Congratulations to Toyota

The Prius family of owners has gotten a lot larger.

“Toyota announced the one-millionth US sale of the Toyota Prius. It is the third milestone for Toyota’s hybrid lineup in the last six months that started with the announcement of worldwide Toyota Prius sales topping 2M in October 2010 and overall global Toyota hybrid sales passing 3M last month.”

Time for my Gramps Simpson reminiscence. I remember a time when people would come up to me and ask, all the time, did I have to plug my car in and did it really only have a top speed of 35MPH. I remember when seeing another Prius on the road was an unusual circumstance and we waved at each other.

Now Prius truly is a main stream vehicle. It’s just another car on the road.

Which kind of cool.

Congratulations to everyone at Toyota and to the million of us owners here in the U.S.

Collect the set

Here’s the a piece in the final round of teasers of the new Prius. If you’ve been saving the images from around the web, you should have a nice interior shot of the new Prius to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in a few weeks.

Riddle me this

Toyota has been very sly with their rollout of the next member/s of the Prius family. The first phase was a puzzle of images of the dash of the vehicle distributed through a group of sites. For the next phase they’re doing (sort of) the same thing, with different sites. Here is one piece of the puzzle which, when complete, should be an image of some part of the new Prius (Prius V?).

Toyota announces Rav4EV-2

Powered by Tesla. Not a bad tagline. Not bad at all.

I’ve got some good news and some really, really bad news…

Good news, courtesy of Toyota’s Prius Team, here is the first official shot from the inside of the upcoming Prius V…

The bad news, front and center is the object of Toyota’s press release today, some new little bit of evil called, “iheartradio”.

Here’s Toyota’s press release.

Now, why would I hate something called, “iheartradio”? How about this tidbit from the PR release linked above:

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will be working with Clear Channel Radio’s iheartradio, incorporating more than 750 of America’s favorite radio stations and other exclusive content into select Toyota vehicles beginning in 2011. This is the first partnership Toyota is announcing for mobile application integration. More details will be released at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2011.

Aside from what has to be one of the most brain dead stupid names I’ve ever had the bad luck not to avoid, it’s from Clear Channel, one of the most vicious media consolidators in the history of this country. Clear Channel has done more to kill and eliminate local radio (and damage music in general) than anyone in my lifetime. Clear Channel has taken over hundreds (well over 1,000) stations and linked and syndicated them removing local control and programming in favor ot network broadcasts and automated, computerized formats. Aside from that, and homogenizing musical playlists, buying up venues and promoters to further consolidate their hold over performance as well as radio, Clear Channel’s only accomplished more quickly what was probably an eventuality, making terrestrial commercial radio, more or less, irrelevant.

So that’s why I’m not all that happy to see Toyota fluff up the covers and invite Clear Channel to now orchestrate what I can listen to in my Toyota.

Oh yeah, thank Beelzebub I can now listen to Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Dr. Laura, Glenn Beck and Ryan Seacrest with just one touch courtesy of iheartradio and Toyota. Yeah, that’s the kind of programming I want to have permanently installed in my vehicle. And yes, that’s right from the press release.

I don’t know all the details of how iheartradio will be implemented in the 2011 Toyotas but I can tell you that this is the kind of move that will have me considering something other than a Toyota for my next vehicle. Like all of us, all the serious time I spend with my Toyota product is inside it and for me, what I can listen to is important, very important. Rather than offer me more freedom to plug in my own content or partner with content distributors such as Pandora who let me “program” my own radio stations, Toyota has brought into the privacy of my (potential future) car the one company I would go a long way to avoid in public and I would never interact in my personal sphere.

It is possible that there is some detail/s in the implementation of iheartradio that might soften that view. I tend to doubt it because, frankly, I can’t really imagine wanting my car buying dollars to go towards furthering a partnership between Toyota and Clear Channel. I hate to say it but there it is anyway.

