Toyota Prius Becomes World’s Third Best-Selling Car Line

Green is the new black. At least, when it comes to cars.

For just over a decade, those who bought a Toyota Prius hybrid have had to entertain the possibility that the rest of the world would view them as tree-hugging, tofu-eating, hemp-wearing, middle-class hippies.

In April however, that changed forever as the Toyota Prius family became the world’s third best-selling car line for the first quarter of 2012.

To do that, Toyota sold a staggering 247,230 Prius hybrids, beating sales figures for cars like the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf.

In first place for the quarter, selling 300,800 cars was another Toyota, the 2012 Corolla. In second place, just under 30,000 cars ahead of the Prius line, was the 2012 Ford Focus.

Toyota’s Prius family success highlights a growing trend towards fuel efficient cars and higher gas prices, but it also highlights the effect that expanding the Prius family has had on sales.

A year ago, Toyota only sold one Prius, the 2011 Prius mid-size hatchback. Since then, it has launched the 2012 Toyota Prius C subcompact hatch, 2012 Toyota Prius V mid-size wagon, and the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

In doing so, Toyota has placed its legendary Prius name into three markets that it didn’t occupy, enticing more sales than it would ever have done from a single car.

In addition, green car tax rebates and credits in countries like Japan have meant that the 2012 Toyota Prius C -- which is sold in Japan as the 2012 Aqua -- have become runaway successes.


Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1076525_toyota-prius-becomes-worlds-third-best-selling-car-line

Toyota Prius Dealers

2012 Toyota Prius V, Prius C, Help Toyota Top 4 Million Hybrid Sales

Believe it or not, Toyota has now sold more than 4 million hybrid cars worldwide since it launched the original Toyota Prius hybrid in Japan in 1997. 
According to Toyota, the milestone was passed in late April, when the 2012 Toyota Prius C had only been on sale five or six weeks. 

But while it -- and the 2012 Toyota Prius V wagon which launched last fall -- have only been on sale a relatively short time, Toyota says the two latest additions to its hybrid lineup account for approximately 250,000 cars already. 

Toyota estimates that there are now 2.6 million Priuses worldwide, alongside 270,000 Camry Hybrids. 

Other models which contributed to Toyota’s 4-million hybrid car milestone include the 2012 Highlander Hybrid, and luxury hybrids from Lexus, Toyota’s prestige brand. 

Interest in Toyota’s hybrid vehicles is rapidly increasing. While it took Toyota nearly ten years to reach the one million hybrid cars milestone,  it reached its two million mark two years and three months later, with the third million occurring 18 months after that. 

Selling the last million hybrid cars has taken Toyota just 14 months. 

In fact, in the first four months of 2012, 

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1076398_2012-toyota-prius-v-prius-c-help-toyota-top-4-million-hybrid-sales


Toyota Prius Dealers

Going Forward, In Reverse: How Toyota Made Its Comeback, and Honda Hasn’t

When Toyota had that niggling little kerfuffle a few years ago, what with its cars accelerating its occupants without their knowledge, analysts and pundits wondered out loud when, or if, Toyota would gain its mojo back. Turns out, the answer is now. Toyota sales were up 13.8 percent in April, compared to last year, and Toyota sold 6,000 more Camrys in that same month than in 2011. Some analysts point out that it took about 4 months for Toyota to bounce back, from both the spate of recalls as well as the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan last March.


A recall of Toyota’s magnitude might have destroyed a lesser company. But, being Toyota, the juggernaut can seemingly do no wrong.

On the other hand, Honda never enjoyed such a recall. Yet, its sales have been floundering recently—it suffered nowhere near the humiliating publicity as Toyota, but sales have dropped for 10 straight months, and overall by two percent from last April. Even with the national consciousness learning to accept $4/gallon gasoline, Honda’s hybrids haven’t been selling well. What’s going on at the big H? Should Honda suffer through its own recall to rejuvenate its own motivation? Oh wait, it already has its own share of recall problems.

How did Toyota regain its customers? It launched a new Camry, which despite its problems is practically ingrained in the American spirit, as quintessential to the nation’s well-being as apple pie and a warm glass of milk before bedtime. Two new Prius models proved to be popular, efficient and well-priced. In fact, Prius sales doubled in April 2012 compared to April of last year, though Toyota didn’t specify if it included all three models.

“Any way you look at it, Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers outperformed the industry,” said Robert Carter, Vice President of the Toyota division. “April was an excellent month for Toyota and a good month for the industry. We are ordering more Camrys and [the factory] is able to build them. We are adding overall volume.”

