Toyota, Honda collaborate with Shell to install Calif. hydrogen refueling stations

Interesting....

The project will bring the number of Shell-operated hydrogen stations in California to nine.

by Jackie Charniga of www.autonews.com

Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are collaborating with Shell Oil Co. to install seven hydrogen refueling stations in Northern California.

The California Energy Commission awarded a grant of more than $16 million to Shell subsidiary Equilon Enterprises for the project. The hydrogen refueling stations will be installed in "strategic locations" within seven Shell-branded stores; three in San Francisco, and one in Berkeley, Sacramento, Citrus Heights and Walnut Creek.

"Toyota and Shell have a long-standing relationship in support of hydrogen infrastructure development, dating back to the 2009 opening of Shell's only dedicated hydrogen refueling station at our facility in Torrance, California," Craig Scott, advanced technology vehicle senior manager at Toyota Motor North America, said in a statement.

Honda and Toyota have pledged financial support to the project, though Shell will own and operate the completed stations, according to a Toyota spokeswoman. Any California fuel cell vehicles, such as the Toyota Mirai, Honda Clarity or Hyundai Tucson, will be able to use the stations.

"With companies like Shell supporting hydrogen refueling infrastructure, the motoring public and the investment communities will take note that hydrogen is going to be a major part of the future of clean, low carbon mobility," Steve Center, vice president of connected and environmental business development for American Honda, said in a statement.

The project will bring the number of Shell-operated hydrogen stations in the state to nine.

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20170913/OEM05/170919866/toyota-honda-collaborate-with-shell-to-install-calif.-hydrogen

Automobilemag.com; Toyota C-HR Compact Crossover Spied Mostly Undisguised

by Jake Holmes of www.automobilemag.com

Although we have seen the production version of the Toyota C-HR small crossover overseas, it won’t be shown in U.S.-spec form until later this year, and won’t go on sale until spring 2017. But our spy photographers caught an early glance of the new model testing in the U.S. with almost no disguise, and we’re more than a little impressed with how cool and aggressive it looks.

These spy shots show that the production Toyota C-HR will closely resemble the concept (which was previously shown as a Scion before the Scion brand was discontinued). With a low, sloping roofline and hidden handles on the rear doors, the Toyota C-HR almost apes the funky look of the Nissan Juke. As on the concept, this car has dramatically flared fenders, a squat nose with squinty headlights, highly stylized taillights, and a roof spoiler that gives the Ford Focus RS’s aero parts a run for their money. With their boomerang-like shape, the C-HR’s taillights remind us of the look of the rear of a new Honda Civic.

The production Toyota C-HR will be built on the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform used for the Prius, and it will also offer a hybrid powertrain. Nonetheless, we still expect a non-hybrid version when the car reaches American dealerships; both front- and all-wheel drive should be available, as is the case for most of this car’s competitors.

The Toyota C-HR will debut publicly later this year, potentially at the Los Angeles auto show, and will go on sale here by spring 2017. For now, feast your eyes on these spy photos and let us know if you think the Toyota C-HR will be a hit in the burgeoning subcompact crossover segment. It might turn out to be the best-looking one yet.

Source;
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/toyota-c-hr-compact-crossover-spied-mostly-undisguised/

Toyota C-HR crossover leaked ahead of Geneva

C-HR....really?!?....and those tail lights look pretty close to the 2016 Civic....all in all though, really nice looking vehicle.

The Toyota C-HR has leaked to the web ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Previewed by the C-HR concept, the production model is a stylish crossover which features an aggressive front fascia with a slender grille and distinctive headlights.  Moving further back, we can see bulging wheel aches, plastic body cladding, and a rakish windscreen.  The crossover also has a gently sloping roof, an angular beltline, and small rear windows.  Other highlights include hidden rear door handles, a 'floating' rear spoiler, and boomerang-shaped taillights.

Toyota has been tight-lipped about specifications but the model will ride on the same TNGA platform that underpins the Prius.  A variety of different engines will be available including a hybrid powertrain that could be lifted from the aforementioned model.

