Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Toyota Motor Corporation Outperforms Industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study

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Toyota and Lexus vehicles captured five segment awards and five Toyota manufacturing facilities in Japan and North America won plant awards, including one Gold, in the 2012 Initial Quality Study (IQS), more than any other automaker in both categories. 
The study also found:
  • Toyota has fewer problems than the premium brands industry average;
  • 15 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models ranked in the top three of the segments they compete in;
  • Corolla is the highest performing non-premium model, it also ranks fifth overall;
  • The all-new Prius v garnered second place in a closely contested segment; and
  • The redesigned Camry scores even better than last year’s model
“We are very pleased with this year’s Initial Quality Study honors”, said Ray Tanguay, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “These accolades echo our enduring commitment to quality, value, and customer satisfaction.”

Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:
  • Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.
  • Lexus ranked highest in customer satisfaction among luxury brands and led the industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study for the fourth consecutive year.
  • 17 Toyota, Lexus and Scion models were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius c, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra (crew cab), Venza and Yaris (4-door hatchback); Scion tC, xB and xD; and Lexus CT 200h, GS and RX.
  • The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Scion tC earned five stars for Overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible.

Courtesy of Toyota Media Newsroom

Monday, June 25, 2012

All-New 2013 Toyota Avalon Features Both Gasoline and Hybrid Powertrains

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When the all-new, North American designed and engineered 2013 Avalon goes on sale later this year, consumers can choose between a powerful V6 gasoline powertrain and Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive. The efficiency offered by the new hybrid model will help the all-new premium mid-size sedan achieve excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rating of 40 mpg combined.

In addition to offering a hybrid powertrain, the new Avalon features a stunning design, improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.

Powerful, Efficient V6 Engine

The 2013 Avalon will feature a proven 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle, which has been enhanced to offer more responsive and efficient performance. The all-aluminum six-cylinder engine will produce 268 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft. of torque, which will propel the new sedan to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Compared to the previous-generation Avalon, this 2013 powertrain combination offers improved fuel economy, performance, superior shift feel and response, with upgraded drivability and quietness.

This enhanced powertrain’s programming has been updated to offer ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT Modes. The ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by reducing power application at lower speeds and reducing energy consumed by the air-conditioning system. The SPORT Mode provides increased acceleration responses though altered engine control unit (ECU) programming, and it offers a more direct and responsive EPS programming to enhance steering feel.

In addition, the new transaxle is equipped with a numerically lower differential gear drive ratio (3.23), designed to help improve fuel economy. The V6-powered 2013 Avalon achieves an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (21 city/ 31 hwy).

The transmission operation has been made more efficient and responsive with the adoption of a flex-start control feature lock-up clutch. With lock-up control, the transmission’s torque converter fully engages at a lower RPM during standing starts to improve acceleration response and help suppress unnecessary engine revolutions. The new transmission is also kept at an optimal temperature with an automatic-transmission fluid warmer, helping enhance efficiency.

The multi-mode automatic transmission console shifter offers a D range and can be moved into an S-mode gate, which allows manually operated sequential shifting using the console shifter or available (Touring and Limited models) steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The gear can be selected by moving the shifter up to (+) position or lower using the (-) position to experience highly responsive shifts. By using the paddles or in S-range, the transmission uses a quick responding shift-logic that includes throttle blipping for downshifts. The gear changes and range-of-gear selections are displayed in the color multi-information display.

Avalon Adds Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
For consumers seeking a premium mid-size sedan with excellent fuel economy ratings and an environmental message, the new Avalon features a full power-split hybrid system. Coupled with reductions in vehicle weight and improvements in aerodynamics, the Avalon Hybrid is expects to achieve impressive fuel economy ratings. The 2013 Avalon incorporates the latest advances in Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, building upon Toyota’s 14 years of hybrid-development experience. The Avalon Hybrid features a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle. A power-control unit located in the engine compartment houses an inverter, a DC-DC converter, a step-up converter (raises voltage to a maximum of 650 volts) and the hybrid-drive ECU, which governs the seamless operation of electric-motor power application and regenerative braking. The power control unit relies on liquid cooling to maintain an efficient temperature.

