I-95 Toyota & Scion

On the road of innovation, Toyota never stops going. However, sometimes when developing new technologies it's important to take a moment to look around and make sure advancements aren't coming at the price of our environment. Such is the case with Toyota in regards to its revolutionary Toyota Prius lineup.

Ever wonder how many new Toyota vehicles are produced in a year? According to company reports, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America (TEMA) pumped out a grand total of 1,255,635 vehicles in 2011. What's more, the automaker also created 1,141,466 engines. Now that is one busy team of workers.

Perhaps one of the most well-known hybrid families is that of the Toyota Prius. This is mostly because the Prius lineup offers excellent fuel savings in a wide range of styles and features. But the happy, green clan is about to get a whole lot of cousins. Extending its eco-friendly family, Toyota has announced that it will develop six new hybrid models in 2012.

Over the course of our lifetime, most of us have experienced a mentor that is highly critical and candid. And while that advisor may have been difficult to sway, when he or she finally did offer up an honest compliment, it meant that much more. In the auto world, Consumer Reports is that mentor and the 2012 Toyota Camry is the one getting the compliment.

Meccas of automotive innovation such as the Tokyo Motor Show are often dappled by concept models that shock and awe but have little relevance for real-world driving. The Toyota Fun-Vii is not one of those concepts. True, the name may sound like a modern day children's toy or advanced gaming system, but at its core, the model hits on some serious driving trends.

Follow our I-95 Toyota & Scion blog? If so, then you're probably already privy to information regarding the recently released Toyota Entune. For those who might need a refresher, the program offers top-f-the line connectivity within the emerging "infotainment" realm. Though Entune is still new, Toyota is already taking measures to procure future in-vehicle information system advancements.

We all secretly dream one day a vehicle will be created that is tailored to our specific interests and activities. Well, for surfers and beach lovers everywhere, Toyota just concocted an automotive creation that is bound to make their dreams come true. At the 2011 SEMA Show, the automaker unveiled the Oakley Surf Tacoma, built to be a "Surfing Big Wave Assault Machine."¹

It's always exciting when a new Toyota plant cranks the production wheels. However, it's even more encouraging to see our favorite automaker press the start button despite challenges it may have faced. Such is the case with the Toyota Motors America Manufacturing plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi. Despite facing a recent, recession-prompted production halt, the plant will roll out models of the 2012 Toyota Corolla starting this month.

Accruing accolades in the auto industry is a wonderful but fairly frequent feat. Review and research companies give out awards for everything from vehicle performance to company involvement within the community. However, there are a few exceptionally exclusive titles given to only the best. One of those happens to be the "Number One Automotive Brand" position. Toyota proudly claimed this title despite a rather challenging recent past.

In a dynamic industry, production of electric vehicles isn't uncommon. Most all automakers are pumping out as many earth-friendly models as possible. But in order to really make significant strides to lower our carbon footprint, companies needs to continuously research new green technologies that will be efficient, perform well, and successfully engage consumers. Thankfully, Toyota is already ahead of the game.