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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Toyota models earns 5 of 10 ‘top picks’ Reports from Consumer

Toyota models related coveted "Top Pick" designations in five of 10 categories of automotive issue of Consumer Reports annual sale March 6th, magazine announced today in Washington, DC, at a meeting of the Association Washington Automotive press.

The last time a single brand that has been dominated by Honda in 2003, CR says, noting that no Honda has won "first choice" status this year, so that two of the three years that compliance brand Japan has been conspicuous by their absence.

CR redesigned Camry hybrid called the best family car can buy - not the full range Camry, only the hybrid. Toyota to upgrade the engine to fuel and electricity for the 2012 model, so it is faster and smoother, and offers a lower priced model, so that buyers can get one for under $ 30,000.

The liability class comes shortly after Toyota took top honors in a significant recent study by JD Power and Associates report card quality. Toyota is almost delirious after another, after so long been battered by bad news - Safety recalls the earthquake / tsunami devastation in Japan caused a shortage of goods worldwide, flooding in Thailand, exhausted reserves of computer chips used in computers to cars.

Here are the top models of the magazine in 10 categories:

FAMILY SEDAN: Toyota Camry Hybrid ($29,052). In addition to its impressive 38 mpg overall fuel economy, other high points include a comfortable ride; a roomy, quiet, cabin; fairly quick acceleration;

and for 2012, a nicer interior and somewhat crisper handling (although the Camry is still no sports sedan).

SPORTY CAR: Ford Mustang ($28,880 to $43,880). The heart of this iconic sports car has always been its strong acceleration and rumbling V8 power. But now there’s more to the Mustang than power. Agile

handling, a decent ride, comfortable front seats, and very good fit and finish make the current version an inviting package. The Mustang delivers good fuel economy (22-24 mpg) for its class.

SMALL SUV: Toyota RAV4 ($24,405 to $30,328). With a four-cylinder engine, the RAV4 delivers some of the best gas mileage in its class (23 mpg). The spirited V6 version accelerates as quickly as many sports sedans and gets only 1 mpg less than the four-cylinder model.

AFFORDABLE FAMILY SEDAN: Hyundai Sonata ($21,800). CR chose the four-cylinder Sonata as a more affordable alternative to the Camry Hybrid. The Sonata provides a roomy, well-equipped cabin, supple ride, nimble handling, and thrifty 27 mpg overall, for just a little bit more money than many small

sedans.

FAMILY HAULER: Toyota Sienna V6 ($35,810). The Sienna fits the bill nicely for families looking for a comfortable, roomy interior, plenty of features, and the ability to carry up to eight people. Among its high points are lively performance, decent fuel economy (20 mpg), and a comfortable ride, although the

handling is rather lackluster. It’s the only minivan that has at least average reliability.

SPORTS SEDAN: Infiniti G ($34,225 to $37,225). The G37’s agile handling, blistering acceleration, and comfortable, well-crafted interior make it one of CR’s highest-scoring sedans. The G is on this list for the sixth straight year. The less expensive but equally inviting G25 isn’t as quick, but gets 24 mpg

overall, 3 more than the G37.

GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius ($26,750 to $28,217). The Prius sets the standard for fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability with its overall 44 mpg. Its roomy interior, comfortable ride, and hatchback versatility make it easy to live with. The 41 mpg of the new Prius V wagon easily tops its class.

SMALL CAR: Subaru Impreza ($21,345). Redesigned for 2012, the all-wheel-drive Impreza is a well-rounded roomy sedan with nimble handling and a compliant, absorbent ride that rivals some luxury sedans. Fuel economy of 27 mpg overall is impressive for an AWD car.

PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Avalanche ($47,435). The Avalanche provides the best combination of utility and versatility of any pickup CR has tested. Its unified bed and cab help give it a steady, comfortable ride, and the cabin is quiet. Its overall mpg is 14.

FAMILY SUV: Toyota Highlander ($38,578 to $47,255). The refined, comfortable, and quiet Highlander has consistently ranked near the top of its class in CR’s road-test scores and has had above-average

reliability. The V6 version delivers a decent 18 mpg overall, and the hybrid model tops all SUVs at 27.

