For the second year in a row according to J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Customer Retention Study(SM) released recently, Toyota has once again leads the automotive industry when it comes to retaining highest percentage of new vehicle purchasers.

The study is now on its fifth year and measures the percentage of new vehicle buyers and lessees who replaced their previously purchased new vehicle with another from the same nameplate.

For this year's results Toyota has gain a one percent point improvement from 2006 with 64.6 percent leading the customer retention rankings, followed by its very own luxury division Lexus with 63 percent, and then Honda with 62.8 percent. Each of these brands has obtained the same rank positions in 2007 as in 2006.

In addition, other automakers have obtained relative improvement this year and the most notable are those from Suzuki with 19 percentage points and Mazda which is up by 9 percentage points since 2003.

The gain obtained by Suzuki for the past five years in customer retention is the largest since the start of said study. Basing on the study it was found out that the increase in cargo capacity as well as the high resale value was the main reasons for Suzuki's improvement.

Likewise the improvements made by Mazda on both styling and quality were also seen as factors that has helped increased its retention rates. The study in particular has attributed the increase to better safety features, fuel safety economy and seating arrangements.

J.D. Power and Associates Customer Retention Study(SM) is expected to play a more important role in the coming years especially on new vehicle sales between 2007 and 2014 which are expected to increase by only 8 percent or about 1.2 million units.

The 2007 Customer Retention Study was based on the responses obtained from 169,017 new vehicle buyers and lessees of which 101,860 have replaced that was previously acquired new.

2007 Make Retention Rates

Toyota 64.6%

Lexus 63.0%

Honda 62.8%

BMW 58.0%

Chevrolet 56.8%

Mercedes-Benz 56.6%

Ford 52.9%

Cadillac 52.8%

Subaru 51.2%

Hyundai 50.9%

Industry Average 48.8%

Nissan 47.3%

GMC 45.7%

Saturn 45.7%

HUMMER 44.0%

Lincoln 43.0%

Jeep 41.8%

Porsche 41.6%

Acura 41.1%

Audi 40.8%

Dodge 40.1%

Suzuki 39.6%

Buick 37.8%

Mercury 35.6%

Infiniti 33.6%

Saab 33.5%

Volvo 33.0%

Kia 32.8%

Volkswagen 32.5%

Chrysler 31.9%

Mitsubishi 31.7%

Land Rover 31.1%

Mazda 31.1%

Scion 30.8%

Pontiac 27.8%

Jaguar 24.5%

MINI 21.1%

Isuzu 1.6%

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA has recently unveiled the much awaited 10th generation model of its popular Corolla sedan at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. Toyota aims to continue the Corolla's title as the best selling vehicle model of all time with the release of the 2009 model.

The all new 2009 Toyota Corolla stirred the crowd at SEMA Show with its new design cues and other features developed by Toyota Design. The car will roll out in the market with five model trim levels including Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the high performance XRS. Two powertrain options are available for all models - 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 132 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm; and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Both engines can be combined with either five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Check out the other features that the 2009 Toyota Corolla has to offer:

- front underbody spoiler
- fog lamps
- rocker moldings
- upper and lower rear spoilers
- engine undercovers.
- overhead console for storage of sunglasses or garage-door openers
- rear-seat center armrest with an integral drink holder.
- Map lights
- retractable handgrips
- standard driver and front passenger airbags
- front seat-mounted side airbags
- two-row side curtain airbags
- front seats with active headrests
- Toyota’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC)
- heavy duty rear window defogger
- AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers and XM satellite capable
- auxiliary audio input jack
- air conditioning with air filter
- tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- 60/40 split folding rear seats

Sporty S grade adds:
- P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers
- color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers
- front sport seats
- leather-wrapped steering wheel
- black headlamp housing
- chrome exhaust tip

XRS grade adds:
- rear deck spoiler
- P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels
- sport strut tower brace
- leather-trimmed shift lever and knob
- cruise control and an interior chrome accent

Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager commented:
"Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, the 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known. In style and substance, the tenth-generation Corolla will have a strong, new identity, all its own. It will be far more than merely the next-generation Corolla and will position itself perfectly above our entry-level Yaris and below our sales leader, the Camry."

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. finally releases the details of the 2nd-generation 2008 Land Cruiser sport utility vehicle (SUV) bound for the U.S. market. For 2008, this powerful SUV offers new features inside and out, more comfort, sophistication and value, according to Toyota.

