Ford to build hybrid F-series by decade’s end

Yesterday Ford said that a hybrid version of its popular F-series trucks would be built by the end of the decade.

The revelation came while CEO Mark Fields was discussing the company’s recent announcement of a $4.5 billion investment in developing 13 new electrified vehicles, and he gave the briefest mention of the hybridized F-Series variant.

“We do have plans to have a rear-wheel drive hybrid truck by the end of the decade,” Fields told NPR in an interview. “So yes, we’re working on [an] electrified F-series, and it’s really around a conventional hybrid.”

Fields did not state whether it would be for sale in dealers or in pre-production form by then, and other core details were omitted too, including which F-Series it would specifically be, though it’s most likely Fields was referring only to the F-150 when he said “F-series.”

The Ford F-150 – one of several F-Series pickups and the natural candidate for hybridization being the lightest duty – is America’s best-selling vehicle. This year about 570,000 units of Ford’s F-150 badged trucks will be sold.

Compare that to the combined total of Ford’s Fusion and C-Max passenger car hybrids, which might sell less than 39,000 this year.

Ford’s F-Series are available in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive, but Fields mentioned rear-wheel-drive only.

The American automaker’s move also comes as General Motors has phased out its 2-mode hybrid versions of Chevrolet and GMC pickups and SUVs. Those Silverados, Yukons, Sierras, etc. did not substantially beat non-hybrid counterparts’ mpg, were heavily contented, and sold poorly.

Click to expand. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

What Ford may do with RWD F-Series is unknown, but with fleet emission mandates to meet, and technology in hand to do better, electrification advocates can surely hope for an initiative to build hybrid trucks that is not without precedent.

In August 2011, Ford and Toyota Motor Corp. agreed to a collaboration that would have had the two auto giants jointly develop hybrid rear-wheel drive light trucks and SUVs. However, the deal fell apart just two years later as Ford management decided to head in a new direction, which left Toyota officials miffed.

Fields also expanded on the automaker’s recent announcement concerning its future plans on electrification.

“Part of our job as a company and as an automotive manufacturer and now as a mobility company, is to think of what the world is going to look like five, 10 and even 15 years from now,” Fields said. “And our view, very simply, is that over time, oil is a nonrenewable resource. And therefore, over time, higher levels of electrification will be necessary not only to meet consumer demand in that timeframe but also to meet the regulatory requirements.”

Fields did not comment on whether the manufacturer had plans for making a plug-in hybrid version of the F-series.

NPR

Report: Toyota to boost Li-ion production for hybrids to more than 200K packs per year

The Nikkei reported that Toyota Motor Corp. plans to increase its output of lithium-ion batteries for the Prius and other models to more than 200,000 units a year.

Most of Toyota’s hybrids still rely on NiMH batteries. The Nikkei report said that Toyota hopes to extend the range of its hybrid cars by reducing their weight with smaller lithium-ion batteries.

PEVE, in which the carmaker holds an 80% stake and Panasonic Corp. the remainder, has a production line at its Teiho factory in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture that can turn out 36,000 lithium-ion batteries per year, but the line does not have the capacity to meet Toyota’s production target.

Toyota Launches New 'Crown' Series Sedans in Japan

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota City, Japan, December 25, 2012-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the redesigned "Crown Royal" and "Crown Athlete" sedans. Both will be sold through "Toyota" dealers across Japan.

The original "Crown" debuted in 1955 and established a tradition of trust and peace of mind, and has since evolved into a sedan that leads the premium car market in Japan.

Now, the 14th-generation of the Crown revisits its roots while also living up to today's demands and expectations by providing an exquisite ride and superbly quiet performance.

The new Crown series has been designed around the core concept of new innovation, and stands at the front of Toyota's ongoing efforts to make ever-better cars2 that exceed expectations.

The new Crown series features distinct and dynamic styling that indicates the extent of the redesign.

All major components have been updated, including a new 2.5-liter hybrid system that combines high output with high fuel economy, a matured suspension, and new cutting-edge technology and devices such as the Toyota Multi-Operation Touch, which consolidates various vehicle functions into one, convenient, easy-to-operate touch panel.