I think, in a bigger sense, this is very ominous. If this the direction Toyota is going, limiting what I can do inside of their products and forcing me to subsidize, through the purchase of my automobile, a company that I feel very negatively about, then I think that’s a loss for me but what’s more, a loss for all of us. I would much prefer, as I mentioned above, to see Toyota moving in the direction of allowing Toyota owners to create their own entertainment space inside the car. I don’t need to provide a company such as Clear Channel another chance to make me the captive listener I was before these other options existed. Toyota is still behind other companies when it comes to integration of devices like MP3 players and smart phones. And now, they’ve partnered with a company whose single mission has been controlling, tightly controlling what I can listen to. And it’s built into my car? I said “ominous” above because I think it is. I don’t think it’s hyperbole. For so many reasons this is exactly the wrong direction for Toyota and it saddens me to see this happening.

That’s just my personal opinion and YMMV.
-russell

So much for Mr. Sikes

Toyota Offers Preliminary Findings From Technical Field Examination of Alleged ‘Runaway Prius’ in San Diego

• Toyota Engineers Conclude Two Days of Investigation

• Driver’s Account Of Event Inconsistent With Initial Findings

SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 15, 2010—At a press conference today, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. offered key preliminary findings of technical field examination and testing that were performed on March 10 and 11 regarding an alleged “runaway Prius” event dramatically covered by national news media.

Toyota engineers completed an investigation of the 2008 Prius driven by Mr. James Sikes that was the subject of a 911 emergency call on Monday, March 8. The driver reported that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, the accelerator pedal was stuck, and that the vehicle was out of control and could not be stopped. The emergency operator repeatedly instructed the driver to shift the car into neutral and turn off the power button.

A California Highway Patrol officer intercepted the vehicle and instructed the driver to press firmly on the brakes, apply the emergency brake and turn off the car, at which time the Prius came to a safe stop.

While a final report is not yet complete, there are strong indications that the driver’s account of the event is inconsistent with the findings of the preliminary analysis.

Toyota engineers employed data download/analysis, static and dynamic testing as well as thorough inspections of all relative components. In addition, they retraced the reported driving route taking into account driving time and accounts from the 911 recording.

The investigation revealed the following initial findings:

• The accelerator pedal was tested and found to be working normally with no mechanical binding or friction. It should be noted that the Prius is not subject to a recall for sticking accelerator pedals and the Prius component is made by a different supplier than the one recalled.

• The front brakes showed severe wear and damage from overheating. The rear brakes and parking brake were in good condition and functional.

• A Toyota carpeted floor mat of the correct type for the vehicle was installed but not secured to the retention hooks. It was not found to be interfering or even touching the accelerator pedal.

• The pushbutton power switch worked normally and shut the vehicle off when depressed for 3 seconds as the 911 operator advised Mr. Sikes to do.

• The shift lever also worked normally and neutral could be selected. The neutral position is clearly marked and can be easily engaged by moving the lever left to the “N” marking.

• There were no diagnostic trouble codes found in the power management computer, nor was the dashboard malfunction indicator light activated. The hybrid self-diagnostic system did show evidence of numerous, rapidly repeated on-and- off applications of both the accelerator and the brake pedals.

• After examination of individual components, the front brakes were replaced and the vehicle was test driven, during which the vehicle was observed to be functioning normally.

• During testing, the brakes were purposely abused by continuous light application in order to overheat them. The vehicle could be safely stopped by means of the brake pedal, even when overheated.

The Prius braking system uses both conventional hydraulic friction brakes and a regenerative braking system which switches the electric drive motors into brakes to generate electricity.

The system features a sophisticated self- protection function which cuts engine power if moderate brake pedal pressure is applied and the accelerator pedal is depressed more than approximately 50 percent, in effect providing a form of “brake override.”

This function, which is intended to protect the system from overload and possible damage, was found to be functioning normally during the preliminary field examination.

Toyota engineers believe that it would be extremely difficult for the Prius to be driven at a continuous high speed with more than light brake-pedal pressure, and that the assertion that the vehicle could not be stopped with the brakes is fundamentally inconsistent with basic vehicle design and the investigation observations.

