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Toyota Motor Corporation Vehicles Dominate J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study

 

Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.

 

The study also found:

- Lexus is the number one nameplate, improving by 23 fewer problems/100;

- Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate and tied for third place overall, improving by 18 fewer problems/100; and

- Scion achieves its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions and improving by 55 fewer problems/100.

 

“We are extremely pleased that not only did we win awards in eight of the 14 model segments, but that in two segments we finished one-two and made the podium in 12 segments overall”, said Jim Lentz, president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.  

 

 

*The Premium Car segment is not represented in the 2012 VDS due to the small sample size for the segment.  

 

- Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:

- Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study and earned more segment awards than any other premium brand.  

- The Lexus IS won the entry premium car segment in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

- Toyota and Lexus won 11 awards – more than half the 21 total awards – in IntelliChoice.com’s

 

Best Overall Values of the Year.

Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than any other automaker.  The 2012 models are:  Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra Crew Cab, Venza, and Yaris; Lexus CT 200h and RX, and Scion tC, xB, and xD.

       

The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Scion tC earned five stars for Overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible.

 

 

INTELLICHOICE AND AUTOPACIFIC ANNOUNCE THE
2011 MOTORIST CHOICE AWARDS

By George Peterson

September 22, 2011

INTELLICHOICE AND AUTOPACIFIC ANNOUNCE
THE 2011 MOTORIST CHOICE AWARDS 

Thirty Winning Models Announced at the Orange County International Auto Show 

Anaheim, Calif. (September 22, 2011) Notable automotive industry research companies, IntelliChoice and AutoPacific, today announced the 2011 Motorist Choice Awards. Now in its sixth year, this venerable award series is designed to recognize those vehicles that deliver the compelling combination of high consumer satisfaction and lower-than-expected ownership costs over time. These awards were announced today at the Orange County International Auto Show at the Anaheim Convention Center.

This year, IntelliChoice and AutoPacific continued categorizing the winners into a collection of 15 popular lifestyle segments that shoppers could easily identify with, including categories such as Active Lifestyle, Cosmopolitan, Head Turner and People Mover. The category winners covered two market segments: Popular and Premium. Both reflect the purpose and perception of the consumer and illustrate the results of practical analysis, like total cost of ownership, fuel economy and resale value.

Ford led the list of winning vehicles with four, including the Expedition which won in three different Popular categories. Repeat winners included the Dodge Ram HD in the Popular Active Lifestyle category, Hyundai Genesis in the Popular Luxury Lifestyle category, and the Lexus IS in the Premium Youthful category.

 

The 2011 Motorist Choice Award Winners:

Category	Popular	Premium
Active Lifestyle	Dodge Ram HD	Land Rover LR4
Cargo Hauler	Ford Expedition EL	Volvo XC70
Cosmopolitan	Scion xD	Audi A3
Eco Friendly	Ford Fusion Hybrid	Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Fun to Drive	MINI Cooper	Volvo C30
Head Turner	Chevrolet Camaro	Porsche Panamera
High Tech	Volkswagen Touareg	Cadillac Escalade
Image	MINI Cooper	Mercedes-Benz GLK
Kid Friendly	Toyota Sienna	Volvo XC90
Luxury Lifestyle	Hyundai Genesis	Jaguar XJ
People Mover	Ford Expedition EL	Lincoln Navigator
Performance	Chevrolet Corvette	Cadillac Escalade
Road Trip	Ford Expedition	Mercedes-Benz GL
Value	Hyundai Elantra	Lexus HS
Youthful	Scion tC	Lexus IS

 

 

Each year, AutoPacific performs the broadest and most widely followed owner satisfaction survey in the U.S. with a record of over 72,000 responses in 2011. This study solicits consumer feedback on a recently purchased 2011 vehicle using 48 key attributes covering the entire ownership experience.  From these data, AutoPacific compares overall buyer satisfaction between individual models and vehicle classes and announces its annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs) based on the findings. 

Meanwhile, IntelliChoice constantly monitors and adjusts cost of ownership metrics for over 1,800 model trim lines to provide consumers with valuable insight into the financial impact of ownership over a five year time horizon. This analysis is the foundation of the IntelliChoice Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) awards announced each January, and its interim Best Bets awards which were recently announced for the upcoming 2012 model year.

