Fact: On early to 2010 models with a push-button smart key system, pushing and holding the button on the dash for about three seconds will shut off the ignition system on the vehicle – even if it’s in gear and moving along the roadway. Newer models may have different control logic – you only have to press the button briefly to shut down the vehicle. Check your Owner’s Manual for details on your vehicle’s system.

Myth: The brake system on my Toyota Prius is not able to stop the car at speed with a wide-open throttle condition.

Fact: Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal – use two feet if needed, to bring the vehicle to a halt. Do not pump the brakes in these conditions, as this may overheat the system, causing a reduction in brake performance. Prius is equipped with a combination of hydraulic and electric regenerative brake systems. All Prius vehicles have a brake system program that reduces gasoline engine power if both the throttle and brake pedals are depressed at the same time. This feature helps reduce the chance of damage to the hybrid system transmission in the event of simultaneous brake and throttle pedal application by the driver, and also helps to slow the vehicle under these circumstances. The regenerative braking via the main electric motor will continue to function to help slow the vehicle

Myth: In the event you encounter a runaway vehicle, the first thing you should do is to turn off the ignition.

Fact: Although turning off the ignition is a possible course of action, the first thing a driver should do is to put the transmission in Neutral. This separates the driveline from the wheels, and gives the driver instant speed control over the vehicle, and allows the driver time to assess what is happening. This also allows continued use of the power steering and brake systems for an easier stopping operation. Pressing the start/stop button to turn off the ignition can be done as a next step. This will shut down power assist to the brakes and steering system – reducing their performance, but the driver can still brake and steer the vehicle manually in this condition. The steering column on Prius will not lock up when the ignition is turned off while the vehicle is moving – allowing the driver steering control. Traditional key type ignitions systems can be turned off while the vehicle is moving without locking the steering column – as long as the key is left in the ignition. Removal of the key may result in a locked steering column, and hamper driver steering control. After placing the transmission in Neutral, and the vehicle is brought to a stop at the side of the road, the final step should be to turn of the ignition.

Myth: The parking brake is effective in stopping a vehicle at speed.

Fact: The parking brake may be helpful in that it can provide some additional brakeforce. However, the amount of brakeforce the parking brake applies will be negligible in a vehicle that is running at anything over paring lot speeds. Placing the transmission in Neutral and using firm steady pressure on the brake pedal will be the best way to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Myth: The transmission would not go into Neutral when an attempt was made to put it in Neutral.

Fact: Prius does have an electronic link between the shift lever and the transmission. The driver should place the Prius in Neutral by moving the shift lever to the “N” position – to the left side of the shift gate, and hold it there for a second – this will put the Prius transmission in Neutral. Firm application of the brakes will slow the vehicle down. Pressing and holding the start/stop button can be used as a final action to stop the vehicle if needed.

Myth: The harder I pressed on the brake pedal, the more the vehicle accelerated.

Fact: In a situation where it appears to the driver that the brake pedal has been depressed, but acceleration results, the driver should stay calm and take immediate action by moving the transmission shift lever to Neutral, use a firm and steady application of the brakes, then get to the side of the road and assess the situation. Neutral allows the driver to gain immediate control, and provides the driver with time to evaluate what is happening to the vehicle.

Myth: Prius has an electronically controlled brake system, and I don’t believe it is as reliable as regular hydraulic brakes.

Fact: Prius does have an electronically controlled brake system which is as reliable as hydraulic brakes. This system utilizes both electric motor regenerative braking and hydraulic braking to stop the vehicle. The Prius system is able to recognize a fault in the regenerative braking system, and will send the driver’s brake input to the hydraulic brakes to stop the vehicle. Prius can also detect a fault in the hydraulic brake system booster, and allow all of the driver’s brake force to be directly sent to the two front brake calipers for maximum stopping power under a “no-boost” condition.

Myth: If I have a throttle stuck in the wide open position, and I put the vehicle in Neutral to help gain control of the vehicle, the engine will over rev, and be damaged.

Fact: If you place your vehicle in Neutral with a wide open throttle, you will hear a lot of engine noise, but don’t be overly concerned by this. All Toyota gasoline engines have a rev limiter function as a part of the engine control program that will prevent over revving of the engine by cutting the fuel supply at a predetermined RPM. This RPM limit varies – depending on the engine type.