The Avalon Hybrid achieves a total system output of 200 horsepower and offers three unique modes of operation: EV, ECO and SPORT. The Avalon Hybrid models achieve an EPA-rated 40 mpg in the city, and a 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 40 mpg EPA-rating.

The 2013 Avalon Hybrid offers an EV mode that, under certain conditions, allows the vehicle to operate solely on electric propulsion. EV mode can be engaged, provided other conditions are correct, for up to one mile at speeds up to 25 mph, providing an all-electric option that is convenient in residential areas or parking garages.

The ECO drive mode engages the gasoline motor, but reduces throttle response and HVAC output to help improve overall efficiency. The SPORT Mode takes full advantage of the new Avalon’s dynamic character, improved chassis, and enhanced suspension by altering the engine’s throttle response and enhancing steering feel.

The Avalon’s hybrid’s battery pack is comprised of 204 cells and is located in the vehicle trunk behind the rear seats, while still providing ample trunk space. The scroll casing for the battery cooling system’s blower fan has been designed to produce extremely quiet and efficient airflow, helping reduce interior noise and elevating refinement. The power-control unit, located in the engine bay, houses the inverter, DC-DC converter.

The efficient hybrid transaxle in the new Avalon contains two high-output electric motor/generators, a power-split device, an open differential and the final drive ratio. Motor/Generator 1 (MG1) is used to start the gasoline engine and generate the energy that is returned to the battery to power the system. Motor/Generator 2 (MG2) is primarily responsible for electric drivetrain propulsion and regenerative braking. The hybrid vehicle transaxle also incorporates a flywheel-damper design that helps reduce noise and vibration during engine engagement.

Captivating Styling with a Spacious, Luxurious Interior Experience
The new 2013 Avalon is the product of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan’s striking exterior and luxurious interior design was conceived by a youthful, talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc., facilities in Southern California and Michigan.

The car’s engineering development was led by a passionate and dedicated group based at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Continuing a North American focus, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at the award-winning Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) facility in Georgetown, Ky.

True to the future product mission set forth by Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda, the new Avalon’s more stylish, bold, sporty exterior design and luxurious interior styling are matched by an enhanced dynamic package, a combination that foreshadows the more compelling and passionate nature of future Toyota products.

Courtesy of Toyota Media Newsroom

Please take time today to vote for the Delaware Futures, Inc finalist for the 100 Cars for Good. Voting has already started and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Click Here to Vote!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Barely Believable Car Tip of the Week: Banish back-road dirt

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In many rural areas, so-called oil roads (some unpaved, others semi-paved) are sprayed with oil to control blowing sand and dust. If you find yourself driving along one of these back roads, your windshield may end up coated with oily grime. To cut through the muck, sprinkle cream of tartar over the windshield, and then wipe the glass down with soapy water, rinse well, and dry.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Can a Toyota Prius power a house?

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V2H, or vehicle-to-home, systems could turn the car in your driveway into a backup generator.

Future cars will be getting most of their energy from wall sockets, which means that more electricity will be drawn from the grid. However, that does not mean that tomorrow’s car will be just another energy-sucking appliance. Toyota is testing a system that will allow its Prius plug-in hybrid to power a house.

The Prius plug-in can recharge its batteries through an outlet, like a fully electric car, but it still has a gasoline engine for backup power. Toyota reckons that this engine can also generate electricity for a Prius owner’s house during power outages or periods of peak load.

An inverter converts the DC used by the Prius’ electric motor into AC for household use. Software allows the car, house, and charging stand to monitor the flow of current back and forth. The company estimates that a Prius with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas can power the average Japanese house for four days.

Toyota says this new system will produce greener electricity by drawing it from the grid (or gas tank) at the best times. “With this new method, low-carbon electricity generated from regional or home solar generators, or low-cost late-night electricity, can be stored in a vehicle’s drive battery and then used to supply power to the household during peak consumption times,” the company said in a statement.

Toyota also said that V2H (vehicle-to-home) systems like the one being developed for the Prius could power emergency shelters during a disaster.

The company will begin testing the Prius V2H system in 10 Japanese homes by the end of 2012. If the test is successful, Toyota could move on to developing apps that would allow homeowners to control the flow of power between their cars and houses with smart phones.