If this is the case, the hybrid variant will likely have a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.  This setup enables the Prius to produce a combined maximum output of 121 horsepower and return an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 54 mpg city / 50 mpg highway / 52 mpg combined.

The Toyota C-HR will be built in Turkey and the model will be sold in a number of different countries including the United States. 

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/1160226104466/toyota-c-hr-crossover-leaked-ahead-of-geneva

The Car Connection: 2016 Honda Civic VS 2016 Toyota Corolla

by John Voelcker of www.thecarconnection.com

The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are two of the best-selling compact sedans in the U.S., and each has been with us for more than 40 years now. The 2016 Civic is an all-new and much more stylish model this year, while the 2016 Corolla is in its third model year of the current generation.
Each will provide economical, reliable basic transportation, with higher fuel economy and more features and amenities than their predecessors. But one earns considerably better ratings from our reviewers.

The Toyota Corolla has long been known for design that's the purest vanilla. For 2012, Toyota gave it a fresh look that's more daring and edgy than previous versions. It has a more distinctive front end, side accent lines, and a kickup in the window line. Still, it remains instantly identifiable as a compact Toyota sedan. LED headlamps and running lamps on the outside add a nice finishing touch, while a sporty Corolla S adds blacked-out trim and other sporty details.

The 2016 Civic sedan is simply the best-looking Honda in a decade or more, with an edgy fastback profile that hides a increase in size by widening and lowering the sedan's proportions. The front end may be its weakest angle, with a thick and formal band of chrome; elsewhere the Civic's flared wheels, fast roofline, and bracket-shaped taillamps wouldn't look out of place in an Acura showroom.

The back reminds some of the departed Accord Crosstour, but the package comes together in a striking look that's a welcome departure from its blander predecessor.

Under the hood of most Corolla models you'll find a 132-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that responds well in most cases. For those seeking maximum fuel efficiency, the Corolla LE Eco trim holds the upper hand, with a specially tuned version of that engine and gas mileage of 35 mpg combined.

On the road, most models in the Corolla lineup remain a bit springy and pillowy, with steering that's too light for anything but demure driving. They're competent, predictable, and unexciting. If you enjoy driving, the Corolla S should be your only choice. Its suspension is tuned more like that of a sport sedan—with a Sport button that firms up the steering, and a ride that's absorbent and nicely damped.

The Civic has two performance identities. Base models have linear, unexciting acceleration and handling. Turbo Civics get a big power boost and exceptional ride smoothness. The standard engine is a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four, with either a six-speed manual transmission (on LX models only) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) carried over from the last-generation Civic. The linear, unobtrusive power delivery will be familiar to earlier Civic owners; the loose and light-shifting manual turns in 31-mpg combined EPA ratings--but the far more common CVT is rated at 35 mpg combined. You'll get the same fuel economy plus far more lively performance from the 1.5-liter turbocharged four; with 174 horsepower, it's capable of Civic Si-like straight-line performance.

The Civic's big performance appeal is its much-improved ride and handling. With more refined electric steering and hydraulic mounts for the suspension, it's precise and composed in all versions. Base models depend on the small 16-inch tires to soak up bumps, but ride quality is still good. The turbo versions get better tires and additional hydraulic suspension bushings that deliver a wonderfully compliant, composed ride quality and excellent tracking.

Corolla Vs. Civic: utility and safety
Toyota put a lot of effort into the Corolla interior, which no longer screams "rental car" as previous models did. The materials and trim are impressive for such a low-cost car. and it now ranks as a mid-size car in terms of real, usable seating space, with back-seat legroom in particular expanded to make it large enough for adults.

The Civic's cabin too now offers six-footer room in back, and lots of clever storage solutions. The front seats are low, but they're height-adjustable, and the dash is quite low, which gives the Civic excellent frontal visibility. In the back seat, the Civic outperforms almost all its rivals, with enough head and leg room for six-footers to sit behind six-footers, and an inch of knee room to left over. And the cabin is filled with thoughtful touches, from a flexible console storage system to a big, 15-cubic-foot trunk.