Myth: The Brake Override System will make it difficult to start my vehicle on a hill.

Fact: The Brake Override System is designed to stop your vehicle when the brake pedal is firmly pressed in cases where there is acceleration caused by mechanical interference with the throttle pedal. For practical reasons – the Brake Override System will not operate when the brake pedal is depressed first – to allow for uphill starts, while limiting the vehicle’s tendency to roll backwards. When engaged, the Brake Override System will disengage when the brake pedal is released. It will also not function at vehicle speeds of less than 5 mph, as at this point, the vehicle can be stopped safely.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-prius-vehicle-throttle-155094.aspx

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There are a variety of EDRs installed on Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the U.S. today. The data that is recorded and that can be read out and analyzed differs depending on the type of EDR that is installed in a particular vehicle and when the vehicle was manufactured.

In general, EDRs were first introduced to record post-crash data, primarily on airbag deployment. In the U.S., Toyota started phasing in EDRs into its vehicles in 2001 and has had EDRs in all vehicles from the 2007 model year forward. However, the timing in which the EDRs were introduced into specific Toyota and Lexus vehicles varies from model to model.

Although there are a variety of EDRs installed on Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the U.S. today, EDRs can generally be split into two groups: those that record only post-crash data, and those that record pre- and post-crash data. In both cases, the EDRs record data only for collisions that meet certain criteria that are based on the severity of the collision.

In the post-crash EDRs, data based on longitudinal g-force (frontal or rear collision), lateral g-force (side collision), and roll angle/lateral g-force (rollovers) is recorded. In the pre- and post-crash EDRs, data such as vehicle speed, engine speed (rpm), accelerator angle and brake application (whether the brake pedal was applied or not) is also recorded.

While the large majority of Toyota and Lexus vehicles have EDRs equipped to record both pre- and post-crash data, several models have EDRs that do not record pre-crash data. Therefore, data regarding vehicle speed, engine speed, accelerator angle and brake application is not available in every make and model. However, by the end of 2010, all newly-manufactured Toyota and Lexus vehicles will have EDRs that can record both pre- and post-crash data.

Toyota has always provided all data recorded by the EDRs to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), law enforcement authorities, and courts when requested or ordered to do so.

We provide the authorities with both the raw readout data and a printout of the readout. Contrary to some media reports, Toyota does not deliberately provide printouts of data with key columns left blank. In some cases, data columns have been blank because data for the column did not exist. This is not an omission, but is due to the specifications of the EDR installed in the vehicle concerned.

The software used to “read out” the EDR data, in some cases, is still in a testing phase and is not yet compatible with all electronic control units (ECUs) in use in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Until very recently, Toyota only had one prototype tool to extract the EDR data in the U.S., which is why the company has had to limit readout requests to only those from authorities, including law enforcement, NHTSA and courts.

Toyota is currently working on upgrading the “read out” software so it will be compatible with all vehicles, and plans to complete this effort by the end of April 2010.

Concerning the specialized computers used to extract the EDR data, Toyota delivered one unit to NHTSA on March 3, 2010 and another three will be delivered to NHTSA in April. One will also be delivered to Transport Canada in the very near future. One hundred fifty units will be available in North America by the end of April. As for the new software mentioned above, this will also be provided to NHTSA as it is completed. Once the additional read-out units are available and appropriate procedures are in place, Toyota will provide vehicle owners with access to EDR data from their vehicles upon request.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-clarifies-the-facts-about-155086.aspx

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SOME FACTS ABOUT JAPANESE MINI TRUCKS

• 4×4 Japanese Kei Truck or Mini Truck Is An ATV - Off Road - Multi Purpose Utility Vehicle.
• In Japan, the Kei Mini Trucks must have to pass mandatory inspection and strict EPA emissions standards, the cost of inspections increase as the vehicle ages, resulting in early export.
• Mini trucks engines are available in 550cc to 660cc, liquid cooled, 2, 3 or 4 cylinder gasoline, 40 MPG
• These mini trucks were having 12? tires.
• Some of them are available with differential lock or axle lock.
• These Mini Trucks are having Bed capacity, ~ 880lbs
• Having Weight ~ 1800lbs
• Their size was available in Ten feet long, Five feet high and Four feet wide.
• Japanese 4×4 Kei Mini Truck is approved in the USA For their use only in Off Road.
• 4′ x 6′ rear bed with folding sides, some available with dumps & Hydraulics.
• They are having full instrumentation - electric, oil, temp,
• Heat, defrost, wipers and headlight all standard, some with A/C.
• To be used in USA all imported Japanese 4×4 Kei Mini Trucks are Restricted To 25 mph otherwise they are available at 60 mph.