Courtesy of DigitalTrends.com

Monday, June 18, 2012

Toyota Names Julie A. Hamp as New Chief Communications Officer for North America

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Toyota today announced that Julie A. Hamp will join the company as chief communications officer for North America, effective June 25. In this role, Hamp will have primary responsibility for coordinating Toyota’s public relations efforts in the region while leading the company’s cross-affiliate communications team including members from Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA), Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, Inc. (TMS) and Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, North America, Inc. (TEMA).

She will report to Jim Lentz, president and CEO of TMS and senior vice president of TMA, and will be based at Toyota’s campus in Torrance, California.

  “Julie is a proven communications leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience both inside and outside the automotive industry,” said Lentz. “We are thrilled to have her leading our communications and public relations efforts to enhance and promote Toyota as we continue to gain momentum in the marketplace.”

Hamp joins Toyota from PepsiCo, where she served in a global role as chief communications officer and senior vice president of consumer relations.  Prior to joining PepsiCo, Hamp held several leadership positions at General Motors with primary responsibility for marketing/brand communications and public relations for North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

“I am looking forward to joining the talented communications team at Toyota, a company known for high quality products, best in class manufacturing and innovation,” said Hamp. “Toyota has a significant presence in North America, employing more than 37,000 people and operating 14 manufacturing plants in the region; and I am excited to take on this role to help contribute to the success of this great company.”

Hamp will succeed Jim Wiseman, who had previously announced his retirement effective at the end of June. Wiseman, who has had a 23-year career at the automaker, served as Toyota’s first CCO for North America, named to the position at the beginning of 2010.

  A native of Queens, NY, Hamp received a B.S. in Communications from Ferris State University. Her post-graduate studies include participation in the GM-Harvard Business School Executive Development program with an emphasis on Asian studies.


Courtesy of Toyota Media Newsroom

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Best SUVs for the Bucks

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America's definition of the SUV has changed over the past decade. Once upon a time, they were big, trucklike gas hogs that could go anywhere and do almost anything. Today, however, they have evolved into smaller, more carlike vehicles that go easier on gas, and consequently are better for the environment and softer on the wallet. Unfortunately, they are also slightly less capable. Regardless, the masses still refer to these new vehicles as SUVs, and they are one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments on the market. To help you get the best value on a new SUV, we've identified 10 that offer the best bang for your buck in terms of power, luxury, passenger and cargo space, reliability, cost of ownership and a whole lot more.

2012 Toyota Highlander

Its midsize crossover competitors may be newer and larger, but the Toyota Highlander soldiers on as a great value. Buyers can opt for 5- or 7-passenger seating, the latter with an innovative, removable second-row middle seat that eases access to the third row. Both the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines offer plenty of power. The Highlander features the luxurious ride typical of most Toyotas and, thanks to its modest size, it is one of the more maneuverable vehicles in the class. It also benefits from Toyota's track record for strong resale values and rock-solid reliability.

Courtesy of MSN.com

Monday, June 11, 2012

First 25 Winners Announced for Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program

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Toyota today announced the first 25 winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program, a national philanthropic program that is awarding 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 consecutive days. Winners are selected each day through public voting on Facebook at www.100carsforgood.com.
 
Each day through August 21, five nonprofit organizations will be profiled on the 100 Cars for Good Facebook page. Registered Facebook users are able to vote once daily for the nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The organization with the most votes at the end of the day wins a new Toyota vehicle. The four runners-up each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.
 
“We are delighted to announce the first 25 winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Toyota created the 100 Cars for Good program because we appreciate what a big difference a new car or truck can make for organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities across America. It’s been very gratifying to put the public in the ‘driver’s seat’ to select the winning organizations. 100 Cars for Good has also allowed Toyota to build on more than half a billion dollars of support the company has provided to nonprofits throughout the United States. We wish all of this year’s finalists the best of luck.”
 
The first 25 100 Cars for Good winners represent a cross-section of important local causes, including providing nutritious meals to kids, helping communities struck by natural disaster and alleviating the suffering of abandoned, abused or injured animals.
 
