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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The 2012 Avanza was unveiled by Toyota Motor Philippines recently, presenting a redesigned style and many improved features that will boost the multi-purpose vehicle’s (MPV) popularity in a market that has accepted it well since it was introduced in 2006. More than 29,000 units of the Avanza have been sold nationwide.

At first glance, the Avanza presents a bolder road presence with its V-shaped aerodynamic design. The front grille and engine bonnet have been built with a three-dimensional design to project a sense of forward thrust that expresses a stronger attitude.

The vehicle seating capacity makes room for up to seven passengers due to its wider cabin. The backseats give ample leg room for comfort.

Boasting its class-top fuel economy, the overall weight of its body has been reduced in order for the Avanza to have increased fuel efficiency of up to 12km/L.

The Avanza is available in six colors: Silver Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Champagne Metallic, Light Blue Metallic, Gray Metallic and White.

It comes with five different variants: 1.5G A/T priced at P868, 000, 1.5G M/T at P828, 000, 1.3E A/T at P743, 000, 1.3E M/T at P703, 000 and 1.3J M/T at P620, 000.

By PINKY CONCHA COLMENARES, Manila Bulletin Online

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Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. held on to its position as the the country’s No. 1 automaker, despite selling fewer vehicles in 2011.

According to a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association of the Philippines continued to lead sales, Toyota’s sales dropped 4% to 54,593 units in 2011 from 56,855 units in the year before, in line with industry’s decline.

Total vehicle sales in 2011 dipped a similar 4 percent to 141,616 units from 147,488 units in 2010, mainly due to supply problems brought about by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the flooding in Thailand later in the year.

The problems in Thailand continued to affect December sales, which saw a sharp 24.5% drop to only 10,374 units from 13,749 units in the same month a year ago. December sales were also off 14% from November’s 12,090.

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. remained at second place in 2011 with sales of 32,603 units, just slightly lower compared with the 34,422 units it sold in 2010.

The Ford Group Philippines jumped to third place after a 32% spike in sales to 12,916 units in 2011 from 9,751 units in 2010, while Honda Cars Philippines Inc. fell to fourth place after sales dropped 30% to 11,611 units from 16,604 units in 2010.

Rounding up the top five is Isuzu Philippines Corp., which saw an 8% slide in sales to 9,820 units from 10,695 the previous year.

Commercial vehicles accounted for a large 68 percent of 2011 sales with 96,754 units, just 2% lower than the 98,749 units sold in 2010.

Sales of passenger cars, on the other hand, had a bigger decline of 8% to 44,862 units in 2011 from 48,739 in 2010.

However, sales of passenger cars jumped 22.7% to 3,073 in December from the November’s 2,504, mainly due to aggressive sales promotions.

ABS-CBN.com

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Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) announced yesterday a 26-percent decline in August sales to 1,419 units from 1,921 units a year ago due to supply limitations.

Passenger car sales dropped substantially, particularly in the sub-compact segment, with the stoppage of Getz model production which recorded marked sales in the prior period. On the other hand, light commercial vehicle sales grew by three percent with the strong performance of Tucson and the H100.

Meanwhile, HARI sold a total of 13,271 units from January to August 2011. This represents a four percent decline from the same period last year. While there was softer growth in the LCV segment, PC sales grew by four percent on the back of significant expansion in the sales of newcomer Hyundai Elantra, Midsize PC bestseller Hyundai Sonata and sports sedan Genesis Coupe.

“Against a slower domestic economy, global market uncertainties and the seasonal weakness of auto sales in August, consumer demand for Hyundai products continues to be resilient as evidenced by growing customer orders,” HARI president and chief executive officer Maria Fe Agudo said in a statement.

“Supply setbacks, however, continue to lag delivery to our customers and dampen our sales growth. For the remainder of the year, we expect that with a more favorable supply situation, we will be able to keep our sales performance on a positive growth track,” she added.

HARI’s sales outlook remains optimistic for the rest of the year with expectations of reduced uncertainty from a stable domestic and global economy, better supply situation and improved consumer outlook from increased consumer liquidity or cash flow from the yuletide bonuses and stronger OFW remittances during the last quarter of the year.

The firm noted that combined with the seasonal downtrend in auto sales for August, global demand-supply gap continues to affect the timeliness of product delivery which in turn leads to increased unmet orders for HARI and deter more positive sales outcomes.

Consumption trends for the first seven months of the year showed that car buyers steadily snapped the new Accent, the new Elantra, the Sonata, and the Genesis Coupe. In August, with fresh supplies of the bestselling Tucson, sales rose by 123 percent or 453 units sold, contributing significantly to the 3 percent growth in total LCV sales. On the premium side, despite supply constraints, the Grand Starex remains a favorite in its category.

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Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Toyota, First Drives

Satisfactory Subway Substitution

Our enthusiast’s Spidey Sense started tingling when we heard about the newest bit of technology employed on the enhanced 2012 Toyota Yaris. It was not a more advanced variable valve timing system; the Yaris’ 1.5-liter engine is carried over and already has an intake cam with adjustable phasing. It was not more cogs gracing a more advanced transmission; the Yaris makes do with a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. The suspension is also traditional with struts up front and torsion beam in the rear.

So what was the next great thing?

A mono-arm windshield wiper with washer jets aimed to either side of the big blade. Ah, our Spidie Sense was trying to warn us of an exceptionally dull car. In this world where small, inexpensive cars are becoming more fun – Mazda2 and Fiat 500 anyone – the new Yaris is a yawner.

