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*Tokyo motor show display presents a vision for a mobility society*

*A future of “real-world” cars plus a virtual world of cutting-edge technology*

*AI, robotics, automation, connectivity, sharing – and broomsticks*

Hitch up your britches and climb aboard: Toyota is creating serious – and seriously fun – mobile solutions for the future that may even include riding on a broomstick!

The global carmaker has turned science fiction into fact at this week’s Tokyo motor show with a “future shock” display of next-generation vehicles and mobility devices equipped with cutting-edge technologies.

The avant-garde display confirms Toyota’s plans to expand its impressive track record of producing cars, SUVs and ‘bakkies’ while also blazing ahead in a virtual world of artificial intelligence, robotics, electrification, automation, connectivity and sharing.

“Real-world” unveilings at its “home” motor show feature an all-new Yaris hatch including hybrid-electric power and the second-generation of Toyota’s innovative Mirai concept – an electric fuel-cell sedan powered by hydrogen.

Toyota has also revealed an Ultra-compact BEV (battery-electric vehicle) that will be launched in Japan late next year as well as the electrified, autonomous LQ concept car that wants to bond with its owner.

Looking even deeper into the future, Toyota has confirmed that technological innovation is advancing rapidly by making a foray into delivery robots, ride-sharing vehicles and other devices that rely on the most advanced computer software.

Ready to shake your hand in Tokyo is the T-HR3 humanoid robot, operated by remote control. It will eventually be used to help improve the lives of patients or other people with limited mobility.

Toyota’s human support robot (HSR) can recognise its surroundings and travel autonomously or by remote control, utilising its omni-directional wheels. Adept at recognising, grasping and carrying objects, the HSR will also feature at next year’s Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, guiding guests to their seat and bringing them light meals – leaving them free to enjoy the competition.

A raft of other innovative Toyota vehicles designed to provide ride-sharing and other services are also featured in Tokyo:

• Toyota e-4me: autonomous vehicles that allow a single occupant to travel while enjoying hobbies and pastimes, such as a gym workout.

• Toyota e-Palette: it looks like a transport van, but its size and electric, self-driving ability enables it to bring stores and services directly to customers.

• Toyota Micro Palette: it will treat you like a friend and bring you water if you’re thirsty.

• Toyota e-Racer: a sports car of the future with a virtual tailor that creates bespoke racing suits.

• Toyota e-Chargeair: equipped with a wireless battery charger, it can charge other electric vehicles while travelling and incorporates an air purifier as well as the ability to feed excess power into the grid.

• Toyota e-Care: a vehicle that enables you to undergo a medical exam on your way to hospital.

• Toyota e-Trans: for moving people and goods.

In keeping with its show theme, Toyota has employed “people of the future” to guide show patrons around its theme park of tomorrow.

Finally, for those with a real hankering to be swept up in the mobility of the future, there’s the tantalising possibility of hitching a ride on the Toyota e-broom.

Bristling with technology, the e-broom is modelled on “a broom used by a witch to fly through the air”, bringing people and machines together and showing that future mobility is fun.

After all the fun of Toyota’s futuristic motor show displays, the e-broom might be just the device you need to return to Oz.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing today announced an all-star line-up for the Dakar Rally scheduled to take place for the first time in Saudi Arabia in January 2020. The works team features four crews consisting of Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel; Giniel de Villiers and navigator Alex Haro; Bernhard Ten Brinke and navigator Tom Colsoul; and Fernando Alonso and navigator Marc Coma.

The team has been competing at the Dakar Rally since 2012 and, as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa, achieved Toyota’s first overall victory earlier this year with Nasser and Mathieu. Since its first Dakar Rally entry, the team recorded best overall results of 3rd (2012), 2nd (2013), 4th (2014), 2nd (2015), 3rd (2016), 5th (2017) and 2nd (2018).

