here to view the embedded video.

Toyota’s Reinvented Ad

For Toyota, this is another family-oriented humor ad that is good for a chuckle. It also does a nice job of highlighting that America’s best-selling car is all new for 2012.

Click here to view the embedded video.

VW’s The Dog Strikes Back Ad

Another entertaining ad that ends with a glimpse of the all-new Beetle. Most of America can relate to the hero – an overweight dog – exercising diligently to get back into game shape. At the end, they reference their 2011 Passat Darth Vader ad.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Honda’s Ferris Bueller Redeax Ad

It’s a clever ad that lost a bit of credibility with the clumsy integration of vehicle panoramas…but definitely entertaining none the less. Read a full review of the Honda CRV Super Bowl commercial.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chevy’s Apocalypse 2012 Silverado Ad

As one comedian joked, if the only people who survive the apocalypse are Chevy truck owners, I don’t want to live. A funny ad, even if it is based on the ridiculous assumption that vehicle registrations somehow equal durability.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Suzuki’s Sled Ad, Featuring 50 cent

It’s probably a bit too much hip-hop for mainstream America, but for Suzuki’s target demographic of young professionals, it’s a good shot. It’s also a great ad for raising the profile of a critically acclaimed car that most people don’t know about, the Kizashi.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chevy’s Happy Graduation Camaro Ad

Very funny, and the fact that it was created as part of a contest makes it even more interesting.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kia’s A Dream Car for Real Life Ad

How can you go wrong with a commercial that features a little person in costume, supermodel Adriana Lima, thousands of bikini-clad spectators, an MMA legend, and a driving rock beat? Seems like a formula for success in any configuration.

Click here to view the embedded video.

*NOTE: This is the extended version of the ad

Hyundai’s Think Fast Genesis Coupe Ad

This ad seems like a contradiction – the concept is cutesy/clever, but the car is supposed to get your heart racing. Seems like cutesy/clever and heart racing don’t mix…at least not to me.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Seinfeld 2012 Acura NSX Ad

For the intended demographic – over 40, with money to spare – this is a great ad. Seinfeld speaks to that demo. For everyone else, it’s just funny.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Fiat’s 500 Abarth Seduction Ad

It’s sexy for sure, but it’s a Super Bowl ad in name only. The video has been around for months online.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Toyota’s Connections in a Camry Ad

A lot of ads seem to underestimate the importance of tradition and heritage in the human condition, but this ad isn’t one of them. Of course, talking about the past is dangerous at the expense of the future…Toyota might have been better off showing some new products, their commitment to innovation, etc. Still, a heart-warming ad.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chevy’s Sonic Stunt Ad

Last but certainly not least, a series of stunts featuring the new Chevy Sonic is a smart way to appeal to the younger consumers who are most likely to buy this entry-level auto. However, the line at the end about “your first time” seems out of place.

Click here to view the embedded video.

So there you have it – all the car commercials from the 2012 Super Bowl – any comments?

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Clint Eastwood Super Bowl Commercial is a Big Fat Lie

Jason (Admin) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:35:23 +0000

By this time, we’ve all seen the Clint Eastwood “Halftime” ad from Chrysler. It’s well produced, classy, and – depending on your point of view – inspiring. The ad wants you to believe that, much like Detroit, America can bounce back from tough times stronger than before.

The trouble is, this whole notion of Detroit “bouncing back” is a lie. Detroit was saved from collapse by an Italian conglomerate, the American taxpayer, and good timing. Let me explain:

1. Chrysler owes it’s life to an Italian conglomerate. Chrysler’s tag line is “imported from Detroit,” but it might as well be Mario and Luigi Motors. Chrysler is owned and operated by Fiat, an Italian conglomerate that builds cars, has financial holdings, construction services, etc. Think of Fiat as Italy’s version of General Electric.

In other words, you’re not exactly “bouncing back” when one of the world’s largest companies decides to invest.

