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Toyota

Ever since the 1990s, when increasingly intense competition forced carmakers to bring their production costs down as much as possible, one of the approaches taken was to create common platforms which could be used for a variety of models. Before, each model might have its own platform with unique or different parts and systems but this gave poor economies of scale and higher costs. Thus from what might have been 10 platforms, the entire range would use perhaps 6, on which would sit models for different size and bodystyle segments.

The use of common platforms meant that many engineering items and electronics systems could be shared. Customers didn’t really care anyway: they didn’t see platforms and architecture; they saw what was on top of the platforms and that was where talented designers earned their money. Their experience of the model was how it drove and how it felt to them, so the engineers worked hard on driving dynamics.

tnga

TNGA models

Toyota New Global Architecture
Toyota, like the other carmakers, rationalised its platform strategy and over the past decade, its new platforms under the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) philosophy has delivered a step-change in the ride, handling and styling of a series of recent new models.

The first, the GA-C platform for mid-sized cars – is the foundation for advances in the driving character and appeal of the latest generation Prius, the C-HR and the latest 12th generation Corolla. Similarly, the TNGA philosophy has demonstrated its capability for larger sedans and SUVs, with the GA-K platform underpinning the new Camry and the new RAV4 to great effect. It is also used for the newer Lexus models.

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GA-B for smaller cars
Now, Toyota is preparing to apply the philosophy and technology of TNGA to elevate the design and driving performance of its small cars with the GA-B platform. In common with the GA-C and GA-K platforms, the new GA-B platform is designed to deliver better driving dynamics with more comfort.

This is achieved through a number of techniques. First of all, the platform features advanced joining technologies that contribute to high levels of underbody rigidity whilst maintaining a focus on weight and cost.

TNGA GA-B

Secondly, the MacPherson strut front suspension features low friction dampers and a variety of spring types. The rear suspension can be specified as either torsion beam or multi-link design, depending on vehicle character and type. This gives the chassis engineers a degree of flexibility which they didn’t have before.

Last, but not least, the GA-B platform also positions the driver’s seat low and back towards the centre of the car, helping to lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This also creates an engaging driving position with a steering wheel that can be set close to the driver at an optimised angle.

TNGA GA-B

TNGA GA-B

Smart packaging
The new GA-B platform has also been designed to maximise interior space through its approach to smart packaging delivering a spacious and comfortable interior. The TNGA philosophy positions non-visible components to simplify vehicle design in key areas. As a result, vehicle designers will have the freedom to give each new GA-B model a visually distinctive and individual look with a low stance and appealing proportions.

In addition, the upper body hard points and the driver’s hip point are positioned low to give designers further freedom to create vehicles with a low height and wide stance. This kind of visual appeal is aided by the positioning of the wheels at the platform corners, with very short overhangs. And the combination of a long wheelbase architecture and a smart approach to packaging ensures that interior space is not compromised despite possible compact exterior dimensions.

Toyota GA-B
Future small models from Toyota will have better interior packaging with the new architecture

Modular system
The new GA-B platform offers a great deal of modularity, with a variety of wheelbase lengths, vehicle heights and track widths, allowing designers and engineers to create vehicles of different sizes and body types. This is important since consumers like to have variety, and it can be achieved without having to engineer separate platforms at extra cost.

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Terengganu on the East Coast has Friday and Saturday as its weekend, so Thursday night is usually a time when people start to look forward to their weekly break. Last night saw added excitement in the state capital of Kuala Terengganu as the streets came alive with a convoy of 35 vehicles taking part in the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival Drivers’ Parade.

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TGR Festival convoy

A first in Kuala Terengganu
The parade was a promotional event for this weekend’s opening round of Season 3 of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival and Vios Challenge race series. In the convoy were 26 Vios racing cars which were driven on public roads for the very first time, escorted by the police. The racing cars, intended for the race series, are normally not for normal use on public roads.

Starting from the race venue at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin stadium, the 25-km journey took drivers across the iconic Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge before coming to stop at Pasarnita for a meet-and-greet session with hundreds of local fans.