For the upcoming edition of the legendary rally, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will field a mix of experienced rally-raid specialists, together with relative newcomers to the discipline. Nasser and Mathieu will be looking to defend their Dakar Rally title to add to their impressive list of achievements, including multiple FIA World Cups for Cross Country Rallies and Dakar Rally victories. Giniel is another experienced campaigner with the 2009 Dakar Rally victory to his name and four Rally of Morocco crowns, the latest coming earlier this month with his new navigator Alex. Bernhard, also a former winner in Morocco, is reunited with Tom, who hails from a rally dynasty and has been competing across different rally disciplines over the years with multiple successes in the truck category.

Fernando, two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner, reigning FIA World Endurance Championship title holder with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, two-time Formula 1 World Champion, and winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, will drive TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s fourth entry in the 2020 Dakar Rally, part of his ambition to try different motorsport disciplines and become an even more complete racing driver. Sitting alongside him in the navigator seat is Marc, another Spanish motorsport legend with six FIM Cross Country World Championships and five Dakar Rally victories in the bike category under his belt. The Spanish super-duo, both transitioning into different forms of motorsport, have been hard at work since August, training in some of the harshest conditions and terrains throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. So far, Fernando and Marc have more than doubled their planned training mileage, an unmistakeable signal of the duo’s determination to conquer one of motorsport’s most rigorous events.

All four crews will compete in the latest version of the rally raid-proven Toyota Hilux, built and developed in South Africa. The 2018 Dakar Rally saw the introduction of an all-new Hilux which was described by Glyn Hall, Team Principal, as a technological leap forward and proved itself from the get-go with a second and third place on its Dakar Rally debut before winning the event outright a year later. Following TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s philosophy of “making ever-better cars”, the team has continued to refine the Hilux and the latest iteration will spearhead the team’s Dakar Rally campaign. The Hilux features independent suspensions, mid-ship engine and all-wheel drive, with the 5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine sitting just behind the front wheels, between and slightly below the crew.

The 2020 Dakar Rally will be contested solely in Saudi Arabia, with the rally starting on January 5, 2020 in the western city of Jeddah. The route will head north, before turning south-east to the capital city of Riyadh where crews will enjoy the traditional event rest day. The second half of the 2020 Dakar Rally traverses through Rub’ al Khali, also known as the “Empty Quarter”, the world’s largest continuous sand desert, before finishing in the city of Al-Qiddiya on January 17.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing official website: http://toyotagazooracing.com/

Issued by Toyota South Africa on behalf of Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Ten Million Icons

In September 2019, Toyota Motor Corporation announced that cumulative global sales of its Land Cruiser series had surpassed 10 million units (a number achieved on 31 August 2019 according to their records).

Tracing a lineage back to 1951, the Land Cruiser has been produced in multiple variants – derived from the original formula is its paramount reliability, durability and unquestionable off-road prowess.

The rugged construction and Toyota’s commitment to QDR has produced a vehicle that has empowered customers around the world to conquer any terrain that presents itself. Land Cruisers can be found in the harshest conditions, at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, serving as transport vessels for supplies in the mines of Australia, and assisting in harvesting food supplies on the steep slopes of Costa Rica.

The Range

The Land Cruiser range consists of three distinct family groups – the 70-series, the Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 200. Whilst the packaging, usage and target market of each are slightly different, they all share the ‘unbreakable’ DNA developed by their forefathers.

LC 70 – Offered in both Single and Double-cab variants with a choice of 4.0-litre petrol, 4.2-litre turbodiesel straight six or 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel engines.

FJ Cruiser – A modern-day tribute to the historical FJ40-series model, with distinctive styling and 4.0-litre V6 power.

Prado – The medium-sized Land Cruiser SUV, offering 7-seat capacity, comfort, luxury and a choice of 3.0-litre turbodiesel or 4.0-litre V6 petrol engines (all mated to heavy duty automatic transmission). Offered in three grades (TX, VX and VX-L)

200-series – The flagship of the Land Cruiser range, the ultimate overlanding vehicle, with space, luxury and high-tech driver-support technologies to take you anywhere. Available in both utility-focused GX and opulent VX-R grades.

Local Success

On the local front the Land Cruiser range has proven extremely popular with South African motorists – perfectly suiting the varied terrain, outdoor lifestyle and remote settings our country offers. The Land Cruiser 200 is the segment leader in the full-size SUV category, with a 33% share and average monthly volume of 93 units.