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser will roll out in the market equipped with the all-new monstrous 5.7L DOHC V8 engine called the 3UR-FE. This power unit pumps out 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft amount of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The engine is also equipped with electronic fuel injection, Toyota Direct Ignition, four valves per cylinder and a variable-length intake tract. Furthermore, this all new power unit features some of the most advanced fuel systems including Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), Acoustic Controlled Induction System (ACIS), Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) and air injection. This allows the engine to have optimum performance, low fuel consumption, and low exhaust emissions. In fact, the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is already certified as Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV-II). The engine is coupled with Toyota's AB60F six-speed electronically controlled smooth-shifting transmission.

Check out the other highlights of the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser below:

- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
- high-mount double-wishbone system with tubular gas-pressure shock absorbers
- hollow stabilizer bar and coil springs
- the STAR safety system
- new, four-wheel multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Active Traction Control (A-TRAC)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags
- driver and front passenger knee airbags
- front and second row seat-mounted side airbags
- three row roll-sensing side curtain airbags with a roll-sensing cutoff switch.
- direct tire pressure monitor system (TPMS)
- intuitive parking assist and front active headrests
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
- eight seating positions with three-point seatbelts
- headrests for the driver and front passenger
- welded high-strength sheet steel  in the A, B, C and D pillars
- special underbody panels behind the front bumper
- Toyota-first multi-zone system for maximum cooling and heating performance
- positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater
- gate-type shifter with sequential shift mode operation
- passenger-side second-row seat features a one-touch tumble mechanism for easier third-row ingress and egress
- second row employs an advanced child restraint system
- JBL premium audio system with an in-dash six-CD/DVD changer and 14 speakers
- Smart Key keyless entry
- anti-theft security system
- push-button start
- engine immobilizer-
- cruise control
- power moonroof
- electrochomic rearview and side mirrors
- HomeLink
- steering wheel-mounted audio
- telephone,and voice recognition controls
- heated power front seats with driver's memory
- power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory
- DVD rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch LCD screen
- Bluetooth technology
- back-up camera
- second-row heated seats
- touch-screen DVD-based navigation system with an eight-inch display
- eight exterior colors Amazon Green Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Pacific Blue Metallic, Sonora Gold Pearl, Salsa Red Pearl, Super White, and Black.
- sand beige or medium gray leather-trimmed interior

Meanwhile, Jim Lentz, executive vice president, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "The Land Cruiser asserts its position at the very top of the Toyota SUV lineup by building on our core heritage - durability, capability, fun-to-drive, and value. For more than 50 years, the Land Cruiser has delivered on off-road capability and performance, and this generation will raise the ante for overall capability and comfort."

The executive chief engineer of Land Cruiser, Hideki Watanabe also commented:
"As I began this task, I understood what Land Cruiser Chief Engineers have always understood: quality, durability and reliability are the priorities. The engineering team realized there could be no substitute for a Land Cruiser. This led us to believe we should further enhance the basic concepts that have made the Land Cruiser the iconic vehicle that it is. And so that's what we've done."

Panasonic Toyota F1 Racing team is heading towards their own racing ground in Fuji Speedway for the upcoming 2007 Japanese Grand Prix. The team, especially driver's Ralf Schumacher (No. 11 Toyota TF107) and Jarno Trulli (No. 11 Toyota TF107) aims to win or obtain a podium during the race, as Japanese Formula 1 fans support their very own teams like Toyota, Honda, and Super Aguri.

Going back to the two drivers, check out what they have to say about the upcoming 2007 Japanese Grand Prix, as well as the Fuji Speedway.

Ralf Schumacher:
"I remember the old Fuji circuit from my time racing in Formula Nippon in Japan and I always enjoyed racing there. One of the most impressive things about Fuji Speedway is the location, with Mount Fuji in the background. The track itself is also very impressive, especially now the facilities have been improved. It is now one of the most modern in Formula 1 but they have kept a lot of the character of the old track, with the very long main straight."

"It is going to be a challenge to set the car up because with such a long straight you certainly need top speed but on the other hand the infield is quite twisty so you want downforce there. Personally, it is great to be going to a different circuit, even if I loved racing at Suzuka, and I am looking forward to the challenge. The entire team is pushing really hard to get the best possible result this weekend."

