Showing posts with label Prius. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prius. Show all posts

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Toyota recalls Prius, Lexus hybrid for faulty brakes

Toyota recalls Prius, Lexus hybrid for faulty brakes
Paul A. Eisenstein The Detroit Bureau

The 2010 Prius may experience cracks in a key brake system component.
Two of Toyota’s high-profile hybrid models, notably including the best-selling Prius, are being recalled due to brake problems, according to the Japanese maker.

In all, about 87,000 vehicles are impacted, including Toyota Prius hatchbacks and Lexus HS 250h hybrids sold during the 2010 model-year. The maker does not say how many of each model are covered by the recall.

The problem is the result of a brake pressure accumulator that may develop a fatigue crack due to vibration. That would lead to the loss of at least some brake pressure. Toyota said it has received no reports of accidents or injuries related to the problem.

The incident follows an earlier recall of some fourth-generation Toyota Prius models due to problems with electronic brake software programming. That issue impacted the way the popular hybrid melded its regenerative braking system -- used to recapture energy to recharge its batteries – and the car’s traditional, hydraulic brakes.

That earlier problem could create a sense that the brakes would briefly release during an aggressive stop, according to owners who first reported that earlier problem on TheDetroitBureau.com.

While the Toyota Prius has faced a few safety-related issues over its more than a dozen years on sale in the U.S., it has generally proved one of the maker’s most reliable product lines.

It is also one of its better selling models – and the most popular hybrid in the world. In the U.S., it has routinely outsold all other gas-electric models combined. So, the recall comes as a bit of an embarrassment.

The Lexus HS 250h, however, proved to be one of the weaker members of the luxury marque’s line-up despite sharing most of the underpinnings of the Prius.

Toyota plans to notify owners of both hybrid models directly in the weeks to come. It will ask them to visit dealers for an inspection and, if necessary, a replacement brake actuator will be installed at no charge.

Prius owners can immediately find out more, meanwhile, by visiting www.Toyota.com/recall, or calling 1-800-331-4331. Lexus owners, meanwhile, can check out www.Lexus.com/recall, or call 1-800-255-3987.

Copyright © 2009-2013, The Detroit Bureau

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Prius named 'greenest' car, Ford F-350 'meanest'

Prius named 'greenest' car, Ford F-350 'meanest'

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau-20 days

The Toyota Prius C, the newest member of the Toyota Prius "Family" was appointed for an energy-efficient economy of the nation "greenest" car by the American Council. At the other end of the spectrum, the ACEEE paved the Ford F-350 as "evil" or dirtiest vehicle on the road.

The organization is "to promote catalyst for energy efficiency" describing itself as a welcomed the growing number of hybrids, plug-in, purely battery-electric vehicles and other environmental friendly vehicles now come onto the market and noted that new products dominated the dozen models on the list of the "Greenest" vehicles.

"The cars at the top of this year's rankings are proof that the automakers are really on their offerings, ramps," said ACEEE leading vehicle analyst shruti Vaidyanathan. "There are more hybrid and electric options on the market this year than ever before and the race for a spot on the greenest list is increasingly competitive. Car manufacturers have revised their offers to the growing demand for energy-efficient vehicles and new fuel economy standards."

While a select group of conventionally powered vehicles still in the study to do, they have largely driven by recent deals with some form of battery power, lightweight hybrids and full electric drive. The Honda Civic model natural gas, not dominated, since eight years even make ACEEE top the number greenest model 12 this time. Only the smart fortwo and Scion iQ Microcars made with gasoline-powered engines.

All members of the new Prius family the original Prius hatchback 'Greenest' honors, took third place, the great Prius V in 11th and the Prius Plug in hybrid landing in the fourth quarter.

While the Honda natural gas model from the list for the survey, 25 year was run over, earned the Japanese manufacturer's fit electric number two spot, while its new Civic Hybrid in the fifth landed.

Three models of the Ford Motor Co. acquired also the 'Greenest' awards including the focus EV and the C-Max hybrid fusion. The dozen honored included badges Jetta two Europeans, the VW hybrid in the seventh and eighth smart fortwo.

Along with the list of the "Greenest" gave the ACEEE viewing, a dozen "greener choice" models, which were the cleanest in their individual product segments. Half claimed the winner, including the Encore of Buick and Chevrolet Equinox Detroit models.