Read more: http://blogs.automotive.com/going-forward-in-reverse-how-toyota-made-its-comeback-and-honda-hasnt-93519.html#ixzz1uIFHo8aV

Chicago Toyota Dealers

Orland Toyota is now offering an excellent low lease on a 2012 Toyota Camry LE Only $199 per month! 


Orland Toyota has been serving the Chicago southland community for nearly 40 years. Family owned and operated, we are here to provide you with the personal service you deserve.


Chicago Toyota - Orland Toyota

2011-2012 Toyota Prius V hybrid will get an exhaust problem fixed

Toyota Motor Corp. announced a service campaign to fix its brand new Prius V, a wagon-like vehicle in its wildly popular gas-electric hybrid line. Similar to the hybrid sedan, the roomier Prius V captures the "waste heat" from its exhaust system. However, flawed components in the recovery system may cause the Prius V to leak engine coolant.

According to the Wall Street Journal's report, Toyota blames weak exhaust actuators for the problem in about 28,000 Prius V hybrids worldwide. About 8,000 of the 2011-2012 hybrid wagons are in Japan, where its sold as the Prius Alpha. The campaign will replace the weak actuators in the exhaust-heat-recovery systems for free.

The exhaust waste heat recovery system is used on Toyota's gas-electric hybrid engine to keep its engine warm when turned off. This in turn improves the hybrids' fuel efficiency by decreasing the amount of fuel needed during a cold engine start. (For more information, see Consumer Reports' Hybrids 101: Guide to gasoline-electric hybrid cars and powertrains.)

Consumer Reports experts recently tested the Prius V wagon and noted a very good fuel rating of about 41 mpg. That's a small drop compared to the 44 mpg results from Toyota's older Prius sedan, one of the top three Best and worst cars for fuel economy in Consumer Reports' annual April auto issue.

The Prius sedan has been a popular vehicle in both the U.S. and Japanese markets, this is the first model year for the Prius V and the lighter compact Prius C hatchback. However, our Cars experts advise in Consumer Reports new car buying advice to avoid first-generation car models.

Check out Consumer Reports Guide to fuel economy for ideas on how to save money at the gas pump. And if you're shopping for a new fuel-efficient vehicle, check out Consumer Reports' Guide to alternative fuels.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/04/toyota-prius-v-hybrid-will-get-an-exhaust-problem-fixed.html

Illinois Toyota Dealers

The 2013 Toyota Avalon Reveal

Watch as the reimagined 2013 Avalon is revealed at the 2012 New York Auto Show. http://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/avalon/

Modern, athletic and elegant, the reimagined 2013 Avalon takes Toyota to new levels of design and driving enthusiasm. Come explore. http://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/avalon/

Read More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et0XtDHodQM&feature=youtube_gdata

Chicago Toyota Dealers

Toyota sets Prius sales record on bigger lineup, gas prices

LOS ANGELES (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp.'s U.S. sales of Prius hybrids reached a record in March and in the first quarter, propelled by higher gasoline prices and two new models.

Toyota, the largest seller of gasoline-electric autos, sold 28,711 units in March of the Prius "family" now comprised of a plug-in Prius and c subcompact, along with the original hatchback and v wagon. The previous monthly best for Prius was May 2007, when it delivered 24,009 units.

The fast start for the world's top-selling alternative powertrain car keeps Toyota on track to meet a goal of 220,000 Prius sales in the U.S. this year, up from 136,463 in 2011. The vehicle accounts for half of U.S. hybrid sales, and a shortage of the car last year due to Japan's earthquake and tsunami cut industrywide deliveries to about 273,000 units from about 275,000 a year earlier, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

"At this pace, and with the recovery in the U.S. economy, Toyota's target for Prius sales looks fairly doable," said Takashi Aoki, senior fund manager at Mizuho Asset Management Co. in Tokyo.

"Toyota's move to raise the price of their bigger Prius models is a good sign that the company is trying to make the models more profitable, too," Aoki said, citing the carmaker's price increase of its Prius wagon version.

First-quarter record

Hybrid sales typically track the cost of gasoline, rising in line with pump price increases. Regular grade gasoline cost an average of $3.93 a gallon on April 1, up from $3.28 at the end of last year, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge.

"Fuel economy remains a top purchase consideration among consumers, and we are pleased with the continued response to Toyota's lineup," , Bob Carter, Toyota's group vice president of U.S. sales, said in an e-mail on Monday.