Jarno Trulli:
"I am really looking forward to the Japanese Grand Prix. It is the first time Formula 1 has raced at Fuji for 30 years, and of course it is a home circuit, so we want to have a strong weekend and get back in the points. The two most obvious features of Fuji Speedway are the long straight and the scenery because, with the mountains behind, it is very beautiful."

"I drove on the circuit in 2005 just after it was completed but I only did a few laps as a demonstration and the track was very dusty. It is an interesting circuit to drive and the facilities have been completely rebuilt so they are great. It's hard to say too much about the track because it is new for all the teams but looking at the first corner, it is at the end of the long straight and quite wide so that should be a good overtaking opportunity. I am expecting a really special atmosphere for our home race and I hope we can deliver a good result."

The Toyota F1 Racing team said they upgraded the TF107 for this race. The race car got enhanced aerodynamic and suspension parts that will adapt in the Japanese racing ground. Watch out this weekend to find out who will dominate the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix.

Here is what Toyota has in store for our fellow Canadian auto freaks.

Toyota Motor Corporation's Canadian arm (Toyota Canada) has recently launched the 2008 model year of the Toyota Tacoma mid size pick up truck in the local market. The new Tacoma truck offers several model trim levels and a wide range of standard and available features for the Canadian customers.

The 2008 Toyota Tacoma will roll out in the market with seven available model trim levels. Check them out below along with their respective features and manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP).

2008 Toyota Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab
This model trim carries base price of $22,760. Standard features include:
    -  Six-speaker AM/FM Stereo/CD sound system
    -  Bucket seats for driver and front passenger
    -  A tachometer, water temperature gauge, digital clock, and map lights
    -  Four-spoke steering wheel on tilting/telescopic column
    -  A tire pressure monitoring system
    -  Accessory power outlets
    -  Front tow hook
    -  Engine immobilizer
    -  Styled steel wheels
    -  Six-foot double-walled cargo bed with tie-downs and tie-down cleats
    -  Removable tailgate
    -  Dual exterior mirrors
    -  Generous in-cab storage space, including overhead sunglasses storage,
       door map pockets, front centre console box, overhead console box, a
       compartment under the rear seat, and front and rear cup holders.
    -  Rear splash guards and rear step bumper

The Toyota Tacoma 4x2 Access Cab with SR5 Power Package includes:
    -  Driver's seat lumbar support
    -  A fold-down seat back on the front passenger seat
    -  Power windows with driver's side auto down, a sliding rear window, and
       privacy glass
    -  Cruise control
    -  Power door locks with keyless entry
    -  Power remote mirrors
    -  Dual vanity mirrors
    -  Variable intermittent wipers
    -  A 400 watt (115 volt) cargo bed power outlet
    -  Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
    -  Metallic dash accents
    -  Chrome rear bumper and grille and colour-keyed front bumper

The Tacoma 4x4 V6 Access Cab is price at $29,785. This model is also equipped with the standard features of the 4x2 Access Cab, and adds air conditioning, 4WD indicator, and front splash guards and fender flares. Other available features of the Tacoma 4x4 V6 Access Cab include:
    -  16" aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks
    -  Driver's seat lumbar support
    -  A fold-down seat back on the front passenger seat
    -  Power windows with driver's side auto down, a sliding rear window, and
       privacy glass
    -  Cruise control
    -  Power door locks with keyless entry and illuminated entry
    -  Power remote mirrors
    -  Dual vanity mirrors
    -  Variable intermittent wipers
    -  Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
    -  Metallic dash accents
    -  Chrome rear bumper and grille and colour-keyed front bumper and fender
       flares

Other model trim levels include Tacoma X-Runner with a base price of $31,850, and the Tacoma 4x4 V6 Doublecab that costs $32,535. All prices are in Canadian Dollars.

Meanwhile, Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. said:
"For 2008, we offer seven different Tacoma models featuring a range of cab sizes and power trains. Add in a generous selection of option packages and customization features, and there's a Toyota Tacoma for everyone. But whether it's the 4x2 Tacoma with Access Cab, the street-smart Tacoma X-Runner, the Tacoma 4x4 Doublecab with V6 power, or any of the other models, all 2008 Tacoma's share a common DNA: decades of real-world truck-building experience gained from around the globe."