However, Ford has been hammered with three "Meanest" models, a list that included not only the F-350, but also the smaller F-250 pickup.

The ACEEE study has traditionally as a series of factors that determine "Greenest" and "Meanest" list "unhealthy tailpipe emissions fuel consumption and emissions of gases that contribute to climate change." However, it has the methodology this year updated also issues such as emissions from the manufacturing process and the forecast mix of fuels to generate electricity for electric vehicles.

Some skeptics argue that the connector-based vehicles not so much eliminating the pollution, but simply move the source of this last fact is important. Even proponents concede that their benefits may vary, depending on whether they say we, a wind farm or a coal generator tap are.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Toyota bets big on growing Prius family

Bets that it's better late than never, Toyota the introduction of the second hybrid named Prius out to the US market is preparing. The move will be followed by the introduction of a "family" of the Prius emblem expected to offers.

Some skeptics warn that the strategy wind consumers could confuse. Toyota designers claim that the well known and generally accepted Prius name make it easier to sell new hybrid offerings to buyers, which surprisingly reserved, to embrace the technology that is fuel-efficient, was even during record level nudge gasoline prices have proved to have.

"We finally see a point where [different models called] Prius could Toyota sales in the United States," said Ed LaRoque, head of the Japanese automaker in the United States hybrid marketing

Prius is as of one of the March disaster in Japan who seriously disabled strongly have dwindled automobile production in this market, deliveries already about half of the hybrid-electric vehicles sold in the United States.

American love to "provide car dealers usually anywhere from 30 to 60 days inventory for cars, but the so-called days" for the original four days is Prius currently around, LaRoque warned.

In a sense, that might, work advantage to Toyota's, when the Prius V market October, an estimated two months later so as originally planned.

While the sale of other hybrids actually slipped in the last few months have, could send the huge brand awareness and need to catch up buyers for all that scurry with the Prius badge once production starts picking up.

In General, initial reviews have been favorable for the new model. It takes a longer, higher and wider station wagon-like design, which offers "Classic" and a host of new features in particular more interior and cargo space than the Prius. Among them are a high-quality energy-efficient "green" - audio system, a choice of two different navigation system upgrades and radar-guided cruise control.

With the additional space and features will be buyers some of the original Prius fuel economy, sacrifice in 51 mpg city and 48 motorway for model year 2011 the EPO prices. The Prius V, starts, will be assessed as a 2012 at 44 Highway 40 city.

Both models sharing the same Toyota Hybrid synergy drive system with only small changes to the gas electric-drive on the Prius V, to accommodate the additional size and weight.

Some surprisingly decided an advanced lithium-ion battery system not to accept Toyota, although LaRoque echoes the general mood of the industry "the future is lithium ion."

Proven nickel-metal hydride batteries will continue to be Toyota fall-back for the third model the new hybrid brand in a mark, the Prius-C in due for launch next year type. If the v for "versatile", the next model of the cheap and compact member of the family, a size small, and probably thousands of dollars are less than the original.

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By this time next year, Toyota will be prepared for the expansion of its first plug-in-in migrated to be hybrid, a version of classic Prius that makes to the lithium.

This offer is already controversial, because it is planned to provide only 13 miles per charge before moving to his internal combustion engine. Toyota's arch-rival, General Motors, has its Chevrolet Volt plug-in 38 given mile range. GM holds that is enough to the daily needs of more than 70 percent of American commuters drive to meet. It allows weeks going - even months - without gas tank fill up.

A small fraction of the population will cover the Prius Plug ins. Given his already remarkable mileage it will likely yield additional fuel savings, best of under $1 per day. But it is also expected, less than the Volt carry a price tag of many thousands of dollars. And it is the Prius badge will bear.

But is that a safe bet? Not all agree.

"they cause could mess with the Prius V and c, and other models, much like Lincoln of, done by calling their models of foot and mouth disease and MKZ and MKT," shows analyst Aaron Bragman, consulting firm IHS map

Added the counter argument, it is fast, that, "This new standard could" if Toyota "can build on the reputation" of the original and potential buyers to verify that all the various Prii (plural of Prius, as by owner) are a cut above the competition.