2. G.M. never would have survived without the American taxpayer. We all know that G.M. needed billions of dollars of federal aid to stay alive – some estimates exceed 100 billion, if you include TARP funds to GMAC in addition to all the money “invested” in G.M. on behalf of the American taxpayer. If I file bankruptcy, and I have to borrow money from Mom and Dad to feed my family, is that really considered “bouncing back?”

3. Ford was damn lucky to borrow money when they did. In 2003, Ford’s leadership saw the writing on the wall and decided to go all in. They leveraged every single asset in the company to secure a mountain of cash, which they used to support closing factories, laying off and buying out workers, etc. Because Ford had already started to rebuild their business, they were able to survive the industry collapse in 2008 without asking for a handout. While Ford’s leadership deserves immense credit for having the vision to rebuild the company starting in 2003, it’s disingenuous to call their success in rebuilding “bouncing back” in the same way that Chrysler and G.M. recovered.

4. NONE of the Detroit automakers have truly bounced back yet. GM, Ford, and Chyrsler laid off half their workforce between 1999 and 2011 – that’s hundreds of thousands of jobs that simply disappeared. While one could argue many of these jobs needed to disappear, it’s a lie that Detroit or her automakers have bounced back. Detroit still has high unemployment, a depressed economy, more abandoned property than you can shake a stick at, and a host of other problems. GM, Ford, and Chrysler still don’t provide as many jobs as they did less than 10 years ago.

Click here to view the embedded video.

When Chrysler pays for an advertisement that insinuates they’ve somehow learned how to “pull together” and “fight again,” they do us all a disservice. No one should get credit for charity or dumb luck, least of all Chrysler, one of the most poorly managed automakers in history. Don’t buy into this crap, America, you’re smarter than that.

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Chrysler Builds CNG RAM Pickup for 2012

time — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:22 +0000

Chrysler plans to introduce a compressed natural gas (CNG) RAM pickup for sale in 2012. This pickup will compete with other manufactures and be another way for the U.S. energy needs to be less dependent on fossil fuels.

Chrysler has announced plans to introduce a CNG powered Ram Pickup in 2012.

Currently, only a few car companies produce CNG-motorized vehicles. Honda was the first company to introduce a CNG vehicle with the Civic and now Chrysler has entered the market with CNG RAM trucks becoming available to fleet owners initially and general consumers at a later date.

This isn’t the first time that car manufacturers have produced alternative fueled vehicles to consumers. Several years ago, Chrysler, GM and Ford each built CNG editions of their large work vehicles. Currently, GM sells CNG-fueled vans, Ford offers alternative fuel in its biggest trucks and Chrysler has been contemplating the move for about a year.

Technology has changed a lot over the last 10 years with the estimated cost of the new fuel system for a CNG truck assessed around $3,000 while figures are calculated at $3,300 for diesel and more than $8,000 for hybrid models. However, vehicles fueled with diesel do achieve better gas mileage than regular gas engines whereas CNG fueled engines do not produce results as high.

Consumers would be able to save financially from CNG’s reduced cost, which is about $2.60 a gallon compared to Diesel’s average of 50 cents more a gallon than regular gasoline. Therefore, owners of large vehicle fleets could wind up saving about a dollar for each gallon of fuel and savings that great could really add up.

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Toyota Tackles World Famous Le Mans with Hybrid

time — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:58 +0000

With the advancement of new technology and a changing racing atmosphere at the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyota has announced plans to race the TS0303, a gas/electric hybrid race car. The big question looms, will it not only compete, but win?

Toyota has decided to enter their TS0303 Hybrid LMP1 in the world famous 24 hours of Le Mans.

Recently at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, regulations have changed in favor of diesel technology. This tilt has only happened in the last few years, but it has led to fewer pit stops thanks to increased gas mileage.

Meanwhile, Audi and Peugeot teams have used a diesel vehicle to win the race every year since 2006. However, Peugeot recently announced that they would be withdrawing from sports car racing, despite only losing to Audi by 14 seconds in last year’s race.