Uses of Japanese Mini trucks:

Construction, Landscaping, Hunting, Farming, Fishing, Hotels, Manufacturing Yards, Airports, Automobile Yards, Hospitals, Schools/Universities, Sports Centers, Train Stations, Complexes, Industrial Complexes, Amusement Parks, Industrial Mines, Malls, Warehouses, Parks/Gardens, Auto Garages, Docks, Boatyards, Museums, Race Tracks etc.

Some of the best quality Kei mini trucks manufacturers in Japan are Suzuki, Daihatsu, Honda, Isuzu, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan, Hino, Mazda etc.

If you are looking to import Kei Mini Truck of any make, then please visit now at our Trucks Site

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At a recent press conference, Dr. Gerdes made clear that his analysis and opinions of Professor Gilbert’s report “have been formulated with complete independence” and “should not be interpreted or described as an official position of Stanford University.” He also stated that “I am not here today to defend Toyota . . . I am here to clarify the contents of a report which I believe has been misinterpreted. I am concerned that these misinterpretations are driving public fear and public policy.”

Since then, a number of reports have noted that Toyota supports Stanford’s Center for Automotive Research, as previously disclosed by Dr. Gerdes, and implied that this relationship influenced the results of Dr. Gerdes’ work. These allegations are categorically false. Toyota is only one of many automotive manufacturers that support the Center for Automotive Research. In addition, Toyota supports other academic institutions that offer programs in the field, including the Division of Automotive Technology at Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Gerdes’ independent analysis and commentary is separate from the analysis of the Electronic Throttle Control System (“ETCS-i”) in Toyota and Lexus vehicles being performed by Exponent. Exponent is one of the world’s leading engineering and scientific consulting firms. Toyota retained Exponent in December of 2009 to help evaluate reports of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with the ETCS-i system. Toyota will make the results of Exponent’s comprehensive, independent evaluation available to the public when it is completed. As with all such reliable engineering analyses, these results will contain the data and information necessary to validate Exponent’s conclusions.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-update-regarding-dr-chris-155054.aspx

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The contract was signed earlier this week and expires at the conclusion of the Colts’ 2012-13 football season.

“Our Central Indiana Toyota dealers are excited to be extending this partnership with the Indianapolis Colts,” said Michael Rocco, General Manager of Toyota’s Chicago Region. “This past season was fantastic for Toyota because we were given the opportunity to promote our world-class vehicles and manufacturing presence in the state of Indiana, while supporting the Colts’ historic march to the Super Bowl.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to extend our partnership with Toyota,” added Indianapolis Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay. “We take pride knowing that Colts fans are helping manufacture several Toyota models right here on our home turf in Princeton and Lafayette, Indiana.”

Mirroring elements of the 2009-10 program, this new sponsorship contract includes Toyota vehicles being displayed at all entrances to Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as a special Toyota Zone seating area in the stadium’s Northeast corner. During the season, Colts fans will have the opportunity to win Toyota Zone tickets by registering at any of the 11 Central Indiana Toyota dealers. In addition, fans attending each home game will have the chance to win two tickets to the next home game in a text-to-win contest that will highlight Toyota’s economic and philanthropic contributions.

Other promotional elements of the program include sponsorship of the starting line-up announcements, as well as Tri-vision, Jumbotron and concourse signage. Toyota advertisements will also be aired during the full season on radio and pre-season on television.

Toyota has a large manufacturing presence in Indiana, with a plant in Princeton (Gibson County) that produces the Highlander, Sienna and Sequoia. The Toyota Camry is assembled in Lafayette by SIA.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-signs-new-three-year-deal-155039.aspx

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Toyota’s 2010 inclusion marks the fourth time the company has been recognized by DiversityInc and an improvement from the 2009 survey, where it ranked 40th overall.