These findings suggest that there should be further examination of Mr. Sikes account of the events of March 8.

NHTSA investigators were present during Toyota’s examination, and are conducting their own investigation of the vehicle and its performance. Toyota’s examination was also observed by a congressional staff member.

Toyota President, Akio Toyoda in the WaPo

Dated Tuesday, February 9th, read this op-ed published in the Washington Post.

Here’s the text of an announcement made on February 5th from the Toyota newsroom:

Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda Announces Global Quality Task Force
February 5, 2010

Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda spoke at a press conference today in Nagoya. Mr. Toyoda expressed his deep regret for the inconvenience and concern caused to our customers. He also announced that he personally will take the lead toward improving quality around the world by establishing a global quality task force that will conduct quality improvement activities region by region.

The Committee headed by Mr. Toyoda will have a six point action plan:

1) Improve Quality Inspection Process – Toyota will once again inspect every process, while verifying the causes that led to the recalls, including quality in design, production, sales and service.

2) Enhance Customer Research – Toyota will enhance the customer information research offices in each region to collect information faster.

3) Establish an “Automotive Center of Quality Excellence” in key regions to further develop quality management professionals

4) Support from Outside Experts – Toyota will seek confirmation and evaluation from outside experts—in line with the industry’s best practices—of its newly improved quality control management, based on the above improvements.

5) Increased Communication – In addition, Toyota will work to increase the frequency of communication with regional authorities.

6) Improve regional autonomy – To provide customers with satisfying products in each and every region, Toyota has long promoted the autonomy of its regional subsidiaries. We intend to further enhance this autonomy, listen carefully to each and every customer and improve quality.

Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to recalls are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota’s official press release statement on the Prius Family

Straight from Toyota to you…

DETROIT, January 11, 2010—Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, Inc., today unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The FT-CH is a concept that would address Toyota’s stated strategy to offer a wider variety of conventional hybrid choices to its customers, as it begins to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets. Read the rest of this entry »

Revision

Toyota sent out an email yesterday notifying everyone that the official MPG for the 2010 Prius had changed. The new numbers (changed by 1 MPG) are 51 city, 48 highway for a combined 50 MPG. Of course, the average hasn’t changed, just the city/highway numbers.

You want to be one of the first to drive the new 3G 2010 Prius?

Now you have a chance…

The Prius Team would like to extend a few extra Prius Connection invitations to our online enthusiasts. For those of you who reside in the Greater Los Angeles and San Francisco areas, we’re offering the opportunity to get well-acquainted with the 2010 Prius before it’s available to the general public. In fact, for these events, there’s a special surprise planned so follow the link below if you’d like to be considered to attend. (Please note: These events are intended for local residents and Toyota is not providing reimbursements for any travel incurred.)

If you’d like to be considered for one of the following local events, please click on this link to our website Prius Connection for submitting your request to attend.

Los Angeles, CA: Sunday, March 1, 2009; 11am-2pm
San Francisco, CA: Sunday, March 8, 2009; 11am-2pm

All invitation requests received in the first 48 hours of this post will be reviewed by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. All invitation decisions are the sole decision of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Please understand that space is highly limited so we would appreciate submissions from those certain they plan to attend apply.

If you live in or near LA of SF, I highly recommend you put in a request. These are unique opportunities (as you’ve seen from the photographs I’ve posted from Detroit, Washington D.C., Chicago and New York). Don’t miss this opportunity if you can make it.

HUGE opportunity POG readers-Attend an exclusive 2010 Prius event

You have 24 hours left. The offer ends Wednesday afternoon.

These regional events are similar to the one I attended in Detroit. If you want an unparalleled opportunity to see, touch and partially disassemble* the 2010 before anyone else and you live in one of these three cities, do sign up.

This is a perfect of example of Toyota reaching out to the Prius owner who is interested in the next generation Prius like no other company has.

Here is the offer straight from Toyota….

