Our Toyota

Celebrating Toyota

jacobclabes — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:42:43 +0000

Toyota Kentucky honors its top volunteers at annual Volunteers in Place event

Toyota Kentucky Executives with top volunteers (l-r) Noboru Hidaka (executive adviser in manufacturing), Billy Wells, Pat Malesick, Mike Price (vice president in administration), Carla Wright, Osamu Ushio (corporate adviser), Bethany Giordano, Wil James (president), Dorothy McManigle (volunteer of the year), Walter Odisho (vice president in manufacturing), Ron Holbrook, J.P. Switzer and David Burke (Photo from Toyota)

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. honored its top volunteers during the company’s annual Volunteers In Place recognition ceremony May 11. Established in 1994 to encourage volunteerism and recognize employees for their efforts, TMMK’s VIP program has enrolled nearly 1,900 members who in 2012 contributed over 22,000 volunteer hours in Kentucky communities.

TMMK President Wil James thanked the honorees at the recent event by saying, “The amount of time and talent you give back to the communities where you live and work is impressive. Considering how hard you work at Toyota, spending time outside of work to volunteer is a big commitment. We are pleased to be able to recognize you tonight by providing additional donations to the organizations you support.”

There were 11 Toyota employees recognized as top volunteers for 2012. One of the 11 was chosen as Volunteer of the Year and one was chosen as the New Member of the Year. Each honoree was awarded with a donation on their behalf to a favorite charity ranging from $500 to $3000.

In addition to hours logged, top volunteers are graded on a scoring system that awards points in various areas including diversity of the activity, impact on the community, leadership roles undertaken and participation in TMMK- sponsored activities. The New Member of the Year is a new enrollee in the VIP program, who logs the most volunteer hours in a calendar year.

Honorees included:

David Burke, in Facilities Control, to Cooper High School Football – $500
Ron Holbrook, in Facilities Control, to Madison Central High Baseball – $500
Billy Wells, in Assembly, to Washington County 4H Horse Club – $500
Carla Wright, in Facilities Control, to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest – $500
Amy Crowe, in Body Weld, to Cool Breeze Track and Field Club – $500
Howard Taylor, in Body Weld, to Bluegrass United Homeschool Sports – $500 (New Member of the Year)
Bethany Giordano, in Facilities Control, to Scott County Humane Society – $1,500
Pat Malesick, in Operations Development Grp, to Scott County High Baseball Boosters – $1,500
James Paul Switzer, in Powertrain Maintenance, to Harrison County 4H – $1,500
Jason Jacob, in Paint Production Engineering, to White Hall Elementary Archery Team – $1,500
Dorothy McManigle, in Business Planning, to Kentucky Horse Park Foundation – $3,000 (Volunteer of the Year)

From Toyota Kentucky

Celebrating Toyota

terrimclean — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:27:43 +0000

Waltrip brothers among NASCAR drivers making preseason appearance at Toyota

NASCAR drivers visited Toyota's Georgetown plant for a preseason appearance. (Photo by Michael L. Levitt)

Celebrated NASCAR drivers and Kentuckians Darrell and Michael Waltrip visited the Bluegrass for a rare, preseason appearance at Toyota’s Georgetown plant. Joining the Owensboro natives was a group of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series drivers, along with several Toyota NASCAR team owners, including two Sprint Cup Series champions.

Camry drivers visiting the plant Wednesday included two Sprint Cup Series champions- Matt Kenseth (2003) and Bobby Labonte (2000). Other Camry drivers on hand were Clint Boyer, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Elliott Sadler, Martin Truex Jr. and Brian Vickers, as well as Toyota team owners Joe Gibbs and Jodi Geschickter.

The Toyota drivers and team owners met officials from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), including plant president Wil James.

“At TMMK, we’re proud to manufacture the most American-made car – the Camry- and we’re honored to see Camry compete in NASCAR, a long-standing American tradition,” said James. “We’re equally proud of the team that will represent Toyota this racing season.”