Both cars are at least adequate for safety, but the Corolla falls behind the Civic in IIHS ratings.

Toyota earns a five-star overall safety score from the NHTSA, but only a "marginal" score on the new small-overlap frontal crash test added a few years ago by the IIHS.

The Civic, on the other hand, hasn't yet been rated by the NHTSA, but it's already earned a place on the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honor roll, with the top score of "good" on every single test. Honda now offers its latest safety technology on most versions, not just pricey models. Every Civic comes with a rearview camera--and can be configured with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warnings and automatic braking. Sadly, the latest design's high tail blocks rear three-quarter views, making the rearview camera a necessity.

A few years can make a world of difference in the fast-moving car world, and we rate the 2016 Honda Civic at 8.6 points versus a score of 7.4 for the 2016 Toyota Corolla. The Civic outdoes the Corolla for styling, performance, and safety. With a roomier interior, a return to its sportier side, and better fuel economy, it's the better of the two compact sedans in our view.

Either of these compact sedans should provide years of reliable transportation--but the Civic will be more fun, and better-looking to boot.

Source;
http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1102348_honda-civic-vs-toyota-corolla-compare-cars

2016 Toyota Prius Leaked before Official Unveiling

Hmmm, not sure what to think about this one, I try to be complimentary whenever possible, or I just don't say anything.  I guess I just won't say anything....

Burlapp Find: 2016 Toyota Prius?

Makes sense, looks like a natural progression with design cues from their Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle.

Source;
http://www.burlappcar.com/2015/07/2016-toyota-prius.html

The Car Connection: 2015 Honda CRV VS 2015 Toyota Rav 4 Comparison

By Bengt Halvorson of www.thecarconnection.com

ou need a vehicle that can tackle all the family business, yet be good on gas, fit easily in parking sports, and not cost too much. Increasingly, if you have those kinds of priorities, a compact crossover ends up figuring in as the best choice. And among those, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are two of the more popular entries on the market.
 
Which is the better pick of the two? Because it’s not even close right now, we’re going to give this one away: The Honda CRV beats out the Toyota RAV4 on multiple levels. But read on, because there are some important reasons that could sway you to consider the RAV4.

The Honda CR-V received a pretty substantial mid-cycle update for 2015, with interior trims most notably becoming less grim and utilitarian. On the outside there are minor styling tweaks, and some new wheels, but overall this is a model for which the form definitely follows the function—which is to fit a lot of people and gear, while being low enough to still handle well, high enough to allow a little more ground clearance than a car, and yet aerodynamic enough to achieve good fuel efficiency on the highway. As for the RAV4, it’s carried over for a couple of model years and while it tends to look neat and tidy on the outside—albeit somewhat lacking in charm—inside it leaves quite a bit to be desired as the cabin trims and surfaces feel cut-rate in upper trims (the base LE has more charm). Looking ahead, the 2016 RAV4 is getting some upgrades that should restore some of this model’s luster.

Driving enjoyment isn’t a strong point for either of these models. The V-6 that used to be available on the Toyota RAV4 is now a distant memory, and that leaves you (for now) only with a 176-horsepower four-cylinder engine; it works reasonably well with the six-speed automatic transmission, but it’s not at all sporty. Handling is easy and carlike, and the RAV4 definitely moves to favor a softer, more compliant ride this time around. The CR-V is much the same, although we tend to slightly prefer the way it tracks and maneuvers. With a new direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the CR-V’s been updated for better fuel economy (up to 29 mpg combined with front-wheel drive), but it’s not really all that much quicker or more satisfying to drive.

Both models allow a choice between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; in both cases, the AWD system has the perfect level of finesse and will allow just enough wheelspin to get you up snowy driveways or through muddy trails.

The RAV4 has more interior space if you go by official numbers, yet somehow it adds up to a more usable layout and airier cabin feel in the CR-V. The Honda’s seat-folding arrangement is excellent, and a spring-loaded mechanism makes one-arm seat folding easily done. Additionally, it feels like the Honda has more bins and cubbies in all the right places. As for ride quality and general cabin refinement, we think the RAV4 might be a step ahead; Toyota made some significant gains here with the RAV4’s last redesign, although you still do hear the engine more than you should.