Details on Consumer Reports’ Top Picks for 2012, Automaker Report Cards, Best and Worst list and other key findings are available in the April issue of ConsumerReports on newsstands March 6 or at the magazine’s website.

Consumer Reports says its tests are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or website. It says that more than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety and fuel economy.

Roughly 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process. CR buys all its test cars anonymously from dealers. Other reviewers base their evaluations on press cars that are hand-picked by the automakers.

Gannett News Service

Nevada:frst state to adopt future of the automobile

Nevada, only became the first state to legalize robotic cars that drive. Watch for cars branded Google bot on your next trip to Las Vegas.

A fleet of vehicles, each test marked by a red, are showing how well the cars can drive.

"Nevada is the first state to adopt what is undoubtedly the future of the automobile," said Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles director Bruce Breslow. Several other states, including Florida and Oklahoma, are considering following the example Nevada, and manufacturers that include BMW and Audi cars are to explore automation.

If Breslow is right, and soon robotic cars on the road, what will be the Chicago of the future? The short answer is "different."

The researchers see interesting perspectives in robotic cars - things like fewer accidents, reduced traffic and vehicle access for groups previously unable to drive, including children and the elderly.

Much of the technology driving the cars to be used will be familiar to today's drivers - GPS to determine the routes and a hub of sensors to identify obstacles in the way. There will be new technologies like wireless communications between vehicles and the routes used to manage traffic.

Intersections as we know, is ripe for change. Peter Stone, associate professor of computer science at the University of Texas at Austin, considering the end of the traffic lights.

"The cars would be able to coordinate to the next level," he said. "They will be able to call ahead at an intersection and reserve a time to cross, crossing effective at specific times"

Vehicle moving from east to west not lined up waiting their turn to go north and south of the traffic stop. Instead, the cars passing through all sides at all times, almost no interruption or slowdown passing other cars. They could be programmed to encourage travel by bus or car sharing, providing priority reservations.

The use of similar control mechanisms, all multi-lane road or one-way street will become a fast-track change throughout the day. Instead of the Kennedy Expressway highways reverse its bid in response to peak flow paths can change at any time based on traffic patterns, route changes instantly the car intending to enter a sense.

"A four-lane highway could have two lanes going in each direction, but the change to three going in one direction and mutual assistance if the traffic has called for it," said Pierre.

The benefits are twofold: a dynamic traffic management to significantly reduce and prevent stop-start traffic will improve gas mileage and reduce greenhouse emissions.

But traffic is not the same problem it is today, Stone said. Autonomous cars are much more accurate and would not need both the distance between the cars. Human beings follow the "three-second rule", the placement of three seconds of reaction time between your car and those who follow. Robot Cars respond more quickly, reducing the space required between vehicles and increased car that could be on the road at a time.

Parking in Wrigleyville night game time would be less of a nightmare. Self-driving cars could drop a passenger off at the order of magnitude and find their parking miles away from themselves, to return when the driver called. Stone said it could significantly reduce the number of cars that need a city. Zipcar programs, such as car-sharing could become much more sensitive, with cars that drive themselves may pick up passengers if necessary, then return to a community pool.

Pierre said he believes the robotic car head start is not comfort or convenience. Instead, the best reason to use automated vehicle safety could be

"Ninety-five percent of accidents are human error related," said Pierre.

The irony is that the perceived lack of security in the robotic car is one of the main obstacles to the future robot car. An opening of its program Zinger Wednesday, Stephen Colbert reference to the guidelines of Nevada test autonomous vehicles as "nothing [Nevada] do not gamble."

There is an alternative to cars through fully automated. At Audi, famous for "Shelley", the automated car climbed Pike in 2010, the strategy is to use the same technologies as a support (not replace) drivers.

"We really do not see or autonomous robotic vehicles," said Brian Stertz, corporate communications manager for Audi of America. "We see it as a" pilot "driving".

