Toyota Archives

Sabah’s SMK Tamparuli is tops in 19th edition of Toyota Eco Youth programme

Since 2001, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT) and the Malaysian Ministry of Education have been jointly organizing the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Programme to educate Malaysian youth on the importance of conserving the environment and also inspire them to act responsibly towards the environment, ensuring a sustainable future.

The programme, one of UMWT’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility activities, aims to cultivate environmental awareness and instill good environmental habit in young Malaysians as they are the future caretaker of the environment.

“Our corporate social responsibility is to help educate and instill love and care for the environment in the nation’s youth.”
Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor

In its 19th edition this year, TEY carries the theme ‘Be the Superhero to Save the World’. It incorporates elements from the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, a global initiative by Toyota Motor Corporation which aimed at going beyond zero environmental impact.

“Our business is not just confined to make ever better products that are safe and environmentally friendly. We also see it as our corporate social responsibility to help educate and instill love and care for the environment in the nation’s youth. One of the initiatives is the Toyota Eco Youth programme which have been running since 2001,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

This year, 12 secondary schools from around Malaysia participated in the programme which began in August this year. Students and teachers from the schools attended a 3-day ‘boot to learn Toyota’s 8-Step Problem-Solving Methodology. This is an approach practiced by UMWT employees to solve various types of problems, including those involving the environment.

Each school received a RM2,000 grant to kick off their project. Drawing on what they had learnt, they had to go through a market validation phase where their ideas – in the form of a product or service – were implemented and tested with the community of choice, impacting the beneficiaries.

In the final phase, each team made their final presentation and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges comprising representatives from UMWT, the Ministry of Education and myHarapan. After reviewing each presentation carefully, the best submissions by 4 schools were announced with SMK Tamparuli from Sabah picked as the Champion.

For their impressive efforts, they received prizes ranging from RM10, 000 for the Champion; RM7, 000 for second prize; RM5, 000 for third prize and RM3, 000 for the fourth prize. There was also a consolation prize of RM1, 000 as well as other prizes of RM500 each for the best video presentation and best-supporting teacher.

To date, UMWT has spent almost RM7 million on the TEY programme which has seen participation of 258 schools and 2,000 students. Commenting on the achievement of the TEY, Mr. Ravindran said it is clear that continuation of the programme can help in environment-related issues that affect not just today’s generation but also those in the future.

“We will certainly continue to run the TEY annually and as we gain feedback and experience each year, the programme will evolve accordingly so that it addresses appropriate issues,” he said.

Visit www.toyota.com.my to read more about UMW Toyota Motor’s other CSR activities.

(more…)

Go racing with this 430hp Toyota GR Supra GT4 – RM815k each

Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) has announced their plans to start sales on the pumped-up Toyota GR Supra GT4, a race machine for interested customer teams beginning March 2020 in Europe. This 430hp A90 Supra is will also go up for sale in Japan and other Asian countries next October for the ultimate racing nirvana. (more…)

Toyota GR Supra 3000GT Concept in the works?

The SEMA Show 2019 (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is just around the corner and loads things are expected to blow things out of the water with some amazing vehicles. One particular ‘concept’ that’s everyone has been raving about for the past couple of days is the Toyota GR Supra 3000GT Concept. (more…)

Toyota to preview ultra-compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) it will start selling in 2020

After its pioneering role in mass producing hybrid vehicles in the late 1990s and then taking on a leadership position in the segment, it looks like Toyota plans to do the same for battery electric vehicles or BEVs. With hybrids, Toyota successfully brought the more environment-friendly powertrain into the mainstream, enabling volumes to become larger. This, in turn, allowed economies of scale to kick in and lower production and technology costs, making hybrids more affordable.

At the Tokyo Motor Show this month, the carmaker will display a new, production-ready ultra-compact BEV which it plans to start selling in Japan late next year. The ultra-compact 2-seater is specifically designed to meet the daily mobility needs of customers who make regular short-distance trips, such as the elderly, newly licenced drivers or businesspeople visiting local customers.

The next-generation mobility solution is designed to provide short-distance mobility while limiting impact on the environment. It has a range of approximately 100 kms on a single charge, can reache a maximum speed of 60 km/h and features an extremely tight turning radius.

