To explain this oxymoron – yes, another model has again been added to the Prius family… and this time it’s a smaller sibling: a compact hybrid called the Prius C.

The Prius C was first revealed as a concept car in the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and as early as then, Toyota had already announced their plans to mass produce the compact concept in the early part of 2012. True to their word, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) recently unveiled this much-awaited new hybrid to the Philippine motoring press last Friday, during a thanksgiving party at the Hotel Sofitel, celebrating the company’s 10th triple crown feat. TMP president Michinobu Sugata was more than happy to share the exciting news.

The new Prius C showcases Toyota’s “eco-fun” design concept, presenting a compact body with active proportions. This hatchback is about 19 inches shorter than the standard 3rd generation Prius; is two inches narrower, almost two inches lower, and slightly more than 500 pounds lighter. It is in fact, rather reminiscent of the Toyota Yaris.

The C stands for: Compact, Clean, Clever and City. Needless to say, it is equipped with the same HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) technology that Toyota has innovated to produce excellent drive-ability and unparalleled fuel economy. Admittedly, the Toyota Prius line has always been one of my all-time favorite cars.

This new compact is powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder 1NZ-FXE VVT-i Atkinson cycle engine that is Euro-5 compliant. It uses an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system to enhance engine efficiency, and also an electric power pump. The car has an aerodynamic front splitter, and even ridges on its hood (for the wind to flow through) – bringing its drag coefficient to an impressive 0.28. And as in all new Prius models, the driver can select among the Normal, Eco and EV (electric vehicle) drive modes, based on his driving preference.

Just like the standard Prius models before it, the Prius C does not need to be plugged-in to an electric source to be recharged – it uses a regenerative braking system that allows the battery to charge as you drive. It uses a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which is now located underneath the rear seats, together with the gas tank, each in their own steel casing. (As opposed to the standard Prius that has its battery pack under the rear deck). Cooling vents are also seen under the seats, to make sure that the heat is released.

Apparently, moving the battery and gas tank below the rear seats also had another advantage: It lowered the car’s center of gravity – making this gas-sipper even more fun to drive.

On the inside, the dash has an angular design; the instrument panel is still centrally located and high-mounted; although I think the most noticeable change is how the Prius-signature floppy toggle is now back to a conventional gear selector on the center console.

Other standard features inside the car include automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch color information display, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone capability, an iPod interface, USB connectivity and remote keyless entry.

This compact hybrid will be primarily available in the following colors: Lime White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Extreme Black and Super Red. Also available through firm order, are the colors: Blue Metallic, Freedom White, Aqua Mica Metallic, and Mandarin Orange Mica Metallic

The Prius C may come in any one of four options: Prius C Full Option (White Pearl) priced at P1,540,000, Prius C Full Option priced at P1,525,000, Prius C Standard (White Pearl) priced at P1,490,000 and Prius C Standard at P1,475,000.

For more information you may visit any one of Toyota’s 30 dealerships nationwide, or log on to the Toyota website: www.toyota.com.ph.

By Angel Rivero, The Philippine Star.  Photo by The Philippine Star

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Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has urged for the passage of a bill exempting all manufacturers and importers of hybrid vehicles from tax payments saying this is the only way to reduce the cost of environment-friendly vehicles and reduce the country’s oil import bill.

TMP vice-president Rommel Gutierrez noted that its Prius model, the pioneer in hybrid car technology, has remained costly to most Filipinos. It is priced at P2.2 million per unit. Because of the affordability issue, sales of Toyota’s hybrid cars (Prius and Lexus hybrid) reached only 100 units since the introduction of Prius here in 2009.

In its position paper, TMP said it supports House Bill No. 1 or “An Act Exempting All Manufacturers and Importers of Hybrid Vehicles from the Payment of Certain Taxes and for other Purposes” by Reps. Ronald V. Singson and Jose Maria F. Zubiri III to reduce the cost of buying the expensive hybrid car.

Section 1 of the bill seeks to grant all importers of hybrid cars including its parts and components from payment of import duties, customs and tariff duties, excise, value added, and ad valorem taxes.

TMP welcomed the introduction of the bill saying it will help Toyota strengthen its partnerships with the Philippine government and the automotive industry in supporting priority programs on alternative fuel sources and environmental protection.

