RECAP: a digest of recent Toyota news
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The Paris motor show was a big occasion for Toyota his year, with four new models appearing for the first time. Leading the way was the all-new Auris . The British-built hatch will go on sale before the end of the year and will again be available with petrol, diesel and full hybrid power, with the hybrid expected to build its share of UK sales to around 40 per cent. In preparation for the launch, Toyota has released details of prices and specifications .
The five-door hatchback was joined at the show by Auris Touring Sports , a smart estate car interpretation of the model which will join the line-up next year. A new Verso, completed a trio of Toyota family-compact car market contenders , displaying significant updates to its styling, interior and handling.
Yaris also claimed a share of the Paris spotlight, too, with the unveiling of the 2013 Yaris Trend .
One of Britain’s biggest annual motoring surveys has placed Lexus and Toyota first for customer satisfaction. The results of the 2012 Auto Express Driver Power dealer survey show Toyota was the only car maker to achieve a top-five ranking in every category. Lexus’s success means that it has topped the poll every year since Driver Power began in 2002.
More and more customers are putting their faith in Toyota quality, with year-to-date sales up more than 18 per cent by the end of September. Sales to fleet customers are also on the rise, too, with hybrids taking an even greater share of the business.
It isn’t all about new car sales, however, with Toyota launching a new scheme, Rewarding Recycling, that helps owners ensure their car is disposed of legally and responsibly and that they are given a fair price in return.
Toyota has also been named as the world’s most valuable auto brand for the ninth year running, and has risen to 10th place overall in the annual survey produced by Interbrand. In hard cash terms, Interbrand says Toyota is worth around $30 billion (£18.75 billion).
The GT86 sports coupe has demonstrated its track credentials with an impressive performance in its first UK race outing, finishing the gruelling Britcar 24 Hours third in its class and eighth overall, without a single mechanical gremlin. Out on the track, but not in competition, a Toyota Motorsport has set a new record for an electric vehicle around the Nürburgring’s famous Nordschleife circuit.
Many of us have run for a bus, now Toyota in Japan has come up with a bus that can run your domestic appliances. The Fuel-cell-bus Power Supply System uses power sockets inside the hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle which could be used to power home appliances for more than 100 hours.
ENDS