The Prius Team would like to extend a few extra Prius Connection invitations to our online enthusiasts. For those of you who reside in the Washington, DC, New York City or Chicago areas, we’re offering the opportunity to get well-acquainted with the 2010 Prius before it’s available to the general public. (Please note: These events are intended for local residents and Toyota is not providing reimbursements for any travel incurred.)

If you’d like to be considered for one of the following local events, please click on this link to our website Prius Connection for submitting your request to attend.

Washington, DC: Monday, February 2, 2009; 6-9pm
New York, NY: Thursday, February 5, 2009; 6-9pm
Chicago, IL: Tuesday, February 10, 2009; 6-9pm

All invitation requests received in the first 48 hours of this post will be reviewed by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. All invitation decisions are the sole decision of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Please understand that space is highly limited so we would appreciate submissions from those certain they plan to attend apply.

And if you do decide to go and Toyota sends you an invite, please drop me a line. I’d love to know what you thought of the car and the event.

Good luck POG readers!

*Just kidding on the “partially disassemble” part

Not quite the comeback we’d hoped for…and more

Portland RAV4-EV Program Tops List of Toyota Sustainable Mobility Initiatives

Inc., made a series of environmental announcements at its “Sustainable
Mobility Seminar” here today, including a plan to put four off-lease RAV4
electric vehicles into operation in the Portland-area. The RAV4-EVs will
help the city and the state of Oregon develop an electric-charging
infrastructure in preparation for the arrival of future zero- and
low-emission vehicles.

The Toyota Sustainable Mobility Seminar featured a series of
presentations by leading third party experts and company executives. Topics
included: peak liquid oil; the nexus of water land use and energy;
intelligent transportation systems; the CAFE and regulatory environment;
urban design and green building initiatives.

Portland State University will develop a program to use the four
RAV4-EVs as station cars to shuttle people from mass-transit terminals to
downtown and suburban locations. Portland General Electric (PGE) recently
went on-line with its first free-standing public electric-recharging
station and has announced the installation of five additional plug-in
charging stations.

I would love to see the RAV4 back on sale to everyone. It’s a cool vehicle and it would be good to see Toyota out there with an EV for sale.

Toyota previously announced plans for a limited-volume placement
program for a new lithium-battery powered plug-in hybrid vehicle that will
be leased to fleet customers beginning in late 2009 in Japan, Europe and
North America. In addition, the company also has announced plans to launch
an all-new battery electric vehicle commuter car in the early 2010s.

“It’s obvious that the next several years will see a growing number of
low-emission and no-emission vehicle options, particularly electric and
hybrid vehicles,” said George Beard of PSU’s Mark O. Hatfield School of
Government. “Our region’s position in renewable energy and its leadership
reputation in urban sustainability make this partnership a natural for all
involved.”

Other announcements made at the Sustainable Mobility Seminar included:

— Toyota plans to display a CNG-powered Camry hybrid concept vehicle
at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

— The largest single roof solar power system in North America that
will go into operation in early October at Toyota’s North American Parts
Center California, supplying nearly 60 percent of its electricity needs.
The system will cover nearly four football fields and avoid carbon dioxide
emissions of about 6.4 million pounds annually, equivalent to the annual
CO2 emissions from energy use of 255 homes.

— Five more Toyota dealerships are poised to receive Leadership in
Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green
Building Council (USGBC) before the end of the year and as many as 10 more
could be certified in 2009. To date, two Toyota dealerships are the only
dealerships in the country to have received LEED certification.

— A more than 10 percent reduction in the cost of replacement hybrid
vehicles batteries. In addition, Toyota is studying the business case for
remanufacturing HV batteries in North America to further lower replacement
costs.

Those speaking at the conference included Dr. Peter Wells from NetFlex
Petroleum Consultants, Dr. Tim Barnett from Scipps Institute, Dr. John A.
Merson from Sandia National Laborites, Dr. Jan Kreider from the University
of Colorado and Gordan Feller from the Urban Age Institute.