The Land Cruiser Prado remains a firm favourite in the large SUV segment with around 87 units finding new homes every month and occupying the no. 2 position with a 15% share.  A total of 3684 Land Cruisers (70-series, Prado and 200-series) have been sold on local soil YTD September 2019.

The Namib Special Edition

Based on the LC 79 Double-cab V8 model – the special edition Namib presents a turn-key package for serious off-road enthusiasts. Outfitted with an array of utility-enhancing accessories which includes: a steel front bumper with integrated heavy-duty nudge bar and headlight protectors, tubular rear step with integrated towbar, protective loadbin skins, distinctive front grille, heavy-duty interior seat covers and roof console.

The ride and handling has been upgraded by means of Old Man Emu suspension components, and larger 265/75/R16 Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tyres.

An Historic Achievement

In celebration of both the 10-million milestone and the locally produced Namib special edition, a South African media contingent embarked on an adventure to the northern most point of the Namib desert – to a town aptly named Namibe in southern Angola.

Conquering the infamous ‘Doodsakker’ coastal track (which is only accessible during spring tide) the group made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to the abandoned ‘ghost-town’ island of Baia dos Tigres. Previously a peninsula off the Angolan coast, it was separated from the mainland in 1962 by a storm – rendering ’Tigres an island. After the fresh-water feed project was abandoned, Dos Tigres became a ghost town.

Employing a specially constructed raft, an Ivory White Land Cruiser 79 Namib was transported onto the island – making it the first vehicle on the island since 1974 – further establishing Land Cruiser as the Master of Africa.

Model line-up and Pricing

79 PICK UP (S/C)

Land Cruiser 79 P/U 4.0                                  – R 582 000

Land Cruiser 79 P/U 4.2D                                – R 618 900

Land Cruiser 79 4.5 V8 D SC                           – R 707 800

79 PICK UP (D/C)

Land Cruiser 79 4.0 D/C                                  – R 660 800

Land Cruiser 79 4.2D D/C                               – R 692 300

Land Cruiser 79 4.5 V8 D D/C                         – R 776 300

79 NAMIB

Land Cruiser 79 4.5D V8 D/C Namib               – R 893 600

76 SW

Land Cruiser 76 4.5 Diesel V8                        – R 786 900

Land Cruiser Prado

Land Cruiser Prado 3.0D TX 5AT                   – R 875 500

Land Cruiser Prado 4.0 VX 6AT                     – R 990 200

Land Cruiser Prado 3.0D VX 5AT                  – R 992 100

Land Cruiser Prado 4.0 VX-L 6AT                  – R 1 029 700

Land Cruiser Prado 3.0D VX-L 5AT               – R 1 031 500

Land Cruiser 200

Land Cruiser 200 4.5D V8 GX-R 6AT             – R 1 064 900

Land Cruiser 200 4.5D V8 VX-R Black 6AT   – R 1 463 500

Land Cruiser 200 4.5D V8 VX-R Beige 6AT   – R 1 463 500

The Toyota Avanza has been truly embraced by the South African public since the first generation was introduced in 2010. The current model achieves an Average Monthly Volume of around 440 units – making it a formidable player in both the MPV segment and Toyota’s passenger-car line-up.

The Avanza’s combination of 7-seater capacity, high ground clearance, easy-to-maintain mechanical components and affordability, have appealed to a wide range of both private and business users. For 2019, the flagship TX model has received some notable aesthetic and quality upgrades, whilst keeping in-tune with core customer requirements. (Mechanical specifications remain unchanged.)

Exterior Design

The range topping TX-grade, is furnished with revised front and rear bumper designs, new split-level LED-headlamps with vertically-arranged airdams and fog lamp garnish. A stylish body-coloured accent strip divides the headlamps and creates a border between the chrome upper and black lower-grille sections. More aerodynamically-shaped exterior mirrors, shark-fin antenna and turbine-shaped 15” alloy wheels further complement the styling changes.

Moving to the rear, a new rear boot spoiler, revised taillamps (with clear elements) and chrome accent strip help the new TX model stand out. A new deep blue exterior colour, Fervent Blue, has been added to the colour palette – with Tusk white, Quicksilver metallic, Graphite Grey and Gold Leaf metallic remaining.

