News and Reviews
Toyota Leads Market Above One Million Sales
Toyota has been confirmed as the best-selling automotive brand in Australia in 2010 as the local new-vehicle market cracked one million sales for only the third time.
Official figures released today show Toyota was the overall market leader, selling more than one out of every five new cars, SUVs and trucks.
Australians bought 214,718 new Toyota vehicles last year, helping to push the local market to 1,035,574 – the second highest result on record.
Toyota's tally was its seventh consecutive year above 200,000 sales – a level never reached by any other brand.
It widened the gap over its nearest rival to more than 81,700 vehicles – the equivalent of 224 extra sales every day of the year.
Toyota has topped the sales charts for the past eight years in a row and for 14 of the past 20 years.
Senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said Toyota did not take its market-leading position for granted.
"Toyota’s success is due to the quality of our vehicles, the commitment of our dealers, the dedication of our staff and the loyalty of our customers," Mr Buttner said.
"We are focused on our customers and we are focused on the future," he said. Corolla – Australia’s best-selling vehicle in November and December – was Toyota’s most popular vehicle with sales rising to more than 41,600. It has been the best-selling vehicle in NSW for the past five years and Australia’s best-selling small car for each of the past 11 years.
HiLux, with almost 39,900 deliveries, was Australia’s best-selling ute, best-selling 4WD and best-selling light-commercial vehicle. It was the outright best seller in Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
Camry, LandCruiser Prado, LandCruiser wagon and HiAce van and bus – in addition to Corolla and HiLux 2WD and 4WD – were all leaders in their respective market segments.
New-generation Prado, in its first full year of sales, regained the crown as Australia’s top-selling SUV with demand jumping 27 per cent to 16,745 units.
Mr Buttner said Toyota was Australia's leading automotive exporter with Camry, Hybrid Camry and Aurion cars shipped to more than 20 destinations.
He said production at Toyota's Melbourne manufacturing plant increased by 23.6 per cent to almost 120,000 cars in 2010. Of these, almost 83,000 were exported, mainly to the Middle East – an increase of more than 30 per cent over the previous year.
"We are also investing in new-generation engines to be produced in Australia that are more fuel efficient, produce fewer carbon emissions and provide significant opportunities for new exports," Mr Buttner said.
Seven Years’ Good Luck for LandCruiser
Toyota’s LandCruiser has proven its popularity among private motorists by winning the 2010 “People’s Choice” award for large SUVs.
It is the seventh year in a row LandCruiser has won this award from the Carsales network of automotive websites.
Votes for the 2010 award were tallied over 12 months. Each vote represented a genuine inquiry through the Carsales websites.
LandCruiser, which has the longest history of any Toyota nameplate, accounts for almost three out of every four large SUVs sold in Australia this year.
The latest award comes just one month before LandCruiser celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking production of the first prototype.
A rugged off-roader, the early model was largely responsible for establishing Toyota – and its reputation for quality, durability and reliability – in markets outside Japan.
Originally named the Toyota BJ, its name was changed to LandCruiser in 1954.
So far this year, LandCruiser’s local sales have grown by 18.5 per cent to 8,190 in the large SUV segment.
All-time sales of the LandCruiser family in Australia, including the 70 Series range and Prado, have topped 750,000.
New LandCruiser 200 Series wagons are covered by Toyota Service Advantage, which caps the price for a standard scheduled service at $210 for the first three years or 60,000km (whichever comes first).*
* For full Toyota Service Advantage details and conditions, visit advantage.toyota.com.au.
Toyota Corolla - Australia’s Best-Selling Car
Toyota’s Corolla has topped Australia’s new-car sales charts for the 12th time in November.
More than 4,500 Corolla sedans and hatches were driven out of Toyota showrooms during the month – a winning margin of more than 750.
The popularity of Corolla helped Toyota retain its long-term market leadership, along with HiLux, Yaris and Camry – all of which were the top-selling vehicles in their respective segments.
In November, more than 19,900 Toyota vehicles were registered, a figure that is higher than the combined totals of its nearest two competitors.
Toyota is now within just 7,000 vehicles of achieving 200,000 sales for the seventh consecutive year. No other company has ever reached that mark.
Corolla’s strong sales propelled it back to overall leadership of the small-car market – a segment it has led since 2000.
It became Australia’s best-selling car for the first time in September 2005 and has repeated the feat twice in both 2006 and 2008, three times in both 2007 and 2009.
In November, Yaris was the best-selling light car and Camry moved closer to clinching its 17th year as leader of the medium segment.
The three top-selling SUVs last month were all Toyota vehicles – Kluger, RAV4 and Prado – with Prado leading in the contest to be the number-one SUV for the year.