The Japanese-owned car company cited five benefits of passing the bill. These benefits are: Hybrid cars will be made more affordable to a wider range of customers; government will net positive revenues due to the increase in hybrid vehicle sales volume; purchase of low emission and fuel efficient vehicles will be encouraged; dependence on importation of fossil fuels will be minimized; and energy conservation policies of the government and environmental pollution concerns will be addressed as required under the Clean Air Act.

“The passage of the Hybrid Bill granting tax and duty exemption to hybrid cars is therefore imperative,” he said.

TMP said that when it introduced Prius in 2009 in the Philippine market, it tackles the global challenge of reducing CO2 emissions in order to help prevent global warming.

“The hybrid system has achieved the goal of nearly twice the fuel efficiency of conventional gasoline engines at a minute fraction of the carbon emissions,” TMP said.

Manila Bulletin Online

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Filed beneath: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

Positive, you want to preserve the setting (or a number of bucks on fuel), so you go out and buy a Toyota Prius. Beginning that day, you may been missing a bit of sport in your existence. Toyota wants to support you out. The automaker has declared the launch of the Prius Plus Functionality Deal, and TRD had a hand in the development of the components.

This is a minimal-edition Prius, which is currently being provided with a option amongst four exterior shades: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black and Winter months Gray Metallic. That paint work is also applied to the 7-piece aero kit. The Prius Furthermore Functionality Bundle bodywork is comprised of front and rear decrease spoilers, facet skirts and a rear diffuser. It adds a touch of aggressiveness but also helps reduce the car’s coefficient of drag.

This sportier (don’t chuckle) Prius sits decrease than the normal car, with a drop of 1.1 inches up front and 1.three inches in the back. That lowered stance will help set off the 17-inch forged alloys that are snugly wrapped by a set of lower-rolling-resistance 215/45R17 tires. A rear sway bar will help lessen physique lean, and special badges (amazingly, not excellent for any horsepower gains) alert the neighbors that your Prius is a tick meaner than theirs.

This package deal will be supplied for any present Prius model. New Prius shoppers can create it on from the get-go by paying out an added $ three,699 through the sticker on the Prius Two, A few and Four, or an further $ 2,999 for the Prius Five. Interested? You can location your order beginning this July. Click on past the leap for the full press launch.

Keep on reading through Toyota announces Additionally Performance Bundle for Prius hybrid

Toyota announces Furthermore Overall performance Package deal for Prius hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 thirteen:00:00 EST. Make sure you see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed underneath: Spy Images, Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

In addition to the greater 2012 Prius V (which we recently set through its paces for the first time), Toyota is functioning on a scaled-down version of its illustrious hybrid, previewed by the Prius C Concept from this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Our trusty spy photographers have just spotted the initial Prius C prototypes managing about, and while the original notion was a decidedly sporty-looking thing, the creation model’s design appears to have been softened a bit.

Because the Prius C is so considerably shorter than the standard Prius hatch – about 20 inches has been chopped from its total duration – our spies feel that these prototypes experience on both a brand-new chassis or on modified Yaris underpinnings. Below the skin, we anticipate the Prius C to use a 1.five-liter hybrid powertrain, or probably a model of the 1.8-liter unit discovered in the more substantial Prius.

Irregardless, Toyota has extended mentioned that the Prius C will be the most efficient non-plug-in hybrid on the market place when it launches following 12 months, with prices anticipated to fall about the $ twenty,000 mark. Get prepared, Honda Insight and CR-Z. This one’s coming proper for you.

Toyota’s newborn Prius C spotted for the initial time at first appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed below: Hybrid, Wagon, Engineering, Crossover, Toyota, 1st Drive

Toyota Masters The Artwork Of The Conjunctive

The hybrid lexicon is a language built on a foundation of disjunction. Purchasers might have phenomenal fuel economic system or room for youngsters and cargo. You can embarrass your neighbors at the fuel pump or have a gratifying driving experience. In simple fact, opting for a battery pack is so fraught with compromise that it’s virtually as if hybrid makers have completely deleted the conjunctive ‘and’ from their diction. Even so, that simple fact has not stopped customers from in search of out electrified vehicles in escalating numbers.

