Toyota was named the winner in three automotive categories in the first annual Total Car Score “Top Scoring Car Awards” rankings.
 
The all-new Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America, earned a Top Scoring Car award in the 2012 Midsize Sedan/Wagon segment. The Toyota Avalon received Top Scoring Car honors in the 2012 Large Sedan/Wagon category. Toyota’s full-size Tundra pickup captured an award in the 2012 Large Truck segment.

The awards are based on a ranking formula created by Total Car Score, an automotive ranking and comparison website, which offers a comprehensive evaluation of 2012 model year vehicles in various segments. Each vehicle’s score is based on combined vehicle evaluations from the top automotive review and rating sites. Total Car Score utilizes the ratings and converts them into a simple percentage. The average number from all of these sources represents the vehicle’s total combined score. A vehicle must have a rating from at least five sources to qualify.

1.5 Million Toyota Hybrid Vehicles Sold in the U.S.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan announced its global hybrid vehicle sales totaled four million units through April 2012.

Toyota currently sells 18 hybrid passenger vehicles in 80 countries and regions around the world. This year, hybrid vehicle accounted for 15 percent of TMC’s global vehicle sales. Prius, Toyota’s first hybrid passenger car, went on sale in Japan in 1997. Hybrid technology was later introduced to the U.S. in 2000 with the arrival of the Prius.

Since then, the Toyota Division of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. sold 1.5 million hybrid vehicles in the U.S., accounting for 65 percent of all hybrid vehicles sold in the region. Prius, the iconic hybrid brand, comprises half of all hybrids on the road in the U.S. with sales totaling 1.2 million units through April 2012.

The expansion of the Prius has been successful in the U.S. since the Prius v was introduced in to the market in November 2011 followed by Prius c and Prius Plug-in during the first quarter 2012. In that time, Prius family sold 60,859 units in the U.S.

"All of us at Toyota would like to sincerely thank our customers, who have made Prius the best-selling hybrid in the industry," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. "While we're proud of this accomplishment, we are not stopping here as hybrids will continue to be a core technology for Toyota."

In addition to the Prius Family, Toyota’s other U.S. hybrid models include versions of the Camry and Highlander, which feature larger displacement applications of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Toyota calculates that the total number of its hybrid vehicles sold globally since 1997 have produced to approximately 26 million fewer tons of C02 emissions than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Get 0% APR for 60 months on a new 2012 RAV4

• 0% APR Financing for 60 months*
• Excellent Value - IntelliChoice 2012**
• EPA Estimated 28 MPG Highway***

Offer Ends 6/4/2012
*0% APR financing up to 60 months available to qualified buyers thru Toyota Financial Services. Total financed cannot exceed MSRP plus options, tax, and license fees. 60 monthly payments of $16.67 for each $1000 borrowed. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY. **2012 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com. Based on 2012 model year study. ***2012 EPA-estimated 22 city/28 highway/24 combined mileage for RAV4 4-cyl. 2WD. Actual mileage will vary. APR offer is not valid with any other Cash back or Lease offer.

Get 0% APR Financing for 36 months or 0.9% APR Financing for 60 months on a new 2012 Corolla

• 0.00% APR for 36 months*
• 0.90% APR for 60 months**
• 2012 Camry 4-Cyl: Class-leading MPG Rating EPA Estimated 35 MPG Highway***
• 2012 Toyota Camry received the NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating****
• Excellent Value - Intellichoice 2012*****

Offer Ends 6/4/2012
*0% APR financing up to 36 months available to qualified buyers thru Toyota Financial Services. Total financed cannot exceed MSRP plus options, tax, and license fees. 36 monthly payments of $27.78 for each $1000 borrowed. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY. **0.9% APR financing up to 60 months available to qualified buyers thru Toyota Financial Services. Total financed cannot exceed MSRP plus options, tax, and license fees. 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for each $1000 borrowed. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY. ***Based on 4-cyl. gas upper middle sedans, Polk segmentation. 2012 EPA-estimated 25 city/35 highway/28 combined mileage for Camry 4-cyl. Actual mileage will vary. ****Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov) *****2012 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com. Based on 2012 model year study. APR offer is not valid with any other Cash back or Lease offer.

Get $2500.00 cash back on a new 2012 Tundra

• $2500.00 cash back*
• "Most Dependable Large Pickup, Seven Years in a Row**
• 2012 Best Overall Value of the Year***
• Lowest Ownership Costs - IntelliChoice 2012****

Offer Ends 6/4/2012
*Purchasers can receive up to $2,500 cash back from Toyota or can apply cash back to down payment. Cash Back varies by model. See dealer for details. **For J.D. Power and Associates award information, visit jdpower.com ***2012 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com; Full-Size pickup LD. Based on 2012 model year study. ****2012 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com; Full-Size pickup LD, Regular Cab models only. Based on 2012 model year study. Cash back offer is not valid with any other APR or Lease offer.

