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Sunny, Clear Skies, and a 100 Percent Chance of Being Green - Toyota Mississippi 'Turns on the Power' at Earth Day Celebration

BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. (April 22, 2013) –  Being green in Northeast Mississippi got a lot easier today as dozens of community members and citizens joined Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (Toyota), TVA and New Albany Light, Gas & Water (NALGW) this morning at a ceremony to celebrate Earth Day 2013 by “powering on” Toyota’s new 50 kilowatt solar array.

Also at the ceremony, Toyota was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with its ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for its continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency.

Toyota’s Blue Springs plant assembles the Corolla and employs 2,000 team members.

“Toyota is honored to celebrate Earth Day 2013 with the community,” said Doug Formby, vice president of administration at Toyota.  “The ‘powering on’ of our 50 kilowatt solar array and recognition of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR award demonstrates our commitment of 'Respect for the planet.'  Plus, it’s another step in our long-term vision of being the model sustainable plant in the region, covering four key areas including: Performance; Biodiversity; Use of renewable energy and Education.”

"Knowing Toyota's history of innovation and its philosophy of kaizen -- the cycle of continuous improvement -- no one was surprised when the Blue Springs plant was chosen as the model plant in North American for environmental sustainability,” said Trudy Fisher, executive director, Mississippi Department of Environmental.  “We are thankful to Toyota for leading by example in its utilization of solar energy.  Results will be good for the environment, good for Mississippi, and good for the company's bottom line.  Thank you, Toyota, for your continued investment in the State of Mississippi and for your most recent living lessons of the rewards of kaizen."

50 kilowatt solar array
Toyota’s solar array is the fourth largest in the state of Mississippi and will generate 50 kilowatts of peak energy, enough to power approximately seven average households for an entire year.

It will optimize performance by tracking the sun’s movement from sun rise to sun set and will lay flat at night in “sleep mode.”

The power generated by the solar array will be redirected back to NALGW, which ultimately transfers back into the grid for public use.

The solar panels were installed by Carthage-based Mississippi Solar LLC, who worked closely with Toyota engineers, TVA and NALGW on the project.

ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award
Last month, the U.S. EPA recognized Toyota and its 14 vehicle assembly, engine and parts plants across North America – including Toyota Mississippi – with its ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for its continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency.

It’s Toyota’s ninth consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award and it is the most among any automaker that assembles vehicles in the United States.

Over an 11-year period at Toyota’s 14 plants, total cost saving from energy improvements has totaled more than $330 million, and energy use has been reduced by 21 percent per vehicle produced.  That enough energy to power 28,000 average households for an entire year.

Toyota’s Blue Springs plant, which assembles the Corolla, has used innovative design and best practice techniques from other Toyota facilities to become the most energy efficient Toyota plant on the continent.

Last fall, the plant obtained its ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognized environmental designation for its environmental management systems.

Model plant for sustainability
As the model plant for sustainability for North America, the Blue Springs plant is focused on four unique areas relating to the environment.  They are:


1.     Performance;
2.     Biodiversity;
3.     Renewable energy;
4.     Education.

Today’s “powering on” of the 50 kilowatt solar array and the ENERGY STAR award are a step in Toyota Mississippi’s long-term vision of becoming a model plant for sustainability and solidifies Toyota’s commitment that everything we do, we will show consideration to the planet while investigating and promoting systems and solutions that are of benefit to society.

Other examples of being eco-friendly at the plant include:

•    Use of waterless irrigation on the grounds;
•    Use of geothermal wells to heat and cool areas of the plant;
•    An advanced recycling program where waste is divided between compostable and non-compostable;
•    Use of a unique paint system that uses low pressure water atomized water instead of steam, chilled water and paint ovens to control humidity and temperature.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

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Toyota and Lexus in the U.S. Accounted for Nearly 2 Million of Total 5 Million Global Hybrid Sales Revealed Today

Torrance, Calif., April 16, 2013 -- Nearly 2 million (1,951,243) Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles have been sold in the United States, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption.

The announcement was made today by Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, Inc. in conjunction with Toyota Motor Corporation’s announcement in Japan that it has sold 5 million hybrid vehicles worldwide.

Toyota estimates that its global fleet of nearly 20 hybrid vehicles has resulted in approximately 34 million fewer tons of CO₂ emissions than those emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles. Many environmental experts believe CO₂ emissions are a major cause of climate change occurring in the world today.