The Motorist Choice Awards combine complementary analysis from both firms into one set of accolades representing vehicles that earn high marks on both sets of criteria.  Fifteen unique vehicle categories were defined by the needs and usage sought by new vehicle buyers and named appropriately based on recommendations from a panel of consumers.  The firms then determined winners in the Popular and Premium brand groupings.  This methodology provides a superior means of evaluating Best in Class vehicles that align consumer shopping patterns with probability for both satisfaction and value.

Each year, we appreciate the opportunity to partner with AutoPacific to perform this research and analysis, said Tyler Schulze, vice president and general manager of IntelliChoice.  The Motorist Choice Award methodology is designed to help consumers identify vehicles that speak to their hearts and their wallets. The 2011 award winners all share a connection with buyers from both a satisfaction standpoint and overall value as compared to their peers. Based on this compelling combination, we are pleased to recommend these vehicles to consumers as a guide for good purchase decisions.

The Motorist Choice Awards are designed to assist consumers by using a categorization scheme other than traditional vehicle classes.  Our research has shown that buyers often shop in more than one vehicle segment based on their needs and uses, rather than simply choosing a segment and then comparing models within it, said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. Whether buyers are seeking a kid friendly, youthful, or fun to drive vehicle we have a suggestion that will fit their budget and needs.

For more details on these categories and the winning vehicles please visit www.Intellichoice.com and www.AutoPacific.com.

 

To that end, we are halting production at all plants in Japan (including subsidiary vehicle manufacturers) from March 14 through March 16.

We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Previous Updates:

NEW YORK, NY (March 13, 2011) - Toyota's associates and team members in North America extend our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to the people of Japan, our colleagues and their families.

Our utmost concern has been the safety of all Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) team members and team members at our partner companies in the Tohoku region.

TMC has established a company-wide emergency task force to continually assess the situation and take initial measures.

There have been no reported injuries at Toyota operations, including the Tokyo head office, the Higashifuji facility, Tochigi office, Yamanashi office, Toyota Motor Tohoku facilities and at TMC subsidiary vehicle manufacturers.

While TMC plants were able to restart production on 3/11, plants that stopped production are Toyota subsidiary plants that produce parts and vehicles, including:

* Toyota Motor Hokkaido Plant

* Toyota Motor Tohoku Plant

* Central Motor Corporation Miyagi Plant, which also produces the Yaris model.

* Kanto Auto Works Iwate Plant, which also produces the Scion xB and Scion xD.

Employees at these facilities were evacuated to safe areas.

We are now conducting a detailed survey of each plant to determine the extent of any damage. We are also currently assessing the situation at our suppliers, dealers and the impact on North American import vehicles.

As we are committed to ensuring the safety of our team members and their families, Toyota has decided to suspend production at all TMC plants, as well as all subsidiary vehicle-manufacturing plants on Monday, March 14th.

Toyota’s number one priority is to support our team members at TMC, our partner companies, suppliers and dealers through this situation. On behalf of the company globally, TMC is moving to donate 300 million yen (approximately $3.75 million) for relief and recovery efforts in communities affected by the Tohoku Earthquake and is also considering the provision of goods and services as needed.

Click thumbnails for larger images

January 10, 2011

Toyota Reveals Prius Family of Vehicles at North American International Auto Show

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the Prius family of vehicles today at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.  In addition to the current third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), the new Prius v midsize hybrid-electric vehicle and the Prius c Concept vehicle joined the iconic hybrid brand, broadening the appeal of Prius to all ages and lifestyles.

With the expansion of the Prius family, a new evolution of vehicles will further increase the acceptance of hybrids with Prius’ same core values of high fuel economy, low emissions, proven technology and environmental stewardship.

The Prius midsize liftback has accounted for more than 955,000 sales in the U.S. since it was introduced in 2000.  The third-generation Prius, which reached dealerships in June 2009, has continued the hybrid’s heritage of exceptional fuel economy and low emissions, while becoming the third-best selling Toyota passenger car in the U.S.