Lease a new 2012 Camry LE for $219 per month

• $219.00 per month for 36 months with $1999.00 due at signing
• 2012 Camry 4-Cyl: Class-leading MPG Rating EPA Estimated 35 MPG Highway**
• 2012 Toyota Camry received the NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating***
• Excellent Value - Intellichoice 2012****

Offer Ends 6/4/2012
*Due at signing includes $1,780 down, first $219 payment, and no security deposit. Tax, tags, and insurance are extra. Customer is responsible for excessive wear and excess mileage charges of $.15 per mile in excess of 36,000 miles. Your payment may vary based on final negotiated price. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY. **Based on 4-cyl. gas upper middle sedans, Polk segmentation. 2012 EPA-estimated 25 city/35 highway/28 combined mileage for Camry 4-cyl. Actual mileage will vary. ***Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov) ****2012 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com. Based on 2012 model year study. 2012 Camry LE 4 Cylinder Automatic, Model 2532, MSRP $23,700. Lease offer is not valid with any other Cash back or APR offer

Approximately $30 Million in Total Investment and 80 New Jobs

Toyota announced it will increase annual engine assembly capacity of 4-cylinder engines by more than 100,000 at its plant in Georgetown, Ky. The increase will begin August 2013. The approximately $30 million project will create about 80 new jobs.
 
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) currently assembles engines for the Avalon, Camry and Venza, all built at TMMK.  The capacity increase will supply engines for TMMK’s Camry and Camry Hybrid and RAV4 in Woodstock, Ontario.
 
“Twenty six years ago, I took part in Toyota’s groundbreaking in Georgetown, which was filled with excitement for Kentucky’s future,” Governor Beshear said.  “Today, we still have that same excitement for Toyota’s past, present and future in the Commonwealth.  This latest expansion brings Toyota’s total investment to nearly $6 billion, meaning billions of dollars in incomes for thousands of Kentuckians, changing lives, strengthening our economy, and improving the Commonwealth.”
 
The increase will raise TMMK total employment to approximately 6,700 and total plant investment to more than $5.96 billion.

“This is great news for our team members and our company,” said Wil James, president of TMMK.  “This project is the result of the strong partnerships we have locally and across the state, which will help grow our business and strengthen the communities where we do business.”
 
Today’s announcement is the latest in a string of production increase announcements since February including Toyota plants in Indiana, West Virginia and Canada. The cumulative investment is approximately $565 million and nearly 1,000 jobs are being added.
 
“This engine production increase, and the several announcements before it, reflect our growing optimism for an improving North American market,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
 
This investment will increase engine production at the Kentucky plant to more than 500,000 annually and will increase total engine production in the United States to more than 1.2 million per year. Toyota also has engine plants in Alabama and West Virginia.
 

Toyota revealed the highly anticipated all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. This all-electric SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800 the RAV4 EV doesn’t compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.
 
“It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. “The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.”
The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing an outstanding product to market in record time.

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s most popular SUV model. The collaborative team set its sights on refining the customer experience. From advanced charging options to interior comfort to interactive displays, the vehicle has been designed for customer ease of use and maximum vehicle range.
 
The front wheel drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph.  Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.
 
RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low center of gravity.   In fact, at 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world. Compared with the gas powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to maximize air flow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.  
 
On the exterior, RAV4 EV features upscale LED low beam projector headlights with halogen projector high beams. A manual leveling system allows customers to redirect the headlights when the vehicle changes significantly in pitch due to a heavy load. Five vertical LEDs make up the daytime running lights, which dim to parking lights. The rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens. Other exterior variations from the gasoline powered RAV4 include new exterior emblems on the front, rear and the front door panel utilizing the signature Toyota “environmental blue.”
 
The vehicle will be available later this year in three exterior colors: Blizzard White Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic. The interior features a unique “Neutron” fabric, woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent, on the seat inserts and door trim.
 
Inside, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat includes variable front seat heaters, which extends heater coverage to the occupant’s upper back.  The split reclining rear seats with folding center arm rest fold flat for increased cargo space, with a total cargo capacity equivalent to the conventional RAV4 of 73 cu. ft. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.
 
The highlight of the interior is an eight-inch capacitive touch screen with a state of the art graphic display, featuring navigation, telematics, and EV drive information and settings designed specifically for the RAV4 EV. Entune™ is standard (with three year complimentary access to Entune™ services) along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), AM/FM radio, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and USB port with iPod® connectivity. The dash display color illuminates red when the vehicle is operating in sport mode and blue in normal driving mode.
 
Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. Leviton offers multiple options for charging solutions. For the shortest charge time of approximately six hours, Leviton offers a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. For more information visit Leviton.com/Toyota. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.
 