Development chief Akihiro Yanaka said the BEV, which is less than 2.5 metres long and 1.3 metres wide, can be considered a mobility solution that can support Japan’s ageing society and provide freedom of movement to people at all stages of life.

New business model to popularise BEVs
Toyota is also pairing its planned launch next year with a new business model that aims to promote the wider adoption of BEVS in general. This includes examining every step of the battery pack’s life, from manufacture through sale, resale or re-use, and recycling to maximise its value.

In the near term, Toyota will focus on expanded leasing initiatives designed to recapture used batteries for evaluation and re-use as appropriate in pre-owned vehicles, as service parts, or even in non-automobile applications. Toyota is also developing peripheral services for BEVs such as recharging stations and insurance.

(more…)

4th generation Toyota Yaris for Europe and Japan unveiled today

An all-new Toyota Yaris has just had its world premiere today but before you call up the Toyota salesman to cancel your order, you should know that the new model won’t be available in Malaysia or even the neighbouring countries. It is a new model for Japan and Europe and the platform is different from the one sold in Malaysia. The different designs also take into account regional preferences more specifically. Although manufacturers would be happy if customers in every market around the world have same tastes and ‘one size can fit all’, so to speak, the reality is that there needs to be some differentiation if a model is to be well accepted.

2020 Toyota Yaris Gen 4 Europe — *The new Yaris for Europe and Japan is a different version from the one launched in Malaysia (below) earlier this year and will not be available in this country.*

The Yaris for the Malaysian market (assembled at UMW Toyota Motor’s own plant in Selangor) is of a fairly new design so it is quite current whereas the other Yaris has had its own model cycle and it’s time for a full model change to the fourth generation. The first deliveries will start in Japan from mid-February 2020 and progressively launched in other markets. The new car will continue to be made at Toyota’s global production hub in France.

TNGA and new powertrains
The new Yaris, like the latest Corolla, uses Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), specifically the GA-B platform. The new platform provides both superior handling stability and a high-quality ride by shedding 50 kgs in vehicle weight compared to the conventional model, increasing torsional rigidity by at least 30%, and lowering the centre of gravity by 15 mm.

2020 Toyota Yaris Gen 4 Europe-Japan model — *1.5-litre Dynamic Force Engine with Hybrid System*

It also sees the first use of the new 3-cylinder, 4th generation hybrid system with the Dynamic Force engine, particularly important for the European market. In addition to pursuing Toyota’s ongoing goal of developing the world’s highest level of fuel efficiency for a hybrid vehicle, the new Yaris is offered with E-Four (electric four-wheel drive system), a first for a Toyota compact car.

Besides the newly developed a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine, there is also an enhanced 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine available for certain markets. Both engines use a CVT, with the bigger one being a Direct Shift-CVT unit with a launch gear adapted to the new engine.

More advanced safety features
Continuing the quest to bring accidents down, Toyota has equipped the Yaris with new advanced features such as an advanced parking support system (a first for a Toyota vehicle) and the latest Toyota Safety Sense which has been expanded to detect oncoming cars when turning right at an intersection and pedestrians crossing the street when turning right or left.

In addition to Advanced Driver Assist Systems, the new Yaris has been developed to achieve best occupant protection in the forthcoming stricter European standards for 2020. For instance, to better protect occupant in case of side impact, the new car will be the first model in the compact segment to introduce a centre airbag. The additional airbag is located between the two front seats and can help reduce injuries to the front occupants during side impacts.

“This marks the 20th year since the first Yaris debuted, so we wanted to build a new-generation compact car that goes far beyond customers’ preconceptions about class by building on the strengths of the Yaris as a compact car while revamping the platform, powertrain, and all other components. Compact cars are driven by many people, so offering a pleasurable drive was a priority, but it also prompted us to use the Yaris as the starting point of cars with the world’s highest level of fuel efficiency and secure safety technology,” said Chief Engineer Yasunori Suezawa who led the team that developed the new Yaris.

Intelligent interior packaging
Compact cars require intelligent packaging to maximise space and occupants will find the clutter-free interior offers a spacious and comfortable atmosphere. The thin cross-section of the instrument panel gives an impression of width which, together with the small diameter of the steering wheel, makes the cabin feel more spacious and sporty.