How many observers expect analysts demand for battery-based vehicles closely be linked to what is happening with fuel economy standards here and abroad. A recent study by j.d power & Associates argued that all forms of electric vehicles - from basic hybrids to plug-in the for battery-electric vehicles - 7 percent by 2020 is not top. Other experts have the number as high as 20 percent reach and grows even further moves the Obama administration ahead with a proposed 56 mpg Federal mileage standard for 2025.

Bragman is of the opinion, the real winners are the products that, like the original Prius and later models, says the Toyota only hybrid or battery-based.

Others are apparently in this claim buy. Ford has scrubbed plans of a gasoline-powered version of its C-Max "people mover" to produce and it starts next year alone in the form of electrified buyers select a standard hybrid or a plug in version.

"This is our Prius-fighter," said Ford's global marketing director Jim Farley, studies say that the U.S. manufacturers a visually different model of their own, which required as hybrid, then agree, green and clean always if it of drives.

© 2011 msnbc.com.  Reprints

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Toyota recalls 106.000 Prius cars

TOKYO - Toyota zuruckgerufen 106,000 of the first generation Prius hybrid cars around the world Wednesday for incorrect steering caused by a mother who can come loose.

The minor accidents reported suspected that the problem was with according to Toyota Motor Corp. in the United States.


The latest recall of Toyota, world's massive callbacks has taken the hit to its reputation, is up to 48,000 Prius vehicles in Japan, starting with the first Prius models, the went on sale in 1997, and those produced by 2003.


It concerns also 58,000 trains sold abroad, including 52,000 Prius cars sold from 2001 to 2003 in the United States, some 1,200 in the UK, and 800 in Germany, company spokesman Paul Nolasco said.


Toyota says loose nuts in the electric power steering of the vehicle can cause when operated for a long time, to control with too much force.


The problem can be solved by in better nuts and takes about four hours, it said.


In Japan, Toyota also 21,600 iQ recalls small cars for braking problems may be caused by a valve which was broken during the production, stopping power decline.


Twenty-one complaints which may be caused by the problem, but there were no accidents, said the automaker.


In the United States and Canada Toyota Venza 34 and 16 Sienna reminded 2011 model vehicles Driveshaft to replace a badly treated. Existence could break, causing the vehicle to a halt come, according to Toyota.


In the last two years, Toyota has announced massive recalls hot air balloon ride for more than 14 million vehicles.


Once sterling reputation has come under control. It is on the actions and lingering doubts in the United States from harm whether it had been transparent enough about the recall suffer.


Toyota attempted to better communicate with customers and empower regions outside of Japan, to make security decisions.


U.S. Government testing has indicated that the problems of runaway cars were caused not by electronics and software, but probably by ill-fitting floor mats or driver error.


Toyota is a new problem since 11 March earthquake and tsunami in Japan destroyed key parts suppliers.


The manufacturer of Lexus luxury car and Camry said sedan Tuesday it expected to be faster than initially expected back to 90 percent of Disadter production in Japan in June.


Copyright 2011, the associated press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Toyota sells 1 millionth Prius hybrid in us

DETROIT-Toyota Motor Corp, fight, restart production, after a massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, said Wednesday that it has sold 1 million Prius hybrids in the United States.

The Prius is been best-selling hybrid in the United States said the automaker, as it on sale 11 years ago went.

The Prius is powered by a gasoline engine and an electric motor. It can receive up to 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 on the highway.

It is becoming increasingly popular in this year become how gas prices in direction have nationwide move $4 a gallon.

Toyota said it has sold more than 2 million Priuses worldwide.

11. March earthquake in Japan Toyota forced to stop production in most Japanese factories. But the company to make newly launched two plants, on the 28 March Prius and Lexus models.

Toyota launches two more models make an another small step toward normalization on 11 April, operations. But the world's largest automaker denied a report that most hit its domestic factories would start next week, and also has warned that supply disruptions likely vehicle Assembly to one or more which interrupt its North American factories at any given time.

Moody's investors service on Wednesday warned that it may downgrade your credit rating for Toyota due to the financial fallout of suspended passenger car production after the March 11 Quake and tsunami.

The warning came as Toyota worldwide no. 1 struggling automakers, to resume output in Japan after the twin disasters disrupted supply chains and the lack of parts caused.