For safety, the CR-V is a solid point ahead in our ratings, although neither of these models is to be avoided. The RAV4 was retested this past year, with its federal safety rating boosted to five stars overall; meanwhile it earns all ‘good’ ratings from the IIHS. There’s no front crash prevention technology on offer, but a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic monitoring is available with a Tech package. As for the CR-V, it also earns top scores—and the Top Safety Pick+ designation—from the IIHS, as well as a ‘superior’ rating in front crash prevention if you get the optional Collision Mitigation Braking System. But its federal safety scores only add up to four stars overall.

The Toyota Rav 4 offers a little more value for the money than the CR-V, going down the feature lists, but otherwise it’s a tossup. The Toyota offers a premium JBL sound system, yet on the other hand Honda’s top interface feels a half step ahead of the top Entune touch screen system in the RAV4.

Keep in mind that the way in which these two models match up against each other will change significantly next year (for the 2016 model year) with the introduction of the RAV4 Hybrid. That model will offer a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, with a total of 194 hp, and fuel economy ratings of over 30 mpg Combined.

Neither of these two models have an abundance of character, either in their styling, or from behind the wheel. But in pretty nearly every way, the CR-V manages to do it all with slightly more aptitude. It all adds up to a significant win for the Honda CR-V.

Source;

http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1098509_toyota-rav4-vs-honda-cr-v-compare-cars

Fueled by Bullsh*t | Presented by Toyota Mirai

Considering this is the very direction that Honda is going (FCX Clarity), it's good to see other brands step up with this kind of support.

For more information, check this out;
http://www.toyota.com/mirai/fueledbyeverything.html

Toyota is killing off the Venza crossover

by Chris Woodyard of  www.usatoday.com

Toyota is killing off one of its mainstream models, the Venza crossover.

While some of the brand's quirkier models with more limited appeal have come and gone, it's a little unusual for a model in a hot segment, one that hits square in terms of customer popularity, to be banished.

The compact crossover will be phased out at the end of summer, says CarsDirect.com. It says one of its editors made the discovery that Venza is a goner.

Venza was introduced in 2008, just as the auto industry was going into a sales tailspin as the recession took hold. While it never sold spectacularly like some other models, Venza has, by and large, held its own.

Reached for comment, Toyota issued a statement that says Toyota will "wind down production" at its factories in Kentucky. "No jobs will be lost" as a result, it adds.

"It's a difficult business decision to wind down production of the Venza, however (Toyota in Kentucky) and its 7,000 team members are excited to begin production of the refreshed Avalon and the Lexus ES sedan later this year. It's the first time Lexus will be produced in the U.S.," the statement says.

Source;
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2015/03/02/toyota-venza-dead/24281639/

Honda, Nissan, Toyota Join Forces To Create Hydrogen Network In Japan, But What Does That Mean?

Hydrogen station in Amagasaki City, Japan

by Richard Read of www.seekingalpha.com
Honda (NYSE:HMC), Nissan (OTCPK:NSANY), and Toyota (NYSE:TM) have announced plans to pool their resources and develop Japan's hydrogen infrastructure, which will serve the automakers' coming fleets of fuel-cell vehicles. Will the three succeed? And, if so, will they be able to translate their success to other countries like the U.S.?

BACKGROUND

Honda and Toyota made headlines last year when they both announced plans to focus less energy on battery-electric cars and instead turn their attention to hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. In May, Toyota went so far as to end its partnership with electric car company Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) before unveiling the hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan in November.
But of course, creating demand for fuel-cell cars isn't just a matter of creating the cars themselves. Automakers have to make owning those cars convenient for motorists, too. (They also have to make the cars affordable, but that's a topic for another day.)
Fortunately, the Japanese government is hot for fuel cells at the moment. Last summer, it unveiled something called the "Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells," which includes plans to create a hydrogen infrastructure to power fuel-cell vehicles.