Various features are adopted to express the quality of a higher class interior, including hood-less dual digital TFT meters (adopted by Toyota for the first time) and a soft instrument panel, as well as a wider console and increased storage space.

Also being offered on a Toyota model for the first time are Turn Tilt Seats (shown above). A mechanism in the front seats makes it easy for the driver and front passenger enter and exit the car by rotating the seat and tilting it. This facilitates entering and exiting the vehicle by passengers wearing a skirt or kimono and supports those with back pain or low muscle strength.

While it won’t be sold in ASEAN markets (unless Toyota decides to unify the two versions), perhaps some of its new features may eventually be adopted in the Yaris sold in the region. This is the usual process where certain new features appear in the more advanced markets that can accept the initial higher cost, and then as the production costs drop with rising volumes, they can be offered in price-sensitive markets like Malaysia.

(more…)

Daihatsu Copen to be sold as Copen GR Sport in Japan, from RM92,000

Fans of the Japanese kei-cars will be familiar with the Daihatsu Copen, a compact model like a miniaturised roadster. Like the Suzuki Cappuccino, it was mainly for the Japanese domestic market although there were exports. The original Copen was on sale from 2002 to 2012 and then there was a lapse of 2 years before the second generation appeared in 2014. There was a rumour that, some years back, Perodua had asked Daihatsu to consider selling it in Malaysia but it was probably not feasible from the volume point of view (especially if it was a CBU import subjected to high taxes).

First ‘GR’ developed sportscar
The second generation continues to be on sale but now Toyota has adopted the model and got TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to further develop it. It is the first sportscar that is ‘GR’ developed, drawing on the knowledge and experience gained through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s motor sports activities.

The move is probably with strong ‘guidance’ from Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, who must like the little 2-seater convertible sportscar. Ever since becoming President, he has been trying hard to rekindle the passion for cars among the younger generation. So a car like the Copen GR Sport, as the model will be known, might attract interest, especially with a pricetag that starts (in Japan) from 2,380,000 yen (around RM92,000).

Enhanced driving dynamics
Toyota does not make minivehicles, leaving that segment to Daihatsu, so it has nothing like the Copen GR Sport in its line-up. But more importantly, its driving dynamics have been enhanced by Toyota GAZOO Racing so it would be even more appealing and satisfying to the enthusiast driver.

Specifically, development has focused on body rigidity and suspension tuning. Optimal body rigidity balance has been achieved by adding the front brace and changing the shape of the centre brace. The suspension spring rate was optimized for the body rigidity, requiring time and effort and in combination with a dedicated shock absorber, a smooth ride with supple movement, and the feeling of the tyres gripping the ground was pursued. The BBS forged-aluminium wheels are exclusively designed for the Copen GR Sport.

In addition, the electric power steering is specially tuned for the Copen GR Sport, taking into account its size and weight (980 kgs). The aim of the engineers has been ‘ to offer the pleasure of being able to use the engine power to the max because it is a minivehicle, and the superior comfort of controlling the vehicle at will, which is like a lightweight sportscar in everyday life’.

The engine is the same type as in the Daihatsu Copen, a 660 cc 3-cylinder long-stroke unit powering the front wheels. With turbocharging and an intercooler, the power output is 64 ps/92 Nm and customers can choose to have a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed CVT.

Design prioritizes functionality
The front face uses the ‘Functional MATRIX’ grille, which is the GR icon, with horizontal and vertical elements key to the design. A large opening lower grille contributes to improved cooling performance and an under-spoiler-shaped front bumper contributes to improved driving performance while emphasizing the low centre of gravity and wide and low styling. Aerodynamic performance was improved by rectifying the air by extending the bumper side and setting the front bumper air outlet.

The interior (only available in black) features special Recaro seats and dedicated self-lighting triple meters. A special piano black-toned decorative centre cluster creates a sophisticated atmosphere. In addition, the powered Active Top roof is standard equipment so every owner can enjoy topless motoring.

