Mark Clarkson asked:


The Toyota Motor Corporation primarily focuses on the manufacturing and production of their products in the automotive market. That is why Toyota remains undisputed in terms of market profitability compared to its competitors. Toyota also opened numerous regional divisions such as Toyota’s luxury car manufacturer, Lexus and Scion. And when talking about Toyota and the automotive industry, Toyota will be presenting 27 vehicles the 4th China (Guangzhou) International Auto Exhibition. The auto exhibition is currently on going at the province of Guangzhou in China, and had just started last July 24, 2006.

Toyota will be displaying a total of 27 concept vehicles along with their latest production vehicles. This number is a huge amount and actually is the largest that Toyota has ever presented for such a car exhibition. Toyota would also be joining the Guangzhou Auto Exhibition, well, since Guangzhou Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. (GMTC) had been established and started their operation last 2004. During the mentioned auto show, Toyota will present the new safety technology features of their models such as the Toyota Prius and Toyota Reiz. Safety is one of the main priorities of Toyota Motors’ production vehicles.

In addition to these, Toyota will also present a diverse selection of their all-new hybrid concept and production vehicles that include the new Toyota Tundra concept, which will come in availability early this 2007. Also included is the Fine-T concept, the modified version of rugged Toyota RAV4 and Previa, Lexus ES350, Lexus IS300, and GTMC’s new production vehicle, the new Toyota Camry. These are only a few of the 27 vehicles that will be displayed during the exhibition. Various products from Toyota and new Toyota parts like Toyota Camry parts will be also featured in the show.

Hoshibi Inaba, the Vice President of Toyota said that: “This year, we began production of the Camry with the world’s highest quality levels at a cutting-edge plant in Guangzhou, and it has thus far been extremely well received by customers. Toyota hopes to make contributions, modest though they may be, to the balanced development of an automobile society in China through the provision of various products as well as through environmental and safety initiatives.”


Jesus

Dan in Boston asked:


My remaining car key, itself a copy, is starting to wear out. It does not reliably open the doors of my 94 Camry, but it does operate the ignition OK. I am nervous about losing this key, and a 3rd generation duplicate may not do the job.

I once heard that there are only a relatively small number of unique Toyota keys. Instead of hiring a locksmith and getting all the locks rekeyed, are there low-cost alternatives?

Ryan

Anthony Fontanelle asked:


When it comes to car buying, a lot of people consider the different attributes of a vehicle. Others are looking for a new vehicle with good performance while others put more value on comfort. Some buyers are after the exterior design of a vehicle while some are looking for vehicles loaded with features. There are also those whose choice of vehicle depends on its safety. But one thing that all consider is a vehicle’s reliability. And when it comes to reliability issues, Toyota is tops - that is, until this year.

Consumer Reports recently reported that Toyota’s vehicles’ reliability has declined. This comes after years of the Japanese automaker’s leadership in the industry when it comes to reliability. The Consumer Reports 2007 Annual Car Reliability Survey shows that consumers are now finding Toyota vehicles less reliable than their ancestors. In contrast, Ford’s vehicles have received good marks from consumers.

The most popular Toyota nameplate, the V6 variant of the Camry received a dismal and surprising below average rating in terms of predicted reliability. The Camry has been redesigned fore 2007 and it has always been Toyota’s best selling vehicle. It has been known through the years as a reliable car. The redesign though may have had negative effects on the reliability of the car.

Aside from the 2007 Camry, the redesigned and beefed-up Toyota Tundra also received a below average rating in reliability. The four-wheel drive V8 version of the full-size pickup truck received the dismal rating. Even Lexus’ all-wheel drive variant of the GS sedan received a below average rating. Since Consumer Reports does not recommend any vehicle with a below average rating, the three variants are no longer on the prestigious “Recommended list” of Consumer Reports.

Although reliability of aforementioned variants dropped below average, the automaker in general is still third in the overall reliability ranking. That includes Toyota’s luxury division Lexus and its youth brand Scion. The Japanese automaker ranked below fellow Japanese automakers. Honda is ranked as the producer of the most reliable automobiles. Subaru, the makers of the durable Subaru ignition coil, spark plugs, and spark plug wires is ranked second.

Toyota Motor Sales Executive Vice President Jim Lentz had this to say in response to the Consumer Reports announcement: “Over all, this survey reflects well on our products. However, we’re taking measures every day to continue to sharpen quality and enhance customer satisfaction.” Being on track to become the largest automaker in the world, Toyota has been stepping up its production output. It is only normal for automakers to have problems with quality control after a huge boost in production. Thus Toyota is expected to bounce back from this minor stumble.