Unlike Peter, who said he considered that cars stress robotic traffic as analogous to the experience of riding on a train, compared with the Audi Stertz vision to fly a plane. More modern aircraft to fly themselves, but still require the guidance of a pilot who can fly the plane if necessary.

"Deer still jump across the road," said Stertz. "I maintain that you still have the drivers."

However, many of the benefits that Peter sees fully automated cars, Stertz those seen in the automated part. There would still be a wireless communication between cars dynamically influencing traffic. Cars could not travel long distances to park, but still be able to leave a corridor while cruising a parking lot to find their own space. And go to security applications just as impressive.

Audi will use the technology of the same sensors that guide the conduct of a private car to prevent drivers aware of their surroundings and use among board communications to alert drivers if another car came around a blind corner .

The automaker has proven fully automated robotic car DARPA Challenge for cars began in 2004 - although it plans to sell only those controlled. Powered or without driver, Stertz said he was impressed by the progress even automatic cars in such a short time.

"When we started this with the DARPA Challenge, which was really science fiction," he said. "Now we are integrating technology in our cars.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

2012 BMW M6:Competes with Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

2012 BMW M6:Competes with Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG
2012 BMW M6:Competes with Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

After a sabbatical of two years, the BMW M6 is back for the model year, packing more power and better fuel efficiency. First to launch will be the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible, in June, with a 2013 BMW M6 Coupe after the end of this summer.

If you've read on the 2012 BMW M5, you will be familiar with many performance improvements in the new M6. The model receives a new V-8 engine - the first time in the BMW X5 M, X6 M, and more recently on the M5. Despite the smaller displacement and two less than the M6 ​​cylinder 2010, the new engine offers more power and better fuel efficiency. Rated at 560 horsepower, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 also produces 502 pounds-feet of torque, which is the most powerful engine ever available in a distribution model BMW, says the manufacturer. The powertrain packs 119 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque over 2010. Auto Start-Stop M6 and braking also standard on the model.

The new M6 coupe can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds is 4.3 seconds for the convertible. Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Instead of offering manual and automatic transmissions, all M6S now equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch that offers full manual shift options and fully automated. There are three different drivers of certain programs in each mode, including an option for assistance at low speeds that allow the passage of the car smoothly through heavy traffic. There is also a parking mode automatically activated and the release control mode.

The M6 ​​also receives a long suspension and chassis improvements, including more robust brakes and electronically controlled dampers. BMW Performance options include first carbon fiber ceramic composite brake discs.

The M6 ​​is equipped with alloy wheels and tires 19 inch ultra-high performance, performance tires are optional 20-inch.

Updates include exterior four tailpipes and xenon high intensity discharge with LED accents. M6 coupe roof receives a molded carbon fiber composite, the convertible soft top can be opened and closed at a speed of 25 mph. Optional Adaptive Headlights LED, too.

In the cabin, the model also receives the M-treatment, only electronic sports seats, wheel specific boundary M of management, interior trim in carbon fiber and an anthracite headlining.

Prices, specifications and additional features will be announced closer to the date of the sale in early summer. BMW said that the model provides fuel to consume 30% less than the previous model, which reported an abysmal 13 mpg city / highway combined score of the EPA.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Toyota Speedway at Irwindale made ​​the announcement today at 1:30 pm

Toyota Speedway at Irwindale: was a motor sports center located in Irwindale, California, USA. It featured readings, 1/2- and 1/3-mile paved track oval and a 1/8-mile drag bar. Opened March 27, 1999, Irwindale Speedway, and as it came to the conclusion that the name until Toyota has bought the naming rights to the facility in 2008. Since its opening until 2011, is used primarily for NASCAR racing as NASCAR K & N Pro Series and West Series events Whelen All-American. In late 2011, NASCAR announced the abandonment of Toyota Speedway of your calendar. They said the race course was about to declare bankruptcy. On February 12, 2012, was reported in the Los Angeles Daily News that the track was permanently closed, his mouth stands being dismantled and the site of the track and the road sign online bulletin board.

Toyota Speedway at Irwindale Announcement:
Irwindale Speedway made ​​the announcement today at 1:30 pm - "The management of Irwindale Speedway, announced today that the 2012 racing season was canceled."