(Photo by Michael L. Levitt)

Additionally, drivers and team owners toured TMMK’s facility, where production Camrys are manufactured. The Toyota Camry, America’s best-selling car for 11 straight years, has been assembled in Georgetown since 1988. In 2007, Toyota began competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series with the Camry.

The Toyota Racing group concluded its TMMK visit by participating in a special Q & A session for the plant’s team members, with three-time Sprint Cup Series champion Darrell Waltrip emceeing the event. The veteran driver, now retired, holds the fourth most wins in NASCAR history and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012. His younger brother, Michael, the co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, is the part-time driver of the No. 55 Toyota Camry and a two-time Daytona 500 champion (2001, 2003).

“I’m proud to be a Toyota team owner and to be driving a Camry in this year’s Daytona 500, but I’m more proud that the Camry is built in my home state of Kentucky.”

Team members attending the event were also able to get an up-close look at the new 2013 Camry for NASCAR competition, which was on display. The 2013 Camry that will compete in the Sprint Cup series has been redesigned and now more closely resembles the production Camry.

The NASCAR racing season will kick off with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 24.

From TMMK

Celebrating Toyota

jacobclabes — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:50:36 +0000

Georgetown announces new Toyota campaign to increase scholarships for minority students

Toyota has pledged $125,000 toward a new “matching grant” campaign at Georgetown College.

Toyota’s gift will be used to match support from other individuals and organizations, and the total dollars raised will underwrite scholarship support for underserved, minority students who desire to attain the high caliber of education for which the college is known.

“All of us at Toyota feel this pledge will go a long way toward helping students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences,” said Wil James, president of the company’s manufacturing plant in Georgetown. “These scholarships will help students who might not have otherwise had the chance to attend Georgetown College. I have no doubt the experience will expand their vision and broaden their horizons, and eventually prove to be a vital step in achieving success in their chosen careers.”

“The college is one of Georgetown’s and Scott County’s most cherished assets,” James continued. “It has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of innumerable students and alumni, many of whom have become permanent residents of this great community. I hope this new matching grant campaign will help further enhance that impact.”

Georgetown College is now asking both individual and corporate citizens to invest in the Toyota Match Campaign.

“It goes without saying that we appreciate this latest evidence of Toyota’s long-term support of our college. And it is especially pleasing they are offering to match the support of others. This is a great example of the team approach that Toyota brings to everything it does,” said Bill Crouch, Georgetown College president.

For additional information, contact Deborah Sewell, Office of Development, 502-863-8037 or Deborah_Sewell@georgetowncollege.edu.

From Georgetown College

Celebrating Toyota

jillseelmeyer — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:04:12 +0000

A dozen students receive Partners
For Youth/Toyota scholarships

The Partners For Youth/Toyota Scholarship Program recognized a dozen outstanding students at a recent reception at The Hilary J. Boone Center on the University of Kentucky campus.

Laura Benrey of Henry Clay High School received $2,000 for the A.J. Newcomb Scholarship, named in honor of a Lafayette High recipient who died of heart transplant complications soon after graduating in 2001. As this year’s runner-up, Natasha Fee of Tates Creek High received a $1,500 award.

The $1,000 scholarship recipients included Shaleigha Richard of Bryan Station High; Tiffany Horton of Henry Clay; Tazia Coleman and Hilda Rivera of Lafayette; Michelle Fee and Brandi Lindsey of Tates Creek; Lelia Morton of Paul Laurence Dunbar; Luis Castro and Kelsey Smith of The Learning Center at Linlee; and Sonia Guzman of Bluegrass Community & Technical College.

The winners were selected based on a series of questions concerning life activities and things that made them proud. They also were asked what advice they would give to help younger students develop skills to promote successful behavior and cope with problems.

The scholarships can be used for college as well as a trade or technical school. To be eligible, a student must be associated with one of the 41 grassroots programs currently supported by Partners For Youth. Thanks to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Inc., which has provided the funding since 1998, Partners For Youth has now awarded 144 scholarships to promote higher education. For more details, contact executive director Laura Hatfield, 859-258-3119.

