Thursday, September 27, 2012

Toyota Presents: The Tundra Endeavour -- An Astronaut's Story

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Are you in need of some maintenance work for your car? Stop by Toyota of Greensburg to receive our $99.95 front or rear brake service. Hurry in today!

Tog

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

2013 Toyota Sequoia Offers Industry-First Blu-Ray Rear Seat Entertainment System

The Toyota Sequoia, which offers seating for up to eight in a full-size, full-capability sport-utility vehicle (SUV), gains new family friendly entertainment features for 2013. The Sequoia debuts a Toyota-first Blu-Ray rear seat entertainment system, and 2013 also marks the first full year of Toyota Entune™ availability.

Built on an exclusive platform that uses body-on-frame construction, the Toyota Sequoia features four-wheel independent suspension to help provide exemplary ride quality, handling and straight-line control. The 2013 Sequoia is available in SR5, Limited and Platinum grades, and all models for 2013 now make the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 standard; the 310-hp 4.6-liter V8 has been discontinued. The Sequoia model line offers the choice of 2WD and 4WD. In select areas, Sequoia 4x4 models feature E85 Flex Fuel capability.

Performance
The standard engine for all 2013 Sequoia models is now the iForce DOHC 5.7-liter V8, teamed to a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter engine produces 381 hp at 5,600 RPM and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM. The engine is equipped with dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). An Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) switches the intake tract length in two stages, based on engine RPM and throttle angle, to optimize torque across the engine speed range. Toyota specifies regular-grade fuel for the Sequoia.

The 5.7-liter V8 enables the Sequoia to tow up to 7,400 lbs., depending on model grade and equipment. Crucial for customers who tow, the 5.7-liter V8 produces 90 percent of its peak torque at just 2,200 rpm. A Tow/Haul mode modifies transmission shift points for optimal performance.

The standard Trailer Sway Control system uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract handling forces acting on the SUV in an effort to minimize the impact of trailer sway. The Sequoia's towing hitch is integrated into the frame as a single unit.

Toyota's flexible torque converter lock-up control enhances efficiency in the six-speed automatic transmission, with lock-up occurring in fourth, fifth and sixth gears. The available Multi-Mode four-wheel-drive system uses a two-speed transfer case with a lockable TORSEN® limited-slip center differential to power the front and rear wheels. The transfer case is shifted electronically via a rotary knob, and it locks with the push of a button.

Handling and Ride

The four-wheel independent suspension uses upper and lower A-arms and coil springs at each wheel. The 38-foot turning circle is one of the tightest in Sequoia's class.

The Sequoia Platinum model is equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which adjusts damper response with settings for Comfort, Normal and Sport. The Platinum grade’s Electronically Modulated Air Suspension also augments the Sequoia's ability to tow and haul heavy loads while maintaining an appropriate ride height and chassis attitude. The SR5’s standard 18-inch aluminum wheels have 275/65 R18 tires; 20-inch aluminum wheels with 275/55 R20 tires are standard for the Limited and Platinum grades, with the wheels on the Platinum featuring a diamond-cut finish.

Sequoia uses 13.9-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 13.6-inch ventilated rear disc brakes. Four opposed pistons – two per side – ensure optimal braking performance and fade resistance.

Safety
Like all Toyota models, the 2013 Sequoia is equipped with Toyota's STAR Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). On 4WD models, TRAC is replaced by A-TRAC (Active-Traction Control).

The 2013 Sequoia is equipped with a dual stage advanced front air bag system, seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three seating rows, plus driver and front passenger knee airbags.

Comfort and Convenience
The Sequoia SR5 is one of the best-equipped vehicles in its class, featuring standard eight-passenger seating; tilt/telescoping steering wheel; engine immobilizer with alarm; direct tire pressure monitoring system; automatic tri-zone air conditioning; illuminated entry system; power windows, locks and sliding back window; keyless entry; rear wiper and defogger; cruise control, and mud guards. Standard audio on the SR5 includes AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, eight speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

The SR5 grade comes ready to work and play with a standard towing package, an eight-way power driver’s seat, fog lamps, running boards, power tilt/slide moonroof, a roof rack and rear spoiler, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio and climate controls.