Prius and the Prius c are rated as delivering an average of 50 miles (80 kilometers) per gallon in combined city and highway driving by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Prius v wagon averages 42 mpg and the plug-in Prius, able to go as far as 15 miles on electricity alone, is rated as getting 95 mpg- equivalent when drivers frequently recharge the lithium-ion battery pack, according to the EPA.

First-quarter Prius sales surpassed 57,000, based on the company's estimate for March. The model's best previous quarter was April-June 2007, said Celeste Migliore, a spokeswoman for the company's U.S. sales unit in California.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120403/RETAIL01/120409978#ixzz1r5LW6d3z

Chicago Toyota Prius Dealers

Toyota won't market low-end cars to chase volume, CEO says

TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. has no intention of offering ultra-cheap cars to boost sales in emerging markets and will keep its focus on customers who expect a certain level of reliability, the company's president, Akio Toyoda, said on Thursday.

Toyoda's comments come days after rival Nissan Motor Co. announced the revival of the Datsun brand to target buyers in the lowest and sizeable end of developing markets, while a German magazine reported Volkswagen was also planning a similar move.

"We are a full-line carmaker," Toyoda told a small group of reporters in Tokyo.

"But to grow sustainably, we need to make a certain level of profit on cars, no matter how big or small they are. Does Toyota have the ability to make cars for 500,000 yen ($6,000) like Tata Motors? I don't think so," he said, referring to the Indian automaker famed for developing the world's cheapest car, the Nano, whose sales have fallen short of targets.

"When we think about what customers value in our cars, it's reliability," Toyoda said, adding that was evident in the popularity of used Toyota cars in many Asian countries.

"We won't risk sacrificing quality simply to meet a certain price range," he said.

As demand becomes saturated in the developed world, global automakers are eyeing low-cost cars to drive sales growth, especially among first-time buyers moving up from motorcycles and used cars in emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120322/COPY01/303229856#ixzz1psUIgCbk

New Fuel Efficient Models Help Strengthen Toyota's Industry Leading Fuel Efficiency

Five New Models Average 44 MPG Combined EPA Rating

TORRANCE, Calif., March 12, 2012 – As drivers endure the steady ascent of fuel prices nationally, Toyota, the most fuel-efficient full-line auto manufacturer in the United States, has strengthened its portfolio of efficient cars with five recently introduced vehicles that offer an average combined fuel economy of 44 mpg. 

The Scion iQ (EPA rated 37 mpg combined), Camry Hybrid (EPA rated 40.5 mpg combined average for LE and XLE trim levels), and Prius v (EPA rated 42 mpg combined) all arrived to market in late 2011. The Prius Plug-in (EPA rated 50 mpg combined and 95 MPGe), featuring extended electric range, is making its way to first customers in the 15 launch states, and the Prius c (EPA rated 50 mpg combined) will be on sale nationally March 12.
 

These new vehicles represent a broad range of leading-edge drivetrain and engineering technologies that help them achieve a high level of efficiency. Hybrid Synergy Drive, extended electric vehicle range, generous use of lightweight high-strength steel, a focus on aerodynamics, and the use of efficient Continuously Variable Transmissions are among the features that help these new vehicles attain a high level of fuel efficiency.

These five new models arrive to market with Toyota already enjoying a 12-percent improvement in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and a 10-percent improvement in U.S. truck CAFE over the past five years. Toyota remains committed to a long-term plan to bring a portfolio of advanced technologies to market, including hybrid, battery electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

According to the EPA class summary found on U.S. Department of Energy’s www.fueleconomy.gov website, Toyota offers several models that achieve 2012 Best-in Class fuel economy EPA ratings (excluding Plug-in Hybrid and pure EV vehicles).  The Prius c leads the EPA’s compact classification with 50 mpg combined. The Prius Liftback’s combined 50 mpg leads the EPA’s midsize category, and the midsize station wagon class is led by the 42 mpg combined offered by the Prius v.  These segment classifications are determined by the EPA’s measurement of a vehicle’s interior volume.

