fidgits

have you tried it with a few different tapes, it could be just that its tight and the cassette player thinks the tape has ended.

Lexus and Paul McCartney have announced a groundbreaking partnership that names Lexus as presenting sponsor of the Paul McCartney 'US' Tour this fall. The Lexus tour sponsorship, which will include multiple marketing extension opportunities through March 2006, represents the first time McCartney has ever partnered with a commercial brand in his distinguished career. "I'm very pleased to partner with Lexus because I think there is a natural fit. Lexus and I share the same philosophy and approach to creating the best work possible-me with my music and art and Lexus with the vehicles they create," said McCartney. "I'm looking forward to a fun and rewarding experience for all." McCartney will be performing 37 concerts during the 'US' tour, featuring many songs that have not been performed on American soil in the past 15 years. Nearly 300,000 tickets went on sale for this concert series and sold out in record-breaking time in most cities-some in less than 10 minutes. "We are excited to present such a highly anticipated event to McCartney fans," says Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager for Lexus. "Paul McCartney is a musical icon who continues to grow and thrive not only as a musician but as an overall creative artist and philanthropist." Lexus and Paul McCartney have several marketing initiatives in development to support the partnership. Of particular interest to McCartney-who is a long-time advocate for environmental causes-is the Lexus RX 400h, the world's first luxury hybrid SUV. This vehicle proves that environmental consciousness doesn't have to mean sacrificing performance, luxury or styling. McCartney will join other celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Portman-both of whom chose to arrive at this year's Academy Awards in a Lexus RX 400h-in championing such an important development in the automotive world The RX 400h has been certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle and has an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg, better than the average for compact sedans, and an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 27 mpg and 31 mpg in the city. The vehicle boasts a V6 engine that delivers V8-like performance and provides a peak system output of 268 horsepower and a 7.3-second 0-to-60 acceleration. Additional partnership initiatives currently in development include Lexus hospitality areas in select tour cities, ticket giveaways and a special compilation CD created in conjunction with McCartney, to name a few. For more information about the "Paul McCartney 'US' Tour Presented by Lexus" visit www.paulmccartney.com. About Lexus Lexus has become synonymous with luxury since its introduction in 1989. By offering some of the finest quality luxury vehicles and providing benchmark customer service, Lexus has become the top-selling luxury nameplate in the United States for five years in a row. Lexus and its 210 dealers have repeatedly achieved high honors for both the products they sell and the customer service they provide as rated by the independent research firm of J.D. Power and Associates.

Toyota will introduce the 2006 Highlander Hybrid gas/electric mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) – the industry’s first seven-passenger hybrid SUV – in June 2005. The Highlander Hybrid will join the popular Prius sedan, making Toyota the first brand to offer both a passenger car and an SUV with hybrid powertrains. The Highlander Hybrid combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator to deliver exhilarating performance, fuel economy ratings better than many compact cars, as well as remarkably low emissions. “The Highlander Hybrid marks the launch of a second all-new hybrid vehicle from Toyota before most manufacturers have launched their first,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president – automotive operation. “The addition of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system in our best-selling SUV, further affirms the company’s leadership role as hybrid gas-electric vehicles continue to emerge into the mainstream consumer mindset.” The Highlander Hybrid will be powered by a new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain specifically developed to meet the load-carrying requirements and performance expectations of mid-size SUV buyers. Its all-new high-speed electric motor operates at twice the speed and delivers more than twice the power as the motor used in the four-cylinder Prius, producing 268 peak combined horsepower with a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Highlander Hybrid provides rapid acceleration with a 0-60 MPH time of just 7.3 seconds for the electric four-wheel-drive with intelligence (4WD-i) and delivers the best fuel economy ratings in the mid-size SUV segment. The Highlander Hybrid 4x2 carries an estimated EPA fuel efficiency rating of 33 mpg in city driving, 28 mpg on the highway. Its combined city/highway estimated EPA fuel efficiency rating of 30 mpg exceeds most V8 powered SUV’s by more than 100 percent and is better than the current EPA average – 27.1 mpg - for a compact sedan. The estimated EPA city/highway average for all 4WD-i models is an impressive 31/27 with a combined rating of 29 mpg. In addition, Highlander Hybrid will be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV). One of the most stringent emissions ratings in the industry, SULEV-rated vehicles emit 80 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than conventionally-powered SUV’s. Hybrid Technology The Highlander Hybrid is defined as a high-power, high-voltage full hybrid, which means it is capable of operating in electric-only or gas engine-only mode as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor. In contrast, other hybrid technologies are not capable of running only on electrical power, but instead require constant gas engine operation. The Highlander Hybrid's 3.3-liter V6 engine is based on the engine in the conventional Highlander but with significant revisions to promote smooth integration with the hybrid system. These include revised calibrations to the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) systems. In making the transition to a hybrid powertrain, the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and AC compressor are no longer engine belt-driven. This is because the gas engine often shuts down—a fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid system — especially when the vehicle is stopped or driven slowly through traffic. With the exception of the alternator, which is replaced by motor-generators, all components are now electrically powered which means notably lower parasitic losses to the engine, lower noise, and improved fuel consumption. The hybrid system uses a 288-volt DC Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack that fits neatly under the middle seat. The battery's power is directed through a "boost converter" that efficiently raises voltage to 650V DC. An inverter changes this to 650V AC, providing its elevated power to a front-mounted 123-kW electric motor that turns as high as 12,500 RPM. There are two motor-generators in the 4x2 models and three motor-generators employed in the 4WD-i models. Internally referred to as MG1, MG2 and MGR for the rear electric motor in the 4WD-i, each has a specific function and each does double duty as both drive motor and generator (although MG1 is a starter and provides no motive force). The engine-driven generator (MG1) and rear electric motor (MGR) can charge the battery pack, which powers other electric motors as needed. Power from the gas engine and front electric-drive motor (MG2) is distributed to the drive wheels via a planetary gear-type continuously variable transmission, which eliminates specific gear ratios. Two planetary gear units are used in the system. The Power-Split unit divides the engine's drive force two ways: one to drive the wheels and the other to drive MG1 so it may function as a generator. The Motor Speed Reduction unit reduces the speed of MG2 and increases its drive torque, significantly boosting acceleration performance. In addition to its motor-generator duties, the crucial MG1 adds two functions: one as a starter motor for the gas engine; and two, by regulating the amount of electrical power it generates (which varies its RPM), MG1 controls the output speed of the transaxle through the planetary gear set—without clutches or viscous couplings. This is one of the key elements of the hybrid powertrain and the reason why Highlander Hybrid eliminates the "shift shock" that can typically be felt as even the most refined modern automatic transmissions change gears. In conventional 4WD vehicles, the weight and friction of the additional drive components reduce the vehicle's acceleration performance compared to the same model with 2WD. Not so with the Highlander Hybrid. The innovative electric 4WD-i system employs a separate 50-kW electric motor (MGR) at the rear that provides up to 96 lb.-ft. of additional drive torque as required. The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on driving conditions. The Toyota hybrid technology also allows extended electric-mode operation during low speed or stop-and-go driving conditions. The permanent-magnet front electric drive motor (MG2) produces peak torque from zero-to-1,500 RPM, giving the Highlander Hybrid powerful and instantaneous response that will be especially felt and appreciated in low- and mid-speed performance and in merging and passing maneuvers. A regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency. When the Highlander Hybrid is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. Four-Wheel Drive With Intelligence and Advanced Vehicle Dynamics In addition to providing the fuel economy ratings of the average compact four-cylinder sedan, the Highlander hybrid offers the versatility, refinement, and comfort expected in a mid-size SUV. Highlander Hybrid comes standard with front-wheel-drive and offers 4WD-i – the world's first application of electric four-wheel-drive with intelligence in the non-luxury mid-size SUV segment. Toyota introduced its Star Safety System on all 2005 model year SUVs. The new standard safety system includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Highlander Hybrid enhances the Star Safety System with the addition of the all-new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. This new system goes well beyond conventional traction control systems, which react to challenging conditions. Instead, VDIM anticipates loss of vehicle control in virtually any direction and makes corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability.A vital component of VDIM is a new Electronically Controlled Braking system (ECB). The ECB system translates brake pedal stroke and pressure and generates the precise amount of combined electric regeneration and hydraulic pressure needed for virtually any driving condition. Under guidance from VDIM, such precise brake control at individual wheels allows more optimized operation of the vehicle's dynamic handling systems that employ the brakes: ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC). VDIM also interfaces with the Hybrid System, allowing it to modify vehicle power when needed, and a new Electronic Power Steering system (EPS) to optimize steering assist for each situation. The EPS uses a DC motor and gear reduction system built into the steering gear housing to provide steering assist. This compact unit contributes to fuel economy by eliminating the traditional power steering pump and by providing its computer-controlled assist only when called for by the driver. EPS also allows a more precise and timely control of steering assist than conventional engine-driven hydraulic systems. VDIM constantly calculates vehicle motion based on signals from a yaw rate and deceleration sensor, wheel speed sensor and steering angle sensor. Using these inputs, VDIM controls all of the vehicle's dynamic handling systems and can employ them collectively and seamlessly, allowing it to quickly detect the onset of a loss of vehicle control and help correct it. The ability to operate ‘proactively' means that corrections to vehicle attitude are typically faster, more accurate and subtle, than traditional systems, making VDIM feel smooth and essentially transparent to the driver. VDIM dramatically enhances the Highlander Hybrid dynamic qualities and maximizes its performance capability, driving pleasure and safety. No-Compromise Versatility The Highlander Hybrid provides enhanced ride comfort with the same versatility as the conventional seven-passenger Highlander. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid features three seating rows in all models, rear privacy glass, a rear heater system, and rear seat cupholders. "Walk-in" steps and a second-row sliding seat make it easy to enter and exit the third row. The third-row seat reclines and also folds completely flat into the floor to create added cargo space. The second-row 60/40 split fold-down seat also reclines and folds forward flat for added comfort and utility. The exterior styling will be freshened with the addition of a new chrome accented front grille and integrated bumper, smoked headlamp trim, rear LED tail lamps and chrome license plate garnish. The Highlander Hybrid will ride on new 17-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels and will come well equipped with the amenities customers have come to expect in premium mid-size SUVs. Safety Systems for Peace of Mind Highlander Hybrid provides an impressive array of standard safety technology. The front seats with height-adjustable headrests are designed to help reduce the possibility of whiplash-type injuries, and include three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and belt-force limiters. The second- and third-row seats also incorporate height-adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts in all seating positions. The driver and passenger advanced dual-stage front airbags inflate according to collision severity. A front seat passenger sensor is designed to determine if there is a person in the seat and is also equipped with an occupant classification system to verify the front passengers' weight category to determine whether the airbag should inflate. Front-seat-mounted side airbags, which include first and second row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, are also standard equipment. The second-row seat is equipped with a Child Restraint LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) that provides top tether anchors for all three seating positions and lower anchors for outboard seating positions. Comfortable and Easy To Drive Highlander is based on a unibody platform with four-wheel independent suspension. This type of construction provides a smooth, quiet, refined ride like that expected in a high-quality premium passenger car. The higher ride height provides a commanding view of the road, while a tight 37.4-foot turning circle makes Highlander easy to maneuver. The Highlander Hybrid interior offers comfortable and durable fabric seats on the standard grade with a lengthy standard equipment list across all grades that includes defroster-linked air conditioning with a cabin air filter, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, power windows and door locks, deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR cassette/CD sound system with six speakers, seventeen-inch split five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, tounneau cover, UV-reduction glass, HomeLink® universal remote control system, engine immobilizer, cruise control, roof rack, rear privacy glass, daytime running lights, tow prep package and mudguards. The steering wheel features controls for the audio system when ordered in conjunction with the JBL premium audio option. The steering wheel controls are easy to use, allowing the driver to select system mode, radio stations or CD tracks, and to adjust volume without averting eyes from the road. The Highlander Hybrid Limited model adds a level of luxury and refinement. Standard features on the Limited include heated, leather-trimmed seats, an automatic climate control system with humidity control sensors, the addition of a four-way power passenger seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a JBL premium 3-in-1 audio system with a six disk CD-changer and eight speakers in six locations, anti-theft alarm system, silver and burled maple wood-grain style interior trim and a leather-trimmed shift handle. Additional standard features on Limited models include, door scuff plates and an auto-dimming mirror with integrated electronic compass. Limited models can also be equipped with an optional touch-screen DVD navigation system offering high-speed directional processing. Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. In addition, 24-hour roadside assistance is provided to all Highlander Hybrid owners for 36-months/36,000 miles

The Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) today displayed its solution to high gasoline prices – its new, high-mileage Toyota Prius fleet vehicles. Four of the gas-electric hybrids were added to the cabinet's fleet this year to help reduce cost and increase efficiency for Kentucky taxpayers. EPPC Secretary LaJuana S. Wilcher said that was in keeping with the philosophy of Governor Ernie Fletcher's administration. "Governor Fletcher and this cabinet are committed to saving tax dollars and protecting the environment by using this fuel-efficient technology," Wilcher said. "Governor Fletcher pledged to make state government more efficient, and the use of hybrid vehicles is just one example of that commitment in action." The Prius hybrids were available to drive today at the event held at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown. Consumer demand for hybrid vehicles, especially the Prius, has increased dramatically as gas pump prices have soared. As part of Kentucky's observance of Earth Week, TMMK and Kentucky state government partnered to demonstrate hybrid technology and to promote recycling. The EPPC began replacing large sedans with hybrids