Monthly Sales Target for Japan: 4,000 units

Assembly Plant: Motomachi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

Crown Royal

Grade	Engine	Transmission	Driveline	Price*1
Royal	4GR-FSE (V6 2.5-liter)	6 Super ECT*2	Rear-wheel drive	3,530,000 yen
Royal Saloon				4,090,000 yen
Royal Saloon G				4,820,000 yen
Royal i-Four			Four-wheel drive	3,800,000 yen
Royal Saloon i-Four				4,360,000 yen
Royal Saloon G i-Four				5,050,000 yen
Royal	THS II with reduction gear		Rear-wheel drive	4,100,000 yen
Royal Saloon				4,690,000 yen
Royal Saloon G				5,360,000 yen
*1Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa; *2Super Intelligent Electronically-controlled, Six-speed Automatic Transmission

Crown Athlete

Grade	Engine	Transmission	Driveline	Price*1
Athlete	4GR-FSE (V6 2.5-liter)	6 Super ECT*2	Rear-wheel drive	3,570,000 yen
Athlete S				4,130,000 yen
Athlete G				4,900,000 yen
Athlete i-Four			Four-wheel drive	3,800,000 yen
Athlete S i-Four				4,360,000 yen
Athlete G i-Four				5,130,000 yen
Athlete S	2GR-FSE (V6 3.5-liter)	8 Super ECT	Rear-wheel drive	4,970,000 yen
Athlete G				5,750,000 yen
Athlete	THS II with reduction gear			4,100,000 yen
Athlete S				4,690,000 yen
Athlete G				5,430,000 yen
*1Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa; *2Super Intelligent Electronically-controlled, Six-speed Automatic Transmission

Vehicle Outline

1. Distinct and Dynamic Styling Fitting for a New Era

The new Crown series boasts a dignified yet expressive side profile built around a lowered body complemented by free-flowing lines and dynamic styling. The impressive front mask-based on the shape of a crown-emphasizes the individuality of the Crown series' unyielding presence and dignity.

Crown Royal
The hood and sides of the body thrust forward to create a strong front view with a commanding presence. The thick, angled upper grille blends with the wide and open lower grille to create the new, dignified face of the Crown Royal

The lowered body combines with the horizontally accented shoulder lines to create a low front-center-of-gravity while presenting a sense of forward momentum through the side profile.

The cabin is tapered toward the rear with the tires set outward through the use of arch hemming3 to create an impressive rear view that conveys a sense of stability and sturdiness. The shortened wheel arch flanges and the hems are curved inward to present smooth flare surfaces.

Crown Athlete
The low-to-the-ground center body and fender strongly emphasize the tires to form a lively front view. The shape of the grille evokes the image of a crown while expressing the functionality of a sports model to produce a striking look.

With integrated side rocker molding consistent with the body, the side profile emphasizes the low center of gravity and excellent driving performance.

The rear view features combination taillights with rounded accents that convey an aggressive feel. The rear spoiler flows smoothly into the side rocker moldings to emphasize the low center of gravity, and the adoption of a lower garnish with aerodynamic effects conveys the quality of the driving performance.

Interior
Shapes and handiwork infused with traditional Japanese aesthetics (such as layers, overlapping patterns) show refinement, contrasting with the modern Toyota Multi-Operation Touch control unit, but realizing a harmony between these aspects to create a modern interior that integrates tradition with innovation.

Newly developed wood-grain panels-with lustrous gold stitching and intricate geometric patterns created through digital processing-are arranged and placed with extreme precision to create an interior space that pursues unprecedented quality in ornamentation design and detail.

Interior and Exterior Colors
The Crown Royal is available in six body colors, including new Precious Silver and two new interior colors-Chestnut and Flaxen.

The Crown Athlete is available in six body colors including new Precious Silver and Precious Black Pearl with two interior colors including new Terra Rossa.

2. Outstanding Performance

Powertrain
The new, exclusive rear-wheel-drive hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder inline Atkinson cycle engine featuring next-generation D-4S4 technology with a high-torque motor to provide the drive performance of a 3.0-liter V6 vehicle and class-leading5 environmental performance.

The new 2AR-FSE engine achieves class-leading5 maximum thermal efficiency6 of 38.5 percent to achieve both high fuel efficiency and high output.

Fuel efficiency is 23.2 km/L under the JC08 test cycle of Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT; equivalent to CO2 emissions of 100 g/km), contributing to substantial reductions in CO2 emissions.

The 2015 fuel efficiency standards are exceeded by 20 percent. Combined with certification for emission levels 75 percent lower than 2005 standards under the MLIT approval system for low-emission vehicles, the new Crown series is eligible for tax reduction measures under the Japanese government's taxation system for environment-friendly vehicles.

