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Toyota Commits to Carbon Neutrality and Establishes Climate Change Fund

vuyi on July 9, 2021

Toyota has led the way with more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker and continues to do so by supporting climate change through its support of the Paris Agreement.

The message is clear – Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) wholeheartedly supports the Paris Agreement and accepts the challenge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Paris Agreement is a legally-binding international treaty on climate change and is aimed at reducing the emission of gases that contribute to global warming.

Carbon neutrality provides us with an opportunity to fundamentally rethink manufacturing
– Masamichi Okada, chief production officer, TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATIOn

While this treaty was only adopted in 2015, Toyota has been innovating and investing in technology to reduce emissions and achieve carbon neutrality for well over 30 years. Toyota sells cars in 204 countries and regions around the world and has been making efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and drive clean-energy advances on many levels.

This is with the realisation that in order for the motor industry to reach carbon neutrality, it will entail achieving zero CO2 emissions in all processes throughout the product lifecycle including manufacturing, transporting, operating, fueling and/or charging, as well as recycling and ultimately disposing of vehicles.

TMC’s chief production officer Masamichi Okada said Toyota aims to make its global factories carbon neutral by 2035. “We are striving to achieve green factories.

Carbon neutrality provides us with an opportunity to fundamentally rethink manufacturing. Toyota will take on a variety of challenges to make its factories carbon neutral by 2035.”

Toyota has also led the way with more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker. It started in 1996 when Toyota developed and launched its first battery-electric vehicle RAV4-EV. This was followed by the now-iconic best-selling Prius, a petrol-electric hybrid, in 1997. The latter was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. In 2014, Toyota launched its first emissions-free, fuel-cell electric vehicle, the Mirai.

Toyota is currently the world leader in hydrogen fuel-cell technology, and the Mirai which became the first mass-produced vehicle to use this technology won the World Green Car of the Year Award in 2016. The second-generation Mirai, launched in December last year, came with a boost in power as well as an increase in range – which is now up to 647km on a tank of hydrogen.

Toyota Establishes ‘Toyota Ventures Climate Fund’

Toyota is also strengthening company-wide efforts to further accelerate CO2 reduction toward its goal of carbon neutrality. As a part of this effort, Toyota has established a global investment trust called the Toyota Ventures Climate Fund.

According to the company’s media statement: “To achieve carbon neutrality, in addition to making our own efforts, we believe that we need to collaborate with like-minded partners.

The Toyota Ventures Climate Fund will invest in promising early-stage companies around the world, that are eagerly working on solutions to drive innovation in carbon neutrality.”

The Toyota Ventures Climate Fund will be managed by the team at Toyota AI Ventures, which subsequently announced that its company name has been changed to Toyota Ventures (hereinafter referred to as TV). TV will serve as the fund manager on behalf of Toyota, with a total investment of $150 million.

WATCH: World Premier of Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300

vuyi on June 10, 2021

The much anticipated Land Cruiser 300, the successor to the ‘200-series’ has made its global debut in Dubai. Watch the full global reveal here.

Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 breaks cover

vuyi on June 10, 2021

Dubai, UAE – The much anticipated Land Cruiser 300 made its global debut in a YouTube-hosted worldwide premiere. As the successor to the ‘200-series’, the all-new flagship Land Cruiser 300 ushers in a new design direction – accompanied by all-new petrol and diesel powertrains.

Featuring a very distinctive profile, the exterior design employs an attractive rectangular theme with a prominent front façade – reinforcing Land Cruiser’s Master of Africa status.

Stylised light guides, alongside large horizontal slats with either black or chrome accents (model dependant), maximise the visual impact. The U-shaped front radiator openings form an integral part of the design and create a strong, solid appearance. In the rear, trapezoidal LED lamps help enhance the athletic look.

Amidst much global debate and speculation, the LC300 also introduces two all-new engine options.

A 3.5- litre twin-turbo Petrol V6 and 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6 are on offer. Both engines feature the latest technology and promise excellent performance, NVH-levels and exemplary refinement.

The Petrol V6 is borrowed from the Lexus LS500 (an engine praised for its velvety smoothness and strong, linear power delivery). It delivers a substantial 305 kW of power and 650Nm of tractive effort. While the new oil-burner is poised to deliver even greater levels of performance and efficiency. Outputs are quoted as 227 kW and a whopping 700Nm – representing a 32 kw increase and 50 Nm hike (versus the outgoing 4.5 turbodiesel V8).