Prius v: “Versatility” for Young, Active Families
The new Prius v, with “v”  expressing the vehicle’s versatility, will meet the needs of growing families with active lifestyles while providing the same attributes traditionally found in the Prius DNA.  It will share the current generation Prius’ platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.  Featuring a compact exterior yet spacious interior, the Prius v will feature over 50-percent more interior cargo space than the current Prius.  

Despite the spaciousness of a family friendly midsize vehicle, the Prius v is expected to receive an estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 42 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined, which could make it the best fuel economy ratings of any SUV, crossover, or wagon on the market.  It will also emit 66-percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.

Prius v will be one of the first Toyotas with the Entune™ multimedia system.  For the first time ever in an automobile, this innovative new system leverages the mobile phone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated and wireless upgradeable navigation, entertainment and information services.

The 2012 Prius v will go on sale in late summer 2011.

Prius c Concept: Small “city”-centric Hybrid Vehicle
While the current Prius has ushered hybrid technology into the mainstream, and the Prius v will provide the additional room and versatility for active families, compact shoppers are interested in a smaller hybrid at an entry price point and with superior fuel economy.  The Prius c Concept, with c representing a “city”-centric vehicle, will appeal to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius.

This dynamic vehicle with urban appeal will pursue outstanding fuel efficiency in a compact package, while also providing a surprisingly spacious interior.  It will include many advanced technology features, including some offered on the current Prius.

Prius c Concept is the inspiration for an additional Prius family member that will come to market in the first half of 2012 and is expected to be the most value-oriented hybrid in the U.S. market with the highest mileage of any “cordless” hybrid.

Prius Plug-In Vehicle: the Best of Both Worlds
Since its initial launch 10 years ago, one of the Prius’ main efficiencies has been a hybrid system with its own on-board recharging system that never needed to be plugged in to take people where they wanted to go.  With the addition of new technology and shifts in the market, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the family member that represents the best of both worlds – the superior fuel economy of the Prius with added EV driving capability.

Depending on driving conditions, Prius Plug-in can be driven approximately 13 miles on battery power at speeds up to 60 mph.  Its compact Lithium-ion battery provides less weight and a quicker recharging time, taking three hours on 110 volts and 1.7 hours on 220 volts.  It can be “topped off” anytime with a convenient short charge.

After the EV power is depleted, the Plug-in performs like an economical third-generation Prius, which is the most fuel efficient midsize hybrid vehicle in America.  Unlike pure EVs, it will be a seamless transition for consumers, with the only difference from a regular Prius is that it can be plugged in at convenient intervals.

Currently, more than 150 Lithium-ion-battery powered Prius Plug-ins are part of a demonstration program in several U.S. cities.  The program’s goal is to demonstrate plug-in technology, educate and inform the public, evaluate performance, and better understand the benefits to future customers.  This will help pave the way for an on-sale target in the first half of 2012.

When it comes to market, the Prius Plug-in will represent the most eco-sensitive and advanced choice within the Prius brand of products.

To learn more, visit http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-reveals-prius-family-of-190206.aspx

2010 Results: Toyota #1 in Retail Sales, Lexus #1 in Luxury Market, Scion Youngest Brand

While Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) today reported annual sales of 1,763,595 vehicles that were flat compared to CY 2009 on a daily selling rate basis, Toyota retained the retail sales crown, Lexus remained the luxury sales leader and Scion was the youngest brand in the industry, with a median age of 29.

“”New Years is typically a time for reflection and anticipation and that’s never been more true for us at Toyota Motor Sales,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of Automotive Operations, during a conference call with journalists.  “We’re coming off what was arguably the most challenging time in our 53-year history. And I know I’ve never headed into a new year with as much excitement and anticipation as we are headed into 2011.”

“Now I know the common perception is that Toyota has been reeling this year as a result of those recalls,” he added.  “But, in fact, the final results include some remarkable accomplishments any company would love to report.”

In addition to winning the sales titles, Esmond noted that Camry was the best-selling passenger car in America for the ninth time, and Corolla, Tacoma and the Lexus RX all repeated as segment sales leaders.

Toyota also was the industry leader in certified used vehicle sales, setting a new company record of more than 315,000 and a single-year industry record as well.