Main Specifications of Crown Series Exclusive Rear-wheel-drive Hybrid System 

Engine	Model	2AR-FSE
	Displacement	2,493 cc
	Maximum output	131 kW (178 PS)/6,000 rpm
	Maximum torque	221 N-m (22.5 kgf-m)/4,200-4,800 rpm
Motor	Model	1KM
	Maximum output	105 kW (143 PS)
	Maximum torque	300 N-m (30.6 kgf-m)
Complete system	Maximum output*	162 kW (220 PS)
Battery		Nickel-metal hydride
*Using both engine power and electric motor power; based on TMC calculations

In addition to the 2.5-liter V6 engine with 6 Super ECT and the Athlete-only 3.5-liter V6 engine with 8 Super ECT, both vehicles are also equipped with the Driving Response and Acceleration Management System (DRAMS) for smooth and powerful acceleration.

Chassis
Rigidity of the front and rear suspension arms has been optimized. The rear suspension arms with open cross-sectional configuration provide a high-quality ride without transmitting vibration from the road surface. Offset tie-rod ends on the front suspension and toe-control arms in the rear suspension maintain high vehicle stability when cornering to greatly increase ride comfort.

Body
The addition of spot welding to certain locations increases body rigidity, improving steering responsiveness, road grip and riding comfort.

The sides of the combination taillights feature aero-stabilizing fins that generate small eddy currents in the air that flow alongside the vehicle, applying force to the vehicle on both sides to maintain excellent steering stability.

Extensive vibration and noise countermeasures have been implemented on the body, this in addition to the hybrid system on hybrid models can provide much quieter performance7 over the existing V6 engine.

3. State-of-the-art Equipment

Driving Support
The Adaptive High Beam System ensures high forward nighttime visibility for the driver by detecting preceding and oncoming vehicles and selectively blocking sections of the high beams coming from the vehicle that could interfere with other drivers' vision.

The Panoramic View Monitor integrates images from four cameras mounted on the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle and displays them on the navigation system screen in conjunction with gear-stick operation to enable the driver to monitor hard-to-see areas around the vehicle.

Safety and Peace of Mind
The new Crown series features a Pre-collision System (including an improved Pre-collision Brake Assist system and a Pre-collision Braking system) with millimeter-wave radar that improves deceleration performance for 90 percent of relative speeds at which rear-end collisions occur.

In addition, Intelligent Clearance Sonar automatically applies the brakes and mitigates damage in the event of a collision caused by pedal misapplication or application with excessive force. For example, when starting from a stop in a parking lot, if the clearance sonar detects an obstacle in the direction of travel, a warning is issued and the engine or motor output is controlled accordingly.

Drive-start Control, standard on all vehicles, provides an on-screen and auditory warning to the driver and controls the engine or motor output to limit sudden acceleration and mitigate collision damage in the event of irregular gear-stick operation.

In the unfortunate event of a collision with a pedestrian, the vehicle's Pop-up Hood instantly raises at the rear to reduce the force of impact on the pedestrian's head.

Options Packages*1 

Options Packages	Main features
1	Advanced package	- Pre-collision System (millimeter-wave radar) - Clearance Sonar and Back Sonar - Intelligent Clearance Sonar - Radar Cruise Control (brake control) - Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management*2 (gasoline-engine Royal Saloon models only)
2	Driver support package*3	- Electric tilt and telescoping steering wheel with auto-tilt away and return function (gasoline-engine Royal Saloon, Royal Saloon i-Four, 2.5-liter gasoline-engine Athlete S and Athlete S i-Four) - Automatic windshield wipers (rain detection) - Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
3	Rear comfort package*4	- Rear power seats (reclining with 40/20/40 split) - Rear center arm rest (with cup holder, storage box, and various control switches) - Rear accessory socket (DC 12 V, 120 W) - Rear left and right SRS side airbags
4	Leather seat package*5	- Leather seats - Front seat ventilation - Front seat heaters*6 - Rear seat heaters (Royal Saloon G and Royal Saloon G i-Four only)
*1Not available on the Royal and Royal i-Four or the Athlete and Athlete i-Four.; *2Combines Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Traction Control, and Electric Power Steering; *3Standard on the Royal Saloon G, Royal Saloon G i-Four, Athlete G, and Athlete G i-Four; *4Standard on the Royal Saloon G, Royal Saloon G i-Four; not available on the Athlete series; *5Standard on the Athlete G and Athlete G i-Four; *6Standard on hybrid vehicles.

1Hybrid model production is scheduled to begin in late January 2013.
2A key concept of Toyota's automobile manufacturing in the Toyota Global Vision
3A structure or bending processing used on exterior and exterior-plate components
4Direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine superior version
5Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement, according to TMC
6Calorific value effectively utilized for generating motive force (fuel that was used for actually moving the vehicle) as a percentage of the thermal energy provided to drive the engine. Increasing this percentage leads to higher fuel economy.
7Compared to Toyota V6 engines at same number of revolutions, according to TMC

Toyota Aqua (Prius C) comes to Japan, 60,000 orders already in

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota City, Japan, December 26, 2011-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the "Aqua"*1 gasoline-electric compact hybrid.