Both engine options are coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission (with obligatory low-range included).

Underneath, the new model adopts a new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the first body-on-frame execution thereof.

By using key TNGA design traits, pioneering new welding techniques and reconfiguring the drivetrain placement, the Land Cruiser 300 offers increased torsional rigidity while also being significantly lighter compared to its predecessor.

The development team focussed on not only improving off-road capability, but on-road performance and driving comfort too.

Three grades will be offered locally; utility-minded GX-R, the urban-focussed ZX (replacing the VX-R) and off-road biased GR Sport. Each variant will feature a bespoke specification line-up, in accordance with usage and customer requirements.

Local introduction is set for August 2021. Detailed specification, pricing and model line-up will be issued at launch timing.

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 – World Premiere

vuyi on June 2, 2021

One of the most anticipated new vehicles of 2021, the Land Cruiser 300, will break cover on the 9th of June, 2021. Following months of rumours, speculation and spy-shots, Toyota’s all-new flagship SUV will officially be showcased during a ‘live event’ press conference.

The Land Cruiser 300 serves as the pinnacle in Toyota’s Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) line-up, and represents the latest in powertrain development and off-road technologies. It also signifies the largest member of the Land Cruiser family (alongside the utility-focused 70-series and ‘mid-size’ Prado stablemates).

The World Premiere will share more detail on the development concept, design, new engine options and tech features.

We’ll share all the details soon.

WATCH: The 2021 World Car Awards winners announcement

vuyi on April 21, 2021

The World Car Awards recognizes the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and extends its support and recognition of the industry for rising to the many challenges it has faced. For the organizers part, the reveal of the 2021 World Car Awards winners have been limited to an announcement via digital media, on World Car TV. Click to watch the full event below.

4 Awesome things we look forward to experiencing in the all-new Toyota GR 86

vuyi on April 7, 2021

The all-new Toyota GR 86, which made its world debut today is the third model in the global GR portfolio, joining the widely acclaimed GR Supra and GR Yaris.

Before you get too excited, the first thing you ought to know is that the GR 86 is only set to launch locally in Q1 of 2022; so there’s no need to start reconfiguring your household budget – just yet. In fact, we don’t have the pricing of the new sports car but we’ll certainly share that critical tidbit as soon as we have it. Bar pricing, here’s what we do know and our top-4 reasons to be thrilled about.

We can’t wait to plant our manicured feet on its (gas) pedal! Similar to its predecessor, we expect that the GR 86 will remain faithful to its revered fun-to-drive characteristics. Powered by a new, lightweight, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine, the incoming GR 86 will be propelled by a four-cylinder, 2.4-litre engine, producing 173kW and 250Nm. This is a step up from the 2.0-litre unit found in its predecessor.
We can’t wait to turn heads in it! The GR 86 retains the dimensions of the GT86, meaning it will be drop dead sexy and impossible to miss. Apart from being incredibly good-looking, the GR 86 will maintain a low centre of gravity allowing for agile handling. Coupled with increased torsional rigidity (increased by approximately 50%) the GR 86 will deliver even sharper handling and steering. For drivers who have attended more than one advanced driving course, this means taking curves will be an adrenalin inducing experience.
We can’t wait to get into ‘girl-racer’ mode! Thanks to the GT86’s proven motorsport track record – pun intended – the GR 86 will feature functional aerodynamic components, most notable being the front air ducts and side-rocker panels. These should aid the sports car to achieve expected best in-class handling and stability.
We can’t wait to test its suitability to everyday driving! The GR 86 is expected to the the lightest four-seater coupe in its class, thanks to weight-saving initiatives such as the use of aluminum for the roof and body panels. We anticipate that this will result in lower fuel consumption figures. Of course the amount of pressure applied to the gas pedal might cancel that out, a trait which will be more about the driver than the design of the vehicle!

The Toyota GT86, which was launched in 2012, went on to find more than 200,000 homes globally. If Toyota has retained the authentic driver feel of their newest sports car, and have not saturated the all-new GR 86 with countless driver (aka nanny) aids, the GR 86 should do just as well if not better than its outdated sibling.

A look at vehicle sales figures one year since lockdown began.

vuyi on April 6, 2021

As the country observed the first-year anniversary since lockdown commenced, new vehicle sales provided reason for the industry to celebrate.