Toyota has sold about one million Prius types in the United States given that the motor vehicle first debuted a decade ago. That quantity blossoms to two million if world wide sales are accounted for, and the model’s reputation has aided usher in a bloom of hybrid goods from more than 16 makers. The technological innovation may not be the perfect resolution to our fuel financial system issues, but the Prius has taken off in methods that would have been difficult to visualize when the 1st gangly case in point whirred off the line.

Now Toyota is set to increase its Prius lineup with three new versions. In simple fact, Bob Carter, Toyota division group vice president and general supervisor, says that the Japanese automaker totally expects the Prius family members to become its best-offering item line in the around foreseeable future – beating out internal combustion titans like the Camry and Corolla in the approach. As a result, the business is planning to unleash of a barrage of merchandise that incorporate a product based mostly on the Prius C Notion, a plug-in edition of the hybrid and the taller, boxier Prius V. The imagined is that a few basic variations on the company’s productive battery-powered recipe will provide consumers remedies that the standard Prius basically could not match. The only query is no matter whether or not the will respond to what is effectively a number of clever re-physique careers. If the Prius V is any indication, the solution is a resounding certainly.

Continue looking at 2012 Toyota Prius V

2012 Toyota Prius V originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May possibly 2011 eleven:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In an effort to encourage the entry of new generation, environment-friendly vehicles, a proposed measure provides for tax and duty-free importation and assembly of vehicles that run on alternative fuels.

But the Board of Investments (BOI) wants to clip the duration of the privileges and cap the volume to promote local assembly of these vehicles.

In a position paper on a Senate bill entitled “An Act Providing Incentives for the Manufacture, Assembly and Importation of Electric, Hybrid or Alternative Fuel Vehicles and for Other Purposes,” the BOI agreed to eliminate taxes and duties to bring down their prohibitive costs but also proposed non-fiscal perks such as special parking areas, convenient public charging stations and special lanes on EDSA and in toll plazas on expressways.

The BOI said the privilege of tax and duty exemption should be limited to four years from the effectively of the law, and not nine as proposed, as this is enough time to plan, retool and invest in activities leading to the local assembly of these vehicles.

The BOI also proposed that a cap be imposed on the volume of imports at 1,000 completely built-up units and that the privilege be limited to mass-market electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles

So far, only Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. has braved the market and launched its hybrid here three years ago. The Toyota Prius, however, could set one back at a cool P2.2 million.

Assemblers would be exempt from payment of value-added tax and customs duty on the importation of parts and components and capital equipment used in the assembly of completely knocked-down electric, hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, according to the bill.

They are also VAT-exempt on purchases of raw materials, parts and components and capital equipment that are locally sourced, as well as exempt from VAT and excise tax on sales of locally manufactured/assembled electric, hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles.

Parts manufacturers would also be exempt from VAT and customs duty on imported raw materials for making parts and capital equipment used in the assembly of these vehicles; from VAT on locally sourced raw materials, and from VAT on sales of parts and components and capital equipment.

These assemblers may also be registered with the BOI’s Investment Priorities Plan to get a maximum of eight years in income tax holiday.

As support for electric vehicles, the BOI is proposing the grant of incentives to operators of charging stations in the form of VAT and customs duty exemptions on imported parts and components for their projects for nine years.

To monitor their operations, BOI proposed the maintenance of a registry of manufacturers or assemblers and importers of electric, hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles that are entitled to the incentives.

Makaya Business Insight

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Filed under: Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Toyota

The Japan earthquake and tsunami has left the vast majority of Japanese auto plants without parts or power at least temporarily, and the good folks of California are beginning to feel the pinch. The Los Angeles Times reports that the Toyota Prius is in very short supply in The Golden State, leading many car buyers to move up their purchases in fear of not being able to get their precious hybrid at a later date.

It’s no surprise California would feel the pinch of limited Prius inventory first, as the state is the largest market for the ultra-efficient hatch. Many dealers have less than a two week supply, while others have zero models in stock. Meanwhile, Toyota restarted the Prius plant late last week in an effort to keep the popular hybrids flowing to the U.S. and around the world. But for the short term, the automaker is running the line at about half its normal pace, and the plant was shut down on Wednesday to gauge parts availability.