TGR Festival

Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival Chief Motorsports Officer Akio Takeyama led the convoy which had celebrities and Promotional class drivers Diana Danielle, Janna Nick, Wany Hasrita, Nabila Razali, Ain Edruce, Shukri Yahaya, Shawn Lee, Nabil Ahmad, Khai Bahar and Syafiq Kyle.

Also joining the parade were the pool of amateur and professional racers competing in the Sporting and Super Sporting Classes who included Malaysian drifter and Season 1 champion Tengku Djan Ley, teenage driver Hayden Haikal, Dato’ Ken Foo, Season 2 champion Brendon Lim, Ahmad Tarmimi, Mark Darwin, Mirza Syahmi, Mohd Ismail Idris, Jackson Tan, Freddie Ang, Ricky Tan, Syafiq Ali, Lim Chun Beng, Sutan Mustafa and Tom Goh.

TGR Festival Season 3-1

Recognized as Malaysia’s premier street racing series, the Vios Challenge is held on a specially-constructed 1.65-km street circuit and features close action on the track with celebrity, amateur and professional racing drivers competing in three classes of saloon car racing (Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting classes respectively) in the exciting one-make series that is the highlight of the TGR Festival.

Related story: Drivers talk about the much-improved Vios racing car for Season 3

TGR Festival Season 2

TGR Festival Season 3-1
Scenes from the Season 2 event which was held at the same venue last year.

More than just racing action
For motorsports fans and spectators in Kuala Terengganu, the excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to the action and drama on the track. Today and tomorrow, there also will be a display of Toyota’s wide range of models (with test-drives available), a drift performance by Japanese drifters courtesy of Toyo Tires, a racing simulator challenge, stage games and celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandise, and a Superfans Signing Session where fans can mingle with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class. Entrance is free and there’s plenty of parking available at the venue.

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced a realignment of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in line with the global corporate initiative called ‘Start Your Impossible’ established by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

This shift by TMC is carried out to inspire employees, partners and customers to achieve greater heights by attempting missions that they themselves deem impossible – a core company belief that has inspired boundless innovations, transforming the company from that of an automotive to a mobility manufacturer.

Through the new CSR realignment, UMWT has added a mission to realize impossible dreams through sports in its philanthropic pillar. “This year, we will be working with the Paralympic Council of Malaysia to enable more differently abled children to participate actively in sports,” said UMWT’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.

Toyota Start Your Impossible

Fund-raiser in November
The initiative, Mr. Takeyama said, will begin with a fund-raiser through a Toyota Outrun fun run on November 17, 2019 at Bandar Rimbayu, Kota Kemuning, Selangor. UMWT expects about 3,000 participants to join in the event. A registration fee of RM50 per participant will apply and the proceeds will be channeled to Paralympic Council of Malaysia’s ‘Fitness and Exercise with Person with Disabilities’ programme.

“The funds will be used to equip para athlete trainers around Klang Valley with the skills to train differently abled children. We believe that this would be a sustained effort to discover more hidden talents among children with disability and help them achieve their dream in sports,” Mr. Takeyama added.

Toyota
Abdul Latif Romly (thrid from left), ambassador for the campaign, with UMWT’s management and representatives from other organisations which will be involved in the CSR initiatives.

Abdul Latif Romly to be campaign ambassador
UMWT has also appointed Paralympic Champion Abdul Latif Romly as its ambassador for this campaign. On the appointment, Mr. Takeyama said: “Latif was up against impossible odds at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. The world saw him broke the T20 long jump world record three times on the same day. It was impossible. Then it wasn’t. At Toyota, mobility is about overcoming challenges and making dreams a reality. That’s why we’re teaming up with Latif to support differently abled children so they too can start their impossible”.

For more information on the Toyota Outrun or to register (from September 10), click here to go to the event microsite.

Toyota Classics
UMWT will also be continuing its other CSR initiatives such as the Toyota Classics, which have brought world-class orchestras for the past 30 years to perform in Malaysia. A total of about RM9 million in gross proceeds from the concerts over the years has been donated to some 70 social, environment and charity organizations to support worthy programs.

