- Commitment to innovation and the environment
- Celebrating 10 years of hybrid technology
- Introducing radical new small car concept
- Continuing to update current popular models
Toyota’s role as a global leader in automotive innovation and environmental concern is highlighted at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
The company is celebrating 10 years of commercial success with hybrid technology and the world’s most popular low emissions hybrid car, the Toyota Prius. Additionally, Toyota is highlighting its commitment to expanding its small car sales in a bid to reduce CO2 emissions. Toyota is using this show to present radical solutions to the challenges of urban transport, with a vision of an ultra-compact, highly specified, modern urban concept car. The Frankfurt Motor Show is this year also Toyota’s showcase for the latest updates to some of its most popular models in Europe, including the Yaris, the RAV4 and the Land Cruiser.
Success in hybrid technology
Today, Toyota is marking 10 years of success with hybrid technology and the world’s most popular hybrid car, the Toyota Prius.
Sold in over 44 countries world-wide, there are now 66,000 on Europe’s roads. In May 2007, cumulative Toyota and Lexus hybrid sales surpassed the 1 million mark and Toyota group plans to double its hybrid vehicle line-up over the coming years. Launched in Europe in 2001, Prius was most recently revised in 2006, to offer a fresh face, improved interior comfort and sharper driving dynamics. The Toyota Prius will now also be offered in an additional colour: Blue Mika Metallic.
Concept car iQ
The concept car iQ is designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners. In an urban environment, people want dynamic and edgy design, but rational factors such as size, functionality and CO2 emissions are not ignored.
Concept car iQ overcomes the limitations of ultra-compact urban transport with an interior space that offers unique versatility within a minimal footprint. In regular use, driver and passenger sit side by side. But, to accommodate a third adult or adult and child, the front passenger seat can be moved in a more forward position allowing more room and easier access to the rear area.
The RAV4 Cross Sport
The iconic Toyota RAV4 was the best selling SUV in Europe in 2006. Showcased at Frankfurt, the RAV4 Cross Sport offers customers the usual sophisticated design and quality, with a range of enhancements for 2008.
New 17-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels add further sophistication. A new chrome-plate front grille and privacy glass are now offered as standard. The fresh underrun-protector design, in silver or black, gives the vehicle a sporty touch. The diesel line-up is even more environmentally friendly with the addition of a Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) on the best selling 2.2l D-4D 135 engine.
Yaris line-up refreshed
At Frankfurt, two new models will be introduced for the Yaris line-up. The new Yaris 1.0l petrol grade will include leather steering wheel with remote audio controls and telescopic steering column adjustment. The audio system will also be MP3 compatible.
Beyond that, a new mid-range grade will be launched in exclusive Ash Grey. On offer is refined sportiness from a choice of petrol or diesel engines and an exclusive, fully-integrated audio/navigation system with detachable handset. This allows use of the navigation function away from the vehicle.
Land Cruiser range updates
Also premiered at Frankfurt are Land Cruiser range improvements that will cement the model’s place at the forefront of the European SUV segment. A new black exterior theme is underpinned by darkened headlamps, new front grille and six-spoke alloy wheels, with darkened finish to draw the eye to the bold wheel arches and emphasise the Land Cruiser's rugged appeal. Privacy glass is offered as standard on higher-grade models and inside, extra equipment and more refined styling elements add to passenger comfort and the premium quality ambience.