A total of 449 companies vied for the honor this year, and awards were entirely driven by metrics obtained in a detailed survey. DiversityInc’s Top 50 companies demonstrate consistent strength in four areas: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity.

Commenting on the DiversityInc survey, Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Toyota Motor North America, said, “At Toyota, we believe continued growth toward a more inclusive culture is necessary for business success. We thank DiversityInc for recognizing our efforts and pledge to continue to strive for diversity in every aspect of our business.”

Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc, added, “Toyota clearly recognizes that a diverse workforce changes the character and culture of a company for the better. The fact that Toyota moved up in our annual survey, in a very competitive environment, underscores their commitment to diversity management as a driver of business goals.”

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-named-one-of-diversityinc-154933.aspx

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Sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the Toyota TAPESTRY Program serves as the nation’s largest science teacher grant program of its kind and awards funding for innovative science proposals submitted by educators in three areas: environmental science; physical science; and integrating literacy & science. Since the program’s inception in 1990, educators from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Mariana Islands have received Toyota TAPESTRY Grants.

“From working to develop an alternative to fossil fuels, to building an electric car from the ground up, the accomplishments of the Toyota TAPESTRY recipients are truly inspiring,” said Michael Rouse, Toyota’s vice president of philanthropy and community affairs. “Toyota is honored to be celebrating two decades of recognizing excellent teachers and the thousands of students who have formed passionate connections with science through the TAPESTRY program.”

As a result of the Toyota TAPESTRY program, numerous educators have been gone on to win prestigious awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, NSTA Distinguished Teaching Award and the Einstein Fellowship Award. Additionally, teachers have had the opportunity to expand their science-based projects beyond their classrooms, and impact their communities and even state legislature. Frequently, this includes garnering substantial additional funding.

Through two Toyota TAPESTRY grants over five years, Iowa middle school teacher Hector Ibarra and his students helped change Iowa legislation. “My TAPESTRY awards allowed my students to work outside of the classroom, where they partnered with community members and legislators to craft bills that later became laws,” said Ibarra. “These laws banned oil filters from being disposed in landfills, required recycling of mercury thermostats, and banned the manufacturing of mercury thermostats in Iowa. As a result, the Toyota TAPESTRY grants not only impacted my students, but will also continue to affect future generations because of the environmental progress accomplished.”

This year, 79 teachers in grades K-12 from across the United States were selected from more than 500 applications. Judges, accomplished in various areas of science, select projects that stand out in creativity, risk-taking and originality. Of the $550,000 granted this year, 50 teachers receive large grants of up to $10,000 each, and 29 receive mini grants of up to $2,500 each.

“For the past 20 years NSTA has partnered with Toyota to deliver this inspiring, far-reaching program that gives teachers the tools they need to introduce real-world science into their classrooms,” said Francis Eberle, Executive Director for NSTA. “It is a wonderfully rewarding partnership and NSTA is excited to celebrate 20 years of providing classroom resources and inspiration for countless educators and students with the Toyota TAPESTRY program.”

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-and-nsta-celebrate-20th-154898.aspx

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IIHS frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. A vehicle’s overall frontal evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, driver seat test dummy injury severity, and the level of restraint system dummy movement during the test. By comparison, frontal crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is performed at 35 mph.

The IIHS is an independent non-profit research and communications organization funded by auto insurance companies.

All Toyota and Lexus models meet or exceed the safety requirements of the federal government and the NHTSA.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/all-new-2010-toyota-4runner-earns-154893.aspx

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There is no new recall being planned for the Prius to address this issue. To be clear, the 2004-2009 Prius was part of Toyota’s November 2, 2009 announcement of a voluntary safety recall campaign to address floor mat entrapment in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Other models involved in this previously-announced recall include 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2007-2010 ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 250, and 2006-2010 IS 350. On January 27, 2010, Toyota expanded the campaign to include the 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe.

The remedy process for these vehicles began at the end of 2009 and is occurring on a rolling schedule during 2010. Owners of the involved vehicles that have not yet been remedied are asked to take out any removable driver’s side floor mat and not replace it with any other floor mat.

Owners who have further questions are asked to visit www.toyota.com or www.lexus.com or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Assistance at 1-800-255-3987.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx

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