Twelve months ago, the country reeled to news of the pending lockdown as showrooms prepared to close their doors, consumers headed home, and vehicles were only let out for essential services. In March 2020, the new vehicle market plummeted 29.7% compared to March 2019 to record just 33,545 sales. The grip on the South African motor industry had tightened quickly.

One year later, the resilient industry is fighting a hard recovery. But March 2021 sales put one of their best feet forward.

With interest rates remaining stable at their low levels, a constantly – albeit slowly – improving supply of imported vehicles, and a slightly healthier economy operating within eased levels of restrictions, we expect the market to continue recovering well.
– Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank Vehicle and Asset Finance

“Reassuringly, March sales show a 18.4% increase over February this year, a number more indicative of the real strength of the market,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank Vehicle and Asset Finance. “With many of the brands indicating difficulty securing sufficient stock to meet demand, the new vehicle market seems to be well on its way to recovery.”

Passenger car sales were up 23.4% to 27,330 units year-on-year and 13.2% up on February 2021. With some renewed activity in the rental market, the consumer demand was noticeable with dealer sales in the segment up 24.2%.

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) delivered a staggering 52.4% improvement over March last year to sell 14,375 units. This performance means the LCV segment is up 13.2% year-to-date and hopefully represents a surge in business confidence. The majority of activity in the segment remained on the showroom floor with dealers selling 61.1% more bakkies than they did a year ago.

“With interest rates remaining stable at their low levels, a constantly – albeit slowly – improving supply of imported vehicles, and a slightly healthier economy operating within eased levels of restrictions, we expect the market to continue recovering well,” says Gaoaketse. “While we have seen a significant increase in the average deal size financed by WesBank, we don’t expect new vehicle prices to increase dramatically. This will also provide added stimulus to the market and is a positive sign of consumer sentiment and ability to participate in the new vehicle market.”

The strong March performance made an encouraging impact on year-to-date sales. First quarter sales are just 0.9% down on the same period last year with 116,225 sales recorded during the first three months.

New on the Tarmac: Meet the updated Corolla Quest

vuyi on March 30, 2021

Toyota has bolstered the Corolla Quest product offering to offer enhanced convenience. While retaining the familiar 1.8-litre, single-engine line-up, the previously un-badged entry grade has been renamed Plus, while the Prestige and Exclusive grades are carried over.

The Plus specifications focus on delivering a value-minded product offering. Daytime Running Lights (DRL), colour-coded power-adjustable mirrors, air-conditioner, electric windows, steering switches and audio system with Bluetooth and USB functionality, are joined by matte black treatment for the radiator grille and 15” steel wheels.

New for 2021 is the addition of Smart Entry (keyless entry and push-button start) across the range

The Prestige models receive an upgrade to a touchscreen DVD audio system with six speakers, reverse camera, cruise control, leather steering wheel, combination fabric and leather seats plus the 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Exclusive grade adds auto air-conditioner, TFT-colour instrument cluster, leather seats, rain-sensing wipers and LED headlamps.

New for 2021 is the addition of Smart Entry (keyless entry and push-button start) across the range – which was previously only offered on the Exclusive flagship. The other specifications on the Prestige and Exclusive models remain unchanged. Toyota Connect is also fitted as standard across the range.

The colour palette has also been expanded with the inclusion of the stylish Oxide Bronze – increasing the paint colour options to six.

As before the 103 kW 1.8-litre engine propels all Quest variants, with Torque checking in at 173 Nm. Buyers can choose from either a 6-speed manual or ‘7-step’ CVT transmission.

Model Line-up & Pricing*

Quest Plus – R 278 400

Quest CVT Plus – R 298 000

Quest Prestige – R 315 600

Quest Prestige CVT – R 326 600

Quest Exclusive MT – R 332 900

Quest Exclusive CVT – R 343 900

*Pricing as of 1 April 2021

Peace of Mind

All Corolla Quests are sold with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan with intervals pegged at 12 months/15 000 km. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is included.

New on the Tarmac: Meet Toyota’s price sensitive & frugal Agya

vuyi on March 19, 2021

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is proud to introduce the all-new Agya into South Africa’s highly competitive and price-sensitive A-segment for compact city cars.

As a direct replacement for the Aygo, the Agya competes in a fiercely fought segment where value and Rands-per-feature matter most and as such,the Agya is aimed at discerning budget-conscious first-time buyers.

