North American Toyota production expected to reach 100 per cent in September: Parts recovery is earlier than anticipated

June 16, 2011

North American vehicle production levels are expected to return to 100 percent in September, Toyota said today. Production is recovering earlier than originally anticipated following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

On average, current production has improved to more than 80 percent through August. Eight of the company’s 12 North American-built models returned to 100 percent production on June 6.

“We applaud the many, many team members and suppliers who have worked tirelessly to help get us back to 100 per cent production volume,” said Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada President, Brian Krinock. “Considering the devastation in Japan, we are very appreciative of the incredible effort required to make this happen. Over the next months, we will focus on recovering as much production as possible at TMMC.”

"Toyota's manufacturing team members in North America and around the world are the best in the business." said Tony Wearing, Managing Director, Toyota Canada, Inc. "Their efforts mean that Canadian customers can shop with confidence because our dealerships have vehicles with more arriving daily,” added Wearing “During our Big Selection Big Savings promotion, customers also have the benefit of aggressive cash and incentives offers.”

TMMC produces the Toyota Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4 and the Lexus RX350. The Lexus RX350 and Toyota RAV4 will ramp up to 100 per cent production in September from their current 60 per cent and 25 per cent levels. The Corolla/Matrix line returned to 100 per cent production on June 6.

Scion Announces The Winner Of The Take On The Machine Contest

May 31, 2011 - Toronto

After almost 4 months and over 100,000 entries the results are in! Judy Becker from Cultus Lake, British Columbia is the grand prize winner of the Scion tC Take On the Machine Augmented Reality game. Judy picked up the keys to her well-equipped 2011 tC at Valley Scion in Chilliwack, B.C., in late May, where the Scion Team offered congratulations, welcomed her to the Scion family, and introduced her to all the heart-pounding possibilities of the 180 horsepower Scion sports coupe.

The Game

Launched at the Montreal Auto Show on January 14, 2011, the Take On the Machine AR game invited participants to test the limits of the bold and aggressive Scion tC, racing a virtual vehicle through an online urban track. More than 100,000 drivers took on the challenge. Most raced more than once, many, dozens of times, unlocking additional modified tC’s, and posting some incredible scores.

The Prize

The ultimate sports coupe, the Scion tC mixes power and performance with an incredible list of standard features, including 18" aluminum alloy wheels, panoramic moonroof, 8-speaker audio system with steering wheel mounted controls, and the Star Safety System, along with the potential for personalization with a large catalogue of Scion Authorized Accessories.

More Opportunities to Win

While 'Take on the Machine' may be over, your chance to win with Scion is just beginning. Follow Canada’s first Scion Tuner Challenge at tunerchallenge.ca and enter to win a trip for two to SEMA in Las Vegas where the hottest tricked out Scion show cars, including the winner of the Tuner Challenge, will be on display. Plus, LIKE Scion Canada on facebook.com/scioncanada for the latest exclusive news, event access and other contest opportunities.

Scion Announces Three Finalists For First Ever Tuner Challenge

April 28, 2011 - Toronto

Scion announces the three finalists for its first ever Canadian Scion Tuner Challenge. Now the real battle begins. Each team has received a brand new Scion xD, xB or tC and has been given three months to create the ultimate Scion show car - armed with $10,000 and access to the full line-up of Scion Authorized Accessories and the TRD catalogue.

At stake is an entry at the ultimate tuner show, SEMA, in Las Vegas. Interested Canadians can track each team’s build online, and compete for prizes throughout the competition – including a trip for two to Vegas to join the winning team at the show!

Meet The Teams

The winning xB design was submitted by SR Auto Group. Hailing from Richmond, BC, this gang of eight has been modifying exotic rides for more than a decade. Their design - titled Anarchy - features a minimalist approach with a military-inspired vibe. Outside, DL Style B-Magic Body Kit and Spoiler, team up with Modulare M23 19” Wheels and a host of custom touches, like hand painted Eccentric Blue Lug Nuts. Inside, a full black suede interior is set off by blue LED accent lighting, and features a 32” LED LCD TV. Performance modifications draw heavy on TRD, including a Big Brake Kit, Strut Tower Brace, Sway Bar, Exhaust System and Supercharger.

Camo Customs, from Lachine, QC, chose the xD as their canvas. Another group that has been on the tuner scene for a decade, Camo specializes in bodywork, with a penchant for modifying racecars and motorcycles. ‘Wild Mild’ was their inspiration—a car with WOW factor that remains street legal. Their mint green candy xD will feature a TRD Body Kit, Spoiler, Exhaust, and Air Intake, custom lighting inside and out, and an in-dash multi-media centre backed up by a subwoofer with a custom box set-up.

Team TDS out of Toronto, Ontario, caught the judges eye with their build plans for a Scion tC. Titled ‘Chocolate Love’ - for obvious reasons - this group of veteran tuner enthusiasts puts the custom in customization. Their modifications call for custom fabricated wheel arch over-fenders, rear diffuser, exhaust system with powder coated gold exhaust tip, trunk lid spoiler, turbo system, and floor mats. The entertainment system includes mobile video screens, head unit, speakers, amps and subwoofers.

Follow The Action - Enter To Win

The three entries will be showcased at the 2011 Toronto and Montreal ImportFest shows, with the grand winner to be announced onsite in Montreal. Tuner enthusiasts can follow the action every step of the way at tunerchallenge.ca and enter the contest for a chance to join the winning team at SEMA in Vegas. Scion will run additional contests and give-aways throughout the Tuner Challenge. To stay tuned, go to facebook.com/scioncanada and hit LIKE. For those interested in trying their own hand at “modifying” a Scion, check out the xB paper pullout in the latest Scion Magazine.