The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles.
 
“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Carter. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds."

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012. Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility. Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise.  In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.
 
TOYOTA/TESLA DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES

• May 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce collaboration to develop electric vehicles, parts, production systems and engineering suppor    
  
• July 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce development of RAV4 EV    
  
• November 2010 – Toyota reveals RAV4 EV Phase Zero prototype at LA Auto Show    
  
• February 2011 – Tesla begins delivery of 31 converted RAV4 EV Phase Zero demonstration program vehicles    
  
• April 2011 – Toyota provides first media drive opportunity of Phase Zero demonstration program vehicle at 2011 Sustainable Mobility Seminar    
  
• August 2011 – Toyota/Tesla announce RAV4 EV manufacturing location - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., Woodstock, Ontario

Need a new car? It's a great time to buy.
Toyota's Save in May Sales Event is on now.

“At Toyota, we believe that leveraging the diversity of talent, experiences and perspectives is essential to effectively meeting the needs of our customers,” said Shigeki Terashi, president & chief operating officer for Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “Our commitment to maximizing diversity in every aspect of our business is rooted in Toyota’s guiding principles, and we’re grateful to once again be recognized by DiversityInc for our progress in this area.”
 
In addition to the being included in the list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity overall, Toyota also ranked seventh in DiversityInc’s Top 10 Companies for LGBT Employees.
 
These are just two of Toyota’s latest recognitions for its efforts around diversity and inclusion. Other recent honors include inclusion in the Human Rights Campaign "Best Places to Work Corporate Equality Index" for the past four years; induction into the Billion Dollar Roundtable, in recognition of over $1 billion in annual spending with certified ethnic and women-owned suppliers; and receiving the “Corporation of the Year” award from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).
 
“Toyota’s commitment to diversity is very deep,” said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc. “The innovative ways the company ties diversity to the business—from philanthropy, supplier diversity, employee resource groups and maximizing the contributions of workers with disabilities throughout operations—highlights Toyota’s emphasis on constant improvement.”

• Inspired By Toyota’s Baja Racing Heritage
• Enhanced Suspension For Greater Off-Road Performance
• Special Package Adds to Updated 2012 Tacoma

Toyota, announced prices today for the TRD T|X Baja Series Package. Inspired by Toyota’s Baja racing heritage, the truck reveals bold graphics with its name “Baja Series” and enhanced suspension, elevating the capability of Tacoma’s TRD Off-Road pickup to a new level of fun and function. The special limited edition package will be available on select Tacoma 4x4 pickup trucks.
 
The TRD T|X Baja Series Package provides the customer with a great value and high level of capability that is backed by Toyota’s standard vehicle warranty. The TRD T|X Baja Series Package is offered at an MSRP of $5,015 less a $650 Factory Credit. There is an additional savings because the package the Baja Series is built on top of, TRD Off-Road Package for the Baja Series, is priced below the regular TRD Off-Road Package.

Toyota has a rich Baja racing heritage that dates back nearly three decades and includes numerous titles at the legendary Baja 500 and 1000. Toyota’s desert racing program has inspired the development of numerous TRD off-road focused products and packages over the years including the Tacoma PreRunner and TRD Off-Road packages for both Tacoma and Tundra. Last year, Tacoma’s Off-Road Package was enhanced with the launch of the TRD T|X and T|X Pro packages. TRD now takes Tacoma off-roading to the next level with the development of the T|X Baja Series.
 
The T|X Baja Series will be available on both the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The Tacoma T|X Baja Series is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine with either six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions. In addition to an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) currently equipped on the TRD Off-Road package, the limited edition T|X Baja Series adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish, TRD Cat-back Exhaust, increased front ride height of nearly two inches and unique Baja Series graphics.

The front suspension has been upgraded to include Ø66mm piston Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs that feature a protective zinc plated body and a one inch increase in wheel travel. The rear suspension is equipped with Ø50mm piston Bilstein race shocks with a remote reservoir to increase shock oil capacity for greater heat dissipation and damping sensitivity. The rear shocks also include a zinc plated body and a 1.5-inch increase in wheel travel.
 
The T|X Baja Series will be part of a Tacoma line that was updated for 2012 with a restyled front end and a refreshed interior in all models. Exterior changes included a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other changes. Inside, Tacoma received a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster, along with a new steering wheel. A redesigned center stack added new air conditioner/heater controls and power point locations.
 
The 2012 Tacoma interior also received a new look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, while the SR5 grade featured a new seat fabric design. Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring option for 2012 on Tacoma Access and Double Cab models equipped with a V6 engine. The more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road packages also feature new water-resistant fabric protection seats.
 
All Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series models will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio and will reach dealer showrooms in May 2012. Prices for the Baja Series Tacoma do not include delivery, processing and handling fees (DPH), which are $810. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.