In addition, Toyota estimates its hybrids have saved their owners more than 3 billion gallons of gasoline compared to gasoline-only powered vehicles.  
    
“With more than 50 hybrid vehicle models from various manufacturers available in the U.S. today, hybrids on the road are saving nearly 500 million gallons of petroleum annually in this country,” said Tony Markel, senior engineer with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in Golden, Colo.

He recalled that DOE and NREL’s collaborative research with the auto industry, which started 20 years ago, spurred the development of hybrid-electric technology for the mainstream market to help reduce the country’s dependence on petroleum.

“With millions of hybrid vehicles on the road today, hybrid powertrains are mainstream market reality,” Markel concluded.     

Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles make up 70 percent of the U.S. auto industry’s total hybrid sales, while they account for 16 percent of overall Toyota/Lexus sales, both globally and locally. Total industry hybrid sales are roughly three percent of the nation’s car market.

Toyota and Lexus sell 19 hybrid models and one plug-in hybrid in 80 countries and regions around the world.  Twelve of the models are available in the United States, including seven from Toyota and five from Lexus. They are Prius Liftback, Prius v, Prius c, Prius Plug-in, Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Lexus CT 200h, ES 300h, GS 450h, LS 600h and RX 450h.

Of the 12 U.S. models, Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid and RX 450h are manufactured in North America with a fourth model, Highlander Hybrid, planned.

Between now and the end of 2015, Toyota will introduce 18 new hybrid models and expects global sales of its hybrids to be at least 1 million units a year in the same period. TMS forecasts that about one-third of those will be sold in the United States.

“The first Prius was a surprising success and we never imagined the market would become as vast as it has for the hybrid powertrain,” said Bob Carter, TMS senior vice president of automotive operations.

Toyota’s hybrid vehicle sales in the United States began in July 2000 with the first-generation Prius and it provided consumers excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions using a precursor to Toyota’s advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive System.  The high-technology nature and environmental benefits offered by this early Prius helped it appeal to a small but passionate following of early adopters.

With just 5,562 sold in the first six months, the Prius would eventually find favor with consumers helping it become the recognized symbol of hybrid technology. As a result, it has inspired the development of hybrid vehicles by competitors, with more than 50 models on the market today.

The first Prius has evolved into a modern family of vehicles, while leading to the development of a wide range of additional Toyota and Lexus hybrid models.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

2013 Toyota Avalon Named in WardsAuto's 10 Best Interiors of 2013

Penton's leading automotive brand unveils annual list of best car interiors; to be celebrated at upcoming WardsAuto Interiors Conference

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013 "Ward's 10 Best Interiors" list was announced today, and it features a wide range of automobile types and sticker prices, including several models that prove a buyer doesn't have to break the bank to drive in luxury and style.

WardsAuto editors selected the top passenger compartments after spending February and March evaluating 46 vehicles that were all-new or sported interiors that have been significantly upgraded. The winners will be recognized during a special ceremony at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference being held May 22 at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, MI.

This year's winners:

Acura RDX (Honda Motor Co. Ltd.)
Cadillac XTS (General Motors Co.)
Chevrolet Spark (General Motors Co.)
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.)
Kia Forte (Kia Motors Corp.)
Lexus GS 450h (Toyota Motor Corp.)
Mazda6 (Mazda Motor Corp.)
Nissan Pathfinder (Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.)
Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn (Chrysler Group LLC)
Toyota Avalon (Toyota Motor Corp.)

To determine the winners, editors drive the vehicles during their routine commutes and submit score sheets ranking each auto interior based on several criteria, including materials, ergonomics, comfort, safety, value, fit-and-finish and overall design. Scores also are applied based on the user-friendliness of the human-machine interface and the ability to link mobile phones and access vehicle information. Video reviews and photo galleries of evaluated vehicles may be found at http://wardsauto.com, and full write-ups on each winner will post on April 29.

"This year's batch of winners really drives home the point that auto interiors are vital in the battle for consumers' hearts and minds," says WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief, Drew Winter. "It wasn't uncommon all that long ago for auto makers to view interiors as the best place to take cost out of a vehicle program. They eventually figured out that's a big mistake because people spend a lot more time looking at the inside of their car than the outside."

In addition to the awards being presented in a ceremony during the WardsAuto Interiors Conference, Ward's expects to have all ten winning vehicles on display at the event for attendees to experience and judge the interiors for themselves. The ceremony will include a live video review inside each vehicle, highlighting the key features that earned each interior its honor.

Courtesy of Autoblog

New Drivers Gain Critical Defensive Driving Skills and Confidence Behind the Wheel from Toyota's Teen Safe Driving Program

Toyota continues to offer its free-of-charge safe driving skills program, Toyota Driving Expectations, and comprehensive online resources with the goal of reducing motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death among teens. Upcoming behind-the-wheel safety events will be held in Torrance, Calif., Denver and San Antonio for newly licensed or permitted teens and their parents to learn about defensive driving skills, crash avoidance techniques and the dangers of distracted driving during the 2.5-hour program.

Moving into its 10th year, Toyota Driving Expectations supplements standard driver’s education to prepare inexperienced drivers for the challenges they’ll face on the road. In recognizing the importance of parents’ involvement to help their teens develop responsible driving habits, the program requires a parent or guardian to accompany their teen.

Kicking-off in Torrance, Calif., professional instructors in the Toyota Driving Expectations “On The Road” program tour lead teens through driving courses and in-classroom discussions, while encouraging continued learning at home and demonstrating safe driving habits. This year’s events will be held at:

•     Torrance, Calif.on May 4-5 at Toyota headquarters. Registration now open at  www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com

•     Denver, Colo. on May 18-19 at Bass Pro Shops. Registration opens April 18.

•     San Antonio, Texason June 8–9 at Toyota Texas Plant. Registration opens May 9.

“Safer drivers lead to safer roads, so Toyota is committed to helping educate and empower teens and parents around smart driving choices,” said Michael Rouse, Toyota’s vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs. “Through our safe driving programs, partnerships and online resources, we hope more young drivers will absorb the sobering lessons of distracted driving and learn key skills to keep themselves safe behind the wheel.”

To further the connection with teens in local communities, Toyota Driving Expectations has launched teen driving assemblies in high schools and dealerships across the country. Free Toyota Driving Expectations safety clinics at select Toyota dealerships will be led this summer by professional drivers who address vehicle safety features, defensive driving, distracted driving and vehicle maintenance.

Making Safe Driving Information and Resources Available
Toyota also offers free online safety resources for teens, parents and educators through its partnership with Discovery Education at ToyotaTeenDriver.com.  The Toyota Teen Driver also has annual contests for teens and educators, including the current Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge, whose top ten videos are open for public voting now through April 16th.  The winning teen will receive $15,000.

Last fall, Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) announced preliminary findings from a major, national study that analyzed the critical role parents play in shaping teen driving habits. The UMTRI/Toyota Teen Driver Distraction Study found a significant correlation between parent and teen behaviors behind the wheel, suggesting parents can be influential role models for young drivers. Startling study findings showed that 61 percent of parents and 54 percent of teens report that they use a hand-held cellphone while driving, emphasizing the importance of including parents in the Toyota Driving Expectations program.

While helping parents talk to their teens about safety can be challenging, Toyota is dedicated to furthering this important conversation. Earlier this month, the company partnered with Teen Vogue to launch “Arrive in Style”, a safe driving campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving among teenage girls and inspire them to make a mutual commitment with their mothers to drive safely.  The campaign features monthly advertorials with tips and advice from Toyota on different safe driving topics, as well as stories and online videos of Teen Vogue readers and their mothers about their commitment to driving safely.  A microsite will feature Toyota’s Mutual Driving Agreement that mothers and daughters can e-sign and share via Facebook for a chance to win monthly prizes. In addition to signing the Agreement, teens can upload a photo on the microsite of them and their mom “air driving” for a chance to win a trip to New York City to be featured in the February 2014 issue of Teen Vogue.

Building on its 10-year relationship with the National Safety Council, Toyota supports the Council’s DriveitHOME initiative, launched in March. Designed by and for parents of newly licensed teen drivers, the online community uses highly visual media to educate parents on the dangers facing teens on the road and ways to coach recently licensed drivers. Like Toyota Driving Expectations, DriveitHOMEencourages the conversation about safe habits to continue long after teens receive a license.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Monday Maintenance Tip: Don’t fill up if you see the tanker

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.

Throwback Thursday: 55 years of Toyota racing heritage summed up in a minute. Enjoy!

It's Opening Day of the MLB Season! Who's excited for some baseball?!