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News

Archive special: The Birth of the Ford Fiesta

The final production of the Ford Fiesta is happening today at Ford’s factory in Cologne, marking the end of almost 50 years of production.

The history of the Ford Fiesta goes back further than you might think. Ford had never entered the ‘mini’ car market in Europe before. Instead, in 1958, they chose to follow up the Anglia with another family car – the Cortina. This decision was based on the belief that the Cortina would be a more successful venture. This belief was supported by a thorough examination of Austin’s new Mini in 1959.

However, as the Mini became a huge success and gained competition from the Hillman Imp and Fiat 127, Ford decided to reconsider their approach.

This led to the creation of a prototype that gained initial approval from management in 1970. Following that, Ford’s global empire split the project into different branches.

One of the most successful branches was the design house Ghia in Italy. They showcased the advantages of front-wheel drive (FWD). Soon after, in September 1972, Ford allocated $1 billion for ‘Project Bobcat’ – despite boss Henry Ford II still holding the belief that small cars only generated small profits. (This disproves the notion that the Fiesta was solely a response to the 1973 oil crisis.)

End of an era: The Ford Fiesta story

Recognizing the importance of meeting consumer demands, Ford conducted an extensive market research project. The project was one of the most expensive at the time and involved randomly selecting drivers from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to evaluate various prototypes.

The research revealed that the Fiesta was the perfect size for all countries and that FWD was highly preferred. Further research in 1973 showed that the car should be a hatchback, as hatchbacks were increasingly popular due to their added practicality compared to sedans.

Additionally, research conducted in San Francisco indicated that Americans also showed interest in the car, which led to plans for US sales. As a result, production expanded beyond Cologne, Saarlouis, and a newly built factory in Valencia, to include Dagenham as well.

Motorsport

Discontinued Land Cruiser, Fiat 500, Other Zombie Cars Sold In Q2 2023

As we move into the second half of 2023, automakers are releasing sales data for the first two quarters. One interesting trend that continues is the sales of models that have been discontinued for two or three years. Toyota, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and other manufacturers are still reporting sales of these “zombie cars” in their sales reports.

In the last three months, Toyota managed to sell two Avalon sedans. This is surprising considering that the model was last produced in 2022 and is no longer available in the US market. The decline in sales can be attributed to changing consumer preferences for crossovers and SUVs. Despite Toyota releasing a new generation of the sedan in 2019, sales failed to improve and eventually led to the discontinuation of the model.


Lexus

Toyota Motor North America Reports U.S. June and First Half 2023 Sales Results

  • 270,476 electrified vehicles sold in first half of 2023 represents 26 percent of total sales volume
  • Toyota and Lexus bringing more electrified powertrain options to their lineups. This diverse portfolio of electrified options will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality.
  • 24 electrified Toyota and Lexus vehicle options available at dealerships, the most among any automaker

PLANO, Texas (July 5, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reported U.S. sales in June 2023 of 195,448 vehicles, up 14.9 percent on a volume and daily selling rate (DSR) basis versus June 2022. June 2023 sales of electrified vehicles totaled 51,535, representing 26.4 percent of total monthly sales.

For the first half of 2023, TMNA reported U.S. sales of 1,038,520 vehicles, down 0.7 percent on a volume and DSR basis. First half electrified vehicle sales totaled 270,476, representing 26.0 percent of total year-to-date sales.

Toyota division posted June sales of 168,680 vehicles, up 14.4 percent on a volume and DSR basis. For the first half of 2023, Toyota division reported sales of 889,108 vehicles, down 2.8 percent on a volume and DSR basis.

Lexus division posted June sales of 26,768 vehicles, up 18.1 percent on a volume and DSR basis. For the first half of 2023, Lexus division reported sales of 149,412 vehicles, up 14.0 percent on a volume and DSR basis.

“We continue to focus on customers’ needs with several new and refreshed products in the first half of the year, including the all-new Toyota Crown and the Lexus brand’s first fully electric vehicle, the RZ 450e,” said Jack Hollis, executive vice president, Sales, TMNA. “Our teams are working around the clock to get vehicles into customers’ hands and they can expect even more exciting and electrified products later this year, including the all-new Grand Highlander, Toyota Tacoma, and a new nameplate from Lexus, the TX.”