The first 25 winners in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program are:

DC Scores - Washington, DC - May 14, 2012

Cincinnati Zoo - Cincinnati, Ohio - May 15, 2012

Lehmi County Humane Society - Salmon, Idaho - May 16, 2012

Pibbles & More Animal Rescue - Ridgewood, New York - May 17, 2012

Recycled Doggies, Inc. - Cincinnati, Ohio - May 18, 2012

Hope for Paws Animal Rescue - Los Angeles, California - May 19, 2012

The Dream Center - Los Angeles, California - May 20, 2012

SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups - New York, New York - May 21, 2012

Petfinder Foundation - Tucson, Arizona - May 22, 2012

Together We Rise - Chino, California - May 23, 2012

The Children’s Lunchbox - Anchorage, Alaska - May 24, 2012

All Hands Volunteers - Carlisle, Massachusetts - May 25, 2012

Detroit Dog Rescue - Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan - May 26, 2012

Fences for Fido - Portland, Oregon - May 27, 2012

Central Vermont Humane Society - East Montpelier, Vermont - May 28, 2012

Operation Blankets of Love - Granada Hills, California - May 29, 2012

Kristie’s Foundation - Anaheim, California - May 30, 2012

K9 Services German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. - Middleburg, Florida - May 31, 2012

Animal Aid, Inc. - Oakland Park, Florida - June 1, 2012

Clark County Community Services - Winchester, Kentucky - June 2, 2012

Shore Hearts Golden Retriever - Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey - June 3, 2012

Special Olympics Illinois - Normal, Illinois - June 4, 2012

Last Chance Ranch - Quakertown, Pennsylvania - June 5, 2012

Rikki’s Refuge - Rapidan, Virginia - June 6, 2012

Feed My Sheep - Gulfport, Mississippi - June 7, 2012

Winning organizations can choose from the following vehicles: Camry Hybrid, Highlander SUV, Prius v Hybrid, Sienna minivan, Sienna Mobility or Tundra full-sized pickup. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

The 500 finalists, from which the 100 winners are ultimately selected, were certified by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.

 

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Thursday, June 7, 2012

10 Best Green Cars of 2012 - Toyota Prius c & Scion IQ

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Fuel economy is up, fuel consumption is down, and the road keeps getting a little bit greener each new model year. But world-class fuel efficiency alone is not enough to win a spot on our annual 10 Best Green Cars list. Click the arrow above to see the standouts offering mpg and more.

2012 Toyota Prius c

The c is the smallest member of the growing Prius family, which includes the familiar hatchback that is synonymous with hybrids, a larger wagon, and a plug-in model. The budget-friendly c offers up to 53 mpg in city driving, seating for five, and more cargo space than its subcompact dimensions might suggest. It all adds up to make Prius c the perfect choice for those seeking a practical, inexpensive, stylish way to save fuel.

2012 Scion iQ

Who says hybrid drivetrains, alternative fuel systems or expensive gas-saving technologies are prerequisites for green cars? When it comes to vehicle production and conserving the world's natural resources, significantly fewer materials are required to build a Scion iQ thanks to its petite dimensions, lightweight design and efficient 1.3-liter gasoline engine.

 

Courtesy of KBB.com

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Hey fans! Here is a Wednesday car care tip!

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Don’t fill up if you see the tanker at the station. If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Three Toyota Models Selected as Best Family Cars of 2012

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Three Toyota models have been selected as among the Best Family Cars of 2012 by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com. This is their fifth annual list, which will appear online today and on newsstands June 12.

Toyota earned picks across three categories including Prius v in the high-mileage category; Camry in the sedan category and the Sienna minivan in the large vehicle category. Vehicles considered were evaluated on a number of criteria important to families including safety, fuel economy, and kid-friendly features, as well as ride comfort, styling and handling.
 
“We’re proud to have several Toyota models on the list of best family cars for the fifth year in a row,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Families know they can always depend on Toyota for safety, quality and durability, but they also recognize the importance of the convenience and technology features in our vehicles that help make their lives easier.”
 
In the high-mileage car category, the editors chose vehicles with more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway and offering safety features and modern conveniences. As a new member of the Prius family this year, the Prius v was cited for its stable ride and ample cargo space and was praised for its versatility and standard technology features including the Entune® mulitmedia system and a hands-free smart key, which unlocks the driver’s side door as you approach the door handle.
 
The 2012 Camry was highlighted as a best pick in the sedan category.  Completely redesigned for 2012, the all-new seventh generation Camry was chosen for its updated styling, convenient technology including Entune, excellent fuel economy, quiet ride and ample trunk space. The Camry is America’s best-selling car, and as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012 it is extremely popular with families.
 
