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Toyota recalls 168,000 vehicles to address fire risk

Customers will receive free installation of protective materials and a clamp on the fuel tube as a temporary measure until the final remedy parts are available….reports Asian Lite News

Japanese automotive giant Toyota has recalled around 1,68,000 recently manufactured vehicles in the US over a potential fire risk. The recall involves certain 2022 and 2023 model-year Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles.

The subject vehicles are equipped with a plastic fuel tube which could move and rub against a brake line and develop a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of fire,” Toyota said in a recall notice.

“For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the fuel tube with an improved part and additional clamps at no cost to customers,” it added.

Moreover, the automaker said that it is “currently preparing the remedy parts for this recall“.

Customers will receive free installation of protective materials and a clamp on the fuel tube as a temporary measure until the final remedy parts are available.

Toyota said that it will notify affected owners about this issue by early October 2023.

Last year, eight automakers, including Toyota voluntarily recalled more than 1,00,000 vehicles to fix faulty components.

The eight firms — Toyota, Kia, Ford Sales and Service Korea, Volkswagen Group Korea, Jaguar Land Rover Korea, BMW Korea, Dasan Heavy Industries Co and Motostar Korea — recalled a total of 1,02,169 units of 52 different models, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.

The problems that prompted the recall include a faulty assistant heating system in Kia’s Sorento SUV, a faulty transmission system in Ford’s Fusion sedan and software problems in the Audi A6 Premium 45 TFSI quattro sedan imported by Volkswagen Group Korea.

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Tech Lite

Toyota to use AI-based car design in future

The company said that designers can leverage publicly available text-to-image generative AI tools as an early step in their creative process…reports Asian Lite News

Japanese automotive giant Toyota has started to research AI-based car design using the generative artificial intelligence technique developed by the Toyota Research Institute (TRI).

The company said that designers can leverage publicly available text-to-image generative AI tools as an early step in their creative process.

Using TRI’s new technique, designers can add initial design sketches and engineering constraints into this process, cutting down the iterations needed to reconcile design and engineering considerations.

“Generative AI tools are often used as inspiration for designers, but cannot handle the complex engineering and safety considerations that go into actual car design,” Avinash Balachandran, director of TRI’s Human Interactive Driving (HID) Division, whose team worked on the technology, said in a statement.

“This technique combines Toyota’s traditional engineering strengths with the state-of-the-art capabilities of modern generative AI,” he added.

In an example given by the company, a designer can request, via text prompt, a suite of designs based on an initial prototype sketch with specific stylistic properties like “sleek,” “SUV-like,” and “modern” while also optimising a quantitative performance metric.

The team concentrated on aerodynamic drag in their research paper. The method can also be used to optimise any other performance metrics or constraints derived from a design image.

Meanwhile, Toyota is planning an EV (electric vehicle) powered by a solid-state battery that would have a range of nearly 1,200 km (750 miles) and a charge time of only 10 minutes.

Elon Musk-run Tesla Superchargers give about 200 miles of charge in 15 minutes.

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Toyota’s all- new Yaris once again strikes power-style balance

With its striking interior and exterior design, multi-feature passenger compartment, and ultra-precise driving dynamics, the all-new Yaris once again strikes a balance between class-leading aesthetics and engineering…reports Asian Lite News

Toyota is bringing new levels of style and sophistication to the Middle East’s compact sedan segment with the eagerly-awaited regional launch of the all-new Yaris. Combining powerful, elegant design and superior comfort with Toyota’s uncompromising approach to quality, durability, and reliability, the 2023 Yaris delivers an exceptional experience that is set to further strengthen the model’s appeal among the region’s discerning drivers.

Mr. Hideyuki Kamino, Chief Engineer of the all-new Toyota Yaris, commented: “With the all-new Yaris, we set out to ensure that the vehicle is not only functional, but also represents the lifestyle and values of our customers. Our next-generation sedan adopts a powerful and elegant fastback style that embodies the Yaris’ trademark stability and reliability that has won a loyal following across the region. We have also tried to ensure this high-quality sedan is as affordable as possible for our customers, and hope it will capture the imaginations of countless drivers just as previous generations have done.”

Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative ‎Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “We are delighted to launch the all-new Yaris in the Middle East. The 2023 model comes with significant upgrades to deliver optimal performance and an engaging driving experience, while also maintaining outstanding fuel economy in line with Toyota’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. I would like to thank our customers in the region and beyond for continually inspiring us on our journey to innovate and build ‘Ever-better Cars’ that exceed their expectations.”

With its striking interior and exterior design, multi-feature passenger compartment, and ultra-precise driving dynamics, the all-new Yaris once again strikes a balance between class-leading aesthetics and engineering. The width of the new model increased by 10 mm to 1,740 mm, while the length of the wheelbase increased by 70 mm to 2,620 mm. The length and overall height of the vehicle have been maintained at 4,425 mm and 1,480 mm respectively, making the new model the roomiest yet.

The 2023 Toyota Yaris boasts a striking and elegant exterior. Its front design features a low-profile bumper, along with a new glossy black front grille and ultra-slim LED headlamps. The vehicle’s side design and sleek fastback silhouette heighten its hyper-modern aesthetic, while the distinctive diffuser shape at the rear expresses exceptional strength and stability.

The all-new Yaris’ spacious cabin is designed to provide greater comfort and convenience for both the driver and passengers. Its thin and wide instrument panel exudes refined elegance, which is further emphasized by the soft padding throughout the interior. A 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display and digital LED speedometer can be set to one of four layouts, allowing the driver to fully customize and optimize their experience. The interior was designed to provide drivers with an outstanding field of view, and also features multiple compartments in the front and rear doors including cup holders, small and large drink bottles, and other easy-to-access storage areas. The spacious 475-liter capacity trunk comes complete with a folding board that serves as a partition to enable more efficient luggage distribution.

The vehicle’s cabin hosts a range of practical features, including an 8-inch multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto together with a USB port on the head unit and two ports at the rear console that enable passengers to connect external media devices. Additional features include a four or six-speaker sound system and an automatic air conditioning system with two rear vents for extra passenger comfort. Meanwhile, parents benefit from the added peace of mind provided by Toyota’s ISOFIX safety system, which attaches baby seats securely using specially designed tethers.

The all-new Toyota Yaris promises a dynamic driving experience thanks to its four-cylinder engine that is equipped with 16-valve DOCH and dual VVT-I. The vehicle is available with a choice of two engine sizes. The 1.3-liter capacity engine provides an ideal balance between power and fuel efficiency, generating 97 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque with outstanding fuel consumption of 22.4 km/l. Meanwhile, the 1.5-liter capacity engine delivers smooth acceleration and a quick response, producing 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque with fuel consumption of 20.5 km/l.

Both engine options come paired with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which simulates a seven-speed sequential shift transmission to deliver powerful, smooth acceleration from start-off and at low speeds, and quiet, efficient transmission at higher speeds with excellent fuel efficiency. An enhanced body and platform structure and tuned suspension contribute to outstanding handling, stability, and ride comfort. The vehicle also boasts excellent maneuverability, with a 4.8-meter turning radius.

The all-new Yaris maintains Toyota’s sterling safety standards. Its safety system is complemented by Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Automatic High Beam (AHB), as well as a new Front Departure Alert (FDA) feature that gives drivers a visual and audible warning when a stationary vehicle in front begins to move forward. This makes the 2023 Yaris especially suited to the stop-and-go traffic found in urban areas.

In addition, the vehicle comes with a comprehensive array of safety features to protect its driver and occupants. These include SRS airbags, with options available based on the grade for either two or six airbags (including front airbags for the driver passenger, side airbags for the front seats, and side-curtain airbags for the front and rear seats), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake hold function, Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and many others.

A choice of seven exciting exterior hues adds to the all-new Yaris’s striking visual appeal. These include three new colors – metal stream metallic, scarlet sequin, and gray metallic – the last two of which have been newly developed for the vehicle. Meanwhile, the premium interior cabin features a stylish black & beige color scheme. The 2023 Yaris also comes with a choice of 15-inch steel wheels or 16-inch alloy wheels.