The Sequoia Limited adds functionality with front and rear parking sonar; power rear liftgate with a sliding window; power folding and reclining 60:40 split third-row seat, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Luxury takes a big step up with a standard power tilt/slide moonroof; heated front leather-trimmed seats, second- and third-row retractable sunshades and a steering wheel that integrates controls for the air conditioning system, Bluetooth®-capable phones and other functions.

The Limited grade also features standard 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat; a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob; Optitron gauges; and a multi-information display. A standard-equipped auto-dimming electrochromic rear-view mirror integrates a compass and a map lamp, plus a 3.3-inch monitor in the rear-view mirror for the backup camera (when not equipped with a navigation system).

The Sequoia Limited is equipped with JBL Synthesis® AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, 14 speakers including subwoofer, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

At the top of the Sequoia line, the Platinum grade comes with standard Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, which can help maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead. A new standard rear seat Blue-Ray entertainment system combines a nine-inch LCD screen with a separate rear seat audio system, including dual wireless headphones.

Additional standard features exclusive to the Sequoia Platinum grade include a 12-way adjustable power driver’s seat and simulated wood-trim; 20-inch diamond cut-finish alloy wheels; rear load-leveling air suspension; power seat memory package; second-row heated seats, and steering wheel with simulated wood trim.

The Platinum grade also features Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with integrated backup camera display, JBL Synthesis® AM/FM 4-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, 14 speakers including subwoofer, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic™ (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package and NavTraffic™), auxiliary audio jack, USB [2] port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

Options
With its long list of standard features, the 2013 Sequoia offers just a small menu of factory options. The SR5 grade offers a Sport Appearance Package that includes seven-passenger seating, 20-inch super chrome alloy wheels, color-keyed grille, and black seat fabric. Exterior colors for the Sport Appearance Package are limited to black, white and silver.

Also available on SR5 models is a Premium Package that includes a leather-trimmed and heated 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat; four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat; a leather-trimmed 40/20/40 split sliding, reclining, fold-flat second-row seat with one-touch access to the third-row seat; a leather-trimmed 60/40 split, power reclining, fold-flat third-row seat; and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated backup camera monitor, compass, map lights and HomeLink® universal transceiver.

The available Entune multimedia system (optional on SR5 and Limited grades and standard on Platinum grade) leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Toyota Entune debuted engaging mobile apps, such includes Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable® and Pandora®, real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks.

The Limited grade offers three options: a Rear Seat Entertainment System that includes a Blu-Ray® player with rear audio controls and 115V outlet; a DVD navigation system with Entune and a backup camera, JBL® Synthesis AM/FM four-disc CD changer audio system with a 90-day trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio and NavTraffic. Optional captain chairs can replace the standard second row bench seat.

Exterior Design

The Sequoia’s 0.36 drag coefficient (Cd) is comparable to smaller crossover-type vehicles. The vehicle's mirrors, wipers, A-pillars and roof header are shaped to help maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize wind noise. Vehicle underside airflow is optimized to reduce drag and wind noise and to help improve directional control.

Headlamp washers are standard on all grades for improved visibility. On the Limited grade, the large side-view mirrors feature power retraction, automatic glare-resistance, and turn-signal lamps. In addition to these features, the Platinum grade mirrors also include puddle lamps, position memory and reverse-linked tilt functions.

The wide rear door-opening angle provides easy passenger ingress/egress and child seat installation. Standard on the Limited and Platinum models are front and rear parking sonar sensors that emit an audible warning to alert the driver of the position of solid objects and their distance from the vehicle.

Interior Design

The Sequoia dash features a finish similar to that in fine luxury cars. Each of Sequoia's eight seating positions provides space sufficient to comfortably accommodate people well above normal height. The same efficient packaging that allows exceptional interior comfort also allows carrying items up to 11 feet long. Folding the second- and third-row seats flat opens the cargo area to 120.1 cubic feet of carrying capacity.