The S and SX grades retain their current exterior design and packaging.

Interior Tweaks

All new Avanza models receive a change from rotary-dial-type HVAC controls to push-button control with digital readout. In line with customer requests the interior trim has been changed from light grey to dark grey. Front and rear 12-volt accessory connectors have been fitted as standard.

Model Line-up & Pricing

Avanza 1.3 S 5MT                              – R 238,300

Avanza 1.3 SX 5MT                            – R 256,200

Avanza 1.5 SX 5MT                            – R 263,900

Avanza 1.5 SX 4AT                            – R 283,800

Avanza 1.5 TX 5MT                            – R 307,500

Avanza 1.3 S Panel Van 5MT            – R 244,000

Warranty & Service

All Avanza models are sold with a 4-services/60 000 km service plan (12-months/15 000 km intervals). A 3-years/100 000 km Warranty is also included.

• Early glimpse of the new Mirai at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show
• Driving range extended by up to 30%
• Latest fuel-cell electric vehicle technology improves dynamics and efficiency

Toyota will take advanced zero-emission fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology to new heights when it previews the second-generation Mirai at this month’s Tokyo Motor Show.

The concept car will provide an early glimpse of the advances Toyota is making across the board with the new Mirai in terms of technical excellence, dynamic performance and desirable design.

Scheduled for launch in 2020 – initially in Japan, North America and Europe in areas supported by a refuelling infrastructure – the new Mirai will be much more than an eco-car. It has been designed to demonstrate how Toyota’s FCEV technology can help create a vehicle that is rewarding to drive and beautiful. Efficiency is still a critical area, and Toyota is targeting a 30% increase in the Mirai’s driving range through improvements to the fuel-cell system and the use of larger on-board hydrogen tanks.

The new Mirai’s immediate impact is in its exterior design with low lines, elegant proportions, sleek, taut bodywork and 20” wheels that together generate a powerful and distinctive look. The preview car will be presented in a specially developed new blue paint finish that uses multiple layers to achieve an exceptional brightness and depth of colour.

The interior has been conceived as a simple, modern space with a warm, comfortable ambience that adds to the sense of enjoyment for drivers and passengers. Key elements include a 12.3” centre display and an instrument panel that wraps around the driver. The platform and intelligent packaging allow for five seats to be provided in place of the current Mirai’s four.

The freedom to craft a more emotional and head-turning design has been one of the benefits of new Mirai being constructed on Toyota’s latest rear-wheel-drive modular platform, which was engineered to accommodate different powertrains – including a hydrogen fuel cell – from the outset. It gives the new Mirai an even higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.

As well as extending the potential driving range, improvements in the performance of the fuel-cell system give the new Mirai linear, smooth response when pulling away and an elegant driving feel, with unity between the driver’s throttle inputs and the car’s acceleration. Handling is light and easy on winding roads, while highway driving produces an exceptional sense of power at all speeds.

Mirai chief engineer Yoshikazu Tanaka said: “We have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face.

“I want customers to say, ‘I chose the Mirai not just because it’s an FCEV, but because I simply wanted this car; it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai we will be a leader in helping realise a hydrogen energy society.”

Toyota led the world with the introduction of the hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan in 2014. The current Mirai has been a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved. It is technically sophisticated, yet eminently practical, with a driving range of around 500km, easy refuelling in a matter of minutes and no emissions other than pure water. Since launch, around 10 000 units have been sold, while Toyota has actively supported the development of hydrogen fuel infrastructure in key markets worldwide.

• Up to 20 of the e-Palette vehicles to support athlete movement at Tokyo 2020
• Will Offer Low-Speed SAE Level 4 Automated Transportation throughout the Olympic and Paralympic villages
• Vehicle on display from October 24 to November 4 at 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota announced today that it will supply up to 20 specially-designed “Tokyo 2020 Version” e-Palette vehicles to support athlete mobility at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, where it will provide automated, loop-line transportation at the Olympic and Paralympic villages for athletes and related staff. The battery-electric, automated vehicles have been adapted specifically for use during the Games based on feedback from athletes about their mobility needs.