Given the fact that the Prius plant is one of the only Japanese facilities even up and running right now, California dealers will likely continue to see a trickle of new models hitting their showrooms. In the short term, the Prius supply issue could actually deteriorate, with May inventories looking worse than April. Just as big a concern is the fact that other plants still haven’t begun producing vehicles, which means that the situation playing out in California with the Prius could soon affect many Japanese autos in dealerships around the world.

[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Everybody Panic: California dealers reportedly running out of Prius models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Japan, Toyota

2012 Toyota Prius V – Click above for the high-res image gallery

The new-for-2012 Prius V was scheduled to go on sale in Japan at the end of April, but Automotive News reports that production delays stemming from the March 11 earthquake have pushed that date back a bit. In Toyota‘s official statement regarding the delay, the company notes plant closings, supply chain issues and damage to Japanese Toyota dealerships as primary reasons.

Japan is slated to get both five- and seven-seat versions of the new Prius MPV. We’ll only be seeing the five-passenger configuration here in the United States, and European markets are scheduled to get the seven-seat Prius. Toyota says that, as of now, the U.S. and European launches of the Prius V are not expected to be delayed.

One of the key reasons for this delay is that one of the plants damaged in the earthquake, operated by Primearth EV Energy Co., supplies batteries for Toyota’s hybrid vehicles. This plant has the capacity to supply enough nickel-metal hydride battery packs for up around 300,000 vehicles annually. With this plant offline, Toyota faces a 27 percent drop in hybrid production. The automaker also receives batteries from plants in Tokyo and Nagoya, which are fully operational.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Toyota Prius V launch delayed in Japan due to earthquake originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Hatchback, Toyota

The Prius V is set to go on sale in the third quarter of this year, but the model being sold in the U.S. won’t be the same as the European and Japanese versions. The New York Times reports that the hybrid wagon will come with only two rows of seating here in the U.S., while three rows will be offered overseas.

Toyota spokesman John Hanson gives several reasons for this decision, but two stick out above all others. Perhaps most important is the fact that the U.S. version of the V will come only with a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which takes up a lot of room in the hybrid’s hind-quarters to offer a sufficient third row. The Euro and JDM models will feature lithium tech, which is smaller and more compact.

Another reason for the move is cost. Hanson points out that foregoing the third row and using the same battery tech as the current Prius helps keep cost down, which should make the fuel-sipping MPV more attainable to the masses. In Japan, the Prius V with lithium will reportedly be priced about $8,000 higher than the nickel-metal-hydride model.

So will the lack of a third row be a big problem for the Prius V? We doubt it, especially as we would expect the third row to be very tight for America’s typically larger builds. In the end, however, consumers could have the last word on the subject. If it turns out that green-conscious buyers do want that third row more than Toyota is expecting, Hanson claims that both versions could be made available at some point.

[Source: The New York Times]

Report: Toyota to limit U.S. Prius V to five seats, other markets seat seven originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Toyota

As the second size extension of the Toyota Prius family tree, the 2012 Prius+ adds a healthy dose of roominess to the well-known fuel-sipping hybrid equation, and it’s making its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. There’s seating for seven occupants inside, but the multi-purpose vehicle shares a clear design language with Toyota’s standard-bearing Prius. What’s more, it manages a low 0.29 drag coefficient thanks to its extended roofline and carefully designed front fascia.

Equally as notable is the battery. This is the first lithium-ion battery pack to be incorporated within a non-plug-in Toyota full hybrid. Toyota has found enough room underneath the center console between the driver and the front passenger to fit the battery, which helps maximize interior space for occupants and their cargo.

As you would expect from a Prius, there are three drive modes: A zero-emission EV mode that relies on electric motor power alone, an ECO mode that maximizes efficiency and fuel economy and finally a somewhat ambitiously named POWER mode that is said to boost overall performance.

Toyota is saying that the Prius+ will be on sale in Europe in the first half of 2012, but it’s coming to the U.S. around the same time in the form of the Prius V, which we previously saw at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Check out the complete press release after the break and be sure to check out our high-res image gallery of live photos below.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Toyota Prius+ sips fuel with room for seven

Geneva 2011: Toyota Prius+ sips fuel with room for seven originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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