Toyota News and Features – 25 November 2016
The latest from the UK and overseas
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Big steps to a small carbon footprint
Energy-saving measures have helped Toyota make further cuts in carbon emissions from its UK operations. Toyota GB – the national sales and marketing business – has succeeded in reducing its carbon footprint by 10 per cent during the past two years, earning the company a second recertification from the Carbon Trust.
Factors that contributed to the cut in emissions included more staff choosing hybrids for their company car; continuing to switch to LED lighting at the company’s Surrey headquarters where possible; and a new cooling system in the equipment room that alone has reduced annual CO2 output by more than 320 tonnes.
Toyota GB’s ongoing achievements contribute to the global Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, which targets zero carbon emissions from Toyota’s new vehicles, from its full vehicle lifecycles from production to end-of-life recycling/disposal, and from its manufacturing operations.
Switch-on for electric vehicle development
Toyota is establishing an in-house company tasked with the development of electric vehicles. Scheduled to start work in December, it will look at how Toyota might bring new EVs to the market, alongside the company’s hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. Read more here.
Europcar UK plans zero emission future with Mirai
Europcar UK is to add a number of Toyota Mirai fuel cell saloons to its fleet, investing grant support from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to help establish a zero emission operation. The Mirai saloons will be introduced in Brunel, the company’s newly acquired ground transportation business. Read more here.
Hydrogen eyed for heavy duty applications
Toyota has started research into how hydrogen might provide a zero emission power source for heavy-duty trucks. A feasibility study has just been launched in California, with more details to be announced in the coming months. Read more here.
Production launch for Toyota C-HR
The production lines have started rolling for the new Toyota C-HR, Toyota’s radical entry into the mid-size crossover market. The model is being manufactured at the Sakarya factory in Turkey, with the hybrid version featuring a 1.8-litre engine built by Toyota in the UK at Deeside in North Wales. Although it’s a key model for Europe, Toyota C-HR is set for export to world markets, including the USA, where it made its debut this week at the Los Angeles motor show. Read more here.
Prius’s prime position
The new Prius Prime – due for launch in the UK next year as Prius Plug-in Hybrid – has claimed the “best buy” electric/hybrid vehicle honour in America’s Kelley Blue Book Awards, presented by the leading consumer car guide. Read more here.
Junior art stars
Children in the UK are invited to take part in Toyota’s 2017 Dream Car Art Contest, an international competition that asks youngsters to design their ideal vehicle of the future. Read more here.
Global green grants
Community buses, protection of threatened species, biodiversity teaching and creation of a sustainable mangrove forest are among the projects that will benefit from the 2016 Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Programme. The worldwide schemes that are being supported are in line with the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050’s mission to build a future society in harmony with nature. Read more here.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s season finale
Toyota Gazoo Racing have brought the curtain down on a challenging 2016 World Endurance Championship season with fourth and fifth places in the 6 Hours of Bahrain. Read more here.
Toyota builds a Tank
Tank and Roomy are the two latest additions to Toyota’s domestic model range, a pair of minivans based on the 1LD-CAR concept. Flexible seating layouts and power sliding side doors are among the innovative details. Read more here.
Best of the blog: Inside Toyota’s American museum
The blog has taken a tour of Toyota USA’s vehicle museum and unearthed a treasure trove of classic, rare and oddball models. The display extends to sporting greats and early concept cars, plus three ultra-rare GT2000 from the 1960s. Read more here.
Media website updates
The full press kit, high-res images and video footage of the new Toyota C-HR are now available to view and download on the Toyota media website here.
Images and video resources
Visit the Images section of our media website, media.toyota.co.uk, for a comprehensive collection of current model shots, concepts and news pictures for easy download for editorial use. For film footage, click on the Videos tab to access the library and to view and download material.
Toyota social media channels
You can find much more Toyota content at: –
Official UK media website
Official Toyota UK blog
Official Toyota UK Facebook page
Official Toyota GB Twitter @toyotagb
Official Toyota UK YouTube channel