The associated press contributed to this report.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Prius production start in the Japan

Toyota Motor Corp., said Thursday, production of three hybrid models would restart it on Monday after a massive earthquake in this month issue in the industry disrupted.

Production is factory for Prius, Lexus HS250h and Demio Tsutsumi in central Japan and Toyota Motor Kyushu in the South, again spokeswoman Shiori Hashimoto said.


All 18 factories which operated mount Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Japan, including those of group units, have been closed by the quake. A further seven plants directly from Toyota operated, the engines and other parts are also affected. The breakpoint causes loss of production of at least 140,000 vehicles production.


"We will closely monitor the situation of the parts availability when deciding on the duration of the production," she said.


Problems with power and parts have prevented other Japanese automakers restart assembly lines.


Honda Motor Co said on Thursday it would suspend passenger car production in the Japanese works until at least 3 April, extend the interruption of a week.


Japan's no. 3 automaker said that it would decide on plans on 3 April, depending on the availability of parts. Honda will continue production at the plant in Kumamoto in southern Japan motorcycle and power product on 28 March.


Honda said that it would also temporarily transferred some functions such as car development and procurement of R & D facilities in Tochigi, which was badly hit earthquake on 11 March.


Suzuki Motor Corp., said Thursday, and Friday his three Assembly remain closed factories in Japan be.


Nissan Motor Co Ltd said on Thursday that its manufacturing operations in America a regular production plan would follow at least until 1 April.


He also said, again output of the all electric Nissan leaf at the location of Oppama on Thursday recorded as battery production at Zama battery plants. Nissan said that the ability to get this issue depends on the frequency of rolling blackouts due to electrical constraints.


Nissan said its Decherd, Tennessee engine plant could supply V6 engines to Japan, to replace loss of production from its engine plant in Iwaki, but no decisions have been made.


Other manufacturers with dwindling stocks look slows production of low-selling models. For example, General Motors co has shut temporarily pickup plant in Shreveport, Louisiana.


Toyota said on Wednesday that it caused would slow down some North American production due to the disruptions by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami.


Toyota told employees and dealers was its single largest market, it too early to determine the scope, duration and a slowdown, but institutions in the United States, and in Canada and Mexico all be checked.


A spokesman for the automaker which would San Antonio, Texas, probably plants where it builds the tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks said Thursday the supply interruptions force idle of the plant.


Most of the parts for Toyota North American built vehicles come from about 500 suppliers in the region. The company said it continues to receive parts from Japan that were already in the pipeline, limit which are direct consequences of the disorder.


Barclays Capital analyst Brian Johnson said in a research note Thursday, that his best case expectation for the North American auto sector sporadic downtimes from, with US automakers less than their Japanese rivals is affected. In particular, Toyota said on many parts of several models used by each company, he.


In Germany, car manufacturers and suppliers see also cutting production bottleneck. Several companies have applied for shortened working hours to a Government-backed program.


Some merchant ships Japan Tokyo port due to the radiation exposure to crew members from the quake crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant can avoid an official industry said on Thursday.


If this is the beginning of a trend in shipping, Japan could add great delays and seaborne traffic jams in the ports face chain bottlenecks and hamper recovery efforts in the wake of March of 11 earthquake to provide. "I have heard of local agents, which do require some ships not in Tokyo due to radiation fears." I'm not sure how many, "said Tetsuya Hasegawa, operational Manager at Heisei shipping agencies in Tokyo."


Lloyd's list reported on Thursday that Claus-Peter open, one calls by Germany's largest shipping companies, that his entire fleet 110 company had suspended fears Tokyo and Yokohama because of the radiation.


Tokyo is Japan's fourth-largest port, dealing with capacity 145 million tonnes last year in particular container, according to Lloyd's list intelligence.


Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Quake delays Toyota Prius minivan launch

TOKYO - Toyota Motor Corp says, that this the introduction of the Prius hybrid van in Japan, in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami parts supply in delay.

Toyota spokesman said Paul Nolasco Wednesday planned world's no. 1 automaker for the expansion of the Prius minivan in April. But the disaster in Northern Japan crippled supply chains and destroyed stores, force, Toyota, to move the start.

Since March 14 has Toyota secure car production due to the difficulty of components, such as rubber parts and Electronics was discontinued. The company said it will suspend output to Sunday - production loss of 140,000 cars.

Copyright 2011, the associated press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.