Tag: Toyota

Toyota locks in more than a supply of EV batteries in deal with China’s CATL

Toyota needs more than a secure and steady supply of batteries if it hopes to meet its ambitious global sales goal for electric vehicles. If it hopes to compete, the Japanese automaker will need better quality lithium-ion batteries that don’t squeeze profit margins. The automaker is turning to Chinese EV battery supplier CATL for the… Continue reading Toyota locks in more than a supply of EV batteries in deal with China’s CATL

Toyota reaches deal with Chinese giant CATL for electric car battery partnership

Toyota announced today that it has reached a deal with China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) to develop batteries for electric cars. The partnership, which Toyota announced its intentions to enter last month, will provide the carmaker with a “stable supply and further development” of batteries. Toyota and CATL are also discussing new technology, quality… Continue reading Toyota reaches deal with Chinese giant CATL for electric car battery partnership

Lexus developing electric-car platform, considering in-wheel motors

Electric cars are winning over even the most skeptical of automakers.

Last month, Toyota announced it was teaming up with Subaru to develop a dedicated electric platform for a new SUV. Now the company's luxury division has told Digital Trends that it is also developing a new all-electric architecture for a future model.

That's not all, though. Koji Sato, the executive vice president of Lexus International, told Digital Trends that the brand plans to “electrify” its entire model lineup, that it has developed a new design language that can better incorporate electric cars, and that it is working to develop new in-wheel electric motors for its electric cars. Toyota has also said it is working on developing solid-state batteries for electric cars.

2016 Lexus RX 450h F Sport

In Lexus's case, “electrification” could also involve fuel-cell cars, since former Japanese Emperor Akihito incentivized Japanese companies to prioritize development of hydrogen fuel cells over batteries. Lexus's parent company, Toyota, sells the compact Mirai fuel-cell sedan for $58,500 in California.

Of course, Lexus's electrification plans could also include more conventional hybrids, such as the ES 300h or RX 450h, the brand's most successful hybrids to date.

Sato told Digital Trends that the company is making a substantial investment in a new dedicated electric-car platform, though it's not clear whether that will come in addition to the electric-SUV joint-venture between Toyota and Subaru or if it's part of the same program.

One thing that could change as a result is Lexus' design language. The most recent theme is built around huge “spindle” grilles that electric cars might not need, because of generally lower (and different) cooling needs.

Lexus design chief Koichi Suga told Digital Trends that the company has developed a new design language with a front end more appropriate for electric cars, but that it has not yet been approved by Toyota president Akio Toyoda. That new design language is likely to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

JAXA and Toyota Commence Joint Research Into Manned, Pressurised Lunar Rover

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) today announced they have signed a three-year joint research agreement, running from the fiscal years 2019 to 2021. On 12 March 2019, the two parties announced their agreement to consider collaboration on joint research into a manned, pressurised lunar rover that uses fuel cell… Continue reading JAXA and Toyota Commence Joint Research Into Manned, Pressurised Lunar Rover

DENSO Focuses on Connected Technology at New Seattle Innovation Lab

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — DENSO, the world’s second largest mobility supplier, today celebrated the grand opening of its Seattle Innovation Lab, which will strengthen the company’s development of connected technologies and advance its Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform. The lab supports DENSO’s recent expansion into software-based solutions to complement its hardware expertise, bolsters its North American… Continue reading DENSO Focuses on Connected Technology at New Seattle Innovation Lab

Research Says Range Anxiety Impacts ICE Owners More Than Tesla Drivers

Some gas car owners feel the need to top off their tank at the most inconvenient times When it comes to the mysterious malady known as range anxiety, there’s still a lot that medical researchers don’t know. The ailment is rampant among prospective electric vehicle owners, but it tends to inexplicably disappear within a few… Continue reading Research Says Range Anxiety Impacts ICE Owners More Than Tesla Drivers

Brake issue is pausing sales of popular Toyota hybrids overseas, not in US

A potential manufacturing fault relating to brake hardware has prompted Toyota to conduct an investigation that reaches around the globe.

The issue has led to a stop-sale in Australia and New Zealand, among other markets, and affects the hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4, Camry, Prius, Corolla hatchback, Lexus ES300h, and Lexus UX250h.

Lexus UX 250h concept

While the issue does affect some U.S. models, according to Toyota Motor Sales, there's no such sales stop and all of the affected models continue to be delivered, Toyota Motor Sales confirmed to Green Car Reports.

In what the company called a “pre-delivery correction,” Toyota is holding specific lots of vehicles that may contain a potential manufacturing defect in a brake-system component that is not specific to hybrids and unrelated to Toyota’s hybrid system. The affected vehicles hadn’t yet been delivered but were already in distribution channels.

Toyota issued the following statement: “Toyota Australia has put a select number of vehicles on a temporary sales stop in order to conduct an investigation into those models. Toyota is similarly conducting an investigation of certain vehicles in various regions globally; the specific vehicles involved and details of the investigation varies by region. We are committed to the safety and security of our customers and will take any appropriate action following the conclusion of the investigation. As always, our goal is to provide a smooth flow of quality vehicles to meet customer demand.”

The company declined to comment further regarding the exact nature of the issue, the supplier, or the timeline.

Getting To Know The All-New 2020 Toyota GR Supra

“The return of the Toyota Supra has been a long time coming, and it’s well worth the wait,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “The new campaign highlights the thrill of getting to know the 2020 GR Supra and a rediscovered appreciation for the simple joy of driving.” Broadcast… Continue reading Getting To Know The All-New 2020 Toyota GR Supra