As a GR model, the Copen GR Sport will obviously be at Toyota dealerships in Japan with the GR Garage, a retail feature intended to create a regular ‘hangout’ for sportscar enthusiasts and car fans. Outside Japan, the only country that currently has such a concept is Malaysia, so it is possible that we will see the Copen GR Sport alongside the new Supra.

(more…)

Toyota LQ Concept can bond with drivers emotionally?

Toyota Motor Corporations has announced the “LQ”, a concept vehicle that has the advanced ability to build an ‘emotional bond’ between car and driver. That’s right, the next-generation Toyota “Concept-I” comes ready with automated driving capabilities and “Yui”, Toyota’s next-level AI that can learn from the driver and deliver a personalised mobility experience. (more…)

Toyota Mirai Concept previews next generation of FCEV to be launched at the end of 2020

Although the pace of sales for Toyota’s first fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), the Mirai, has not been as fast as for the Prius, which was its first mass-produced hybrid model, the carmaker is pushing ahead with development of FCEVs. It is already in the final stage of development of the next generation of the Mirai and will display a concept model at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show this month. It is expected that the production model will look very much like the concept shown in these pictures.

“We have worked to make a car that customers will want to drive all the time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, Chief Engineer of the first generation Mirai as well as the second generation. “I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai because I simply wanted this car, and it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai, we will be a leader in helping to realize a hydrogen energy society.”

Improved in all aspects
The totally re-designed Mirai reflects a major step forward for FCEVs and the potential of a hydrogen society, boasting significantly greater range, improved driving performance, and an elegant, sporty design that offers increased passenger room and comfort. It will be able to accommodate 5 occupants instead of four in the current Mirai.

2018 Toyota Mirai FCEV — *Current Mirai which was introduced in 2014. Approximately 10,000 units have been sold globally.*

Launched in 2014, the first-generation of the FCEV proved the global potential of hydrogen to power clean and sustainable mobility, combining a driving range with refuelling time equivalent to conventional vehicles and no emissions but water. Since then, approximately 10,000 units have been sold globally, helping pave the way towards a hydrogen society that will reduce emissions, diversify energy sources, and generate global economic growth.

Scheduled for launch starting in late 2020, initially in Japan, North America and Europe, the second-generation Mirai is said to be much more than an eco-car, marking a new stage for FCEV technology. Improvements in fuel cell system performance and increased hydrogen storage capacity mean the new Mirai will target an increase in driving range.

The car has also been totally redesigned based on Toyota’s premium rear-wheel drive TNGA platform to combine greater agility and driving performance with a sleek and elegant exterior design. It will be presented in a newly developed exterior colour (called Force Blue Multiple Layers), that uses layers of colour to achieve exceptional brightness and depth.

Substantial improvements in driving performance
Engineered from the start to accommodate Toyota’s full range of powertrains, including hydrogen fuel cells, Toyota’s latest modular platform gives the Mirai Concept a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.

Improvements to the fuel cell system go beyond increased range to offer linear, smooth response when pulling away, unity between the driver’s throttle inputs and the car’s acceleration. Handling is light and easy on winding roads, while highway driving produces an exceptional sense of power at all speeds.

Next stage of FCEV Technology
The fully-redesigned fuel cell system, including its fuel cell stack, will deliver substantially improved performance. This includes targeting a 30% increase in driving range over the current generation, thanks to increased hydrogen storage capacity, among other measures.

The Japanese government is promoting hydrogen as the fuel of the future for the country, with next year’s Olympics event serving as a starting point for the move. Its Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI) has set a target of 200,000 fuel cell vehicles on the road by 2025 and up to 800,000 by 2030. As with electrical recharging stations for hybrids, there will need to be a substantial network of hydrogen filling stations throughout the country and METI has set target of 900.

(more…)

‘Tokyo 2020 Version’ e-Palette vehicles by Toyota to provide autonomous transport at Olympic villages

Japan hosted the Olympics in 1964 (although it also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972 and 1998) and on that occasion, the country showed off its technological, industrial and economic advances to the world. Notable in the advancements in transportation was the introduction of the Shinkansen or ‘Bullet Train’ which could reach 210 km/h. That speed was achieved in 1964 and today, the sleek trains can reach top speeds of 260 km/h.

At the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, the country will once again showcase advanced transportation technologies, some of which have been specially developed for the event by companies like Toyota Motor Corporation.