For the rest of the article;
http://seekingalpha.com/article/2914996-honda-nissan-toyota-join-forces-to-create-hydrogen-network-in-japan-but-what-does-that-mean

2016 Toyota Tacoma front fascia revealed

Debuts next month

The teaser images are coming in fast and furious as the fourth set of the day has revealed the face of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

Set to be unveiled on January 12th, the redesigned truck has a trapezoidal grille and LED-infused headlights. We can also see a sculpted hood, chrome trim and extended fender flares.

Previous teaser images have shown the model will also have vertical taillights, a body-color rear bumper and a distinctively shaped tailgate with "Tacoma" lettering.

Toyota has been coy on specifications but they have promised the model will "once again set the benchmark for midsize pickup performance." The company also said the Tacoma will have "new, rugged tech" which will give it more off-road prowess than ever before.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/114121786058/2016-toyota-tacoma-front-fascia-revealed

Toyota Confirms Another GT-86 is Coming (still no Honda Prelude)

But the Subaru BRZ's future isn't as clear.

With worldwide sales of the Toyota GT-86 entry-level sports car and its Subaru BRZ brethren down in the dumps, Toyota seems to be intent on keeping its foothold in this sexy little market segment. Speaking to Motoring, Karl Schlicht, the executive vice president of sales and marketing for Toyota Motor Europe, said the Japanese automaker is "pretty serious about keeping the GT 86 pure and keeping a car like that in our lineup." Does this mean that a second generation is underway?

 

It's down the road," Schlicht said, but "the GT-86 has to go through a normal lifecycle." As for the car's twin, the Subaru BRZ, the future doesn't seem as clear-cut. Schlicht declined to comment on whether the next-generation GT-86 would also include a collaboration with Subaru.

Source;

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2014/10/16/Toyota-Confirms-Another-GT-86-is-Coming-7723105/

Toyota 86 Special Edition 14R60 (100 to be produced ONLY for Japan)

Check out this link for full spec's and more pix;
http://club4ag.com/toyota-86-14r60-limited-production-tuned-ft86/

Carscoops!: This is Toyota's C-HR Sporty Compact Crossover Concept

by John Halas of www.carscoops.com

Toyota's all-new C-HR Concept has come out of the digital shadows showing itself ahead of its first public outing at next month's 2014 Paris auto show.

It's a stylized, three-door compact crossover model made to stir up interest and give us a very rough idea of what Toyota is planning for the near future in the category.

Very few details are known about the car, with the Japanese brand having previously said that it combines "a bold new design language with an agile, engaging driving experience and a Hybrid powertrain".

Up until now, we've only seen one prototype that matches the size and characteristics of the C-HR in the form of a high-riding test-mule of the Toyota Auris hatch, which we spotted testing on European roads back in July.

A production version of the study, which would sit under the RAV4, could be offered in both 3- and 5-door body styles.

Source;
http://www.carscoops.com/2014/09/this-is-toyotas-c-hr-sporty-compact.html

2016 Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle spotted undisguised in United States

Toyota says it's the 'car of the future'

An undisguised black prototype of the 2016 Toyota FCV has been spotted testing in United States.

Edmunds editor Mike Magrath photographed the vehicle on a highway in California during the final testing phase as the model is slated to go on sale at first in Japan next April, followed by Europe and North America later that summer. It's essentially an evolution of the FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) concept and it is believed the production model will be commercialized with the "Mirai" name.

Toyota says the FCV / Mirai is the "car of the future" and at the same time represents "an important step forward for zero-emission vehicle technology." Final specifications have not been provided yet but from what we know so far the fuel cell vehicle will have a range of about 300 miles (482 km) and will do the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in approximately 10 seconds. A full refill of the hydrogen tank will take roughly three minutes so it takes just a little bit more than a regular gas stop.

At home in Japan, the Toyota Mirai (Japanese for "future") will have an estimated starting price of seven million yen (about $65,300).