The Aqua combines a comfortable and roomy interior with a stylish body, and displays exciting acceleration and agility.

The Aqua incorporates 17 years of Toyota expertise and technology in the development of mass-produced hybrid vehicles, and boasts a small, light and efficient hybrid system that achieves a world-leading*2 fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT's) JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L*3 under the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.

With a starting price of 1.69 million yen, the Aqua offers the pleasure of hybrid vehicles to an even broader range of consumers in Japan.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices Grade Hybrid System Driveline Price*
L THS II with reduction gear Front-wheel drive 1,690,000 yen
S 1,790,000 yen
G 1,850,000 yen
*Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa

Vehicle Outline

Exceptional Fuel Efficiency

The Aqua features a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with reduction gear, which achieves a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L in the JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L in the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.

A cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) system improves efficiency in the high-expansion-ratio Atkinson cycle engine. Also contributing to increased engine efficiency is a battery-powered water pump, a friction-reducing beltless design and precise coolant-water-flow volume control.

The hybrid transaxle, which includes the power control unit, the power-generation motor and drive motor, has also been designed to be small and light.

A selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor.

Key Hybrid System Specifications Engine Model 1NZ-FXE
Displacement 1,496 cc
Maximum output 54 kW (74 PS)/4,800 rpm
Maximum torque 111 N-m (11.3 kgf-m)/3,600-4,400 rpm
Motor Maximum output 45 kW (61 PS)
Maximum torque 169 N-m (17.2 kgf-m)
Engine & Motor Combined maximum output* 73 kW (100 PS)
Battery Nickel-metal hydride
*Based on TMC calculations

Design Combines Elements of Fun and Sophistication

The Aqua's active and fun styling provides outstanding aerodynamic performance with a comfortable interior in a compact body.

Exterior
The exterior offers a bold and modern design with a powerful and refined front mask and a rear silhouette that evokes imagery of brisk yet stable driving performance.

The vehicle comes in ten vibrant and stylish body colors, including new Citrus Orange Mica Metallic and Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine.

Interior
The instrument panel structure evokes a great sense of space, while the modern and geometric layout with color-coded, switch-operated areas reflect the pursuit of enjoyment and user-friendliness.

Distinctive and effective accent color placement contributes to a brighter interior and is available in four patterns: Earth Brown, Fresh Green, Cool Blue, and Natural Gray.

Front and rear seats with ample head clearance and legroom provide excellent comfort.

The hybrid battery has been sized for placement under the rear seat, resulting in a spacious cargo area of 305 liters*4.

Exhilarating Performance for Enhanced Driving Pleasure

In addition to a long 2,550 mm wheelbase, the hybrid unit and engine are positioned to create a low center of gravity for superior maneuvering performance.

Engine and motor power combine to provide smooth acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and also at mid-range speeds, such as from 40 km/h to 70 km/h in 3.6 seconds (all measurements according to TMC).

With a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters, the Aqua also boasts excellent maneuverability.

Fun and Easy-to-use Hybrid

The instrument panel sports a myriad of functions that support environment-conscious and enjoyable driving. The Hybrid System Indicator offers easy-to-understand information concerning eco-driving, such as effective accelerator use. In addition to the standard display, an optional high-resolution thin-film-transistor liquid crystal multi-information display provides a variety of eco-driving information. Eco Judge ranks eco-driving on a 100-point scale, and Eco Wallet shows money saved as compared with other levels of fuel efficiency.

High-level Safety and Comfort-Enhancing Features

ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) maximizes braking performance, with the EBD appropriately distributing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. Also, a brake assist function generates extra braking force to assist the driver in emergency braking situations.

Vehicle Stability Control controls brake and engine output to maintain vehicle stability if skidding occurs. Traction Control controls wheel spin to simplify acceleration operation.

Hill-start Assist Control reduces anxiety about the vehicle rolling backwards when starting on a steep incline.

Automatic air conditioning comes standard on all models and is equipped with an electric inverter compressor run by the electric motor, enabling a comfortably air-conditioned interior even when the engine is off.

In addition to seat heaters, the exhaust heat recirculation system draws heat from the engine directly into the cooling water, enhancing heating performance and fuel efficiency in the winter.

Diverse Range of Packages Meet a Range of Needs

The Aqua is available in seven different packages.

