The Prius Family bolstered up 25,168 of the above sales, outpacing Toyota’s expectations by a fair margin. One of the biggest boosts to sales was the all-new Prius c. With a hair over 4,000 of the subcompact hybrid blowing through lots, Toyota is having a hard time keeping up with consumer demand. The new Camry hybrid also boosted sales with 4,406 finding owners in April.

Toyota has a lot to be happy about, and if gas prices continue the way they have been, there is a good chance that even more consumers may be flocking to the Japanese hybrids.

According to a Car and Driver article, a Toyota representative told the WRC that at class S2000 entry is in the works.  By the class rules, all S2000 cars can not be motivated by an engine larger than 2.0 liters.  More than likely, the Toyota rally car will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6 liter inline four cylinder and will be based on the subcompact Yaris hatchback.  No Celica ST205 by any means, a new WRC Toyota should still be a force to be reckoned with.  Per S2000 regulations, entrants can be equipped with all wheel drive and sequential gearboxes and is currently filled with Volkswagen Polo Rs, Ford Fiesta RSs and Mini John Cooper Works WRC cars.  If Toyota does go through with this, a fully working and battle ready Yaris WRC would show its face sometime in 2013. 

Source: Car and Driver Magazine

“The hiring of 150 new engineers this year at TTC gives us renewed confidence that our local operation has the experience and leadership to lead us into the future,” said Seiya Nakao, President of TTC.  Since its establishment in 1977, Toyota’s Technical Center has expanded to over 1,000 employees and has facilities throughout the U.S.  Its main state of operation however is Michigan, where Ann Arbor, Saline, Plymouth and Livonia have Toyota R&D centers.  The soon-to-be employed 150 extra workers will, for the most part, be positioned at the Ann Arbor and Saline facilities which concentrate on powertrain, mechanical design and electrical engineering.  On top of 2012′s new workers, Toyota plans to create 100 new jobs across the next five years for the TTC. 

“We are seeking talented, motivated individuals who thrive on challenges, who are team players and implement improvements in safety, quality and performance,” said Nakao.

Source: Toyota

“Both Toyota and the Wyland Foundation are passionate about educating and inspiring people of all ages about the importance of environmental stewardship. We hope that the possibility of winning a new Prius c Hybrid vehicle will motivate even more people to get involved,” said Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.  Created in 1993 by an environmental artist known simply as Wyland, the Wyland Foundation is a non-profit organization that teaches students nationwide the importance of conserving the Earth.  For that reason, Toyota has been working with the foundation to encourage the use of environmentally friendly products each and every day.  With 53 mpg, partial zero emissions, and a ultra-low carbon footprint, the Prius c is one vehicle that could actually make the world a cleaner place.

Source: Toyota

“From the moment TMMC opened the Woodstock plant, Team Members have consistently built quality in to each and every RAV4. Our customers recognize and appreciate their skill,” said Brian Krinock, President of TMMC.  Currently, Toyota’s Woodstock plant puts out 150,000 RAV4 models annually.  Once the boost is fully in play, that number will jump to 200,000; an excellent turn of events given Toyota’s production drop early in 2011.  To make sure each vehicle stands up to the automaker’s standards, approximately 400 new jobs will be added to the Canadian facility.  “We are optimistic that the market is coming back and we’re grateful for the strong sales of the RAV4 in the North American market, which has created this increase in production and jobs,” said Ray Tanguay, chairman for TMMC.

Source: Toyota

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administratin (NHTSA), drivers should be made aware of this issue by the proper warning lights on the dashboard.  So far, just 363 Sienna and 4Runner vehicles are at risk, all of which are 2012 model years.  The Gulf States Toyota dealers have been made aware of the affected vehicles and will begin notifying owners early April of this year.  In order to remedy the problem, technicians will replace the Audiovox remote starter with a new unit and do so at no extra cost to drivers.

Source: NHTSA

As of now, the only official words from Toyota are “Sedan”, “elegant” and “athletic”.  Given that the Camry received a heavy re-do for 2012 and the Corrolla is more economy than powerful luxury, a bit of speculation can place a finger on what this car could be.  Elegant is usually a word used to describe the automaker’s other division, Lexus, which makes us think the next Avalon is getting ready to be showcased.  Given that Buick’s LeCrosse has been given new tricks as well as the Hyundai Azera’s redesign, the large sedan heavy weight might be ready for an update.  Whether or not this is true can only be revealed through the course of time.

Source: Toyota

Joining the Prius c in the 40 mpg club is the Scion iQ, Camry Hybrid, Prius V and Prius Plug-in.  Behind the majority of these vehicle’s high efficiency levels is the now iconic Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system which is generally regarded as the father of the gasoline/electric movement.  The five recently released cars have also managed to help bump up Toyota’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) 12 percent.  Taking the Prius family name solely into account, the hybrids have actually managed to save not only fuel, but carbon emissions.  According to Toyota, when compared to an average car, the Prius has cut back 16.1 million tons of C02 emissions since 2000.

Source: Toyota

The recall will begin early April of this year.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2009 model year Camry and 2009 through 2011 model year Venza cars are being affected.  If a sedan was manufactured between July 1, 2008 through February 28, 2009 then it could be at risk while the crossover/station wagon models being recalled were built from October 20, 2008 through January 4, 2011.  At this point, approximately 186,798 total Toyotas are under investigation.  In order to remedy the problem, certified dealers will replace the stop lamp switch at no extra charge to owners.

Source: NHTSA

The issue at hand is exemplified by excess steering wheel vibration.  Over time, the clockspring for the driver’s front air bag could get damaged so severely that it will fail to operate properly.  A shaking steering wheel can be caused by numerous situations but the usually culprit is uneven tire pressure and or worn front suspension.  When shaken so much, the spiral cable assembly can break, illuminating the air bag warning light and ultimately deeming the system inactive.  At the end of the day, a Tacoma’s air bag would fail to deploy.  Toyota will begin its recall early in April of this year.  They will remedy the issue by replacing the spiral clock assembly and do so at no extra cost to owners.

Source: NHTSA