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UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has initiated a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the airbag inflator module components of certain Toyota models sold by the company. The vehicles involved in this campaign were subjected to a previous Takata airbag inflator module recall and repaired between 2014 and 2019. At that time, a certain number of vehicles were replaced with non-desiccated airbag inflators modules produced by Takata but for this new SSC, those airbag inflator modules will be replaced with one that has improved components.

Approximately 41,000 Toyota vehicles
UMWT says there are approximately 41,000 Toyota vehicles manufactured from 2001 to 2013 involved.  These are the Toyota Vios produced from May 2003 to August 2007, and September 2007 to July 2013; Toyota Corolla Altis produced from July 2001 to July 2007; Toyota Camry produced from June 2002 to December 2005; and Toyota Yaris produced from January 2006 to August 2007.

Toyota
(Above and below) The models being recalled for the Special Service Campaign

Toyota

In accordance with standard practice, the company will notify all affected vehicle owners officially and perform the necessary replacement at no charge to the owners. In the event that you believe your vehicle to be affected but have not received any notification, you can visit Toyota’s Special Service Campaign webpage to check using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Checker. To those who have uploaded the Toyota Drive Apps, there is also a link to Toyota’s SSC page and the VIN Checker.  Information on other vital SSCs is also available on the webpage.

Further information can also be obtained from any authorised Toyota service centre or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

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Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Suzuki Motor Corporation are strengthening their relationships with an agreement which involves a capital alliance. The two companies began considering such a business partnership in October 2016 and since then, have continued to explore and discuss specific details.

On March 20 this year, the companies announced that they would begin specific considerations in order to engage in joint product development and collaboration in production, in addition to promoting the mutual supply of products, by bringing together Toyota’s strength in electrification technologies and Suzuki’s strength in technologies for compact vehicles.

Toyota and Suzuki
Discussions to form a stronger relationship such as an Alliance began in October 2016.

Now, with an Alliance, there can be a long-term partnership between TMC and Suzuki for promoting collaboration in new fields, including the field of autonomous driving. This is vital as the automobile sector is currently experiencing a turning point unprecedented in both scope and scale, not only because of enhanced environmental regulations, but also from new entries from distinct industries and diversified mobility businesses.

“The execution of the capital alliance agreement is a confirmation and expression of the outcome of sincere and careful discussions between TMC and Suzuki, and it will serve for building and promoting their future partnership in new fields.”
Joint statement by the two companies

Cooperating in new fields but still competitors
Both companies intend to achieve sustainable growth, by overcoming new challenges surrounding the automobile sector by building and deepening cooperative relationships in new fields – while continuing to be competitors – in addition to strengthening the technologies and products in which each company specializes and their existing business foundations.

In order to develop and promote a long-term partnership between the two companies, the companies plan to acquire each other’s shares based on the Alliance. Toyota plans to acquire 24,000,000 shares of common stock in Suzuki (4.94% ownership of the total number of shares issued by Suzuki as of March 31, 2019 (excluding treasury shares) with a total value of 96 billion yen) by underwriting the disposition of treasury shares by way of third-party allotment conducted by Suzuki. Likewise, Suzuki plans to acquire, through purchase in the market, shares in Toyota equivalent to JPY 48 billion yen.

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After a month-long intense training session, celebrities Syafiq Kyle and Ain Edruce have been given the green light to compete in Season 3 of the Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR Festival). The two young personalities will make their debut in the Promotional class of the one-make race in Round 1 of the TGR Festival on September 6/7 in Kuala Terengganu.

Held for the second time on a 1.65-km street circuit specially constructed for the event at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, the Vios Challenge will feature exhilarating door-to-door action on the track with celebrity, amateur and professional racing drivers competing in three classes of saloon car racing (Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting classes respectively).

TGR Festival

10 celebrities for Season 3
A total of 10 local celebrities will compete in the Promotional category with actress Diana Danielle returning as the defending champion. Already a veteran after racing in the past two seasons, Diana will be challenged by Shukri Yahaya and Janna Nick, beat-boxer Shawn Lee, presenter Nabil Ahmad as well as singers Khai Bahar, Nabila Razali, and Wany Hasrita.

