Tesla talking billion dollar deal with Toyota?

Filed under: Toyota, Earnings/Financials, Tesla

Tesla and Toyota have become rather friendly over the last few years. According to the latest reports, it seems the two automakers are ready to take their relationship to the next level. What initially started as a $60-million deal turned into a $100-million affair earlier this year.

You know what's cooler than a million-dollar deal? A billion-dollar deal, and that's reportedly what's now on the table between the two automakers.

Per Tesla CEO Elon Musk, his company is in talks with Toyota to ink a deal that would see $1 billion trading hands. Any issues about capital could quickly disappear, and Tesla could quickly become a major player in the automotive industry thanks to this serious cash infusion. We'll just have to wait and see...

Tesla talking billion dollar deal with Toyota? originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/05/tesla-talking-billion-dollar-deal-with-toyota/

Toyota RAV4 EV production set for Ontario, Canada

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Toyota, Canada, Tesla, Electric

All 2012 RAV4 EV models destined for the U.S. will be manufactured in Ontario, Canada, according to Toyota Motor North America senior vice-president Ray Tanguay.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI, Tanguay told Ward's Auto: "Yes, we're just going into final details right now. Obviously we're not going to [import it from] Japan - that would make no sense." Tanguay says Toyota's factory in Woodstock, Ontario, current site of production for all U.S.-bound RAV4s, will easily accommodate assembly of the electrified crossover.

The precise on-sale date of the RAV4 EV is, according to Tanguay, "still in negotiation," but Toyota has committed to 2012 for its retail launch. Furthermore, Tanguay says:

"We don't know the spec; we don't know the content. All we know basically is we have an agreement to develop this with Tesla, and we have to assemble that vehicle in North America.

To back up Tanguay's words, Toyota today confirmed that Ontario will be the site of production for the RAV4 EV. For the official press release, click through to the jump.

Continue reading Toyota RAV4 EV production set for Ontario, Canada

Toyota RAV4 EV production set for Ontario, Canada originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota tweets another Camry teaser

Filed under: Sedan, Toyota

Toyota is clearly excited to show off its all-new Camry, as proven by a steady stream of teasers assaulting us by way of social media. The latest closely cropped photograph found its way to the Internet via Twitter. As a somewhat humorous aside, remember that we've pretty much seen the new car (albeit the hybrid version) in its entirety courtesy of spy shooters.

Still, there remains a bit more to be seen on the non-hybrid Camry trims. The foglight and grille treatment is different on the model shown above, and the rest of the sedan will soon wind up in full view as the car gets closer to its launch date. Have a look for yourself by clicking on the image above to view it in high resolution.

Toyota tweets another Camry teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/toyota-tweets-another-camry-teaser/

Toyota shows next Avalon to dealers, rumors suggest it looks like A7, XJ

Filed under: SUV, Hatchback, Toyota, Motorcycle

When we think Toyota Avalon, phrases like 'social security', 'medicare' and 'Denny's Grand Slam' come to mind. The reason? The majority of Avalons out on the road are driven by old folks and curtain rod salesman, but a report from Automotive News suggests that this could all change in the very near future.

In its report, AN claims that the next Avalon was shown to Toyota dealers in June, and the employees loved what they saw. The large sedan will reportedly undergo a massive redesign that will morph the Avalon from a granny-glider to a curvy stud, with design comparisons already being made to the Audi A7 and the Jaguar XJ.

Sure, Toyota dealers typically spend their work days looking at the Yaris and Corolla, so their design eye could be muddied a bit. But at the very least, the next Avalon should be very different from the model we know and ignore today, and that should be a welcomed change of pace.

Speaking of the Yaris and Corolla, AN states that both models are slated for redesign. The new Yaris will arrive this fall with more aggressive styling and a bit more interior room. The Corolla will also get a heavy refresh for the 2012 model year, though the more thorough overhaul will likely come in the spring of 2014. The Corolla will reportedly evolve into more of a European-inspired design instead of following curvy competitors like the Ford Focus.

Another interesting development could come courtesy of the Sequoia SUV. AN claims that Toyota is looking into dropping the current model for the 2014 model year and using the Sequoia name as an entry trim for the iconic Land Cruiser. In total, Toyota will reportedly unleash 10 new or redesigned vehicles through the end of next year.

Toyota shows next Avalon to dealers, rumors suggest it looks like A7, XJ originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Tacoma to receive nip/tuck this fall

Filed under: Truck, Toyota

Toyota is reportedly working on a refresh for its Tacoma mid-size pickup, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The refreshed Taco will debut in October, as part of the automaker's plan to debut many all-new or refreshed vehicles this year. In addition to the Tacoma, the Camry and Yaris will also receive substantial overhauls for the new model year.

Bob Carter, group vice president and brand manager for Toyota, says that the 2012 Tacoma will keep the same engine and frame, but will have a new exterior design, as well as an updated interior. Currently, the Tacoma is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.

Additionally, Carter states that the Tacoma will receive new entertainment functions, and as we reported earlier, the automaker's new Entune infotainment system will be part of the offerings. We'll have more details come October.

Toyota Tacoma to receive nip/tuck this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/toyota-tacoma-to-receive-nip-tuck-this-fall/

The Toyota Prius V: A Hybrid That Hauls More Stuff

Toyota has taken its popular Prius hybrid and made it more big-box friendly. The car is longer, roomier and has much more trunk space.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/automobiles/autoreviews/the-toyota-prius-v-a-hybrid-that-hauls-more-stuff.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

This is the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Toyota

Toyota was busy introducing all flavors of the 2012 Toyota Camry to the media earlier this week, but since all that stuff's embargoed, there's not much to tell. Yet. But what isn't under embargo is this collection of spy photos showing the 2012 Camry Hybrid in its birthday suit while shooting a television commercial.

The new Camry's familiar roofline communicates practicality overall, but the updated sheetmetal has more crisp lines, with new fascias fore and aft. The hybrid's grille treatment apes that of the facelifted Highlander Hybrid, and yes, those headlights are indeed the ones Akio Toyoda teased a few weeks ago.

In a nutshell, it's still a conservative look, but decidedly less frumpy than before. Now, let's see what changes Toyota's made below the surface to bring the Camry in line with the current midsize family-sedan competition.

This is the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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