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/114091781337/2016-toyota-mirai-fuel-cell-vehicle-spotted-undisguised

Toyota Teases its New Crossover Concept C-HR Ahead of Paris Motor Show Unveiling

Jaipur: With approaching Paris Motor Show, manufacturers like Toyota have triggered the teasing process of their upcoming cars. The Japanese automaker has teased the image of its new compact crossover C-HR which will be unveiled at next month’s Paris Motor Show starting from 4th October 2014. Looking at the teased image, the crossover gets narrow headlamps with angular rear taillamp clusters. The car is also supposed to get a sloping roofline that gives a sporty design which further spruces up with the roof mounted spoiler.

In first look, the car reminds of Honda HR-V SUV Concept and the only change one can find is the huge rear bumper.  With the technical details still in dark, the car carries Prius sourced hybrid powertrain.The C-HR concept combines the automaker’s powerful new design language with an engaging driving experience and a hybrid powertrain. The concept vehicle will be showcased at the centre stage of Toyota stand at hall 4. In first look, the car reminds of Honda HR-V SUV Concept and the only change one can find is the huge rear bumper.

With the technical details still in dark, the car carries Prius sourced hybrid powertrain. The 1.8-litre petrol engine powers the front engine, while the electric motor moves the rear axle. According to the Japanese manufacturer, the concept “combines a powerful new design language with an engaging driving experience”.
Furthermore, there is no word on the production model but as per media reports, if the concept gets a green light, the car will make its way to showrooms by 2016.

Source;
http://www.cardekho.com/india-car-news/toyota-teases-its-new-crossover-concept-chr-ahead-of-paris-motor-show-unveiling-14036.htm

MagX Renders Toyota's next Small SUV

I had to use Google Translate for the below;

Small SUV Toyota's can see the design at last

The model is introduced into the position below the RAV4 was too large, small SUV also serves as successor car ist. I caught the design of such a small SUV is wearing on the market at the time. Design that Nokka~tsu the design trend of recent Toyota seems to be given.

I'd like see the illustration above. Headlamp wide feeling is emphasized reminds the "leer" given SAI you big minor.

Garnish black trapezoid disposed in the mask center, also serves as a radiator grille. Deformation trapezoidal bumper painted underneath, in the same color as the body is also characteristic. Drawn the eye also trapezoidal air intake provided just above the lower end of the spoiler.

To be outdone in the impact of the front mask, rear view also seems to be built fairly As shown in the illustration above. You get the impression similar to the first generation Nissan Murano at first glance, but this was due to combination lamps disposed to the rear wheel tuning wheel arch. Quarter window of the triangle that is cut at an angle as well, would be one of the factors that seem like an Murano.

Convex back bottom of the window, which is considered as characteristic attention Nanoha, not in the competitive car's (stepped) design. This is similar to the design of the rear-end processing of Estima and Harrier. In addition, half of the back window hatch on the gate are summarized in square keynote, by moderate inclination angle is woven, is devised so that it looks light and sporty.

The engine equipped with is, downsizing of turbo 1.2L Toyota advance the development behind the scenes. D4-S using a combination of port injection and in-cylinder injection is incorporated, the power of the 1.6L class and good fuel economy are compatible. There is also an interesting news MT well CVT that is set.

1.8L hybrid lineup in addition to this. This will be shared with the next-generation Prius. In addition, BMW-made diesel turbo also seems to be set for the European version.

Appearance has been scheduled for early 2016. The deal in the country, the possibility of the Nets shop Corolla to lose from the commodity group Rumion, or have been sold ist is high.

※ It is a prediction article about the announcement of the new car in the July 1, 2014. It does not guarantee publication

Source;
http://www.carsensor.net/contents/editor/_25388.html 

Toyota moving away from EVs in favor of hydrogen fuel cells

These are echoing the sentiments that Honda has been preaching for the last 10yrs....

Lentz on Toyota and Tesla: "We learned a lot about being a smaller entrepreneurial company in the auto business and being faster to market. They learned about our quality control."

by Mark Rechtin of www.autonews.com

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the recipient of a $7 million loan from Toyota Motor Corp. to help establish a network of hydrogen refueling stations.  