Is this all there is? In fact, after over 12 years of involvement in the racing community, ASA, NASCAR, USAC, Lucas Oil Modified, etc., etc., that is? What has been repeatedly hailed as the best short track in the country and one of the elected NASCAR, the giant half miles with a whimper?

No real sign of the WHO, what, where, why, when, how?

I called the powers that be in Irwindale. I through it, but I have not had a single person, I have a ". To leave a voice message"

I do not blame the people involved in making decisions that might prevent a deluge of phone calls? Not really. Draisines However, brokers have built, decisions, sponsors promised. No, Irwindale Speedway, I owe them nothing, they had signed contracts, except maybe not owe them more information.

If this is the case, either a temporary or permanent closure, I want to thank everyone who helped make the circuit and all that keeps things moving volunteers to paid staff.

The racing community has had many happy times there. If this happens, it will not be forgotten. The loss of this track, plus the loss of the race at Orange Show Speedway (San Bernardino, California) in the same season, is a blow to competition, not only in southern California, but to the west and race as a whole.

Read news about Toyota, Lexus and Scion.

President of Toyota Motor North America:19 New products may come this year under Toyota, Lexus and Scion

After the memories of his days in Chicago as a graduate student at Northwestern University, Toyota said Yoshi Inaba why 2012 is such a great year for Japanese OEMs.

President of Toyota Motor North America and chief operating officer, said recently in a meeting at the Economic Club of Chicago, which the automaker will launch 19 new or updated products this year under the Toyota, Lexus and Scion.

And Inaba said that many of these vehicles either fuel or hybrids.

"As anyone here can remember, gasoline was the fuel for cars and trucks in the U.S., and will continue in the foreseeable future," Inaba admitted.
"But fossil fuels are difficult in the environment and supplies do not meet the growing global demand from countries like China, India and Brazil are growing in industrialized countries," he said. "And as you know, when demand is high and supplies are low prices soar.

"We see at the pump today and the U.S. Energy Department warned that gas supplies can retighten the spring and summer, resulting in even higher prices. Therefore, it is prudent to explore other alternative fuels and that's what Toyota does not "even said Inaba.

To reinforce how Toyota's strategy and fuel efficient hybrid is successful, the impact of the Prius high Inaba, the unit that was on American roads and distributors franchise since 2000.

Compared to the average of the vehicles since 2000, Inaba has calculated that the Prius has saved about:

-1.1 Billion gallons of gasoline
-16 Million tons of CO2
- $ 2.9 billion in fuel costs.

"And a recent study, if everyone in the U.S. led to a Prius, we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil in 70" Inaba said.

"That's why we've created a whole family of Prius to meet the diverse needs of American consumers, including a plug-in Prius and the new Prius this spring c is" shared.

Beyond the Prius, Inaba also used his appearance in Chicago to reach many more fuel-efficient technologies is Toyota business:

-Set up of internal combustion engines and reduce vehicle weight for better mileage and lower emissions.

-Creation of advanced solid state batteries and metal-air, which could double the performance of lithium ion cells today.

-The use of more carbon neutral, eco-based plastic plants to develop the components inside our vehicles.

Fuel sales fuel cell hydrogen zero emissions of the vehicle 2015.

"Therefore, based on available fuels, we are ready to meet the needs of customers, wherever they live," he said Inaba.

In addition, Inaba praised the leadership of president, Akio Toyoda World has come to a wide range of businesses to ensure that the products of Toyota will meet the changing needs of customers and society.

In the past 21 months, Inaba said Toyota:

-Forging an alliance with Tesla to bring to market an electric RAV4 quicker than expected.

-Team with Ford to develop hybrid systems for trucks and large SUVs.

-In collaboration with Microsoft to ensure the latest technology to connect vehicles in the future clouds anywhere on earth.

Israel diplomat's car got fired near PM house in Delhi

An Israeli official said Monday that an "explosion" has affected car an Israeli diplomat in the city, the Associated Press.

Four people were injured in the incident, the television reported.