The second-row bench-type seat is split 40:20:40 and is equipped with a seat-slide mechanism that offers an adjustment range of 5.9 inches. This seat can also be folded flat and uses a one-touch easy-slide action to allow passenger access to the third-row seat. Second-row captain seats are available for a seven-seat cabin.

The third-row seat is split 60:40, has a seatback reclining mechanism and can be easily folded flat. A power tilting and folding mechanism is available. The rear liftgate sliding glass can be opened and closed for easy loading with the turn of a key. The cargo area is equipped with handy hooks for grocery bags. Sequoia provides 16 extra-large cup/bottle holders (18 on the Platinum grade), as well as convenient storage spaces.

All three grades offer two interior color choices of Graphite and Sand Beige. A Red Rock interior is also available on the Platinum grade, and the SR5 Sport Appearance Package uses an exclusive black interior.

Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. The Sequoia will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Toyota

 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Charitable Endeavors Stand to Benefit from Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge

TORRANCE, Calif., September 18, 2012 – Winning the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge (www.ToyotaRacingDreamBuild.com) — a vehicle-modification build competition pitting four legendary racers and their dream cars against each other — will earn the champion more than bragging rights. Toyota will award a check for $50,000 to the winner’s designated charity. In addition, second, third and fourth place will receive $25k, $15k and $10k, respectively.

The four contenders, who are racing against the clock to complete their vehicle in just a few short weeks, are: NASCAR Chase for the Championship contender Clint Bowyer, who is building an ultra-high-tech Prius in hopes of benefitting the Emporia Community Foundation; NHRA Top Fuel points leader Antron Brown and his drag-race-inspired Sequoia, whose victory could assist Racers for Christ; NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch, who hopes his stylish road-race Camry will secure a donation to the Kyle Busch Foundation; and NHRA Nitro Funny Car phenom Alexis DeJoria, who is transforming a Tundra into an all-out desert racer on behalf of Safety Harbor Kids.

Fans will determine by online voting which of the four modified Toyota vehicles will win the challenge—along with $50,000 to the winning driver’s charity of choice. Here are their choices:

The mission of the Emporia Community Foundation (www.emporiacf.org) is to improve the quality of life in Emporia, Kan.,Clint Bowyer’s home town, and the surrounding communities. ECF is a collection of funds and resources donated by caring citizens, including Bowyer himself, who have chosen to make their community a better place to live and work, now and in the future.

The foundation has contributed to projects and services focused on education, children, elder care, recreation and social care.

Racers for Christ (www.teamrfc.org) — part of the Christian Motorsports
International, Inc., family of ministries and often called “Team RFC” — was established in 1971 as a fellowship for Christians in the sport of motor racing. Its members conduct non-denominational chapel services at more than 2,000 local and professional racing events nationwide every year. Recognizing that, for many people involved in motorsports, consistent participation in a local church body is difficult, Team RFC provides the same kind of pastoral support motorsports enthusiasts and professionals (like Antron Brown) would receive from a home church, including communion, weddings, baptisms, hospital visits, memorial services and more.

The mission of Kyle Busch’s eponymous Kyle Busch Foundation (www.kylebuschfoundation.org) is to empower young men and women by fostering life experiences and helping them achieve their goals. Through special events, the foundation supports programs focused on teens and young adults, the terminally ill, safe driving and recreation. Charities that KBF supports include B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe), Young Life, Speedway Children’s Charities, Make a Wish, the NASCAR Foundation, Wave Warriors Surf Camp and more.

Safety Harbor Kids (http://safetyharborkids.org/Contact), the chosen charity of Alexis DeJoria, was formed in 2007 for the purpose of enriching the lives of orphans, foster children and homeless children through education. It currently serves more than 2,000 needy children in over 15 group homes and shelters in and around Los Angeles. Its goal is to build a College, Career and the Arts Education Center where at-risk children can acquire the resources they need to get ahead in life. At each special event held by Safety Harbor Kids, mentors assist children with personal growth, motivation, career development, music and art — and in so doing create a safety net to catch the children as they grow up and leave institutional life.