Fortunately for the Le Mans, Toyota recently revealed their competition for the Audi; the TS0303 Hybrid LMP1. In an obvious draw from many of their successful street vehicles, the TS030 will be using a gas/electric hybrid engine for increased gas mileage during the race. However, unlike the popular Prius, this Toyota hybrid is far from basic. Instead of the usual small engine, the TS030 Hybrid has a 3.4 liter V8 under the hood, which is the largest engine allowed in the Le Mans.

Nevertheless, it is not clear if the gas/electric engine will be able to stand up to the full diesel. Former F1 drivers Alex Wurz, Kaz Nakajima and Nicholas Lapierre are the confirmed drivers and will surely not lack for race experience. The cars will definitely be the deciding factor.

Toyota will be making its official debut in May at the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps race.

Find new Tundra info in our official 2012 Tundra buyer's guide.

Amazing Lego Creations – Lego Trucks

time — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:25 +0000

It is true that custom trucks are just really cool forms of craftsmanship. But, there is another equally cool AND creative form of craftsmanship out there that we recently stumbled upon. Custom trucks built from Legos. There are literally thousands of photos of these works of art on Flickr.com and here are just a small sampling, presented in no specific order.

Built by Mr. Thomas.

Photo by Mad Physicist

Yep, its a Prius. Photo by Mad Physicist

Photo by Mad Physicist

Built by Kapgar

Built by BlazerMan

Built by Ernesto Carrillo70

Built by Dan Fegent

Built by ZakOvermyer

Built by Thirdwig

Built by LegoVaughan

Built by Artifex Creation

Built by Big Rafalski

Built by Subzero_600

Built by Wunztwice

Cool aren’t they? If you have a lego truck photo you’d like to submit for inclusion, please leave a comment below with a link and we’ll check it out.

UPDATE: Thanks to Flickr user Kapgar who correctly pointed out that not all of these are custom rather some are from sets. Either way, they are cool to look at it.

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Toyota Innovates More Earth Friendly Production of Hybrids

time — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:33 +0000

Toyota disclosed that it has discovered a way to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles without utilizing expensive rare-earth metals. The dependency on these metals complicates the manufacturing process, and a new substitute for rare Earth metals would lighten the requirements and expenses required to manufacture these types of vehicles. It would also circumvent export laws and lessen the dependency on mining.

Toyota faced with a ban on rare earth materials has developed a new way to produce Hybrids that is more earth friendly.

Currently, Toyota is the world’s largest manufacturer of hybrid vehicles. However, the production of these vehicles require certain expensive metals, such as neodymium and dysprosium. These metals are typically mined in China, and manufacturers such as Toyota depend on the reliable exports of these metals.

However, China may soon limit their trade policy for materials that diminish the country’s natural resources. Such potential new export laws would threaten hybrid car companies. Without these minerals, the magnetic properties of electric motors cannot function, and without a proper substitute the manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles would be threatened. The possibility of a restricted mineral trade has spurred electric car manufacturers to seek alternatives.

Their new, but unspecified, technology will be utilized for wide-scale manufacturing in just two years, according to a Toyota spokesperson. However, there is currently no time-line regarding the availability of the unnamed substitute in the wider electric and hybrid car market.

Hybrid and electric vehicles are gaining in popularity by environmental and gas-conscious consumers across the world.

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PIAA Silicone Wiper Blades – An Overview

time — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:17 +0000

What They Are and What They Do: PIAA silicone wiper blades are a set of windshield wiper blades that differ greatly from ordinary wiper blades. These wipers feature an active silicone treatment that coats your windshield with a thin layer of silicone that promotes water beading as it wicks water away. These wipers are available for all wiper arm sizes.

A visual comparison of PIAA super silicone wiper blades.