Israeli Embassy spokesman, David Goldfarb, said the car was near the embassy when the explosion occurred Monday.

The incident took place about 500 meters from the Prime Minister's residence. The incident occurred at 15:15.

The injured were taken to RML Hospital. Employee however, an injured Israeli embassy was admitted to the AIIMS.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Toyota automaker increased profit to 11% for investor in new models

Toyota Motor Corp., the largest automaker in Asia, raised its profit forecast a 11 percent increase in new sales models. The result can be even better than the company expected, investors say.

"The automaker is boosting production of every month," said Takashi Aoki, a fund manager based in Tokyo at Mizuho Asset Management Co. "Toyota will do everything possible to increase the volume of sales and regain market share as much as possible. "

The maker of the Camry sedan, said it plans to launch 19 new models in the U.S. Toyota outsold General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG last year, is preparing to sell a record number of vehicles in the world during 2012. His signs of resurgence of GM, VW and Hyundai Motor Co. give back some market share gained in 2011.

Analysts are more optimistic that the automaker based in Toyota City. Before the company raised its forecast full-year net profit of 200 billion yen ($ 2.6 million), the average of 20 estimates compiled by Bloomberg expects 285.4 million yen. As recently as January, the average was over 300 billion yen, even after the automaker has reduced its forecast of 180 billion yen in December.

Toyota rose 1.8 percent to 30 euros in Frankfurt trading. The stock closed unchanged at 2.986 yen in Tokyo before the company reported earnings and raised its projections.

Return of confidence

For the third quarter ended Dec. 31, net income dropped 14 percent to 80.9 billion yen, while revenue rose 4.1 percent to 4.87 billion yen, Toyota said.

The renewed confidence of Toyota compared to 2011, when the company's business was hit by the deadly earthquake and tsunami in Japan, floods in the manufacturing center of South Asia from Thailand and a yen that advanced cases after the war.

Opinion on the benefits of Toyota are also a contrast with the manufacturers of consumer electronics, hard to recover. In the past month, Sony Corp. has more than doubled its forecast for annual losses, while Panasonic Corp. and Sharp Corp. is expected to post losses. Honda Motor Co., the Japanese automaker in third place, last week cut its forecast full-year profits.

The recovery in 2012 - described by the president of Honda Takanobu Ito as the year of "full recovery" - is increasing in the United States and Japan, the largest market for both Toyota. U.S. sales increased 7.5 percent in January, led by Camry jump midsize sedan 56 percent, according to Autodata. At home, the provision of Toyota passenger vehicles rose 46 percent last month, the biggest gain since April 2010, according to the Automobile Dealers Association of Japan.

Gains in market share

Toyota could regain market share from GM in the U.S. this year, according to a Bloomberg survey of five analysts. The Japanese can capture a market share of 13.8 percent this year compared to 12.9 percent last year, while GM could fall to 19 percent, from 19.6 percent last year according to the survey.

Toyota today raised its sales forecast for the fiscal year to 7.41 million vehicles, compared to the previous projection of 7.38 million. Toyota sales forecasts of 3 February, including Hino Motors Ltd and Daihatsu Motor Co., from January to December will increase to some 9.58 million vehicles records.

Jim Lentz, director of sales in the U.S., the largest market for Toyota, said in Detroit last month that sales of the Prius increased by over 60 percent in the country and overcome some record 220,000 vehicles, driven by the new smaller version of the hybrid hatchback.

Government Support

In Japan, the second largest market for Toyota, the government began to give up certain taxes and savings certificates offer low-emission vehicles in December to help the domestic industry. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said Dec. 20 that the incentives will help boost domestic demand of 900,000 vehicles in 2012 after the fall of last year's record.

Read more on 2012 toyota car reviews.

Fisker Automotive Electric Car Company Received $ 528 Million Loan of Energy

Fisker Automotive, the electric car company that received $ 528 million in loan guarantees from the Ministry of Energy, announced layoffs at its plant in Delaware on Monday.
The Department of Energy has decided to support two projects Fisker electric car, a luxury model: the Karma $ 103,000, which is for sale - and a more affordable sedan, Nina.
Loans must be repaid in phases, but Fisker lost production targets, retaining much of the federal contribution out of reach for now. Fisker said it is working to renegotiate the loan agreement with the government.