From FCPS

Celebrating Toyota

jacobclabes — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Toyota announces $1 million contribution to Red Cross, others for hurricane relief

Toyota announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities.

Commenting on the donation, Shigeki Terashi, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., said, “On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand. In addition to this contribution, many Toyota employees are already involved in volunteer activities to support those in need. We very much appreciate their support.”

Beginning Nov. 1, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) will launch a “Customer Outreach” calling campaign to lease and retail customers who are delinquent, or become delinquent, due to circumstances related to the storm and who reside in the 13 states directly impacted by the hurricane (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT and WV) and in the District of Columbia. This campaign will determine if these customers may be eligible to take advantage of payment relief options, some of which include:

• extensions and lease deferred payments;
• redirecting billing statements;
• and arranging phone or on-line payments.

Toyota Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-8822. Lexus Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-7050. Qualified residents residing in FEMA-designated areas (of the above-mentioned states and the District) needing to purchase a vehicle may also take advantage of a 90 Day Deferred First Payment Program designed to assist customers with their transportation needs as they work through the recovery process. This program is for a limited time and only available through participating Toyota and Lexus dealers and TFS/LFS.

Toyota Operations

Toyota continues to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to its operations on the East Coast and reports no known injuries to associates, family members and dealer employees. The storm had the biggest impact on company operations and dealerships in the New Jersey area. Some regional/branch offices, as well as Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships, were affected by flooding and power outages. Toyota Logistics Services operations at the Port of Newark (N.J.) sustained water damage to its buildings and a number of vehicles.

From Toyota

Toyota celebrates production of 25 millionth car, start of production on redesigned Avalon

KyForward Staff Report

Toyota celebrated a major milestone Wednesday, as employees gathered to recognize the completion of the 25 millionth car produced at the Georgetown plant.

The celebration coincided with the start of production of the carmaker’s redesigned 2013 Avalon. The milestone vehicle, a silver Hybrid Avalon, was lowered to the production floor as thousands of Toyota team members cheered and music filled the massive facility.

“This is a pivotal time in Toyota’s history,” Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc. President Wil James told the crowd. “What a better way to cap off 26 years of manufacturing excellence that with the all-new Kentucky-built Avalon, a shining example of what our customers have to look forward to in the future.”

Toyota has touted the new model as the “most American” Avalon yet, with 90% of the car designed, developed and engineered in the U.S. The premium mid-sized sedan will be available in two grades, XLE and Limited, with seven models that will cover a broader price range to increase accessibility to a broader consumer base. The price of the new model will range from a base of $30,990 to $41,400 for the Limited Hybrid Model.

Gov. Steve Beshear and University of Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari were on hand for the celebration and unveiling of the state-of-the art sedan.

Calipari compared the Toyota team to his 2012 NCAA Championship basketball team and the sacrifices many of them made, including that of Darius Miller, who spent his senior season as the Wildcats sixth man.

“It’s amazing what gets done when no one cares who gets the credit,” Calipari told the cheering crowd.

“When I see this facility, it’s not about cars for me. It’s about people,” he said. “What I want is for (sales of) this car to explode so we’ve got to hire a thousand more families at this place.”

The Georgetown plant, Toyota’s largest in North America, employs almost 6600 central Kentucky workers and manufactures the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon and Venza models as well as 4-cylinder and V6 engines for other Toyota models. Toyota’s overall North American production, which began in 1957 includes 12 models accounting for 70 percent of U.S. Sales.

Weight reduction a key element of Fuel Efficiency Mission of new 2013 Avalon

While powertrain developments such Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive have helped enhance fuel economy, many of the vehicles across the Toyota product line have improved their efficiency because of a focused effort on weight reduction, and the 2013 Avalon is a prime example.