The $50,000 check that will go to one of these four worthwhile causes is representative of Toyota’s own commitment to charitable endeavors. Since 1991, Toyota (www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy) has contributed about half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs in the U.S. alone.

The company emphasizes environmental stewardship, education, safety and the needs of local communities.

In 2008, Toyota launched TogetherGreen, a $20 million, five-year alliance with Audubon to fund conservation efforts, train environmental leaders and offer volunteer opportunities to benefit the environment.

The Toyota U.S.A. Foundation’s $100 million endowment supports K-12 efforts in math, science and environmental studies.

Toyota Driving Expectations (TDE) is a free program for teen drivers and their parents whose goal is to proactively take America’s driving youth through a safe driving experience.

In addition, Toyota supports initiatives in other areas of need, such as food, housing and the arts, in a variety of diverse communities.

Voting for the winner of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge will open on Oct. 20 and will continue through Oct. 29. Fans will be able to vote once per day on Facebook. The final vehicle builds will be unveiled—and the winning driver and charity announced — during Toyota’s press conference at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30. Clearly, there will be more than one deserving winner—which is exactly what Toyota wants.

 

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Toyota

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Fans! Check out this 2012 Toyota Sienna! Take a test drive with us to take it for a spin.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

DIY Car Maintenance Moves for Fall: Check Your Spare Tire

Tire
"Autumn is also a good time to check your spare tire to ensure that it is properly inflated," says Jim Travers, associate editor for autos at Consumer Reports and familiar with car maintenance. The typical space-saver spare tire found in most cars must be inflated to the inflation pressure listed on the side of the tire. A tire pressure gauge costs $7 to $20.

"Spare tires on pickup trucks and sport utilities are suspended underneath the vehicle on a cable, and that mechanism requires regular attention," says Pat Goss, master technician of PBS's "MotorWeek." Lower and raise that under-car spare to check if the cable mechanism works freely. In fall, spray it with a rust penetrant like WD-40 and then lube with white lithium grease. If the mechanism has seized, repair it immediately.

Tire pressure drops one PSI, or pound per square inch, for every 10-degree drop in temperature, according to the AAA, so check your tires on a weekly basis. The proper inflation pressure will generally be listed in your vehicle's owner manual and/or noted on a sticker located on the driver's doorjamb.


Courtesy of bankrate.com

Toyota Truck to Tow Shuttle Endeavour to Calif. Exhibit Home

Space shuttle Endeavour has been moved by rockets, its own engines and thrusters, tank-like transporters and industrial tows. Now retired and museum- bound, the NASA winged orbiter will add another, perhaps unexpected form of locomotion to its well-travelled history: a Toyota Tundra pickup truck.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced on Wednesday (Sept. 12) that its Tundra full-size pickup truck is slated to tow Endeavour during its delivery to the California Science Center (CSC), where both the space shuttle and truck are destined for display. Endeavour will travel the 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the science center on city streets, with the Tundra towing the shuttle during the last quarter mile (400 meters).

Beginning Friday (Sept. 14), NASA will prepare Endeavour to fly atop its modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX. The three-day ferry flight is scheduled to arrive in L.A. on Sept. 20, weather permitting. NASA and the CSC will then spend a few weeks readying Endeavour for its Oct. 12-13 road trip.

At the end of Endeavour's journey from LAX to the CSC, a "finish-line" celebration at Exposition Park is planned for the evening of Oct. 13. The public will be able to watch as the Toyota Tundra tows the shuttle the final way to its new temporary home, the CSC's Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion, which will mark the finale of the orbiter's cross-country and cross-cities voyage.[How NASA Flies Shuttles on 747 Jets (Photos)]

Toyota tested

Once on the ground at LAX, Endeavour will be hoisted off its carrier aircraft and then lowered onto a modified NASA overland transporter originally used to move the shuttles from their Palmdale, Calif. assembly plant to the nearby air force base where they were mounted atop the SCA and flown to Florida to be launched.