June and First Half 2023 Highlights

TMNA:

  • June electrified vehicle sales of 51,535, up 28.8 percent; represents 26.4 percent of total sales volume
  • First half electrified vehicle sales of 270,476, up 1.4 percent; represents 26.0% percent of total sales volume
  • 24 electrified Toyota and Lexus vehicle options available at dealerships
  • June sales of 195,448, up 14.9 percent (volume an DSR basis)
  • Passenger car June sales up 8.9 percent
  • Truck June sales up 17.8 percent; first half sales up 1.2 percent

Toyota Division:

  • Electrified vehicle June sales up 22.5 percent
  • June electrified vehicle ratio: 26.0 percent
  • First half 2023 electrified vehicle ratio: 7 percent
  • Passenger car June sales up 11.3 percent
  • Camry June sales up 23.8 percent; first half sales up 10.9 percent
  • Mirai June sales up 75.9 percent; first half sales up 26.8 percent
  • SUV June sales 17.5 percent
  • bZ4X June sales up 1,767 percent; first half sales up 1,477 percent
  • Corolla Cross June sales up 21.2 percent; first half sales up 27.0 percent
  • Sequoia June sales up 8,453 percent; first half sales up 1,908 percent
  • Pickup June sales up 9.4 percent; first half sales up 15.4 percent
  • Tacoma first half sales up 7.5 percent
  • Tundra June sales 37.7 percent; first half sales up 34.8 percent
  • Best-ever June sales:
    • bZ4X
    • Corolla Cross
    • Corolla Cross HEV
    • Corolla HEV
    • Crown
    • Mirai
    • Grand Highlander
    • Grand Highlander HEV
    • Sequoia
    • Tundra HEV
  • Best-ever first half sales:
    • bZ4X
    • Corolla Cross
    • GR Corolla
    • Corolla HEV
    • Mirai
    • RAV4 PRIME PHEV
    • Sequoia
    • Tundra HEV

Lexus Division:

  • Electrified vehicle June sales up 84.0 percent; first half sales up 67.7 percent
  • June electrified vehicle ratio: 28.4 percent
  • First half 2023 electrified vehicle ratio: 27.9 percent
  • IS first half sales up 1.9 percent
  • Luxury utility vehicle June sales up 17.8 percent; first half sales up 22.1 percent
  • UX June sales up 86.4 percent; first half sales up 14.7 percent
  • NX June sales up 85.3 percent; first half sales up 73.5 percent
  • RX June sales up 10.7 percent; first half sales up 6.7 percent
  • LX June sales up 29.1 percent; first half sales up 22.1 percent
  • UX HEV June sales up 401 percent; first half sales up 106.2 percent
  • NX HEV June sales up 123.3 percent; first half sales up 48.4 percent
  • NX PHEV first half sales up 33.9 percent
  • RX HEV June sales up 119.3 percent; first half sales up 126.3 percent
  • LS HEV June sales up 166.7 percent; first half sales up 258.8
  • Best-ever June sales:
    • Total electrified vehicles
    • Total luxury utility vehicles
    • IS 500
    • NX
    • NX HEV
    • Total NX
    • RX HEV
    • RZ
  • Best-ever first half sales:
    • Total electrified vehicles
    • Total luxury utility vehicles
    • IS 500
    • UX HEV
    • NX HEV
    • NX PHEV
    • Total NX
    • RX HEV
    • Total RX
    • RZ

Note:

HEV = Hybrid Electric Vehicle

PHEV = Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

FCEV = Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle

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About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Car review

Rolls-Royce Spectre prototype

The Rolls-Royce Spectre prototype, designed for Rolls-Royce customers who typically own multiple cars, is expected to have limited usage as an electric vehicle. Although Rolls-Royce owners only drive around 3000 miles per year in their vehicles, the Spectre is equipped with a peak charge rate of 195kW during rare visits to fast chargers.