Avalon Chief Engineer Randy Stephens and his development team at Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich., worked toward a goal of making Avalon lighter, yet more rigid, to help improve overall driving performance. As a result, the new 2013 Avalon is 110 lbs. lighter than the 2012 model, tipping the scales at 3,461 lbs. compared to 3,571 for the 2012 model. When it arrives at dealerships later this year, the 2013 Avalon and will be the lightest-weight vehicle in the premium mid-size segment.

“Our target was to dramatically improve all aspects of dynamic performance,” Stephens explained, “Especially in the areas of fuel efficiency, handling and performance.”

Engineering for weight reduction requires examination of all elements of vehicle design and componentry to achieve weight targets and requires collaboration from vehicle design teams to isolate and address a variety of potential weight-loss areas during development. Following this process, the team was able to achieve significant mass reduction in several key areas like body structure, seat structure and wheel design.

It proved to be a challenge, however, due to the weight penalty imposed by equipment necessitated by increased regulations, improved performance targets and added customer features. With each design engineering group’s agreement, mass targets were set and carefully managed to control the overall vehicle target.

Dave Katarzynski, Program Manager of Avalon Vehicle Development offered this insight, “We established two main mass targets early in development: lowest mass among competitors (mass vs. vehicle size) and reduction of one inertia weight class rank. As part of each design engineering group’s agreement, mass targets were set for each group. The groups then managed their part by part mass to keep their target and help control the overall goal. Hundreds of mass reduction ideas were tracked throughout development and periodic reviews checked status.”

The importance of mass reduction as a means of improving fuel economy, vehicle dynamics and enhancing the driving experience of the new Avalon was a major consideration, and that is where Stephen Provost, Manager, Ride and Handling, came in.

“Less mass makes Avalon more responsive and engaging near handling limits,” he explained. “Also, with less mass, less tire width is needed to reach competitive grip levels. The smaller width helps minimize drag losses to help enhance fuel economy, too.”
With the Toyota’s engineering mantra of weight reduction in place, lower vehicle weights are achieved utilizing revised lighter weight materials for vehicle construction.

Rob McConnell, Principal Engineer, Body Shell and Exterior Plastics, said, “Through the installation of a higher class of high performance polypropylene resin (more fluid), we were able to decrease the general thickness of the front and rear bumpers, resulting in a decrease in mass, aiding in achieving improved fuel economy. Also, by adopting a higher content of high-strength steel in the pillars and rocker panels, we were able to conserve mass while maintaining crash performance targets.”

Generous weight reduction of 263 lbs. is also evident in the midsize Camry Hybrid from previous generation to current model (3,680 lbs. for 2011 Camry Hybrid vs. 3,417 lbs. for 2012 model), and despite increased length and width, the new 2013 Avalon Hybrid still enjoys a weight advantage over the smaller, previous generation 2011 Camry Hybrid. Though the 2011 Camry Hybrid and the 2013 Avalon Hybrid both include the Hybrid Synergy Drive hardware (electric motors, battery, power control unit, etc.), the new 2013 Avalon model still weighs 87 lbs. less than the smaller 2011 Camry Hybrid (3,593 lbs. for 2013 Avalon compared to 3,680 lbs. for 2011 Camry). The 2013 Avalon offers a combined 40 mpg EPA-rating while the 2011 Camry Hybrid was EPA-rated at 33 mpg combined. This is as much a testament to engineering weight reduction into the vehicle structure as it is to powertrain developments that reduce component mass and overall friction in the name of efficiency.

Tin Bui, a Toyota engineer in charge of Avalon fuel economy and road load development said, “To improve the vehicle’s fuel economy we focused on reducing the vehicle’s resistance which lowers the engine’s effort and fuel consumption. One resistance area we worked on is reducing the vehicle’s weight. With reduced vehicle weight, there is less resistance to accelerate the vehicle. Lower vehicle weight also reduces the vehicle’s tire rolling resistance allowing it to roll more freely.”