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Business Tech Lite

Toyota celebrates historic fifth successive 24 Hours of Le Mans victory

The contest continued for 16 hours, with the two cars running just a few seconds apart for most of this time…reports Asian Lite News

GAZOO Racing stormed to victory recently in the 90th Le Mans 24 Hours to extend its winning run to five in a row at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe. Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa drove a brilliant race in the No. 8 GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar, completing 380 laps to take the chequered flag in front of a passionate crowd.

The team’s fourth one-two finish at the iconic event was completed by last year’s winners, Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and José María López in the No. 7 GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar, which crossed the line just 2 minutes and 1.222 seconds behind in second place. Buemi’s fourth win sets a new victory record for Swiss drivers, while Hartley’s third triumph makes him New Zealand’s most successful Le Mans driver.

The two GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercars outclassed the field throughout and engaged in a close battle at the front, with the lead changing hands several times as the race ebbed and flowed with traffic, slow zones, and track evolution all coming into play. The contest continued for 16 hours, with the two cars running just a few seconds apart for most of this time.

The complexion of the race changed decisively during lap 256 when Buemi gained the upper hand in the No. 8 GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar following an extended pit stop from José María López in the No. 7 GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar. Brendon Hartley had the honor of taking the chequered flag to win the 90th Le Mans 24 Hours, with López following soon after to complete a grueling 5,177km of racing. The result earned double points towards the 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship, placing GAZOO Racing on top of the manufacturers’ standings after three races.

Akio Toyoda, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation, commented: “Congratulations to car No. 8, and thank you to car No. 7 for being part of this 1-2 finish! This year, Le Mans was a 1-2 race from the beginning to the end. From the start for 16 hours they were competing, racing within a few seconds with each other. I would like to thank our six drivers. In addition, Kamui also took on the role of Team Principal at Le Mans for the first time. I really appreciate him taking such important roles.”

Toyoda continued: “Car building and team building are endless battles, please continue to encourage a team feeling. GAZOO Racing was able to win Le Mans five times in a row. Thank you to our many, many fans and partners who continue to fight together. I really appreciate all your continuous support.”

Over the years, Toyota has been participating in many different forms of motorsports, ‎including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 ‎Hours endurance race. Toyota’s participation in these events was overseen by separate ‎entities within the company until April 2015, when Toyota established GR ‎to consolidate all of its motorsports activities under one in-house brand. Representing ‎Toyota’s belief that ‘the roads build the people, and the people build the cars,’ GR highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of Toyota’s commitment to ‎making ‘ever-better’ cars. Harnessing years of experience gained under the extreme ‎conditions of motorsports events, GR aims to forge new ‎technologies and solutions that bring the freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone.

The World Endurance Championship returns with the 6 Hours of Monza in Italy on 10 July.

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Business

Toyota suspends operations due to Covid lockdown in Shanghai

The company previously said it planned to produce around 750,000 vehicles globally this month but said it had now cut that forecast by about 50,000 due to the lockdown…reports Asian Lite News

Toyota says it will suspend operations at more production lines at its factories in Japan this month due to the coronavirus lockdown in Shanghai, media reports said.

The firm says the production halt will come into effect on Monday and stay in place until of end of next week, the BBC reported.

It is the latest big car maker to announce that it is being impacted by the Covid-19 measures in China.

Meanwhile, Tesla has reportedly halted most production at its Shanghai plant due to problems with sourcing parts, the BBC reported.

“Due to the impact of the semiconductor shortage, we announced our revised production plan for May,” Toyota said.

“However, as a result of the lockdown in Shanghai, China, we have decided to additionally suspend operations of 14 lines at 8 plants in Japan from May 16 (Mon) to May 21 (Sat),” it added.

The company previously said it planned to produce around 750,000 vehicles globally this month but said it had now cut that forecast by about 50,000 due to the lockdown.

Also on Wednesday, Toyota revealed that its quarterly profit had slumped by a third as it felt the impact of production disruptions caused by a global shortage of computer chips and China’s Covid-19 restrictions, BBC reported.

The world’s biggest car maker by sales posted an operating profit of $3.56bn for the three months to the end of March, well below market expectations.

