The curtain opened on the week-long Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto on February 24. Many car manufacturers were showing technologies that address the public's concern about the environment and the soaring gas prices.
Toyota Canada unveiled two concept vehicles. Stephen Beatty, a Toyota executive, indicated that Toyota is investing a large sum of money into new technologies that protect the environment and improve urban driving conditions.
Toyota Hybrid X is a futuristic gasoline and electric hybrid power zero-emission vehicle with four doors and four seats. This vehicle is designed by Toyota Europe. The front glass extends all the way to the headlights, forming a "U" shape. A large moon roof makes up most of the roof. The front and the rear "U" shaped glass frames converge to form the "X" in the name. The interior has an open-space design. The two rear seats can swivel to make conversation easier for the rear passengers.
In addition, the interior is equipped with a unique array of displays, LED lighting, voice-guided navigation system, and an air freshener. This vehicle was designed to create a pleasant driving space while helping to preserve the environment.
Conceptual Personal Mobility Vehicle
The Toyota i-REAL is a conceptual personal mobility vehicle. This 3-wheeled "car" is capable of adjusting to the traffic flow and surrounding people. At low speeds, i-REAL pulls its three wheels closer together, which raises the vehicle height, and reduces the amount of surface area in crowded conditions. At high speeds, the wheels pull apart and the seat leans back to improve stability. The two easy-to-use levers on the sides control the throttle and the brakes.
To ensure the safety of the driver and the people outside the car, this vehicle is equipped with an extensive array of sensors. When it comes near a pedestrian, it will sound alarm and vibrate to heighten the driver's attention. At the same time, it will sound warnings and illuminate with soft lights to make its presence known.
Environment Preservation, Energy Conservation, Alternative Energy Source Toyota is already a world leader in the field of hybrid technology. Stephen Beatty briefly described Toyota's alternative fuel initiatives.
According to Stephen, Toyota is developing clean diesel vehicles and hoping to bring clean diesel trucks to North America. Alternate fuel vehicles are already available in Brazil, and at the same time, Toyota is developing hybrid vehicles that can be recharged directly. This technology is being tested in Japan and the U.S. right now. A fuel cell hybrid is also on the horizon.
According to Stephen, in last fall, a long-distance trial with a fuel cell vehicle was conducted on the Alcan Highway from British Columbia to California. Toyota has a diverse portfolio of technologies, but not all technologies are suitable for all markets. Expect to see more exciting developments in the coming year. Last year, Toyota invested an average of 1 million U.S. Dollars per hour in technological R&D.
2007 - The Best Year Ever
Speaking to Stephen regarding the impact of sub-prime loan problems in the U.S., Stephen said, "The volume of sales has fallen in the U.S., but it's a different story in Canada. Looking at Toyota's numbers in Canada, we actually had the best year ever, selling over 200,000 vehicles."
"In Canada," he continued, "our January sales ranked number two in the industry. Consumers on this side of the border are more optimistic, and they still have the wealth. But when it comes time to buy a car, they are always looking for the best value, and that's why it's difficult to manage a car company in Canada. And this is why the industry is always handing out discounts, or slashing retail prices like we are doing."
New Off-road Vehicle
The FJ Cruiser is one of the new vehicles Toyota is pushing in 2008. The FJ Cruiser is powered by Toyota's 4-L V6 engine with VVTi. The cool exterior design blends FJ40's retro look with modern SUV elements. With the rugged roof, the specially design hood cover, front and rear doors that swing open in opposite directions, three wipers, 32-inch big-foot tires wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels, and a 9.7-inch ground clearance, this vehicle is clearly designed for off-road duty.
When asked about the sales volume of the Land Cruiser, another famous Toyota off-road vehicle, Stephen replied, "We have the most complete product line to cover all functions. Regarding the Land Cruiser, there isn't enough market demand for it in Canada right now. We do sell the Land Cruiser in Canada, but only to the mining industry, not to general consumers."
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