Dedicated transport around the event villages
Among the many different types of vehicles Toyota will provide will be specially-designed ‘Tokyo 2020 Version’ e-Palette vehicles to support athlete mobility. Up to 20 such vehicles will provide automated, loop-line transportation in the Olympic and Paralympic villages for athletes and personnel involved in the event. The battery-electric, automated vehicles have been adapted specifically for use during the Games based in part on feedback from athletes about their mobility needs in the past games.

“Olympic and Paralympic athletes work tirelessly to achieve the impossible, and we wanted to provide them with a vehicle specifically designed and calibrated to fit their mobility needs during Tokyo 2020,” said Takahiro Muta, development leader for the unique version of the ‘Tokyo 2020 Version’ e-Palette.

“Throughout the development process, athletes, especially Paralympians, helped us to better understand how we could adapt and upgrade the e-Palette to better meet the need for simple, convenient and comfortable mobility. We are proud to work with them on a vehicle that will not just move athletes physically throughout the Olympic and Paralympic villages, but will also offer them new opportunities to interact with others, share new experiences, and be moved emotionally,” he said.

Developed for autonomous mobility
First announced in 2018, e-Palette is Toyota’s first vehicle developed specifically for autonomous mobility as a service application. It reflects Toyota’s ongoing transition to a mobility company and combines electrification, connected networks, and advanced driving technologies to support new shared mobility businesses and business models.

Measuring 5255 mm long and 2065 mm wide, the Tokyo 2020 Version has been adapted to meet the unique needs of the Olympic and Paralympic villages, featuring large doors and electric ramps to allow groups of athletes, including Paralympians, to board quickly and easily. The 20-person vehicle will be controlled by an automated driving system capable of operating up to 20 km/h at SAE Level 4, supported by an on-board safety operator.

Deploying the e-Palette to support athlete and staff mobility is a key element of Toyota’s program to provide advanced mobility solutions for Tokyo 2020 as the first worldwide mobility partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, Toyota plans to leverage the knowledge gained from operating e-Palette at Tokyo 2020 to continue developing the vehicle to support future ‘Mobility-as-a-Service’ applications.

(more…)

Piston.my

Toyota

Sabah’s SMK Tamparuli is tops in 19th edition of Toyota Eco Youth programme

Go racing with this 430hp Toyota GR Supra GT4 – RM815k each

Toyota GR Supra 3000GT Concept in the works?

Toyota to preview ultra-compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) it will start selling in 2020

4th generation Toyota Yaris for Europe and Japan unveiled today

Daihatsu Copen to be sold as Copen GR Sport in Japan, from RM92,000

Toyota LQ Concept can bond with drivers emotionally?

Toyota Mirai Concept previews next generation of FCEV to be launched at the end of 2020

‘Tokyo 2020 Version’ e-Palette vehicles by Toyota to provide autonomous transport at Olympic villages

MagnaFlow wants to give more power to your Toyota GR Supra

Sabah’s SMK Tamparuli is tops in 19th edition of Toyota Eco Youth programme

Go racing with this 430hp Toyota GR Supra GT4 – RM815k each

Toyota GR Supra 3000GT Concept in the works?

Toyota to preview ultra-compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) it will start selling in 2020

4th generation Toyota Yaris for Europe and Japan unveiled today

Daihatsu Copen to be sold as Copen GR Sport in Japan, from RM92,000

Toyota LQ Concept can bond with drivers emotionally?

Toyota Mirai Concept previews next generation of FCEV to be launched at the end of 2020

‘Tokyo 2020 Version’ e-Palette vehicles by Toyota to provide autonomous transport at Olympic villages

MagnaFlow wants to give more power to your Toyota GR Supra

Archive

Petronas PUMP Program Invests RM2.5 Million in Terengganu Automotive Entrepreneurs

BYD Seal U to Enter the Malaysian Market?

2024 Isuzu D-Max Officially Launched in Malaysia from RM99k – 1.9L and 3.0L Variants

Bugatti Prepares to Unleash Next Hypercar with Hybrid V16 Power

The USMCA Conundrum: Mexico’s Dilemma with Chinese Automakers

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube

The Piston Show