“It has been an incredible experience and I learnt a lot in the training session from understanding the proper racing lines, identifying my braking points, being in the proper gear in corners, how to defend my racing line to how to remain calm and mentally focused driving under pressure,” said 28-year-old Ain.

Before participating in the new season of the TGR Festival’s Vios Challenge, the newcomers have to undergo training so they can drive competitively and safely.

“I never realized that there is so much science to motor racing. Racing is much more than just the ability to drive fast but it requires in depth understanding of momentum, acceleration, deceleration, balance and handling of a vehicle. Being consistent and precise is the key to setting a quick pace around the track.”

The actress, model and presenter said she has ‘bonded well’ with the new Vios which she will use in the race. She described the racing car as being very perceptive in terms of handling and stable at high speeds. Competitors in all three classes of racing will drive identical Vios race cars as the one-make format prioritizes driving skills and experience instead of any modifications to increased vehicle performance.

TGR festival
All the racing cars in the Vios Challenge have identical performance with strict inspections before and after the races to ensure compliance. So it is more of driver skill than sheer power which can make the difference during racing.
TGR festival
UMW Toyota Motor’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama (centre), with the two newcomers, Ain Edruce and Syafiq Kyle. Mr. Takeyama has also competed in the Promotional Category for the past two seasons and will join the racing again for Season 3.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old actor Syafiq Kyle hardly feels intimidated with the competition but will approach his first race on a street circuit cautiously. “I am well prepared for the challenge ahead but I believe the most challenging aspect of the race will be competing on a street circuit. This is something I will need to approach cautiously considering all of my training was conducted on a proper racing circuit where it is more forgiving to make mistakes. On a street circuit, there is no room for mistake – one hit against the concrete barrier and you’re out of the race,” he said.

“The strategy for the season will be to drive consistently but competitively, avoid concrete barriers, and try to finish every race,” added the former Hero Remaja 2011/12 finalist and Gol & Gincu actor.

TGR Festival

An event for all the family
For motorsports fans and spectators, the excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to the action and drama on the track. At the Kuala Terengganu venue as well as the other venues, there will also be displays of Toyota’s fleet of latest models (with test drive available) , a drift performance by Japanese drifters courtesy of Toyo Tires, racing simulator challenge, stage games and celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandise, and superfans signing session for a chance to meet with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class.

The TGR Festival is an event for all the family to enjoy and starts from 9 am on Friday September 6. It continues through Saturday till late in the evening when prize presentations are made to the winners. Entrance is free and there’s ample parking around the stadium.

For more information and updates on the TGR Festival Season 3, visit toyota.com.my/tgrmalaysia .

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The Toyota Eco Youth Program 2019 was launched earlier today by UMW Toyota Motor with the purpose of educating students on the importance of preserving the environment as well as training them to become eco ambassadors for improved quality on life. (more…)

The Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and Innova are collectively referred to as the IMV models, referring to the ‘Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicles’ project in the early 2000s which was one of Toyota’s biggest industrial investments. The project established an optimal production and supply system for the three models almost entirely outside Japan for the first time in the company’s history.

The first generation of IMV models debuted in 2005 and since then, they have undergone constant improvement and upgrading and in 2019, the latest Toyota Hilux pick-up range gets upgraded features as well as a new variant. The Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV have also received enhancements.

Order-taking for the new models begins at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide from today (August 16, 2019).

Toyota IMV 2019 prices

New Hilux variant
For the Hilux range, a new Black Edition replaces the Hilux 2.8 L-Edition. This new edition has a bolder appearance with an exterior colour theme of black and dark grey. A glossy black finish is applied to the door handles, foglamp covers, wing mirrors and on its 18-inch alloy wheels, while dark grey is used for the bumper guards. Dark grey is also used for the grille with contrasting black to make it even more outstanding.

2019 Toyota Hilux Black Edition

The Hilux 2.8 Black Edition sits the top of the range with a selling price of RM139,888 in Peninsular Malaysia (private registration, without insurance).  Other Hilux variants available include the 2.4 Single Cab M/T, 2.4 STD M/T, 2.4 G M/T, 2.4 G A/T and 2.4 L-Edition A/T, priced between RM90,000 and RM124,888.