Rounding out the best family cars in the large vehicle category is the Sienna minivan, chosen for its flexible configurations to fit every type of trip, family and cargo combination. The Sienna was completely redesigned in 2010, catering to traditional family van needs while also meeting growing demands for more responsive driving characteristics, contemporary styling and onboard entertainment technology.  With state-of-the-art features and rewarding driving dynamics, the Sienna is a vehicle that families of any size will find satisfying to drive. 
 
The Sienna is manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. while the Camry is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
 
“Toyota has a long history of satisfying the automotive needs of American families,” said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief, Edmunds.com. “The Sienna minivan, the redesigned Camry and the all-new Prius v hybrid are leaders in their respective segments, offering America’s families the spacious, fun, fuel-efficient and reliable transportation they need.”

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Monday, June 4, 2012

Toyota Develops Mutual Power Supply System for Electric Vehicles and Homes

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Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that it has developed a vehicle to home(1)(V2H) system for the mutual sharing of power between electric-powered vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), and homes. The V2H system is to start testing, using Prius PHVs, at the end of 2012 in approximately ten households as part of the Toyota City Low-Carbon Verification Project(2) (Toyota City Project) that began in April 2010.

The newly developed V2H two-way electric power supply system can supply power from home to vehicle as well as from vehicle to home. An AC100 V inverter onboard the Prius PHV converts stored power into AC suitable for home use, while power flow is controlled according to communication between vehicle, charging stand and the home. With this new method, low-carbon electricity ("green" electricity) generated from regional or home solar generators, or low-cost late night electricity, can be stored in a vehicle's drive battery and then used to supply power to the household during peak consumption times. This kind of optimal energy flow can be automatically controlled by a home energy management system (HEMS).

Vehicle batteries can also be used as a power source in times of emergency by manually setting the electricity flow to supply power from the vehicle's drive battery through the charging stand to a home's lights and power outlets. With a fully charged battery and full tank of gasoline, a Prius PHV can supply power for average Japanese household electricity use (approximately 10 kWh) for four days.

Interest in smart grid technology and expectations for the effective use of electric vehicle batteries has increased due to recent anticipated electricity shortages in Japan, the beginning of full-scale renewable energy introduction and an increased need for emergency power supplies.

Households participating in the verification tests in Toyota City will use Prius PHVs, which can use the V2H system to supply electric power to homes, as well as function as conventional gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles once onboard electricity supply depletes to a certain level.

TMC developed its V2H system while closely complying with existing charging and communications specifications defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), as well as with electrical safety standards and regulations. Going forward, TMC hopes to promote the widespread use of V2H systems while closely studying - conscious of standardization trends - system, hardware, power generation and other relevant specification standards.

In addition to the V2H system, TMC has also developed devices capable of supplying electricity from PHVs directly to home devices, for use at emergency shelters in the event of a disaster. The devices will be installed on the PHVs used in this round of the Toyota City Project tests.

The Toyota City Project awards eco-points to consumers who change their lifestyle habits to conserve electricity, and in 2011 there was an increasing trend toward households to use low-cost power to charge their vehicles. In light of the recent power supply shortages in Japan, the Toyota City Project is working to promote regional energy management that can respond to shifts in peak usage. In response to the increasing need to control peak electricity use, the Toyota City Project will test synchronized automatic control between HEMS and regional energy data management systems (EDMS) this year. Existing energy usage optimization technology using household storage batteries will be expanded to V2H systems, making green electricity use even more effective while promoting a shift away from electric power consumption during peak-demand times.

Through the development of the V2H system, TMC aims to contribute to low-carbon and energy-efficient electricity use and to support the Toyota City Project's goal of regional energy independence.

(1) Charging of PHV and EV batteries from household electricity and supplying electric power from onboard automobile storage batteries to the home

(2) Part of the Next-Generation Energy and Social System Demonstration project (a five-year project running from 2010 to 2014) of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) with the aim of optimizing energy on a regional and community level through citizen-led initiatives. Construction of test model homes was completed in June 2011, with the first group of residents taking residence in September. As of May 31, 2012, approximately 40 households are living on the premises.

Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal