Tag Archives: percent

Motorsport

Lexus Is Still Emphasizing Sedans Despite SUV Popularity

According to market researcher Dataforce, SUVs accounted for more than 50 percent of car sales in Europe during the first half of 2023, marking the first time this has ever happened. The demand for SUVs, in all variations, continues to overshadow traditional car body styles, such as sedans. However, despite this trend, Lexus believes that sedans still have relevance in certain markets.

Takashi Watanabe, the global brand chief of Lexus, discussed this topic in an interview with Australian magazine Drive. While acknowledging the decline in sedan demand, Watanabe stated that there is still a market for these cars. He also expressed that Lexus remains committed to developing new sedans, as they continue to place importance and focus on this category.


Featured

Nitin Gadkari Unveils Flex-Fuel Toyota Innova Hycross Strong-Hybrid Prototype


This prototype can run on up to 85 percent ethanol blend, and 60 percent of the total output is taken care of by EV power, courtesy the hybrid system, in certain test conditions

Toyota Innova Hycross Flex-fuel Prototype

  • The prototype is equipped with a 186PS 2-liter strong-hybrid petrol engine.

  • The engine has been modified to be compatible with high-blend ethanol fuel.

  • A 20 percent ethanol blend produces 14 percent less PM2.5 emissions than petrol.

  • Ethanol is more affordable and is mostly made from organic materials like sugarcane.

  • Further tests and calibrations need to be done before the prototype is approved for Indian roads.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has unveiled the prototype of the flex-fuel Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid. This prototype can run on up to 85 percent ethanol blend fuel and is the first in the world to comply with the updated BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. Here’s what you need to know about the flex-fuel Innova Hycross prototype.

Cleaner Powertrain

Toyota Innova Hycross Flex-fuel Engine

The flex-fuel Hycross uses the same 2-liter strong-hybrid powertrain engine as the regular Toyota hybrid MPV. The engine has been adapted to run on an ethanol blend of up to 85 percent, making it more eco-friendly. Toyota claims that the performance output of 186PS remains the same even on the greener fuel.

Benefits

Benefits of Flex-fuel

Ethanol is a cleaner fuel than petrol or diesel, resulting in lower emissions and less environmental damage. E20 fuels (20 percent ethanol blend) can reduce PM2.5 emissions by 14 percent compared to regular petrol. The hybrid system further enhances the eco-friendliness of the prototype as it uses EV power for up to 60 percent of the total output. Ethanol is also more affordable than fossil fuels and can be locally manufactured from organic resources like sugarcane, rice, and bamboo.

The transition to electric vehicles is challenging, and flex-fuel vehicles provide a middle ground solution. They help reduce carbon emissions and India’s energy imports. Eventually, the country may even be able to export surplus biofuels.

Toyota Innova Hycross Flex-fuel Prototype

The flex-fuel Innova Hycross is still a prototype and needs further testing before it can be made available on Indian roads. The availability of higher ethanol-blended fuel is also crucial for this technology to be fully utilized. However, by 2025, E20-compliant fuel and compatible vehicles are expected to be introduced. Let us know your thoughts on this prototype in the comments below.

Read More on: Innova Hycross Automatic

Technology

5 Household Items You Can Use to Clean Your iPhone

If you’re looking to give your iPhone a thorough cleaning, you don’t need any fancy products. Apple recommends Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, but you can also use any 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe. Here are five ordinary household items you can use to clean your iPhone:

  1. Disinfecting Wipes or Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes: Turn off your iPhone and remove its case, if any. Use the wipe to carefully clean the screen, back, and sides. Take caution not to let any moisture enter the openings of the device, as it can cause damage.
  2. Dish Soap and Warm Water: If you don’t have any wipes, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the solution and gently wipe the iPhone. Afterward, allow the phone to air-dry for a few minutes and use a dry microfiber cloth to remove streaks.
  3. Toothpick: Use a toothpick to remove lint or debris from the small corners, such as the charging ports and buttons.
  4. Q-tip: Clean out the tiny parts of your iPhone using a Q-tip. Dampen it with water to avoid shedding, which could further clog the device’s openings.
  5. Another Wipe and a Microfiber Cloth: Give your iPhone a final wipe with another disinfecting wipe, and then dry it with a microfiber cloth. This will ensure a squeaky clean finish.

If you own a Mac that also needs cleaning, check out our guide on how to clean your Mac.

Motorsport

World’s Whitest Paint, a Record-Breaking Counterpart to Vantablack, Being Developed for Cars

Most of us are familiar with Vantablack, a paint that absorbs an astounding 99.96 percent of light. However, a group of researchers at Purdue University, led by mechanical engineering professor Xiulin Ruan, have achieved the opposite effect with a white paint that reflects 98.1 percent of solar radiation. This innovative material not only has a cooling effect but also holds potential in the fight against global warming. In fact, a version specifically designed for cars is in the works.

Unlike conventional paint, this white paint emits more infrared heat than it absorbs. The secret lies in the paint’s composition, which includes barium sulfate particles of different sizes. These particles scatter various wavelengths of solar radiation, resulting in a surface temperature that is lower than the surrounding environment.


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.

Motorsport

Fiat Introduces Colorful Options, Drops Gray Cars

In 2022, more than 65 percent of new cars sold in the United States were white, black, or gray. Gray cars, in particular, accounted for just over 18 percent of total sales. However, Fiat is not impressed by these statistics. The Italian automaker has decided to stop producing gray cars and instead focus on offering more vibrant color choices.

Fiat’s current model range in the European market, including the 500, 500 Hybrid, Panda, and Tipo, already comes in a diverse array of shades. Some of the available colors are Gelato white, Sicilia orange, Paprika orange, Passione red, Blu Dipinto di Blu, Italia blue, Venezia blue, Rugiada green, Foresta green, Rose gold, and Cinema black. And now, Fiat is planning to add a new color option to its palette.


Volkswagen

Volkswagen shareholders formally approve actions of Board of Management and Supervisory Board and adopt resolution on dividend for 2022

At the Annual General Meeting of Volkswagen AG, the shareholders voted by a majority of 99.99 percent to approve the recommendation of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board to increase the dividend for fiscal year 2022 to EUR 8.70 per ordinary share and EUR 8.76 per preferred share. This corresponds to a payout ratio of 29.4 percent and an increase of EUR 1.20 per share, which is significantly higher than previous year’s payout ratio of 25.4 percent.

At the beginning of January Volkswagen also paid out the special dividend from the successful IPO of Porsche AG in the amount of EUR 19.06 per ordinary and preference share.

The resolution on the formal approval of the members of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board who held office in fiscal year 2022 was passed.

Dr Günther Horvath was elected to the supervisory board, succeeding the late Dr Louise Kiesling. Dr Wolfgang Porsche and Marianne Heiß were elected to the board for a further term of office. In addition, the adjustments to the remuneration of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board were approved.