With a host of standard features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) enhanced by electronic brake force distribution (EBD), 14-inch alloy wheels, driver and front passenger airbags and the option of an automatic transmission, the Agya offers more for less.

Styled to Stun

The Agya’s front bumper is aggressively sculpted with a 3-dimensional design for an assertive look; which is further enhanced by upwardly curving tear-drop shaped projector headlamps. The headlamps feature a lens acting as a magnifying glass to increase the brightness of the light beam for optimum visibility.

The Agya’s door handles and electrically retractable mirrors are colour coded, while at the back, the diminutive Agya sports a roof-mounted rear spoiler and LED-powered rear lights.

The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition-
Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing

Enjoy the space

To maximise interior and boot space, the all-new Agya has been specially designed with each wheel positioned at the outermost corner of the vehicle’s body.

The Agya’s cabin features a mixed use of silver and black plastics and hard wearing fabric for the seats with a touch of polyurethane for the gear lever and steering wheel.

Comfort is taken care of by power steering, cup holders, automatic air conditioning while key trip information is conveyed to the driver via a Multi-Information Display. Passengers enjoy the luxury of electrically operated windows; and an auxiliary 12-volt socket is on hand for charging mobile devices.

Set the pace

The Agya’s nippy but thrifty three-cylinder, fuel-injected petrol engine serves to make light work of urban commutes. Powering the front wheels and developing maximum power of 49kW and peak torque of 89Nm, the engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

TMSA states that the manual version of the Agya sips an average of just 4.8 l/100 km and emits a corresponding 112g CO2/km; and sprints from 0-100km/h in 14.6 seconds. Its top speed is 165km/h.

Its automatic sibling as reported to consume 4.9 l/100 km with an emissions figure of 115g CO2/km, accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 16.3 seconds and has a top speed of 145km/h.

Driven at the recommended speeds, the Agya’s 33-litre fuel tank should yield a theoretical maximum range of around 687 km.

“The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition that’s laser-focused on delivering the best value to budget-conscious customers under the umbrella of Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability,” says Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing.

Model line-up & Pricing

Agya MT R178 600

Agya AT R192 500

Agya MT (with audio) R182 400

Agya AT (with audio) R196 300

Warranty & Maintenance

All Agya models are sold with a 2-services/20 000 km service plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Customers can purchase additional service plan and warranty options via the extensive dealer network of 220.

New on the Tarmac: The Land Cruiser 78 is back!

vuyi on March 10, 2021

The Land Cruiser 70-series needs no introduction, having etched an enviable reputation amongst off-roading enthusiasts, game rangers, farmers and other utility-minded users. The rugged construction and infallible Toyota engines have earned it the reputation of “it just keeps going”.

The 70-series is offered in three main guises; bakkie (79), station wagon (76) and wagon (78). Due to reduced demand, the decision to drop the ‘78’ from the line-up was made in August 2015, with the ‘76’ and ‘79’ continuing sales. Following some specific market requests for this type of vehicle, Toyota South Africa is pleased to announce the re-introduction of the Land Cruiser Wagon 78.

The specifications mirror that of the previously-offered model, with the exception of a switch to drum brakes in the rear (which provide improved durability in high-dirt operating conditions).

The LC 78 is powered by the tried-and-true 1HZ 4.2-litre inline-6 diesel engine, producing 96kW at 3800rpm and 285Nm at a low 2200rpm. This is paired to a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission and low-range-equipped transfer case.

The LC 78 rides on heavy-duty steel wheels shod with 7.50R16C tyres and is available in two exterior colours only – Ivory White and Sand Beige.

A 3 year/100 000 km Warranty forms part of the purchase, with service intervals being every 5000km. Customers can purchase tailored service plans and/or warranty extensions from their Toyota dealer.

Model Line-up & Pricing:

LC 78 4.2 DIESEL WAGON – R 716,000*

*This model will be sold on a customer order only basis.

New on the Tarmac: Meet the Toyota Urban Cruiser

vuyi on March 8, 2021

Conceived as a fun, affordable and compact crossover vehicle, the Urban Cruiser has been designed to play in the city during weekdays, while taking you to your next adventure on the weekend.

The Urban Cruiser is the second product of the Toyota-Suzuki alliance (following the Starlet), building upon the core model architecture, while bringing Toyota’s comprehensive dealer support, customer service and parts’ supply network to the party.