One reason Toyota enjoys success with consumers is because of the brand’s focus on producing highly fuel efficient vehicles. In fact, in the U.S. market, Toyota is the most fuel efficient full-line manufacturer offering a vehicle lineup that includes the Prius family (Prius, Prius Plug-in, Prius v, and Prius c) boasting an average combined fuel economy rating of 48 mpg. In addition, the popular Camry sedan offers a 33 mpg average combined fuel economy rating across its models. By the end of 2012, the premium mid-size Avalon Hybrid sedan, that employs many weight-savings engineering tactics, will arrive to market with a combined 40 mpg rating, and offer consumers another highly efficient option.

From Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky

Celebrating Toyota

jillseelmeyer — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:33:28 +0000

Toyota will provide $115,000 to launch Bornlearning Academies for children

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc (TMMK) announced today that the company will provide a $115,000 grant to expand program to help create quality learning opportunities for young children in Kentucky.

The grant, presented by the auto manufacturer to United Way of Kentucky during a news conference at the state Capitol, will help create Toyota bornlearning Academies in 10 Kentucky elementary schools. These Academies will help teach parents and caregivers of children from prenatal to five years old how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.

The 10 elementary schools are Hiseville Elementary in Glasgow; Crabbe Elementary in Ashland; Burgin Elementary in Burgin; May Valley Elementary in Prestonsburg; Grandview Elementary in Bellevue; East Calloway Elementary in Murray; H.W. Wilkey Elementary in Leitchfield; Berea Elementary in Berea; Farley Elementary in Paducah; and Boston Elementary in New Haven.

Toyota has also committed to adding five more academies over the next four years.

The bornlearning concept, created by United Way Worldwide and launched as a pilot project in Northern Kentucky 2010, provides a community resource for parents and teachers to collaborate in early childhood development so that children are better prepared to learn when they enter school.

The bornlearning Academy is an innovative approach to early childhood development and parent engagement. The Academy utilizes bornlearning materials created by United Way Worldwide and a workshop model developed by Tim Hanner, retired school superintendent, United Way of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University. The partnership grew to include the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and United Way of Kentucky. Statewide expansion of the model would not be possible without the commitment from Toyota.

“It’s so important that young people be prepared to learn when they enter school,” said Wil James, TMMK president. “Yet, we all know that too many children are unprepared upon enrollment, and it is a difficult struggle for them to ever catch up. The Toyota bornlearning Academies will help parents become more aware of how their young children learn.”

Each of the 10 Toyota bornlearning Academies will serve as a fun and innovative community resource for parents and teachers to collaborate in early childhood development and explore ways children can learn through everyday interaction. Monthly school-based workshops will provide parents with tools to help their children succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

“Improving early education opportunities for Kentucky’s youngest citizens helps ensure their future success in the classroom and beyond,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “The Toyota bornlearning Academies will help prepare young people as they enter school, and they will more likely be engaged throughout their school careers and become employable and productive adults.”

The bornlearning Academies dovetail with Beshear’s emphasis on early childhood education. In 2011, he created the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council to unite stakeholders behind common strategies, standards and goals for Kentucky’s early childhood system and to advocate for improved quality of early childhood services and improved school readiness. Terry Tolan, the executive director of the administration’s Office of Early Childhood, says the bornlearning Academies are an ideal pairing of public and private agencies to create a stronger learning environment for Kentucky’s children.

“Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, and every parent wants to see their child succeed. Bornlearning Academies help parents of young children learn how they can best meet their child’s needs to assure they will ready for kindergarten,” said Tolan.

Doug Eberhart, president of United Way of Kentucky, said Toyota’s commitment to creating 10 such academies in Kentucky is an important step in raising the state’s overall educational attainment.

“The engagement of young children through learning provides long-term benefits for the children, their schools, their communities and the state as a whole,” Eberhart said. “We are grateful for Toyota’s foresight and long-term commitment to education in Kentucky.”

From Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky

Celebrating Toyota

jillseelmeyer — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:47:25 +0000

Gateway-Toyota accepting applications for N. Ky. outstanding women scholarships

Gateway Community and Technical College has teamed with Toyota for the fifth year to offer the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky scholarship to be awarded for Fall 2013 and Spring 2014. The deadline for application is Dec. 3.