Scion FR-S Sports Coupe Concept Designed to Incite Passion

April 20, 2011 - New York

Scion Introduces FR-S Sports Coupe Concept at 2011 New York Auto Show

Rear-wheel drive concept makes world debut. Design focus of Pure Balance. Boxer engine utilizes Toyota’s D4-S direct and port injection system.

Scion unveiled the rear-wheel drive FR-S Concept sports coupe today at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The concept, which sets out to stimulate the souls of true driving enthusiasts, will be at the Scion display through May 1. The FR-S Concept will inspire a new model coming to the Scion brand next year.
The FR-S Concept, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising fuel efficiency.

“As a brand, Scion is about delivering a new kind of vehicle experience that excites, inspires and encourages individuality,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. “The FR-S concept demonstrates Scion’s commitment to continuing to push the envelope of vehicle design, performance and function, as we have done so over the years with the introduction of the iconic xB and xD, the aggressive tC and the micro-subcompact iQ.”

“Bringing passionate spirit and excitement back to Toyota is a commitment that Akio Toyoda has made to our customers,” Hutchinson continued. “The Scion FR-S Concept captures that direction and spirit.”

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The sports coupe is most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.

Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is built around the core goal of achieving “pure balance,” which begins with the strategic placement of a flat 2.0-litre boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and shape allows the FR-S’ powertrain to be mounted lower and further back towards the rear, giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favourable front-to-rear weight ratio.

The FR-S’ naturally-aspirated engine is innovative, being the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, which utilizes both direct and port injection, resulting in increased horsepower and torque throughout the entire powerband, without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The flat-four can mate with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission features aggressive, sporty shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is distributed effectively via a limited-slip differential.

The idea of “pure balance” is further realized by the FR-S’ lightweight design and short wheelbase. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of any corner, with dynamic manoeuvrability and confident stability.

The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a good reflection of its inner power. The intimidating proportions of the concept give it a dominant stance that bleeds performance. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood-line that is remarkably sleek and low, made possible by the boxer’s architecture.

The low stance continues to exaggerate the FR-S’ menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights that include bright LED clusters.
The solid panel roofline is sleek, lightweight and rigid, slotted with an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top.

The front fenders protrude upward, making space for the massive monoblock Five Axis 20x8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house the 20x10.5-inch wheels, emphasizing the FR-S’ staggered stance and rear-wheel-drive setup.

The rear fascia sits low and wide, with extensive lower treatments that surround the dual exhaust exits and contribute to excellent aerodynamics. LEDs illuminate both the edgy taillights and the bold “SCION” logo.

The concept features four-piston-caliper front brakes that clamp down on monstrous 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matrix rotors that are fixed to the wheels in a motorcycle-fashion.

The FR-S Concept is layered in rich coats of Code Red, the appropriately named color that that consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ.

Concept Dimensions (inches / millimetres)

• Length – 168.2 / 4,272.2

• Width – 71.5 / 1,816.1

• Height – 47.4 / 1,203.9

• Front Track – 61.8 / 1,569.7

• Rear Track – 59.9 / 1,521.4

• Wheelbase – 101.2 / 2,570.4

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Toyota adjusts May production in North America

April 19, 2011

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA) plans to adjust production in May due to parts availability following the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Previously, TEMA had announced production suspensions on Mondays and Fridays during the period April 15 through April 25. TEMA will continue the Monday and Friday production suspension pattern during the period April 26-June 3. During the same period, production will run at 50 per cent on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Additionally, Canadian production will be suspended the week of May 23 (in conjunction with the scheduled Victoria Day holiday) and U.S. production will be suspended the week of May 30 (in conjunction with the scheduled Memorial Day holiday).

No layoffs are planned during this period. Team members will utilize non-production time for training and plant improvement activities.

TEMA is trying to continue production as much as possible with its workforce intact in order to facilitate a smooth transition back to full production when all parts are available.

Production plans beyond June 3 will be determined at a later date.

Scion Set to Reveal Concept Vehicle

The countdown has begun. On April 20, 2011, at 1:40pm EST, Scion will reveal a new concept vehicle at the New York Auto Show.

Visit www.ScionDimension.com to get your sneak peek right now—and to watch the live news conference at the time of the reveal.

To get additional updates from Scion Canada from the New York International Auto Show, visit the Scion Canada Facebook Page. You can also register right here and get automatic updates on all the latest Scion news and reviews.

Scion tC Receives Five Star Overall Rating for Crash Tests

April 12, 2011

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the all-new 2011 Scion tC sports coupe, a top overall rating of five stars.

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a consumer information program created by NHTSA, rates vehicles to determine crash and rollover safety. The test ratings are gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests conducted at the NHTSA research facilities. The announcement was released on the NHTSA website www.safercar.gov.

All Scion models meet or exceed the safety requirements of the U.S. federal government, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and all Canadian safety standards.

The tC comes standard with a total of eight supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags including driver and front passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front-passenger knee airbag, and side curtain airbags.

All 2011 Scion vehicles, including the tC, come standard equipped in Canada with the Star Safety System. The Scion Star Safety System includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Additional safety features include active front headrests.

The all-new Scion tC, which went on sale in October 2010, has an impressive list of standard features including 180-horsepower, a 6-speed transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 300-watt 8-speaker audio system.

* Note: All NHTSA testing performed on U.S. specification models.