The company’s shares were around 4.5 per cent lower in Wednesday afternoon trade on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Toyota’s announcements came as Shanghai is in its sixth week of an intensifying lockdown that has made it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to operate amid tough restrictions on the movement of people and materials.

It is the latest example of a major car maker being forced to cut back production as a result of the lockdown in Shanghai, BBC reported.

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Business India News

Toyota, K’taka sign MoU to invest 4,800 cr towards ‘Make in India’

Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice-Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Toyota is committed to enhance the pace of electrification strengthen domestic production with ‘Make in India’.”..reports Asian Lite News

The Toyota Group of Companies, comprising Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts, on Saturday announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Karnataka government to invest Rs 4,100 crore of a total Rs 4,800 crore towards ‘Make in India’ and to enable a faster reduction in carbon emissions.

The announcement coincides with Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s 25 years of journey in India.

The MoU was exchanged between Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice-Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

Speaking on the occasion, Bommai said, “As a state committed to sustainable development and contributing to the nation’s progress, we want to make Karnataka a global supply-chain and manufacturing hub under our ‘Build for the World’ mission. This MoU with Toyota Group of Companies is a huge stride in this regard, and the Karnataka government is confident of Toyota’s commitment towards sustainable growth and local manufacturing quality for Karnataka’s development.”

The investments are aimed at promoting greener technologies that will help lower dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate carbon emissions. This investment will also enable local production facilities to build electric powertrain parts and components, and cater to the electrified vehicle manufacturing in India.

Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice-Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Toyota is committed to enhance the pace of electrification strengthen domestic production with ‘Make in India’.”

In-addition to boosting the local manufacturing eco-system, the new development will provide an impetus to employment generation and local community development.

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Business India News

Toyota joins ‘electric race’

Meanwhile, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Saturday said it will realign the prices of its models, by up to 4 per cent effective from April 1, 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Toyota will launch its first full-electric vehicle (EV) in May that starts from $42,000 and offers superior power efficiency performance and sufficient cruising range for practical driving.

Called bZ4X BEV (battery electric vehicle), the base model of the electric car has an estimated EPA range of 405 kms – around the same mileage as the $33,500 Chevy Bolt EUV.

The “limited” all-wheel-drive version of the SUV starts at $48,780.

“Toyota is striving to achieve innovation in all areas including the interior, styling, driving sensation, and performance with the aim of creating exciting cars where all passengers can share an enjoyable time and space,” the company said in a statement.

In Japan, Toyota will commence the first phase by accepting applications for the first 3,000 units on May 12 and anticipates a second phase of applications in early autumn. A total of 5,000 units for production and sales are planned for the first year, said the company.

The bZ4X has a “delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,215.”

A BEV-dedicated platform, a first for Toyota, was developed with Subaru based on the e-TNGA philosophy to achieve attractive, smooth, intuitive driving performance, not just for a BEV, but for any car, as well as the off-road performance of an authentic SUV, said the company.

Toyota Safety Sense, as well as a body structure that can respond to collisions from all directions, a battery pack that contributes to ensuring protection performance in the event of a collision, and other safety features have been adopted in the pursuit of a BEV that can be driven with peace of mind.

Meanwhile, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Saturday said it will realign the prices of its models, by up to 4 per cent effective from April 1, 2022.

According to the company, this hike has resulted due to the rising input cost, including that of raw materials.

“As a committed and customer-centric company, TKM has made all conscious efforts to minimise the impact of rising costs on consumers,” said TKM Spokesperson in a statement.

On Friday, luxury automobile manufacturer BMW India said it will increase prices by up to 3.5 per cent across its model range effective from April 1.

The price increase will be brought into effect to adjust the material and logistics costs, impact of current geo-political situation and exchange rates, the company had said.

Earlier, another luxury carmaker, Mercedes-Benz India had announced an upward revision in price of its entire model range effective from April 1.

As per Mercedes-Benz India, the imminent price correction would be in the range of 3 per cent across the entire model range. It said that the constant increase in input prices in addition to an increase in logistics rates have been exerting significant pressure on the overall costs of the company.

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