Other segment leaders for Toyota in November and for the year so far are LandCruiser 200 Series wagon, HiAce van and HiAce bus.
Hybrid Camry wins two Major Awards
Toyota Australia’s locally built Hybrid Camry has won its first two major awards – Fairfax Drive Green Innovation and People’s Choice Awards.
It is the second year running that a Toyota petrol-electric hybrid has claimed these two prestigious awards, following last year’s victories by the Prius.
The Green Innovation Award was judged by nine of Australia’s most senior motoring journalists and presented today by Fairfax Drive national motoring editor Toby Hagon.
The People's Choice Award is determined by members of the public voting in an on-line poll.
Judges praised Hybrid Camry for its small-car fuel consumption and above-average engine performance.
They described it as a breakthrough car for the Australian automotive industry, offering a tangible benefit as soon as it is driven from the showroom.
Hybrid Camry delivers large-car performance while substantially reducing fuel bills and environmental impact compared with other similar-sized family cars.
Its fuel economy and emissions are the best for any Australian-built car.
It is the only mid-sized passenger car and the only Australian-built car awarded the maximum five stars by the Australian Green Vehicle Guide.
The two awards are regarded as a tribute to employees at Toyota’s Altona manufacturing plant in Melbourne who build the Hybrid Camry.
Toyota leads with Hilux, Corolla and SUVs
Toyota has produced strong market-leading sales in October on the back of HiLux, Corolla and its SUVs.
Official figures released today show HiLux, with 3,001 new customers, was Toyota’s best-selling vehicle last month.
It was followed closely by Corolla with 2,803 sales.
In the popular SUV market segments, Toyota vehicles filled three of the top four sales positions – RAV4 was first, Kluger was second and Prado fourth.
Toyota’s October sales total of 16,329 vehicles was 60 per cent higher than any other company.
So far this year, Toyota dealers have delivered almost 174,000 vehicles – a lead of more than 62,000 over its nearest rival.
Toyota and its national dealer network are planning a strong end to the year, with improved value and competitive offers including low-interest finance^ for approved buyers on Yaris YR and Corolla Ascent five-door hatches.
Toyota is now positioned to finish the year with more than 200,000 sales – a level never achieved by any other car company in Australia.
^For full details of the Toyota Finance Advantage offer, visit toyota.com.au/special-offers.
Toyota steps up Value Campaign
Toyota Australia today stepped up its value campaign for Yaris and Corolla with a finance offer at just 2.9 per cent* for approved private buyers and certain ABN holders.
The latest move comes two weeks after Toyota improved value across the Corolla and Yaris range by adding features and repositioning prices.
The four-year Toyota Finance Advantage deal is available on Corolla Ascent and Yaris YR 5-door hatches bought between now and January 31, next year.
Prices for these variants were reduced by $750 last month and now start at $20,990** for the Corolla Ascent manual and $15,690** for the Yaris YR 5-door manual.
As part of the value upgrade, Ascent hatches also gained full-length curtain and driver’s knee airbags – bringing their total to seven airbags – as well as the convenience of rear power windows.
The Toyota Finance Advantage will deliver substantial interest savings compared with traditional finance.
The comparison rate of 2.9 per cent is less than one-quarter the rate charged by some motor-vehicle finance providers.
Consumers can lower their weekly or monthly repayments even further by making a final balloon payment of up to 40 per cent at the end of the four-year finance period.
Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said Yaris and Corolla were vital models, representing more than 60 per cent of Toyota’s sales of passenger cars.
"We are determined to continue offering customers excellent value with these cars, whether by adding features, repositioning prices or through other competitive offers such as finance," Mr Buttner said.
Yaris and Corolla are covered by Toyota Service Advantage, which offers further value with capped-price servicing for up to six scheduled services in the first three years or 60,000km, whichever comes first.^^
So far this year, Toyota has sold more than 32,000 Corolla and 17,000 Yaris sedans and hatches.
* Comparison rate. For full details of the Toyota Finance Advantage offer, visit toyota.com.au/special-offers.
** Manufacturer's list prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges.
^^ For full details of Toyota Service Advantage, visit toyota.com.au/advantage.
Toyota boosts Hiace Diesel performance
Toyota has boosted the power of its popular HiAce turbo-diesel range by 25 per cent to 100kW and increased active safety across the board.
Toyota has recalibrated the HiAce 1KD-FTV turbo-diesel engine to deliver an additional 20kW of power and 14Nm of torque – coupled with fuel-economy and emission improvements of up to seven per cent.
All new HiAce models have the added safety of ABS anti-skid brakes as standard equipment.
The improved turbo-diesel engine and adoption of ABS as standard equipment are part of an upgrade to the HiAce range – Long Wheelbase, Super-Long Wheelbase and Commuter bus.