The new variant also gets a new infotainment system with 6.75-inch display for a clearer view and easier operation. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available as standard, seamless connectivity is possible for all compatible smartphones (with the required software is installed). This gives the driver access to favourite apps (Waze, Spotify, etc) right on the dashboard, enhancing motoring pleasure.

2019 Toyota Hilux Black Edition

2019 Toyota Hilux Black Edition

2019 Toyota Hilux Black Edition

UMW Toyota Motor is also introducing a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which is strongly recommended. The 3-year subscription fee is free if the customer also purchases the Toyota insurance package. In addition, there is a Rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to supplement the one installed at the front. This additional DVR can provide useful evidence in the event of a rear-end collision.

Customers can also include with their purchase optional Advanced Safety & Security features such as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) on the wing mirrors and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) to detect vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out.

Upgrades for the Fortuner
The Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 VRZ now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, together with a large 9-inch display for the infotainment system. These provide seamless connectivity with most smartphones that have the required software installed. The large display makes viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

Toyota Fortuner

The Fortuner 2.4 variant now has 7 airbags as well for added occupant protection all round. The additional airbags cover the side windows, enhancing protection during side impacts as well as reducing the possibility of occupants being ejected from the cabin.

Toyota Fortuner

Customers can add a rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to complement the standard front unit with their purchase of a new Fortuner. The devices are professionally installed by UMWT’s own personnel who have been specially trained to ensure that the quality of workmanship is as high as the rest of the vehicle.

The price of Fortuner 2.7 SRZ A/T and 2.4 VRZ A/T has not changed. However, the 2.4 A/T is now priced at RM171,500 (Peninsular Malaysia, without insurance).

Innova upgrades
Like the Fortuner, the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G variants now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard along with the new and larger 9-inch display for its infotainment system. This will make viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

Toyota Innova

The Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) are available as an option to owners. These two active safety systems can help to reduce collisions with other vehicles which may not be visible to the driver in certain circumstances.

Toyota Innova

Toyota

Customers can also include optional Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) at both the front and rear of the cabin (pictured below) . By ordering them prior to purchase, installation can be done at UMWT’s own Accessories Centre. Furthermore, the cost of the accessories can be included in the total financing package.

Toyota Innova

There are 3 variants of the latest Innova to choose from, all powered by an efficient and proven 2.0-litre petrol engine. The variants are the Innova 2.0X A/T, Innova 2.0G A/T and Innova 2.0 E A/T. There are no price changes for the MPV.

More information on the latest models can be found at toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) held the ‘As Never Before Bonanza‘ campaign where those who booked any new Toyota models stand a chance to win four brand new Toyota Vios. Thousands joined the festivities where attractive prizes were handed out each month, but four lucky winners took home the new Vios 1.5G. In other words, they got two Toyota models for the price of one! (more…)

Toyota owners on the western side of Selangor now have an authorised Toyota outlet near them to aftersales services. The new outlet, located at Pandamaran, is operated by PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd which has been an authorised Toyota dealer since 2015 with a sales outlet located in Bukit Tinggi, Klang.

Over the past four years, as its sales have grown along with its customer base, it has made new investments to expand its facilities to raise the quality of services. This has led to the establishment of the new 2S outlet.

Toyota service centre

The service centre is equipped with 19 service bays with trained personnel to ensure that customers’ vehicles are promptly attended to. It is also equipped with diagnostic equipment and the necessary Special Service Tools to maintain Toyota vehicles. While waiting for their vehicles to be serviced, customers can relax in the lounge which has amenities for their comfort and convenience.

Business partner since 2015
Commending PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd on their commitment to provide Toyota customers with high quality aftersales services, UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K. said: “PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd has been our business partner since 2015 and has provided good services to customers. We are delighted to see that with the growth in their business, they have made the decision to upgrade their facilities to enhance their aftersales services. This has truly reflects the Toyota “Customer First” philosophy where priorities and value-added services are prepared for our customers’ convenience.”

PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd joins the constantly growing network of Toyota dealerships nationwide. To locate a dealership near you, visit toyota.com.my.

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