A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to one female Gateway student who is a resident of Northern Kentucky and who exemplifies notable achievement, outstanding college or community service, personal integrity, perseverance and leadership. The recipient will be announced at the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards luncheon in Spring 2013.

To qualify for the Gateway/Toyota OWNK scholarship, applicants must be a current non-traditional female student enrolled in at least six credit hours at Gateway, have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, live in Northern Kentucky, provide two letters of recommendation from non-relatives and complete a Gateway/Toyota OWNK scholarship application at www.gateway.kctcs.edu/Financial_Aid/Scholarships. Application materials must be submitted to the Gateway Financial Aid Office at the college’s Urban Center, 525 Scott Blvd., Covington, Ky. 41011.

A non-traditional student is defined as having one of the following characteristics: 24 years or older; has a child or other non-spousal dependents; did not start college within the same calendar year of graduating from high school; or works a minimum of 35 hours a week.

The Gateway/Toyota OWNK scholarship application is different from the college’s normal scholarship application. Gateway has 32 other scholarship categories, and application criteria vary by category. To be considered for other scholarships, applicants should complete Gateway’s regular scholarship application here. The regular application and additional information on other scholarships will be available on the website in November.

For more information about the OWNK or other scholarships, contact Will Bradley at 859-442-4186 or william.bradley@kctcs.edu. Toyota also has partnered with Northern Kentucky University and Thomas More to offer similar scholarships to their students.

From Gateway Community and Technical College

Celebrating Toyota

terrimclean — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:02:56 +0000

First full-hybrid, premium mid-size car, Avalon, to be assembled in Georgetown

When the all-new, North American designed and engineered 2013 Avalon goes on sale later this year, consumers can choose between a powerful V6 gasoline powertrain and Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive. The efficiency offered by the new hybrid model will help the all-new premium mid-size sedan achieve excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rating of 40 mpg combined.

In addition to offering a hybrid powertrain, the new Avalon features a stunning design, improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.

The car’s engineering development was led by a passionate and dedicated group based at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Continuing a North American focus, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at the award-winning Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) facility in Georgetown, Ky.

Powerful, Efficient V6 Engine

The 2013 Avalon will feature a proven 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle, which has been enhanced to offer more responsive and efficient performance. The all-aluminum six-cylinder engine will produce 268 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft. of torque, which will propel the new sedan to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Compared to the previous-generation Avalon, this 2013 powertrain combination offers improved fuel economy, performance, superior shift feel and response, with upgraded drivability and quietness.

This enhanced powertrain’s programming has been updated to offer ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT Modes. The ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by reducing power application at lower speeds and reducing energy consumed by the air-conditioning system. The SPORT Mode provides increased acceleration responses though altered engine control unit (ECU) programming, and it offers a more direct and responsive EPS programming to enhance steering feel.

In addition, the new transaxle is equipped with a numerically lower differential gear drive ratio (3.23), designed to help improve fuel economy. The V6-powered 2013 Avalon achieves an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (21 city/ 31 hwy).

The transmission operation has been made more efficient and responsive with the adoption of a flex-start control feature lock-up clutch. With lock-up control, the transmission’s torque converter fully engages at a lower RPM during standing starts to improve acceleration response and help suppress unnecessary engine revolutions. The new transmission is also kept at an optimal temperature with an automatic-transmission fluid warmer, helping enhance efficiency.

The multi-mode automatic transmission console shifter offers a D range and can be moved into an S-mode gate, which allows manually operated sequential shifting using the console shifter or available (Touring and Limited models) steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The gear can be selected by moving the shifter up to (+) position or lower using the (-) position to experience highly responsive shifts. By using the paddles or in S-range, the transmission uses a quick responding shift-logic that includes throttle blipping for downshifts. The gear changes and range-of-gear selections are displayed in the color multi-information display.