The upgrade comes as Toyota HiAce sales in Australia pass the quarter-million mark.
HiAce’s improved engine matches a taller final drive ratio of 3.727:1 compared with the superseded 3.909:1 ratio – making full use of increased maximum torque.
HiAce turbo-diesel now has 100kW of power at 3400rpm and 300Nm of torque from 1200-2400rpm.
Fuel economy and emissions improve by up to seven per cent. The LWB turbo-diesel manual model now returns 8.0 litres/100km on the ADR 81/02* combined cycle and 210g/km emissions (previously 8.6 litres/100km and 225g/km).
The HiAce upgrade extends from the engine to the exterior and interior.
The vehicle has a new front mask, with revised headlamp, radiator grille and front bumper designs.
Inside, HiAce improves instrument meter dial styling and revises shift-lever bezel styling on automatic transmission models.
The interior trim colour changes from Grey to Dark Grey.
HiAce Commuter bus’ new Option Pack offers the choice of an Auto Door closer for the side sliding door.
* Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle.
Crompton Anchors Toyota 24-hour Race Win
Former V8 touring car driver Neil Crompton has led his team to a thrilling victory, racing Toyota’s FT-86G Sports Concept car in the 24-hour Gran Turismo® 5 Challenge.
The Challenge, presented by MOTOR magazine, was fought out on PlayStation®3 (PS3™) simulator pods on Toyota’s stand at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
Crompton, now a Network Seven commentator, was the lead driver for “Team Red” in the virtual race around the hallowed 22.8km Nürburgring Nordschleife (northern loop).
Despite the length of the track and the race, Crompton’s team completed the twice-around-the-clock race a mere three minutes ahead of its “Team White” rivals.
Each team comprised 24 drivers who raced for one hour each, experiencing a virtual interpretation of the racing capabilities of the FT-86G.
MOTOR magazine editor Andrew MacLean recorded the fastest lap time during the race, laying down a 7m27.36s lap – a time which would place him among the fastest real-world production car lap times at the track.
The lap record for the actual circuit, nicknamed "The Green Hell" by thee-times Formula 1 champion Jackie Stewart, is 6m48s.
Invited journalists and guests participated in the event included select motoring writers, automotive and tech bloggers, and specialist gaming media.
The aggressive lines of the FT-86G were masterfully recreated by the game's developers in the Gran Turismo 5 game.
Developed with assistance from Toyota's technical partner GAZOO Racing (the 'G' in FT-86G), the FT-86G Sports Concept was designed to connect with younger drivers and to promote the fun of sports-car driving.
Soon to launch in Australia, Gran Turismo 5, exclusive to PlayStation 3, is the latest installment of the driving simulation franchise developed by Polyphony Digital Inc.
Toyota Australia Exports 500,000th Vehicle to Saudi Arabia
Toyota Australia is set to export its 500,000th vehicle to Saudi Arabia tomorrow (21 October).
The milestone Toyota Camry will be among more than 1,500 Australian-built Camry and Aurion sedans to be shipped on Neptune Leader.
Camry is the top-selling passenger vehicle in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia is the biggest market.
Toyota Australia has been exporting cars since 1986 and began shipments to the Middle East a decade later.
Since then, more than 870,000 Australian-made vehicles have been exported to more than 20 destinations.
Toyota's Australian manufacturing plant in the Melbourne suburb of Altona produces the petrol-electric Hybrid Camry, four-cylinder petrol Camry and V6 Aurion sedans for domestic and export markets.
More than 60 per cent of cars produced at Altona are destined for overseas customers.
In 2008 a record 101,668 locally built vehicles, valued at $1.3 billion, were exported.
This year’s export total is expected to be more than 80,000 cars – a strong result in the face of the global economic downturn.
Kluger Moves To The Next Level
Toyota's popular Kluger family wagon has a new look and a raft of new features as well as improved value.
The changes deliver a stepped-up road presence, added comfort and convenience, as well as greater flexibility.
A revamped exterior comes with a new bonnet, grille, bumpers, front fenders, headlamps, tail-lights and door mouldings.
Inside, seven-seat models are more flexible with the addition of a 50:50 split-fold backrest on the third-row seat – so you can have one passenger and additional luggage in the third row.
Entry-level KX-R models – available with five or seven seats – gain a large rear spoiler and an improved audio system with Bluetooth™* mobile telephone compatibility and a USB** input.
Mid-range KX-S and top-of-the-line Grande now have, among other new features, perforated leather-accented trim on the first and second-row seats.
Kluger is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine with a five-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, and the choice of two or all-wheel drive.
Toyota has sold more than 63,000 Klugers in Australia, of which two thirds are the second-generation model – launched in 2007.
* The Bluetooth word mark is owned by The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.
** USB input for some iPod/USB memory sticks
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