Toyota and Scion branded vehicles also represent six of the site’s Top 10 EPA-rated Fuel Sippers for 2012 (excluding PHEV or pure EV products), and occupy four spots in that list’s top five.  Toyota family vehicles found on the U.S Department of Energy’s Fueleconomy.gov Top Ten EPA-rated Fuel Sippers include: 

• 2012 Prius c (ranked 1^st, 53 city, 46 hwy)
• 2012 Prius (ranked 2^nd, 51 city, 48 hwy)
• 2012 Prius v (ranked 4^th, 44 city, 40 hwy)
• Toyota Camry Hybrid LE (ranked 7^th, 43 city, 39 hwy)
• Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE (ranked 8^th, 40 city, 38 hwy)
• 2012 Scion iQ (ranked 10^th, 36 city, 37 hwy)

Prius was named the Best Overall Value of the year (Passenger Car category) for 2012 by IntelliChoice. Prius continues to be the world’s best-selling fuel-efficient vehicle, with more than 3.5 million vehicles sold worldwide.  Since its U.S. introduction in 2000, Prius – when compared to the average car – has saved American consumers an estimated $2.93 billion in fuel costs*, 1.1 billion gallons of gas* and 16.1 million tons of CO2 emissions*.

 

* Based on average EPA estimated combined mpg rating of Prius versus all MY 2001 to 2011 cars, 10,000 miles/year, and average U.S. gas prices including taxes. Fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage may vary. US Energy Information Administration emissions*.

 

Read More: http://toyotanewsroom.com/releases/new+fuel+efficient+models

 

Japanese plants bounce back: Toyota and Honda poised for sales surge vs. Detroit 3

Since a devastating earthquake struck Japan last March, Toyota and Honda dealers have been screaming for more cars and trucks.

Now they are finally getting their wish. Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. will lead a second-quarter production surge in North America.

The increase will let Japan's two top automakers gain ground on the Detroit 3, whose production in the second quarter will be largely flat.

Toyota and Honda are expected to more than double North American output from depressed 2011 levels, according to IHS Automotive. The surge will return second-quarter production to slightly above 2010 levels for the two companies.

Meanwhile, Chrysler Group expects to boost output 7 percent in the quarter, and General Motors and Ford Motor Co. plan modest decreases that reflect changeovers to some new models.

Bob Carter, Toyota Division general manager, said Toyota will launch a barrage of marketing support when most of the inventory arrives. Big campaigns for the Camry, Tundra, Prius and Corolla will follow Toyota's traditional spring sales event in March.

"What you shouldn't expect is a great departure in either our incentive strategy or fleet strategy," Carter said. "There won't be trucks with $7,000 in the bed. Our product has too much value for us to market it that way."

John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president, said Honda expects inventories to grow about 10 percent each month starting in February. Honda said it gained 40,000 units of inventory in January, but is still off 30 percent from this time last year.

"It feels good to have inventory on the ground for a change. It's a nice return to normalcy, where dealers can't see as much blacktop as they were," Mendel said. "There's still a lot of pent-up demand."

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120227/OEM01/302279961#ixzz1ncf8o66U

Toyota Chicago

2012 Toyota Prius V Hybrid vs Mazda5: Saving Money On Wagons

Let's imagine for a second that you have a family, and you need a vehicle to transport them around in.

However, you're also looking to get a good mix of practicality and gas mileage, as gas prices aren't making those long vacation trips any easier.

Your eye may have been caught by the 2012 Toyota Prius V wagon - you know the Prius name stands for low emissions and high economy, but there's now a bit more space. But what could it save you over a typical wagon rival, like the 2012 Mazda5?

We're comparing the Prius V and the Mazda5, the latter fitted with the automatic transmission. It's no less economical than the manual option, and easier to drive when the kids are kicking the back of your seat, screaming, "Are we there, yet?"...

Economy and performance

No guesses on the most economical here. Thanks to its gasoline-electric full hybrid system, the Prius V sets new standards in the class for gas mileage.

The EPA quotes city mileage of 44 mpg - over double that of the Mazda's 21 mpg city. Highway mileage is 40 mpg versus 28, and that all results in the Prius V managing 42 mpg combined, versus the Mazda's 24 combined.

If we use the EPA's figures of 15,000 miles per year, 45 percent on highways and 55 percent city, the Prius will cost you $1,243 in fuel, at an average of just under $3.50 a gallon. By comparison, the Mazda would guzzle $2,175-worth of gasoline - $932 more.

The Prius V would also require less frequent stops as a result. Even though its 11.9 gallon gas tank is smaller than the Mazda's 15.9 gallons, you'll get an estimated range of 450 miles, rather than 343. All the better for making progress to your destination.

