New and Used Car Reviews and Car Specifications Centre

TORRANCE, Calif., February 24, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it would provide additional services for New York Toyota and Lexus customers who are affected by Toyota’s recent recalls.

These services are available to Toyota and Lexus owners in New York affected by current recalls involving sticking accelerator pedals, floor mat pedal entrapment, anti-lock brake system software updates, and Tacoma front drive shaft inspection. These services are provided for customers concerned about driving their vehicle before the repair is completed. These services will be tailored to the owner’s individual circumstances and may include:

• Expediting scheduling of the repair.
• Pick up and return of the vehicle by a dealership representative.
• Driving the customer to the dealership or to his or her place of work.
• Where necessary, providing other alternate transportation for the customer, such as a rental car, loaner vehicle, or taxi reimbursement for the reasonable period that the customer is unable or unwilling to use his or her car.

These services will be provided by Toyota through the dealers at no cost to either the owners of affected vehicles or the dealer. Reimbursement of these expenses is separate from the stipends of $7,500 to $75,000 that the company already has provided to dealers in connection with the recalls.

Toyota has taken this series of steps based upon discussions with the Attorney General of New York, to address the concerns of government regulators and consumers in New York.

Toyota dealers across the country are taking extra steps to complete the recall campaigns for customers as quickly as possible. Many dealers are offering extended service hours, and some are staying open 24 hours a day. Others are adding service and scheduling personnel, dedicating body shop capacity to expedite repairs, providing free car washes and oil changes, increasing owner communication, and providing complimentary maintenance service, among other customer-focused activities.

“Everyone at Toyota is focused on making the recent recalls as simple and trouble-free as possible for our customers, with dealers across the country making extraordinary efforts to take care of Toyota owners,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

“We are doing everything we can, as fast as we can, to make things right for our customers,” said Mr. Lentz.

As of February 20, 2010, more than 32,000 vehicles affected by the sticking accelerator pedal recall alone already have been modified in New York State. Nationally, some 750,000 of the 2.3 million vehicles subject to the sticking accelerator pedal recall have been modified since the modification became available.

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

CHICAGO (February, 10, 2010) – Toyota introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Avalon today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies.

Even with numerous refinements inside and out, the Avalon remains true to the idea that comfort is honest and uncomplicated, and “Traveling Avalon Class” is rich in simple, familiar pleasures.

2011 Toyota Avalon

The new Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience. Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth hands free phone capability with music streaming to the audio system are among the improvements that enhance the 2011 Avalon’s excellent blend of spaciousness, comfort and technology.

“The Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment. The competition does not stand still, and neither do we.”

Restyled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a “zero landfill” facility that also assembles the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It was also developed at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Dynamic New Exterior

For 2011, Calty restyled Avalon to project an elegant, outgoing presence. A wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered center of gravity and emphasize the Avalon’s wide stance.

The new headlamps, which combine multi-reflector halogen high beams with halogen or HID low beams, utilize light pipes to create a signature, night-time appearance. The front fog lamps, now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, provide a wider angle of illumination.

Viewed from the side, the 2011 Avalon is enhanced by additional use of chrome trim, redesigned rocker panels, and glare-resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals. New 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade feature a 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.

At the rear of the car, identification is cleanly defined by a single Avalon logo located above the license plate. Dual-exhaust pipes are integrated into the cutaway trapezoid shape of the lower bumper for a modern image. Taillights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, helping to create a lower coefficient of drag. The new lights integrate stop, turn and side marker lighting functions in one combined lamp. Unique LED light pipes with dark aluminized sides and both clear and red lenses project a modern appearance.

Spacious Interior Built For Comfort

For 2011, a new interior has been designed with a contemporary style. The new interior remains generously spacious and elegant, fitted with comfortable seating and thoughtfully integrated amenities. Coordinated colors and rich wood-grain materials were carefully chosen to convey an optimistic attitude and modern essence.

Standard leather-trimmed front seats and seatbacks on the Limited are fitted with ventilation systems and an enlarged perforation area to help keep them cool. Interior seats feature thicker stitching, which provides an elegant accent to the interior design. Active front headrests are also standard.

The rear seating area is configured to seat three passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and reclining rear seats, unique in the segment. The rear headrests have also been reshaped and enlarged for better support, and a convenient flip-down center armrest provides storage when the middle seat is not in use.

A power rear sunshade, deployable via a one-touch lever, filters direct sunlight coming through the rear window. The sunshade, which helps to protect rear seat passengers from unwanted light and heat, automatically detracts when the driver selects reverse gear.

A new Instrument panel incorporates visually attractive and highly readable Optitron gauges that use graduated white illumination with white pointers. They are set inside smoked lenses and deep chrome rings that add depth and a sense of luxury.

The steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth hands-free phones, the audio system, climate system, and the information center.

Technology-Enriched Environment

A comprehensive infusion of technology was designed into the new interior to ensure an enriched environment, with enhanced function and connectivity.

New standard equipment includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone and music streaming to the audio system from a compatible device, XM satellite radio (subscription required), and both USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod® and other audio devices. Each of the three available audio systems can control iPods seamlessly using switches located on the steering wheel and display track information stored in the device.

Toyota’s latest DVD Navigation system has a newly adopted database and is now more easily searched with easier address input. The Navigation system also offers new displays for road icons and points of interest, and a keyboard screen arranged in the same way as a personal computer.

The Avalon grade’s standard nine-speaker system offers exceptional sound quality, while the Limited grade features a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system with enhanced two-coil sub-woofer. The system uses 12 speakers and a 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver profoundly rich, full sound to all seats of the vehicle.