Looking ahead, the company is forecasting an industry sales increase of about one million units to 12.5 million in 2011 and 13.7 in 2012.  “And at Toyota, we expect to outperform the industry,” said Esmond. He cited the loyalty of Toyota owners to the brand, the return of strong conquest numbers on trade-ins (55-58 percent), consumer perceptions of quality and value, and the introduction of several new products.

“And that’s just the start,” he continued, noting that 2011 will bring a new member of the Prius family, the new Scion iQ, the new Lexus CT 200h hybrid and the introduction of the Toyota Entune System.

To read the press release posted on the Toyota USA Newsroom, please click on
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-reports-december-and-2010-190021.aspx

Toyota returns to top in Kelley consideration study
Laurén Abdel-Razzaq

Automotive News -- December 13, 2010 - 3:57 pm ET

Toyota is once again the most considered auto brand among new-car shoppers, according to a new Kelley Blue Book study.

The third-quarter Market Intelligence Brand Watch study indicates that 25 percent of new-vehicle shoppers who visited kbb.com showed interest in Toyota. The Ford and Honda brands followed close behind with 24 percent and 23 percent interest, respectively.

Between the first quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2009, Toyota topped all other brands in all vehicle segments, but then fell to second place between the fourth quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2010. This coincided with the start of the company's global recall crisis -- which ultimately involved more than 15.4 million vehicles over a year -- and allowed Ford to take the top spot.

For the third quarter of this year, Toyota also was most considered in the nonluxury sedan/coupe/hatchback category and in the nonluxury SUV/CUV category. Toyota's trucks also have gained considerable attention, although they still trail Ford, which has seen a surge in interest since the second quarter of this year.

Bob Carter, sales chief for the Toyota brand in the United States, said in statement today that the study is a “strong indication that consumers recognize our commitment to earn their confidence in the safety, quality and value of our vehicles.”

James Bell, executive marketing analyst for kbb.com, says the numbers support Toyota's recovery from its “public perception crisis,” but it may not mean a complete turnaround.

"Whether Toyota will ascend as high as it was before the recall crisis remains yet to be seen,” he said in a statement. “Hot competition from the likes of Ford, Honda, Chevrolet, Nissan and Hyundai could make it very hard for Toyota to keep a strong lead moving forward."

Factors to consider

The brand watch study also asked new-car shoppers to rank their top five factors when considering a vehicle purchase. For the third quarter of this year and regardless of segment, shoppers are most interested in durability/reliability, fuel efficiency, driving comfort, driving performance and safety. Interest in these factors changed depending on the vehicle segment.

For nonluxury sedans, coupes and hatchbacks, the brands that generate the most interest are Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai and Nissan. For the first time, Mitsubishi was the top-rated brand for vehicle image or “cool factor.”

For the nonluxury SUV/CUV segment, Nissan and Jeep saw interest increase during the third quarter, while Subaru made its first appearance as a top-ranked brand for safety and versatility/flexibility.

For luxury sedans, coupes and hatchbacks, BMW took the top spot, followed by Lexus, Audi, Acura and Mercedes-Benz. Despite its fifth-place ranking, Mercedes-Benz continues to take top honors in most of the factors important to people looking at this segment. These include driving comfort, safety, interior design/layout, luxuriousness/sophistication, prestige/brand status and family friendliness.

For luxury SUVs and CUVs, Lexus remains at the top, even though consideration of the brand has been lessening in the past few quarters. Trailing Lexus are Acura, Cadillac, Lincoln and BMW.

In the minivan segment, Honda continues to reign, but domestic automakers Chrysler and Dodge saw a slight increase. They were the only minivan brands showing increased interest from the second quarter of 2010.

In the truck segment, the most important factors were durability/reliability, fuel efficiency, towing/hauling capacity, driving comfort and safety. This was different from the previous quarter, when shoppers were more interested in driving performance than safety.

The study surveyed more than 2,700 in-market new-car shoppers on kbb.com between July 8 and Sept. 23. Kelley Blue Book has been conducting the brand study since 2007.

This article has been reposted for customer interest.  The original article is property of Automotive News and University Motors has no ownership of the above content.