For the majority of Endeavour's parade through the streets of Inglewood and Los Angeles, its transport will be driven by four self-propelled, multi-axle vehicles. These modular movers are computer controlled; an operator walking with the shuttle will steer all four of the vehicles using a single joystick. Capable of moving sideways or spinning in place, these vehicles will enable precision maneuverability as the shuttle rolls past buildings, utility poles and trees.

But when the Endeavour reaches Bill Robertson Lane and Exposition Park, a quarter of a mile (400 meters) from the science center, the Toyota truck will take over towing duty for the four modular machines.

The shuttle Endeavour will be towed using a Tundra CrewMax half-ton pickup, identical to 2012 models currently found in Toyota dealerships, with no additions to increase towing capacity or provide more power. The Tundra CrewMax is equipped with Toyota's 5.7L V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 10,000 pounds.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) has done extensive testing to lead up to its announcement and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling Endeavour.

"There is no larger or more recognizable icon of the U.S. space program's success than the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota Tundra is not only an incredible example of the capabilities of the truck, but an honor to be part of history," said Ed Laukes, Toyota Motor Sales' vice president of marketing communications, in a release. "The entire journey is something the world will be watching, and gives us a chance to prove that the 'overbuilt' Tundra is built to do any job — even tow the space shuttle."

Tweet drive

Toyota's participation transporting the shuttle continues a partnership between TMS and the CSC to provide support and awareness of the space program and education of the public through exhibits and programs.

Toyota currently has a Tundra truck on display at the CSC in an exhibit demonstrating the physics of leverage. The Tundra used to tow Endeavour will replace the Tundra now on exhibit and will be on display after the shuttle pavilion opens on Oct. 30.

To further support the move, Toyota has developed a host of online resources and activities that provide behind the scenes videos, photos, activities for children, and details about the Tundra Endeavour project. The special website will debut on Monday (Sept. 17), the same day Endeavour is scheduled to depart Florida for Los Angeles.

Visitors to the site can share content, sign up for email alerts and use Twitter to the spread word about the Toyota Tundra's role in Endeavour's delivery. For the first 10,000 "re-tweets" the site registers, Toyota will donate $50 to the California Science Center to support building the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the permanent home for the space shuttle Endeavour.

Courtesy of space.com

Toyota

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Toyota Camry knocks out Ford F-150 as top-selling vehicle in the U.S.

Ford may build tough cars, but it got some tough news on Tuesday.

There’s a new king of the road.

The Detroit auto giant’s flagship F-150 pickup is no longer the top-selling vehicle in the U.S., according to a report from Experian Automotive.

The popular truck was unseated by the Toyota Camry, which overcame supply shortages due to last year’s tsunami in Japan, several parts recalls and the risk of a design overhaul.

Toyota sold 209,000 Camrys from January to June this year, outselling F-150s by just 7,000 vehicles, Experian said.

The F-150 had been No.1 and the Camry ranked second in the first six months of 2011.

Honda Civic was a distant third this year, with 158,000 sold.

Experian, which based its findings on new vehicle registration figures, also found that midrange cars were the highest-selling category this year, with 27.4% of all sales, led by the Camry.   

Courtesy of nydailynews.com

Toyota

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

It’s that time again! Check out our coupon tab for the best deals at Toyota of Greensburg . Right now, receive a front or rear break service for only $99.95.