In the past, redesigned Toyota vehicles have been recommended by Consumer Reports due to the automaker’s track record. The Auto Channel reported that even if Consumer Reports have insufficient reliability data for a new vehicle, it still recommends redesigned Toyota, Lexus, and Scion nameplates due to the aforementioned reason. But with the amount of Toyota recalls this year, Consumer Reports gave the redesigned Toyota vehicles below average reliability scores. If Toyota can bounce back to its trademark stance in terms of reliability, Consumer Reports may bring back its policy to recommend the automaker’s newly redesigned vehicles.

Kathy

jsssika asked:


I want to purchase a newer Toyota Celica from a dealer in Houston. Who would be the best dealership for no hassling and financing a person with no credit? I am a student working on getting credit but so far have found it difficult finding a way to buy my dream car. Thanks!

Chris

Todd M asked:


I just bought a car for $13,000 with taxes and I have $11,000 left to pay on it. I don’t want anything to do with the car since I am moving to the city and I would like to sign everything over to my friend if possible. Is it possible to transfer a loan from Toyota Financial services over to my friend and sign the car over to him?
I called them and the correct awnser is that it is possible if my friend has a credit score equal to or better than mine.

Allison

jomedeiros asked:


I replaced the battery on my remote keyless entry on my 2000 Toyota Corolla.
It still will not open the door. Do I need to do something to reset it? Does it need to be sycronized or something? I dont have the book that came with it that tells me about the alarm system.

Chad

yomama 75 asked:


My 2005 Toyota Tacoma with 55k miles has a rusty looking frame. It is not rusted through, just really ugly start for a 3-4 year old truck. I called Toyota and checked for recall with my Vin# and nothing was recalled. They told me to go to a dealer and have them check it out. Any advice on what I can do in adition to this?

Peter

Nick B asked:


I have a 1989 Toyota Camry and my brake lights do not work. I checked the fuses ( all of them! under hood and inside driver panel) also replaced all the bulbs with new. I still have no brake lights and the dash light indicator continuously shows a little car with the back light problem. What can I do? I would like to know if there is a stop switch attached to the brake pedal and if so how do I check it and/or replace if it is bad. Can I get a diagram and directions on this part…I think it is called an actuator switch? Also, if anyone has any other useful information as to what may be the culprit please let me know. Possible a relay or a link?

Melinda

Jenny Mclane asked:



Ford’s chief executive, Alan R. Mulally, and Mark Fields, head of Ford’s operations for the Americas, have flown to Tokyo to attend a courtesy call with Fujio Cho, the chairman of Toyota, and other top executives and senior officers of the automaker. According to experts, the courtesy call last Tuesday is resorted to by Ford to alleviate its ailing condition in the automotive realm.

Last year Bill Ford Jr., then Ford’s chief executive, sounded more competitive when he said, “My goal is to fight Toyota and everybody else and come out on top,” Mr. Ford told Time magazine, adding: “I’m not ceding anything to Toyota. They’re an excellent company, and they’re a terrific competitor, but I look forward to taking them on.” However, this time Ford is singing a new tune to secure fresh ideas from Toyota, which is poised to become the largest automaker around the world.

Japanese media reported that the talk between the two auto giants was focused on the development of environmental-friendly technology that will be integrated in sophisticated car parts Ford like the hybrid-electric and hydrogen fuel systems. In addition, Ford is also reported to be seeking ideas from Toyota regarding improving manufacturing efficiency. The latter is famed for manufacturing high-quality and reliable Toyota car parts.

Mulally plays an important part in building Ford’s business relationship with Toyota. He is a student of the Toyota Production System, which puts emphasis on waste elimination and assembly line improvement. He used a form of it on assembly lines at the Boeing Company, where he ran the commercial airplanes division before joining Ford in September.

The recently conducted meeting follows the talks held last summer with General Motors, Renault of France and Nissan of Japan. General Motors is currently the biggest automaker. It is famed in the manufacture of cutting edge GMC auto parts to be used in its lineup.

Ford and Toyota’s bond has been long established. In the 1950s Ford allowed the managers from Toyota to study the operations at its giant Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan. It has helped developed Toyota Production System. In the 1980s, Ford has also helped Toyota to open its first plant in the United States. Nowadays, the situation is on the exact opposite, it is now Ford that seeks Toyota’s assistance.

Chester Dawson, author of “Lexus: the Relentless Pursuit, said, “If it forges a relationship with Ford, Toyota is probably hoping it will be seen as a good-will move. Toyota is wary of inciting trade friction.” However, James P. Womack, a co-author of “The Machine That Changed The World,” which examined Japanese automakers’ American plants, said, “Toyota has nothing to gain, either politically or in the market, by letting Ford fail fast.”

Melissa

Ahmed B asked:


I purchased my current toyota corolla model 93 in one of the gulf countries. However, the few recent years, I’ve got afew problems with it. My problem is that spare parts in Tunisia are unbearable. I don’t know what to do.

Javier