TMC to Display Information-hub Vehicle Concept at Tokyo Motor Show 2011

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Toyota City, Japan, November 28, 2011-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will show at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011 the "Toyota Fun-Vii"1, a concept vehicle that heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked. The theme of the show-to take place2 from November 30 through December 11 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo-is "Mobility can change the world."

Vehicle Features

The ultimate in personalization functions offer the ability to alter the content displayed on the interior and exterior of the Fun-Vii with the same ease as downloading an application. For instance, the whole vehicle body can be used as a display space, with the body color and display content changeable at will. This allows the entire vehicle to function as a terminal for displaying messages or other information.

The whole of the vehicle interior also can function as a display space, with the interior freely adjustable to match the mood of the moment. Content such as navigation information is blended seamlessly into the interior through the use of augmented reality. Furthermore, the vehicle's "navigation concierge" can provide the passengers with driving information and guidance through a vocal interface.

A network update function makes sure the software versions for the vehicle's drive, control and multimedia system are always up-to-date.

The Fun-Vii is able to link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, allowing it to detect other potentially hazardous vehicles-such as vehicles in blind spots-in advance, or to connect with friends who are driving nearby.

Operation of the Fun-Vii is not limited to inside the vehicle itself, with a portion of the vehicle's functions access able remotely via a smartphone or other mobile communication device.

Under the slogan "Fun to Drive, Again."3, TMC is offering fresh proposals to provide the dream and joy of motor vehicles to as many people as possible, and in addition to the Toyota Fun-Vii, is displaying a variety of other concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2011.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

Toyota Halftime Handoff Week 8 Winner -- Chicago Run

Chicago Run's mission is to promote the health and wellness of children through innovative, engaging and sustainable youth running programs. Congratulations to the latest Toyota Halftime Handoff winner!

Toyota Wins Best Automotive Brand in 2012 Kelley Blue Book Resale Value Awards

• All-New Camry Wins Best Resale Value in Mid-Size Car Class
• Tacoma and FJ Cruiser Each Named One of the Top 10 Cars

 Toyota was named the top brand in 2012 Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com 2012 Best Resale Value Awards. The awards recognize current and forthcoming vehicles for their projected retained value throughout the first five years of ownership.

Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America for nine consecutive years and 13 of the past 14 years, took the honor of Best Resale Value in the mid-size car segment. The Toyota Tacoma compact pickup truck and FJ Cruiser mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) were named Best Resale Value award winners in their respective vehicle categories and were also among the top 10 vehicles for Best Resale Value. 

“Winning the top brand in the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards is a very significant honor as it reflects Toyota’s commitment to quality, dependability and reliability, which ultimately adds up to great value,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Toyota will continue to deliver the finest cars and trucks consumers have come to expect for over half a century.”

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book^® Official Residual Value Guide, which is determined by a skilled staff of automotive analysts. The projections are based on current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s residual analysts. The awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership.

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Courtesy of Toyota.com

Let this beauty take you to cloud nine on every outing. See for yourself - test drive the Toyota Avalon LIMI today!

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Toyota Avalon LIMI

Dealer	Advantage Toyota
Class	SEDAN
RETAIL	$30,991.00
INTERNET PRICE	Call
Mileage	9,379
Stock #	11505A

Year	2011
Color	SILVER
Engine	3.5 LITER 6 CYL
VIN	4T1BK3DBXBU393447

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Toyota Halftime Handoff Week 6 Winner - American Youth Football, Inc.

Voters chose American Youth Football, Inc. as the Toyota Halftime Handoff for Week 6. They'll be receiving a $10,000 donation to promote the wholesome development of youth through their association with adult leaders in the sport of American football. Congratulations!

Move forward in a Toyota Tundra! Toyota makes it easy to finance your new truck.

Intel, TMC to Start Joint Research on Next-Generation In-Vehicle Multimedia Systems

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) signed a memorandum of understanding today with Intel Corporation to begin joint research on next-generation in-vehicle multimedia systems* that would replace current navigation systems.

The joint research with Intel, experienced in information communication technologies, will target appropriate methods of providing information to drivers through in-vehicle systems, as well as information technologies that would enable seamless communication between on-board information systems and nearby information systems.

The amount of information exchanged between cars and drivers is expected to increase due to expanding demand for traffic information, destination searches, radar cruise control and other driving support functions. In response, Toyota and Intel will conduct research on vehicle-driver interfaces that do not interfere with driving.

With Wi-Fi and other various data transmission methods constantly improving, Toyota and Intel will research communication technologies to improve connectivity between cars and widely used information equipment, such as smartphones.

Furthermore, the two companies will research connectivity technologies and effective ways to seamlessly integrate cars with other aspects of people’s lives, including homes.

*In-vehicle systems that provide the user with a multitude of information. Beginning with in-vehicle radio and evolving to current-generation navigation systems, integration with smartphones, home appliances and other energy management systems is expected to be the next stage of evolution for the technology

Courtesy of Toyota.com