Tog

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Home News Releases Print Friendly Version Convert to PDF Convert to RTF Related Assets 2 Categories: Toyota Sequoia Corporate Auto Shows September 06, 2012 NHRA Top Fuel Driver Antron Brown Launches His Toyota Sequoia Dream Build

TORRANCE, Calif., September 6 NHRA Top Fuel points leader Antron Brown has hatched an extreme concept for his Sequoia in the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge (www.ToyotaRacingDreamBuild.com). Straight line speed is what Top Fuel is all about, and Brown is leaving no stone unturned to make sure his vehicle is the fastest of the four in the competition.
“The build process is going to be intense…blood, sweat, and tears,” said Brown. “We’re chopping it down, we’re making it low, we’re making it mean, we’re making it aggressive, and in all…we’re making it fast!”
Plans for the “Dragquoia” include 33-inch drag slicks, a big TRD blower, nitrous, and custom chassis fabrication. Brown wants to make sure that it’ll go fast…from his house, to the grocery store.
But the competition is going to be fierce. NASCAR stars Kyle Busch and Clint Bowyer are currently modifying a Camry sedan and a Prius hybrid, respectively, while NHRA Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria is reworking a Tundra pickup truck. Though the drivers are competing for glory against one another, the real victor will be the winning driver’s charity of choice, which will receive a $50,000 check from Toyota.

 

Voting will open on Oct. 20 and continue for 10 days. Fans will be able to vote once per day via Facebook and enter to win prizes, including a Toyota Racing “Dream Trip”, which will be given away to one lucky fan.
The final vehicle builds will be unveiled at a press conference in the Toyota display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30. Fans will be able to tune in live to watch the entire press conference and see the winner announced in real time.

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com


Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Toyota

Monday, September 10, 2012

Fans! The time to test drive a new car is now, only at Toyota of Greensburg! Stop in today for this efficient 2012 Prius v.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

The Fortes Say It Best - Toyota Camry

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Hey Toyota fans! Check out the latest manufacturer’s incentive for the 2012 Corolla. Deals have never looked this good!

2012 Corolla : 0.0 % APR For 36 Months

0% APR financing up to 36 months available to qualified buyers thru Toyota Financial Services. Total financed cannot exceed MSRP plus options, tax, and license fees. 36 monthly payments of $27.78 for each $1000 borrowed. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY.

Toyota

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Toyota aims to take fuel cells beyond vehicles

Toyota continues to break ground in the field of hydrogen fuel cells

Famed Japanese automaker Toyota recently announced that it would be developing a full-fledged hydrogen-powered vehicle. The automaker is among the first to produce a commercially successful hybrid vehicle, the Prius, which laid the foundation for future iterations of alternative energy transportation. Though Toyota has become a powerful name in the alternative energy sector, it still has a strong focus on traditional vehicles, which puts the company at odds with fuel efficiency standards that are coming from many of the world’s governments. Compelled by these standards, the automaker has set its sights on making more energy efficient power systems for more than just vehicles.

Fuel standards push automaker to innovate

Fuel efficiency standards are meant to encourage automakers to develop cleaner vehicles that cut down on the level of fuel consumption. These standards are not optional, and the auto industry is forced to comply if they want to avoid fines and continue operating in some of the world’s most popular markets. While some automakers have found the fuel efficiency standards of some countries problematic, Toyota sees them as an opportunity to develop and market new energy systems. As such, the automaker has developed a hydrogen fuel cell system that can be used to power electrical devices and home appliances.

 

FC Bus and V2H projects add new depth to fuel cells

The hydrogen fuel cell system is actually part of a bus, called the FC Bus. The system generates electricity for the vehicle’s engines while also supplying this electricity to those traveling on the bus. Toyota suggests that the FC Bus can provide power for a variety of mobile electronics and that the system serves as a precursor to a vehicle-to-home (V2H) project that the company is currently developing. This V2H energy system would funnel the electricity generated by a fuel cell-equipped vehicle to a home, providing power for appliances.

Toyota to test new projects beginning in 2013

Toyota estimates that testing for the new V2H will begin at some point in 2013. During these tests, the FC Bus will be used. Toyota’s FC Buses will also participate in the Toyota City Low-Carbon Verification Project, which aims to promote the use of low-emissions technologies in a variety of sectors, transportation included. Toyota is one of the companies looking to make use of hydrogen fuel cells beyond the transportation environment, where they have managed to garner the most of their popularity.

Courtesy of hydrogenfuelnews.com

Toyota

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