Toyota announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving 52,000 Prius vehicles built between 2001 and 2003 to replace the electric power steering pinion shaft attachment nuts. This announcement is for U.S. vehicles included in Toyota’s global recall of 106,000 vehicles.

If the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full-lock position, there is a possibility the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the steering gear box assembly may become loose. If the vehicle is … Read More

Toyota will stage the world premiere of the Toyota Prius at a press conference in Detroit at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

In addition to the current third-generation Prius and Prius PHV, the first all-new addition to the Prius family will debut along with a Prius concept car.

The press conference will be held on January 10 in the Riverview Ballroom at Cobo Center.

Hino Motors has developed a new hybrid system for light duty trucks. Hino Motors is the Toyota Group company focused on medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses.

The hybrid drive, which features a clutch between its engine and motor, can increase the fuel efficiency of diesel trucks by 50% according to Hino’s internal tests and studies.

Hino’s new hybrid drive features a better control system and more efficient power electronics. The weight and volume of the main components are reduced. The system uses a NiMH battery pack.

Hino also optimized the engine with improved thermal efficiency, and developed a new dedicated transmission with improved … Read More

Toyota wants to release an electric Rav4 in 2012, but we still don’t know if there will be a hybrid Rav4 until then, as Toyota announced 11 new hybrid vehicles to come out before 2013. Anyway, the new electric version of the Rav4 SUV is being developed in collaboration with Tesla Motors. The original Rav4 electric vehicle, introduced by Toyota almost 14 years ago, used a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and had an 80 to 100 mile-range.

So, the second generation of Rav4 electric vehicle will use Tesla technology in exchange of $60 million from Toyota. Tesla Motors will be responsible for supplying the powertrain and related components, and Toyota will integrate the powertrain into the vehicle. Toyota’s new electric car is expected to have … Read More

November 2010 was the 18^th consecutive month for Toyota Prius being the top selling car in Japan. The Prius gas-electric hybrid had 21,400 units sold in November according to the Japan Mini Vehicles Association and the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.

Toyota’s hybrid car continues to attract consumers for its fuel efficiency in spite of the fact that the government ended the sales subsidy program for eco-friendly cars in September.

On the second place we find Honda’s Fit hybrid model (launched in October) with sales of 16,677 units, followed by Daihatsu Tanto minicar with 13,217 units sold in November.