LOS ANGELES -- Toyota Motor Corp. is walking away from building longer-range battery-electric vehicles in favor of its effort in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, its top North American executive said.

At a time when EV maker Tesla Motors is the darling of Wall Street, Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota’s North American region, said Toyota sees battery-electric vehicles as viable only in “a select way, in short-range vehicles that take you that extra mile, from the office to the train, or home to the train, as well as being used on large [corporate] campuses.

“But for long-range travel primary vehicles, we feel there are better alternatives, such as hybrids and plug-in hybrids, and tomorrow with fuel cells,” Lentz said in an interview after Fortune magazine’s Brainstorm Green conference.

Because hydrogen fuel cells are cheaper on a cost-per-vehicle basis and are more efficient on a well-to-wheel basis, Toyota has turned away from a 20-year effort to create a viable battery-electric vehicle.

Lentz’s comments come on the heels of Toyota’s decision to end its r&d deal with Tesla to supply the RAV4 EV. Lentz said the deal, through which Toyota agreed to buy Tesla components for 2,600 RAV4 EVs over three years, “was never about open-ended volume. It was time to either continue or stop. My personal feeling was that I would rather invest my dollars in fuel cell development than in another 2,500 EVs.

Lessons learned
“We learned a lot about being a smaller entrepreneurial company in the auto business and being faster to market,” Lentz said. “They learned about our quality control. It was more about two types of companies working together than about batteries. We’re not anti-battery. We are a big battery company. We have 6 million hybrids running on batteries.”

Not that Toyota has done poorly investing in Tesla. When Toyota President Akio Toyoda joined forces with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in 2010 with a $50 million capital infusion, there was no way Toyota would know the investment would be worth 10 times as much today on Wall Street.

“It’s done OK,” Lentz said, with a hint of sarcasm. “It’s an investment and we have to treat it like an investment. If it were my money in my pocket, I would take a little off the table. But it’s a [Toyota Motor Corp.] investment, so I don’t control it.”

Toyota’s commitment to fuel cell infrastructure in California -- timed to coincide with the launch of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle as well as those of Honda and Hyundai -- includes a $7 million arms-length loan to FirstElement Fuel Inc. to help build refueling stations.

FirstElement, led by former General Motors marketing chief Joel Ewanick, is planning a network of hydrogen refueling stations across California by Fall 2015.

A Toyota study has calculated that it will take 68 refueling stations to meet the needs of 10,000 California fuel cell customers to not worry about being stranded. By the end of 2016, California should have 50 stations in operation, “which is a good step,” Lentz said.

He said most of the hydrogen fuel will have to be trucked in, initially, before self-generating hydrogen stations can become affordable.

“My hope is that other automakers will see our investment and will invest as well, so hopefully we can accelerate to 70 [stations] before 2018,” Lentz said. “Unlike hybrids when we were on our own, all the major players will be out there with us in fuel cells.”

Source;
http://www.autonews.com/article/20140520/OEM05/140529984/toyota-moving-away-from-evs-in-favor-of-hydrogen-fuel-cells?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Toyota RAV4 EV to be discontinued, deal with Tesla Motors not being renewed

Costs 49,800 USD

Toyota has disclosed plans to terminate production of the RAV4 EV at the end of the year.

Powered by Tesla Motors, the electric RAV4 never took off as the company sold only 1,594 units since the car was introduced about two years ago. Right from the start Toyota planned only two model years for the car as a way to meet California's zero-emission mandate. The deal with Tesla will expire at the end of the year and will not be renewed so production will end once the 2,600^th car will be assembled.

The Toyota RAV4 EV costs almost 50,000 USD and comes powered by a 156 PS electric motor offering a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) run in a decent 7 seconds before topping out at 161 mph (100 mph). More important, the electric crossover has an EPA-estimated range of 103 miles (166 km/h) before the 42 kW battery pack runs out of juice.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/114051675378/toyota-rav4-ev-to-be-discontinued-deal-with-tesla-motors

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