"We have delayed temporary work at the plant on the basis of ongoing discussions with the Department of Education for funding for the proposed program of Nina. Accordingly, we laid off 26 people," the company said in a statement Monday.
The Department of Energy has been criticized in the past year, where some of start-up support that went bankrupt. Three companies that have obtained guarantees of loans or grants - advanced solar panel maker Solyndra, a manufacturer of battery-Ener1, Beacon Power and safety of alternative energy, have gone bankrupt.

The Energy Department spokesman Damien Lavera said the two sides continue to work together and that the problems were typical for startups Fisker.
"The ministry is working with Fisker to consider a revised business plan and determine the best way forward for the company to meet its criteria, the production of cars and employ workers here in America," has Lavera said .

Fisker Karma: low-calorie soft
Fisker said it received $ 193 million in government loan guarantees so far, most of its program of Karma, and continues to seek alternative sources of funding.
"We have brought together an additional 260 million shares in late 2011, bringing the total number of private equity financing to more than 850 million dollars," the company said.

Fisker production facility in Delaware is a factory of General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) is returned to service. The plant Fisker Nina sedan, but production has not started yet.
Vice President Joe Biden of Delaware Governor Jack Markell and CEO Henrik Fisker Fisker were together in 2009 to announce plans for the plant.
At that time, unionized workers were promised an opportunity to fill many of the 2,000 jobs in the factories that produce the plug-in electric sedan. It was unclear Monday how many of these positions were already filled.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Toyota forklift 8FBN models coming with energy efficiency

Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) will soon present a new range of tonnes of capacity from 1.5 to 3 classified into four-wheel electric counterbalanced forklift battery.

The new Toyota forklift efficient 8FBN series meets customer demands for longer operating time between charges.

It also offers greater safety and environmental resistance performance, operator fatigue, durability and water.

8FBN There are five models, ranging from 1.5 to 3 tons of load center 500 mm with a range of masts, hydraulic controls and accessories.

A number of accessories available, and a package of cold storage for operation at least 45 degrees Celsius and a set of protection against corrosion.

TMHA National Product Manager of electric forklifts from Toyota, says Jim Lobow the new series of lift trucks has a new 8FBN AC, more efficient engines and controllers, the improved design of equipment and a completely new pedaling system detection for regenerative braking.

"Pedal regenerative braking can sometimes be the new Toyota forklift 8FBN models to improve the efficiency of energy recovery, increasing the operating time," he said.

"The relationship regenerative braking when braking is adjusted by the percentage of the brake pedal travel."

TMHA enhancement requests associated with an improved model of the series of about five percent more uptime 7FB.

"The greatest single advance in the series could be the equivalent of fire control 7FB speed automatic," says Lobow.

"The new system combines the sensor lift height and load weight, the automatic speed control that limits the speed of the truck turning -. Depending on the condition of the vehicle "

At high altitude, vehicle speed, acceleration and deceleration are limited depending on the cargo.

The combination of new design high-mount rear axle and the speed control ensures the forklift becomes more stable operating conditions.

"Increased water resistance IPX4 rating and zero emissions, including hexavalent chromium-free design means that the new Toyota 8FBN series is suitable for a wide range of end users and even challenge some of the applications of truck engine "added Lobow.

The main options for the new range of Toyota forklifts 8FBN switch also includes a master manipulator, and shock sensor.

It is also possible to roll or roll-out of forks on the bottom of the box from the battery to a battery side can be used for the implementation of several rounds.

A pioneer in the series has 8 internal combustion engines have been adopted, including the control of lifting height and the sudden acceleration to pie-start the control and prevention.

The new SAS now has € 8FBN with enhanced features such as automatic speed control and vehicle speed.

It also comes with the tower controller role asset tested, which now includes tilt-leveling rear active steering synchroniser and optimize productivity.
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