For normal consumers, however, the 2012 Yaris – available as the L, LE and SE – is a much improved, affordable and economical transportation appliance. It’s the kind of car you’d feel comfortable recommending to a friend’s sister or anyone who thinks of cars as nothing more than subway substitutes.

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Yaris

2012 Toyota Yaris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Truck, Toyota

It’s almost time for us to get our eyeballs on the full monty that is the redesigned 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Waiting stinks, though, doesn’t it? After all, this is the give-it-to-me-now Internet era, a mindset that applies to everything from music and movies to photos of next-generation automobiles. The Toyota Tacoma is no different, and unofficial images of the updated pickup have found their way to the web.

We think.

Our friend Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com stumbled across a video of what looks to be an upcoming Tacoma commercial sans graphics. Toyota has yet to confirm what we’re looking at in the clip, which you can view for yourself here, but you can check it out in our gallery of stills. Regardless, the official images should arrive soon, since the 2012 Tacoma is slated to hit dealer lots by October.

2012 Toyota Tacoma leaked in promo footage? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Toyota

Toyota has finally tied up all the loose ends associated with closing the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. plant – its joint facility with General Motors in Fremont, California. When NUMMI closed in March 2010, some workers who were on medical leave at the time of the shutdown sued, claiming they didn’t get the same severance package as their still-working peers.

After a year of litigation, Toyota agreed to pay $6 million to workers at its only UAW-represented plant. The settlement is technically between the company and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. More than 500 workers are expected to file for a share of the reward.

Toyota spends $6 million to settle lawsuit from disabled NUMMI workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Ford, Toyota

Is the Prius V not big enough for you? Then you’ll probably be interested to learn that Ford and Toyota announced a partnership today to develop a new hybrid system for SUVs and light trucks. The “equal partners” deal should result in a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that will be ready “later this decade” – in other words, in time for the higher CAFE standards that the U.S. government just announced.

The exact models that will use the new powertrain are, unsurprisingly, not being revealed. Instead, all we know is that Toyota and Ford will develop a rear-wheel-drive hybrid system that will improve the efficiency of trucks and SUVs while still allowing them to be driven in the way customers expect them to. The powertrain’s architecture will most likely not be the same as what is used in the dominant Hybrid Synergy Drive that Toyota has refined over the past 14 years in the Prius.

The reason no one knows for sure? All that Ford and Toyota have as this moment is a Memorandum of Understanding. The next step will be a feasibility study to figure out what the exact implementation path will be, with the general outline being that the companies will work together on a powerplant that will be used independently in models that are specific to each company (i.e., this is not about sharing a platform or models, just a RWD hybrid powerplant). The two automakers will also work together on in-vehicle telematics.

Today’s announcement could further confuse some people’s understanding of the history of hybrid technology, since it has long been an urban legend that Ford licensed its earlier hybrid tech from Toyota. This did not happen, as we explained back in 2009.

Continue reading Ford, Toyota will partner on RWD hybrid system for trucks and SUVs

Ford, Toyota will partner on RWD hybrid system for trucks and SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Toyota, First Drives

Patron-Saint Of Mid-Sizers Gets Massaged

Toyota has manufactured and sold 15 million Camry models across 100 countries since it debuted way back in 1983. It’s a number that’s nearly unfathomable. If all of those polite four-doors were still roaming the earth, there’d be one for every man, woman and child in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. combined, and you’d still have a almost a million vehicles left over. Even more eye-widening is Toyota’s claim that of the Camry models built and sold over the last 15 years, 90 percent are still happily enduring a daily commute on nearly every corner of the planet. By sheer volume and longevity, the Camry is nothing short of an engineering and manufacturing wonder.

Almost by default, the Camry has grown to become the vehicle by which all other mid-sized creations must measure themselves, and over the past two years, Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen have unveiled products designed specifically to lure buyers from the Toyota model’s swollen ranks. In response, Toyota City has turned out the seventh-generation Camry – a model that’s been altered with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it delicacy. But as millions of current Camry owners will tell you, that may not be a bad thing.

CLICK HERE to read AutoblogGreen’s First Drive review of the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Camry

2012 Toyota Camry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Toyota

We’ve just given you our first impressions of the redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry. Now, Toyota is ready to give you pricing, and it’s good news if you’re in the market for this mid-size mainstay. Pricing stays the same for some of the 2012 trims, while it’s actually gone down for a few others. The 2012 Camry family hierarchy shakes out with the base-model L before moving up to the LE, XLE and SE trims. The Camry Hybrid is only available in LE or XLE guise.

Pricing for the 2012 Camry L starts at $21,995. If you want to move up to the LE, you only need $545 more for a total of $22,500, which is about $200 less than the 2011 LE. Another $500 brings you to the four-cylinder-equipped Camry SE, which costs $23,000 and is priced $965 lower than the 2011 model it replaces. The V6 SE will cost $26,400, which is consistent with 2011 pricing. In the market for the top-shelf XLE? Have at least $24,725 ready for the four-cylinder model, and $29,845 if you prefer the V6. The 2012 Camry XLE four-cylinder is priced a full $2,000 less than the 2011 model, while the XLE V6 remains priced the same as the 2011.

If you’re leaning towards the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid, you’ll be saving $1,150 over the 2011 Camry LE. The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE starts at $25,900, while the Camry Hybrid XLE starts at $27,400, an $800 deduction compared to the 2011 unit.

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Camry pricing good news for those shopping in mid-size market

2012 Toyota Camry pricing good news for those shopping in mid-size market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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