[source: Toyota Canada]

Firstly, let me ask you guys one question. Which city do you prefer? Frankfurt or Sydney? Well, according to Toyota Motor Corporation, it's Sydney. Why? it is because the Japanese automaker chose the upcoming Australia International Motor Show in Sydney in October 11 as the stage for the world premiere of the redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser SUV.

In a Toyota press release, Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said: "This is a real coup for Australia. It reflects the vital role Australia has played in the development of Land Cruiser over almost 50 years. Land Cruiser has helped Toyota establish a deep connection with many of Australia's rural and regional communities - a connection that continues today. It has been a key factor in building the foundations for the
market leadership that Toyota enjoys today in this country."

For the Australian market, Toyota will offer a new turbo-diesel V8 engine or a V8 petrol engine. The Toyota Land Cruiser for the Australian market also comes with numerous new features inside and out, although Toyota did not include the features on their official press release.

Anyway, the redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser is already launched in the Japanese market. Key highlights include:

- double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs
- Crawl Control' System
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS
- Torsen LSD (torque sensing limited slip differential)
- multi-terrain anti lock braking system (ABS),
- HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- dual-stage SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger seat
- SRS knee airbags for the driver and front passenger seat
- SRS side airbags for the driver, front passenger, and second-row seats
- SRS curtain shield airbags that cover the front through to the third-row seats
- Active Headrest for the driver and front passenger seat
- Pre-crash Safety System
- air conditioning with fully automatic independent temperature controls
- optional 30GB high-capacity HDD navigation system with a high-resolution 8-inch wide display
- "G-BOOK ALPHA Pro" telematics service and offers Bluetooth-compatible
- hands-free telephone communication
integrated AM/FM radio with an in-dash, six-disc DVD/CD changer with MD player and nine
- speakers
- NAVI-AI2 Shift Control System
- Smart Entry & Start System
- heated front seats with free temperature control
- second-row seats (6:4 split) with slide function and new reclining backrests
- third-row seats (5:5 split) with "extra space" function
- antitheft system with engine immobilizer system, auto alarm function, intrusion sensor, and tilt sensor
- bumper integrated with the body
- largely horizontal instrument panel
- center cluster with holding bars on the sides
- Two new body colors: Gold Mica Metallic and high-gloss Green Mica Metallic

Maybe some of these interior and exterior features will be available in Toyota Land Cruiser model for the global market. Who knows?

Toyota Motor Corporation has recently showed the European crowd at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt its newest concept model that was developed at the company's ED2 European design studio.

Called the iQ concept, this new compact 2-door model "marks a step change in small car design, challenging conventional thinking by being small, yet spacious and high in premium quality feature", according to Toyota. In addition, the company also said that this new concept model adapts to the lifestyle and daily functions of the European car fans. Does it mean that the new Toyota iQ concept is bound only for the European market? Hmm... I think so.

Anyway, the Manager of Toyota Motor Corporation’s design activities, Wahei Hirai commented about this new model. He said: "The iQ concept is designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners. In an urban environment, people want to express themselves through dynamic and on-the-edge design, but at the same time rational factors such as size, functionality and CO2 emissions cannot be ignored. Bringing these contradictory aims together in synergy was critical to the iQ concept, it’s a way of thinking we call the ‘J-factor’, a philosophy at the heart of all our activities.�

The new Toyota iQ concept features a compact body styling, but offers a spacious interior for its occupants. The iQ concept can accommodate three adults and one seating for child passenger. This seat, if not used, can be converted into a luggage compartment. Outside, the car embodies an aggressive look with short overhangs and cab forward body outline. The Toyota iQ concept is shorter than the Toyota Aygo in terms of vehicle length, but is the same as the Toyota Yaris in width and height.

Inside, the Toyota iQ concept is equipped with a centre console that flows in a manta ray-shape with chrome finished tail. Other interior features include soft-touch door trims, purple shimmer in its pearlescent white paint finish, mock snakeskin steering wheel trim, purple accent seats, purple accent door trims, purple accent dashboard, single central dial display for the interior temperature and ventilation controls, three-dimensional three in one speed, rpm and fuel level read-out mounted above the steering column, steering wheel mounted audio and navigation controls, panoramic glass sunroof, and a head-up display for the navigation system.

I think Toyota got a lot more to offer for the production model of the iQ concept... soon.