Who It’s For: Anyone who wants high-quality wiper blades and is willing to pay a bit of a premium. The active silicone windshield treatment boosts clarity and, logically, enhances safety…especially in nighttime and low-visibility driving conditions.

Key Features:

The active silicone coating treats your windshield as it operates, creating a thin layer of silicone that beads water for easier wiping.
High-quality silicone-rubber compound promotes quiet chatter-free and streak-free operation.
Better performance than standard wiper blades in nighttime and inclement weather conditions

What Owners Say: One reviewer on AutoAnything.com tried a pair of these wiper blades and remarked that these “clear the windshield better than any I’ve ever had.” Other reviewers agreed, impressed with both the quality and the ease of installation offered by these wiper blades.

Who Makes It? PIAA Super Silicone wiper blades are made by PIAA Corporation, an American company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Since its founding in 1963, PIAA has manufactured lighting products for various consumer automotive, racing and powersports applications. The part is manufactured in the USA and features a 1-year warranty.

How Much? AutoAnything.com offers PIAA Super Silicone wiper blades for as little as $25 and as much as $36 (depending on application). Also, be sure to check prices at AutoAccessoriesGarage as well, as they currently have a lower starting price ($20)

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Why You Really Can’t Special Order a Toyota

time — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:25 +0000

Recently Al-Futtaim Motors based in Dubai, UAE, was featured in an article talking about how they are starting to offer custom Toyota vehicles to their customers. Obviously this grabbed our attention, but is it true?

Ordering a custom built Tundra to your exact specs sounds cool, but it really isn't an option.

Technically, customizing a product is called bespoking. And there are some examples of bespoking throughout the automotive industry especially in luxury and high-performance bands. The article states that “Al-Futtaim Motors (AFM) is working on a bespoke solution that would allow new Toyota owners to customise (sic) their vehicles to a good extent.”

Why doesn’t this makes sense to us? We have long understood that very smart Toyota planners develop a master production plan in anticipation of what the market is going to want. Parts are then ordered from suppliers based on Toyota’s master product plan; i.e., if Toyota determines that 10% of Tundra owners will want moonroofs, they call the moonroof supplier and order a specific volume of roofs based on that number.

Then, Toyota’s factories build the trucks in a pre-determined number of configurations as stated by the projection; i.e., “today we’re building 100 red trucks, 74 blue trucks, 188 SR5′s, 16 platinums, etc.” – it’s very formulaic.

If/when a dealer orders a vehicle, all Toyota will do is try to match the order against a truck that was already going to be built. If a dealer orders a configuration that Toyota never planned for (like, for example, a regular cab with leather), the truck NEVER gets built. The plan is paramount, and orders that don’t fit the plan don’t get filled.

There are opportunities to fix the plan at certain points in the year. For instance, if the demand for moon roofs exceeds expectations, Toyota can re-do their plan during production. This could also happen if enough dealers order the same unique configuration.

The advantages in this system are obvious: The limited number of configurations reduces the complexity of the assembly process (reducing error and improving quality), and because there’s a master plan, parts from suppliers are used the day they arrive and Toyota never ever buys more parts than they need.

The disadvantage is that, unlike Ford and GM (and Ram), it’s impossible for a customer to special-order a Toyota. Ford, GM, and Ram use many of the same processes, but they’re a lot more flexible in terms of what they’re willing to build, so customers are much more likely to get exactly what they want.

There is a bit of a work-around, however, and it’s referred to by Toyota as a port installed option. Basically, Toyota will add additional options to a vehicle at the “port” (which could be an actual port, but could also be a distribution point inside the U.S.). These options are easy to install items like exhaust systems, floor mats, and other accessories.

Thus, we are thinking that AFM is basically talking about port installing some options that customers want above and beyond what they already do. Considering how easy it is to add a leather interior to a car, a sunroof, a new stereo, etc., there’s quite a bit that can be done under the guise of port installation.

However, Toyota’s essential production practices remain unchanged – they’re still not allowing customers to special order anything.

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