A rear-view monitor function is standard in the rear-view mirror or with the navigation system. The rear-view-mirror image includes on-screen back-up guides that help drivers to back into parking spots or driveways.

Performance and Efficiency Combined

Avalon’s exceptional combination of ample horsepower and excellent fuel economy offers one of the best overall dynamic performances in the large sedan segment.

The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine is equipped with the latest dual VVT-i electronic valve-control mechanism that provides a broader powerband, while requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. It is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Avalon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), EPA-estimated to deliver 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined, as good as or better than any V6 model in the segment.

A roadworthy mix of fine ride quality and accurate driving control is delivered by the Avalon’s MacPherson strut suspension, which uses coil springs at all four corners. Rack-and-pinion steering combines with front-wheel-drive and optimized steering gear for a natural handling feel.

Simple Comforts Throughout

A dual-zone climate control system has nine air-flow modes for more precise control of interior climate, and a clean-air filter removes dust and pollen. Doors use three stop positions instead of two for easier entrance and exit. A lockable glove box has a pneumatic-door damper and inner box illumination. The front-console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches front to rear, able to accommodate a wide range of driver positions. The elegantly stitched top is padded with a double density cushion material for softness. Inside, there is a 12-volt outlet in addition to the USB and auxiliary audio terminals.

Safety is Standard

The new Avalon’s occupant-safety strategy includes use of extensively tested energy absorbing structures, protective side impact beams and overhead structure, advanced belt systems and active front headrests as standard equipment. Avalon will also have a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system.

Seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, and front side curtain airbags for both rows, are also standard. Toyota’s standard Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC traction control system. TRAC and VSC functions can be disengaged if the driver needs to free the vehicle if stuck in mud or snow.

A full-size spare and alloy wheel is standard. Each wheel has its own pressure sensor to warn if tire pressure drops, providing the driver with an early warning to find a safe place to change a tire.

Simplified Packaging

The 2011 Avalon will be available in two grades when it arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2010, Avalon and Limited. Both grades will be well equipped with standard equipment like eight-way leather-trimmed power driver’s seats, back-up camera, Dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited will have additional standard equipment, such as an eight-way passenger’s seat with lumbar support, driver’s seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats. Avalon grade can be upgraded with features like a JBL Synthesis sound system and heated front seats, while Navigation is optional for both grades.

Color and Trim

Avalon will be available in nine exterior colors including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica. Additional colors include Cocoa Bean Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, and Sandy Beach Metallic. Avalon grade will be mated to three leather-trimmed interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Limited grade receives Ivory, Light Gray, and Black Bordeaux trims with accent-color trim on the vertical surfaces.

Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

The redesigned 2011 Avalon will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships nationally in spring 2010.

Torrance, Calif (February 8, 2010)

Inspection of Power Steering Hose Position on Certain 2010 Camry Also Announced

Recalls Underscore Toyota’s Commitment to Address All Vehicle Quality and Safety Issues Promptly and Effectively

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, today announced it will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 133,000 2010 Model Year Prius vehicles and 14,500 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles to update software in the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system (ABS). No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved in this recall.

The ABS, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some 2010 model year Prius and 2010 HS 250h owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the ABS is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction.

Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage. The production change for the HS 250h is planned for later this month.

“We’re committed to doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to restore consumer trust in Toyota, and these recalls are part of this effort,” said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer, Toyota Motor Sales. “We regret the inconvenience this recall will cause to Prius and HS 250h owners, and will do our best with the support of our dealers to make sure that it is conducted in the most trouble-free manner possible.”

Mr. Lentz continued: “As part of the quality improvement program announced by Toyota President Akio Toyoda last week, our company is undertaking a top to bottom review to ensure that our vehicles meet our own high standards of safety and reliability, now and for the future. We are taking steps to implement more stringent quality control across the company, to investigate customer complaints more aggressively and to respond more quickly to any safety issues we identify.”

The recall will allow Toyota dealers to perform the software update on 2010 Prius vehicles sold prior to this running production change. Only Prius vehicles produced since May 2009 and all HS 250h vehicles are subject to this recall. First- and second-generation Prius vehicles use a different ABS system and are not involved in this campaign.

The ABS system on the Lexus HS 250h is similar in design to the Prius. The software adjustment planned for HS 250h production and dealer modification is being finalized and will be announced very soon.

Toyota will begin mailing letters to Prius owners included in this recall next week and HS 250h owners within the next few weeks, to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall.

Separately, Toyota will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 7,300 early production – 2010 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4 cylinder engine to inspect for a power steering hose that may be in contact with a front brake tube. This contact could lead to a hole in the brake tube and cause a brake fluid leak, increased brake pedal stroke and greater vehicle stopping distance.

Owners of the involved 2010 Camry vehicles will be notified by mail starting in the middle of February.

Detailed information about these recalls is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Finally, Toyota announced they would stop selling Camry, along with seven other models in the United States. This delay due to problems on the accelerator. Most of the gas pedal still depressed even though the driver was let go.

Toyota, which beat General Motors Co. two years ago as the world’s best car, with a reputation for quality and reliability, was forced to stop selling eight car models in North America. Including the best-selling Camry is sold, until the repair is complete.

In addition, Toyota also will draw back for repair (recall) eight model. Some Toyota dealers will be open 24-hours to make repairs.

Accelerator problems on Toyota:

toyota camry pedals problems

Toyota parties says, the company began to repair or replace the defective pedals to 2.4 million vehicles in the beginning of this week. If all goes well, Toyota could limit the losses they experienced.

“Toyota has been investigating reports of damage to the gas pedal,” said Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, as quoted by the Daily Tech, Tuesday, February 2, 2010.

Toyota kicked off the media late last week with ads in U.S. newspapers a full page to warn the eighth withdrawal model.