“Olympic and Paralympic athletes work tirelessly to achieve the impossible, and we wanted to provide them with a vehicle specifically-designed and calibrated to fit their mobility needs during Tokyo 2020,” says Takahiro Muta, Development Leader for the unique version of the e-Palette for Tokyo 2020.

Muta further adds, “Throughout the development process, athletes, especially Para athletes, helped us to better understand how we could adapt and upgrade the e-Palette to better meet the need for simple, convenient and comfortable mobility. We are proud to work with them on a vehicle that will not just move athletes physically throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Village, but will also offer them new opportunities to interact with others, share new experiences, and be moved emotionally.”

First announced in 2018, e-Palette is Toyota’s first vehicle developed specifically for autonomous mobility as a service (“Autono-MaaS1”) applications. It reflects Toyota’s ongoing transition to a mobility company and combines electrification, connected networks and advanced driving technologies to support new shared mobility businesses and business models.

The Tokyo 2020 version has been adapted to meet the unique needs of the Olympic and Paralympic Village, featuring large doors and electric ramps to allow groups of athletes, including Para athletes, to board quickly and easily. The vehicle will be controlled by an automated driving system capable of operating up to 20 kilometres per hour at SAE level2 4, supported by an on-board safety operator.

Deploying the e-Palette to support athlete and staff mobility is a key element of Toyota’s programme to provide advanced mobility solutions for Tokyo 2020 as the first worldwide mobility partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, Toyota plans to leverage the knowledge gained from operating e-Palette at Tokyo 2020 to continue developing the vehicle to support future Mobility-as-a-Service applications. The Tokyo 2020 Version will be revealed and exhibited at Toyota’s booth during the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show3 held in Japan from October 23 to November 4 2019.

OVERVIEW OF THE E-PALETTE “TOKYO 2020 VERSION:

Designed for comfortable mobility

• Designed with front/rear symmetry, a distinctive cube shape and wheels at the four corners, the vehicle offers expansive and comfortable interior space.
• Reflecting Toyota’s commitment to providing “Mobility for all,” it includes handrails and seats that are easy to use regardless of height; the vehicle also features floor, trim, seats and other components with colour contrasts that assist people with colour-blindness.

Enabling quick and easy entry/exit for passengers

• The e-Palette is equipped with large sliding doors, low floors, electric ramps, and an Arrival Control4 system for use when approaching destinations to enable passengers, including those in wheelchairs, to enter and exit quickly and easily.
• With its long wheelbase and flat floor, the vehicle can transport up to four passengers in wheelchairs along with additional standing passengers at one time.

Low-speed automated driving with a focus on safety

• The e-Palette is equipped with a specially-designed automated driving system that includes control hardware, software, and advanced sensors such as cameras and LiDAR. Combined with high-accuracy 3D mapping and an operation management system, e-Palette will realise low-speed automated driving at SAE level 4.
• To support safe operation, the e-Palette features an external human-machine interface designed to assist communication with those around the vehicle, including pedestrians, during automated driving. Headlamps on the front and rear of the vehicle mimic eye contact to inform pedestrians of vehicle actions.
• The automated driving system constantly monitors for obstacles across a full 360-degree field of vision around the vehicle and operates at a speed appropriate and in accordance with the surrounding environment. As a preventative measure, an on-board safety operator will also monitor the vehicle’s movement and be prepared to take control if necessary.

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS

Length/Width/Height/Wheelbase	5,255 mm/2,065 mm/2,760 mm/4,000 mm
No. of passengers	Up to 20* (including one operator) *For wheelchairs: Up to 4 wheelchair + 7 standing passengers
Range	Approx. 150 km
Speed	19 km/h

*1 Combination of “autonomous” and “mobility as a service” describing Toyota’s mobility services using automated driving vehicles.

*2 Society of Automotive Engineering – SAE Level references can be found here

*3 The special invitation days is on October 24; the show is open to the general public from October 25 to November 4

*4 it controls the vehicle to stop at the designated boarding and alighting location, and minimizing the gap to the bus stop itself.