Featuring a 700kg battery positioned beneath the cabin floor, the Spectre’s design incorporates a flat underside to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.25. The aerodynamic sculpting includes the widest and sleekest Rolls-Royce grille to date, tail-light housings that minimize air resistance, and a gently sloping tail that meets impact regulations. Even the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy ornament has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing.

Traditionally, Rolls-Royce coupés have prominent grilles and long bonnets, however, as Rolls-Royce aims to transition to fully electric vehicles by 2030, the necessity of these design elements may change.

The Spectre’s side profile showcases the longest doors ever fitted on a modern Rolls-Royce, measuring 1.5m each. Inside, the lavish interior accommodates four passengers, featuring familiar chair styles and luxurious surface materials, ensuring existing Rolls-Royce customers feel at home. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös emphasizes the desire for customers to always recognize the Rolls-Royce experience, even blindfolded (not recommended during test drives).

The interior boasts broad leather seats, thick woolen carpets, and authentic metal or composite major switches. Preserving the traditional Rolls-Royce feel, the Spectre aims to recreate the experience of driving a mid-century Rolls, despite incorporating a new drivetrain.

The Spectre uses a version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, offering both a touchscreen and a rotary controller. Rolls-Royce has customized the appearance and software for intuitive navigation, and the climate dials provide a satisfyingly analogue experience. Compared to BMW’s i7 or the Mercedes S-Class, the Rolls-Royce approach offers a refreshing option for luxury, allowing users to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy a quieter, more serene driving experience.

News

Watch Wheels Through Time Troubleshoot This Ultra-Rare 1942 Harley Racer

In June 2023, Matt Walksler from Wheels Through Time took viewers on the museum’s YouTube channel on a journey into the world of an extremely rare Harley-Davidson race bike. This particular bike is an answer to the question of what’s rarer than rare.

The bike in question is a 1942 Harley-Davidson FLTT, equipped with a highly uncommon 80 cubic inch racing engine. The factory mechanics of the time went all out on this bike, implementing every trick in the book. The engine features ported cylinders, shortened pistons, polished connecting rods, and lightened flywheels. The goal was to maximize speed and performance by reducing friction, shedding weight wherever possible, and reinforcing parts under intense stress.

In a recent video, the WTT team showcased their progress in getting this unique bike up and running. When it initially arrived at the museum, it was about 70-80 percent complete. However, as anyone who has taken on a project knows, it’s often the final hurdles that prove to be the most frustrating.

A significant contribution to the project came from Walksler’s extensive collection of parts that he has amassed over the years. His knack for recognizing useful parts proved valuable in this case, as he had the correct primary cover for the bike.

Despite all the effort put into assembling the bike and ensuring it was in good working order, it refused to start. Walksler attempted the process multiple times, but to no avail. The bike had great compression, spark, and fuel in the tank, so what was the issue?

In these situations, it’s often best to step away from the project and approach it with fresh eyes later on. Walksler and his team decided to leave it overnight and return the next day with a clear mind. They discovered that the carburetor on this bike differed from the standard unit found in other non-TT race bikes made by Harley at the time. Walksler suspected that the low-speed needle jet was screwed in too far, resulting in improper fueling and the bike’s failure to start.

The good news is that the following day, the bike started successfully, emitting a strong, healthy rumble from its race pipes. According to Walksler, the engine itself is relatively quiet, but the exhaust on the bike is quite loud. Fans of startup videos featuring ultra-rare bikes will appreciate the conclusion of this video, so grab your best headphones for the optimal experience.

Motorsport

Skoda Superb Wagon Spotted During Hot-Weather Testing for Next Generation Model

Skoda is preparing for the release of the next-generation Superb, scheduled for the second half of 2023, by conducting hot-weather testing in Southern Europe. Although the model is still heavily camouflaged, spy photos show a few design details, with shots of the wagon variant currently available.

Notable features that can be observed include boxy headlights that have running lamps located at the lower section, and the traditional vertical slats of the Skoda grille. Additionally, the front bumper possesses air curtains on its outer ends and a slim, horizontal bar that divides the central inlet.

The liftback variant will also be launched alongside the wagon, although images of this are yet to be released.