The 5 hits back with better performance from its 157-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. The 5-speed auto lets drivers have some control over when they shift too, so it may suit those looking for a sportier drive.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1072944_2012-toyota-prius-v-hybrid-vs-mazda5-saving-money-on-wagons

Chicago Toyota Prius

Consumer Reports - Test complete video: 2012 Toyota Prius V

Toyota has expanded the coveted Prius brand by introducing this larger wagon, and it will soon flank the original Prius hatchback with the introduction of a smaller hybrid, the Prius C. The Prius V certainly seems like a good idea: Take a proven powertrain and fit it to a roomier vehicle, offering current Prius owners a step-up vehicle, well suited to growing families. But does it work? We bought a Prius V “Three Model” ($28,217) to see if Toyota got the formula right, or if it proved to, literally, be too much of a good thing.

The Prius has routinely done well in our tests, with good safety marks, impressive reliability history, and of course, outstanding fuel economy. Likewise, the new Prius V performed admirably and stands tall within the wagon category.

The Prius V returned an impressive 41 mpg overall in our fuel economy tests, compared with 44 mpg for the regular Prius. Naturally, its fuel economy is impacted by the V’s heavier weight and less aerodynamic shape. These factors also put a damper on acceleration. The V shares the Prius drivetrain, adapted to this application with lower gearing. Despite this modification, the motor and engine still have to work fairly hard, especially when the car is loaded or scaling large hills at highway speeds.
A true five seater, the Prius V provides good access to the second row, with comfortable space for all riders. Rear passengers have generous leg and head room. The tall design provides significantly more cargo space than the Prius, and split-folding rear seatbacks allow for flexible configurations that can swallow a fair amount of stuff. The wagon body style is more conducive to traveling with adult companions than the Prius, and it significantly improves outward visibility.

The dashboard quirks carry over, with the center-mounted digital instruments, awkward shift lever, and push-button Park. While there is a slight learning curve for first-time Prius drivers, previous owners will feel right at home.

In the end, we think the strong fuel economy and improved interior packaging more than make up for the sacrifices in performance and powertrain noise.

Watch the video to see the Prius V in action, and read our road test for more detailed findings.



Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/02/test-complete-video-2012-toyota-prius-v.html

2012 Toyota Prius C Hybrid Vs 2012 Toyota Yaris: MPG Battle

A few days back we took a look at two similar, yet very different Hondas.

The 2012 Honda Insight and 2012 Honda Fit share a platform, but different bodystyles and the use of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology in the Insight, makes each model unique.

The same could be said of the upcoming 2012 Toyota Prius C, and the 2012 Toyota Yaris. Two similar subcompacts, but one using Toyota's efficient Hybrid Synergy Drive. Which one should your money go on?

Economy

Predictably, it's the hybrid that triumphs here. Just as when we compared Insight to Fit, the reasonable gas mileage achieved by the Yaris is no match for that of the Prius C. Unlike the Honda Fit, the Yaris is also most efficient with a 5-speed, manual transmission.

In city driving, the EPA figure of 53 mpg for the Prius C is 23 mpg higher than that of the Yaris, and the 38 mpg highway economy of the 1.5-liter, manual transmission Yaris is no match for the Prius C's 46 mpg. That results in a combined figure of 50 mpg for the Prius, and 33 mpg for the Yaris.

However, early figures suggest owners are getting a little more from every gallon in the Yaris, at just under 40 mpg average. We'll see how Prius C owners do when that car goes on sale.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1072242_2012-toyota-prius-c-hybrid-vs-2012-toyota-yaris-mpg-battle

Toyota Beats 2011 Volt Sales In 10 Weeks With Prius V Hybrid

It may have only gone on sale at the end of October 2011, but Toyota has just announced it managed to sell 8,399 Toyota Prius V Wagons before the start of 2012.

In other words, it sold 668 more 2012 Prius V wagons in 2011 than Chevrolet sold Volts, but 1,335 less than the Nissan Leaf.

Starting at just $27,100, the Prius V combines the same 1.8 liter gasoline engine and Hybrid Synergy Drive system found in the 2012 Toyota Prius hatchback with a taller and longer rear.

The result? A wagon that can swallow 34 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats and offer fuel economy of 44 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

Although its fuel economy doesn’t match either the 2012 Prius Hatchback or the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, the 2012 Prius V offers more space than both, combining practicality with green motoring.

But according to GM spokesman Rob Peterson, comparing sales figures of Toyota’s latest hybrid car is like comparing “apples and oranges.”

“Consumers cross-shop vehicles with comparable technologies or functionality, not a new name-plate,” Peterson told Bloomberg yesterday. The two cars, he reiterated, appeal to different buyers.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1071934_toyota-beats-2011-volt-sales-in-10-weeks-with-prius-v-hybrid