Exterior Styling

The Urban Cruiser features rugged urban styling replete with a raised stance, textured side- and wheel-arch mouldings and bumper guards. The front features a large radiator grille with two horizontal slats and centrally-mounted Toyota insignia – these are flanked by chrome accent strips and LED projector headlamps (standard across the range).

Moving to the rear, large rectangular taillights are complemented by a large tailgate garnish embossed with “Urban Cruiser”. Echoing the front, the lower apron is finished in textured black with a silver ‘diffuser’ section.

The Urban Cruiser was designed around the ‘compact on the outside, spacious on the inside’ mantra.

Interior Styling

The cabin offers a comfortable space characterised by excellent ergonomics and optimised exterior visibility. The upper fascia houses the large touchscreen infotainment system and ventilation outlets with an elegant piano-black frame. The lower section incorporates the climate control switchgear, a storage compartment and power/USB outlets. A sporty 3-spoke steering wheel (leather-sheathed for the Xr model) with metallic inserts and steering switches provides classic control.

The black fabric seats feature a honeycomb pattern, with the rest of the interior finished off in hard-wearing black, featuring a textured pattern. Large door pockets, glove compartment and additional oddment binnacles provide convenient storage spaces.

Buyers have the option of a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic (depending on grade chosen).

Engine & Transmission

The Urban Cruiser is powered by 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 77 kW and 138 Nm – providing fuss-free motoring. Fuel consumption is registered at a frugal 6.2 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions fall within the 145 to 147 g/km range. Top speed is 170 km/h.

Buyers have the option of a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic (depending on grade chosen).

Grade Strategy & Specification

A three-grade strategy has been adopted, using the now-familiar Toyota grade names Xi, Xs and Xr.

The entry-level Xi model features keyless-entry with push start, electric windows all round, air-conditioning, tilt-adjustable steering, power-adjustable mirrors, LED headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) offers drivers additional peace of mind.

The mid-tier Xs model adds alloy wheels, roof rails, body-coloured door handles, power-retractable mirrors and rear window wiper with demister function. On the inside, the Xs offers auto air-conditioning (climate control) and reverse camera, a secondary glove compartment, rear armrest and 60:40 split backrest.

Serving as the flagship of the range, the Xr inherits LED fog lamps, automatic headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, dual 12-volt power outlets, front armrest, leather steering wheel and the inclusion of two tweeter speakers. The convenience factor is also amplified by glove box illumination, a cooled storage compartment, map reading and front foot well lights, as well as luggage compartment illumination.

All Urban Cruiser models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot…

Safety & Security

The safety and security specs include ABS and EBD, side protection beams, driver and passenger airbags and ISOFIX. An alarm and immobilser system is also included on all models.

Toyota Connect & MyToyota App

All Urban Cruiser models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App. This intuitive app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more.

Model line-up & Pricing

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xi MT – R 247 900

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs MT – R 267 800

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xs AT – R 289 000

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr MT – R 294 500

Urban Cruiser 1.5 Xr AT – R 315 700

Warranty & Maintenance

All Urban Cruiser models are sold with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Service intervals are pegged at 12 months/15 000 km. Customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty options via the extensive dealer network of 220.

WATCH: Ignition GT promo – Vuyi Mpofu chats about the Audi RS model range & Toyota Starlet

vuyi on February 19, 2021

Thank you so much for joining us for the Toyota Starlet studio discussion Vuyi!
– ZIMKHITA KWEZA, JUNIOR PRODUCER, IGNITION GT

The next episode of Ignition GT featuring our Editor Vuyi Mpofu debuts on Saturday 20th February at 10:30am on DSTV channel 189.

In the full episode she shares her thoughts on the Toyota Starlet and Audi RS 4 & RS 5 model ranges being released in April 2021.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHskJq9ChGk

This episode also airs on the following dates:

SAT 20 Feb	10:30	IGNITION GT
SUN 21 Feb	16:30	IGNITION GT
MON 22 Feb	00:30	IGNITION GT
MON 22 Feb	10:30	IGNITION GT
TUE 23 Feb	04:30	IGNITION GT
WED 24 Feb	05:30	IGNITION GT
WED 24 Feb	20:30	IGNITION GT
THUR 25Feb	08:30	IGNITION GT
THUR 25 Feb	17:30	IGNITION GT
FRI 26 Feb	14:30	IGNITION GT