Package Main Features
1 Smart entry package - Smart entry and start system for driver, passenger, and rear doors (with answer-back function)
- Antitheft system (engine and motor immobilizer)
- Light controls (auto on/off lights and auto shutoff headlights)

2 LED headlight package - LED headlights (with auto leveling function, headlight cleaner, black extension ornamentation, and auto shutoff system)
- Front fog lights

3 Touring package - 195/50R16 tires and 16x6J aluminum wheels (with center ornamentation)
- Large rear roof spoiler
- Smoked headlamp trim
- Dedicated suspension

4 Beauty package - nanoe*
- Super UV-cut Glass (front doors)
- Seat heaters (driver and passenger seats)
- Passenger seat sun visor with vanity mirror

5 Advanced display package - TFT multi-information display
- Touch Tracer Display
- Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches; with touch tracer function)

6 Navigation system ready package - Backup camera
- Six speakers
- Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches)

7 Audio system package - CD + AM/FM & AUX terminals
- Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches)
- Six speakers

*nanoe and the nanoe logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation

Welcabs: Vehicles with Factory-installed Features for The Disabled

The Rotating Passenger Seat model features a passenger seat that rotates to facilitate smooth ingress and egress. The Type B model features an electric loading/unloading mechanism for manual wheelchairs.

Welcab Friendmatic Seat models allow for the installation of devices such as a specialized driver's seat, to help people without use of their legs drive with only their hands (scheduled for release in March 2012). Special-purpose power steering that reduces the force necessary to turn the steering wheel comes standard, helping to ease steering during initial acceleration and low-speed driving.

The Friendmatic-exclusive remote-controlled power driver's seat available on Types II and IV, aids movement to and from a wheelchair. Types III and IV include the Welcarry device, which automatically stows a wheelchair on the vehicle's roof.

Manufacturer's Suggested Welcab Retail Prices

Variant Grade Hybrid system Driveline Price*
Rotating Passenger Seat model (Type A) S THS II with reduction gear Front-wheel drive 1,895,000 yen
G 1,955,000 yen
Rotating Passenger Seat model (Type B) S 1,894,000 yen
G 1,951,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type I) S 1,890,000 yen
G 1,950,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type II) S 2,125,000 yen
G 2,182,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type III) S 2,297,000 yen
G 2,354,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type IV) S 2,622,000 yen
G 2,679,000 yen
*Includes consumption tax, differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa and excludes recycling fees. Rotating passenger Seat Type B and Welcab Friendmatic model Type II, Type III, and Type IV are exempt from consumption taxes; Welcab Friendmatic model Type I is exempt from consumption taxes only when the specialized driver's seat is installed at the time of purchase.

*1Derived from the Latin word meaning water. The name is meant to evoke an image of clean transparency as well as of something that is universally cherished. Also, the Aqua is meant to break the conventional image of hybrid vehicles, becoming something fluid and not constrained to any one shape or role-like free-flowing water. With this image, it is hoped that even more people will choose to experience the joys of hybrid vehicle ownership.
*2Compared to mass-produced gasoline passenger cars (excluding plug-in hybrid vehicles). As of November 30, 2011, according to TMC.
*3G and S grades are 37.0 km/L.
*4Storage up to the top of the rear seat back calculated by TMC using the VDA method.

Toyota Tsusho JV to begin lithium production in Argentina in 2013; supplies for Toyota Motor

Toyota Group company Toyota Tsusho Corp. will begin lithium production in the Salar de Olaroz Lithium-Potash Project in Argentina in 2013 through its joint venture with Australian mining concern Orocobre Ltd.

Results of a feasibility study at the site, a salt lake in northwestern Argentina, showed estimated deposits of 6.4 million tons, a major upgrade from an initial projection of 1.5 million tons.

According to the Nikkei, Toyota Tsusho and Orocobre plan to begin constructing on-site facilities in 2012 upon government approval, with the mining to begin as early as 2013. The joint venture is expected to produce an annual 16,400 tons of lithium.

Toyota Tsusho will receive all the lithium produced at the site for supply to group firm Toyota Motor Corp. and others.

Source: Nikkei

Toyota begins production of current model Prius in China

Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., a joint vehicle-production company established with China FAW Group Corporation in China’s Sichuan Province, has begun production of the third-generation Prius”gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle at its Changchun Plant. Sales of the vehicle will begin in early 2012.

Production of the Prius began in China in 2005, marking the first time the vehicle was produced outside Japan. In 2010, GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. in Guangdong Province began production of the Camry Hybrid sedan.

In October at a cornerstone-laying ceremony for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China) Co., Ltd.’s R&D Center in Changshu, TMC announced plans to further localize production of hybrid technologies in China. At the ceremony, President Akio Toyoda stated TMC’s intent to create a development group for the production of Chinese-made hybrid vehicles and to realize the localized production of hybrid system components by around 2015.