Avalon hybrid synergy drive

For consumers seeking a premium mid-size sedan with excellent fuel economy ratings and an environmental message, the new Avalon features a full power-split hybrid system. Coupled with reductions in vehicle weight and improvements in aerodynamics, the Avalon Hybrid is expects to achieve impressive fuel economy ratings. The 2013 Avalon incorporates the latest advances in Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, building upon Toyota’s 14 years of hybrid-development experience. The Avalon Hybrid features a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle. A power-control unit located in the engine compartment houses an inverter, a DC-DC converter, a step-up converter (raises voltage to a maximum of 650 volts) and the hybrid-drive ECU, which governs the seamless operation of electric-motor power application and regenerative braking. The power control unit relies on liquid cooling to maintain an efficient temperature.

The Avalon Hybrid achieves a total system output of 200 horsepower and offers three unique modes of operation: EV, ECO and SPORT. The Avalon Hybrid models achieve an EPA-rated 40 mpg in the city, and a 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 40 mpg EPA-rating.

The 2013 Avalon Hybrid offers an EV mode that, under certain conditions, allows the vehicle to operate solely on electric propulsion. EV mode can be engaged, provided other conditions are correct, for up to one mile at speeds up to 25 mph, providing an all-electric option that is convenient in residential areas or parking garages.

The ECO drive mode engages the gasoline motor, but reduces throttle response and HVAC output to help improve overall efficiency. The SPORT Mode takes full advantage of the new Avalon’s dynamic character, improved chassis, and enhanced suspension by altering the engine’s throttle response and enhancing steering feel.

The Avalon’s hybrid’s battery pack is comprised of 204 cells and is located in the vehicle trunk behind the rear seats, while still providing ample trunk space. The scroll casing for the battery cooling system’s blower fan has been designed to produce extremely quiet and efficient airflow, helping reduce interior noise and elevating refinement. The power-control unit, located in the engine bay, houses the inverter, DC-DC converter.

The efficient hybrid transaxle in the new Avalon contains two high-output electric motor/generators, a power-split device, an open differential and the final drive ratio. Motor/Generator 1 (MG1) is used to start the gasoline engine and generate the energy that is returned to the battery to power the system. Motor/Generator 2 (MG2) is primarily responsible for electric drivetrain propulsion and regenerative braking. The hybrid vehicle transaxle also incorporates a flywheel-damper design that helps reduce noise and vibration during engine engagement.

Captivating styling with luxurious interior

The new 2013 Avalon is the product of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan’s striking exterior and luxurious interior design was conceived by a youthful, talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc., facilities in Southern California and Michigan.

True to the future product mission set forth by Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda, the new Avalon’s more stylish, bold, sporty exterior design and luxurious interior styling are matched by an enhanced dynamic package, a combination that foreshadows the more compelling and passionate nature of future Toyota products.

From Toyota

Celebrating Toyota

jacobclabes — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:16:37 +0000

Our Toyota

Celebrating Toyota

Toyota Kentucky honors its top volunteers at annual Volunteers in Place event

Celebrating Toyota

Waltrip brothers among NASCAR drivers making preseason appearance at Toyota

Celebrating Toyota

Georgetown announces new Toyota campaign to increase scholarships for minority students

Celebrating Toyota

A dozen students receive Partners For Youth/Toyota scholarships

Celebrating Toyota

Toyota announces $1 million contribution to Red Cross, others for hurricane relief

Toyota celebrates production of 25 millionth car, start of production on redesigned Avalon

Weight reduction a key element of Fuel Efficiency Mission of new 2013 Avalon

Celebrating Toyota

Toyota will provide $115,000 to launch Bornlearning Academies for children

Celebrating Toyota

Gateway-Toyota accepting applications for N. Ky. outstanding women scholarships

Celebrating Toyota

First full-hybrid, premium mid-size car, Avalon, to be assembled in Georgetown

Celebrating Toyota

A dozen students receive Partners
For Youth/Toyota scholarships