last year to save tax dollars and increase efficiency. City-highway mileage for the cabinet's Prius vehicles has averaged 47.6 mpg, compared with 21.5 mpg that was typical of the larger sedans. "In-town" mileage has been 59 mpg for the Prius, compared with 16 mpg for other sedans. In addition, the federal government includes the Prius among vehicles rated best for reduced "greenhouse gas" emissions. Prices for regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.244 per gallon nationally and $2.197 per gallon in Kentucky as of Monday. Wilcher, Finance Secretary Robbie Rudolph and Acting Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert also toured the extensive recycling program at TMMK's Georgetown assembly plant. Kevin Butt, general manager of environmental affairs for Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, said Toyota is "striving to be the cleanest automaker in the world." "Certainly that applies to our hybrid vehicles, like the Prius, but also to a number of environmental initiatives at our manufacturing plants," Butt said. TMMK embodies the Earth Week emphasis on recycling and personal responsibility for the environment with a "zero waste" policy in which virtually everything is recycled. For example: • Food and waste paper are collected daily from six TMMK cafeterias and composted for use in landscaping around the assembly plant. • Water used in the manufacturing process – 20 million gallons per year – is cleaned and filtered and reused for boilers and cooling towers. • Assembly team members segregate 107 different types of plastic caps and plugs, which are sorted and recycled. In the past, more than 120 tons of the material went into landfills. • A refurbishing of the assembly plant’s paint operation resulted in a 22 percent reduction of emissions of volatile organic compounds last year. A new program for running air compressors more efficiently saved 35.7 million kilowatts of electricity in 2004 – enough to power 2,000 single-family homes for a year. • TMMK's on-site garden covers three acres and produces vegetables that are donated to food banks to help feed the needy of the community. Secretary Wilcher and her Cabinet colleagues commended the company for displaying unbridled spirit in recycling.

Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA) today announced the company was inducted into the Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR) in recognition of over $1 billion in annual spending with ethnic and diverse suppliers. Toyota was one of only two companies inducted into this prestigious organization this year. Established in 2000, the Billion Dollar Roundtable brings together corporations who make significant, measurable contributions to diverse minority economic growth and whose supplier diversity spending has reached $1 billion annually. As part of the BDR, member companies meet to share best practices on maintaining the billion dollar level of diversity spending and publish an annual white paper based on ideas gathered from industry leaders and BDR members. New member companies are inducted into the BDR every two years. "As we continue to grow and invest in North America, Toyota remains committed to being a good corporate citizen and promoting diversity in each of the communities in which we do business," said Hideaki "Harry" Otaka, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. "Having a diverse supplier base not only helps strengthen the minority business community, leading to job creation and a stronger economy, but allows us to gain diverse ideas in areas including manufacturing support, goods and services, all of which create significant competitive advantages." Toyota's induction into the BDR comes just four years after launching its 21st Century Diversity Strategy, which set tangible diversity targets for a broad range of operations, including employment, procurement, dealer representation and others. With the help of the industry's only Diversity Advisory Board, a seven-member Board chaired by former Secretary of Labor, Alexis Herman, Toyota has made strong progress in the areas of diversity and inclusion, beginning with a 26 percent increase in ethnic minority employees since 2000, and more than doubling its annual spending with ethnic and diverse suppliers. This year's induction into the BDR is one of several recognitions of Toyota's supplier diversity initiatives. In 2004, Toyota received the "Corporation of the Year" award from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NSMDC), as well as "The Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award" from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), becoming the first company to receive both awards in the same year. For more information about Toyota’s efforts in diversity, visit www.toyota.com/diversity. Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA), wholly owned by Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM), is the holding company for Toyota's North American sales and manufacturing companies. TMA's direct functions include corporate communications, investor relations, corporate advertising; government and regulatory affairs; market, economic and industry research; corporate planning, diversity and philanthropy activities. Toyota currently employs more than 37,000 people in North America. The company's current investment in North America is $16.6 billion. North American-produced vehicles include the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, and the Lexus RX 330. By 2006 Toyota's manufacturing operations will have the capacity to build 1.66 million vehicles and 1.44 million engines annually in North America.

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that it would produce hybrid vehicles in North America for the first time in the company's history, starting in the second half of 2006. This important step reflects Toyota's aim to spread the use of high-performance hybrid vehicles and further increase localization in North America. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), which is one of Toyota's existing production plants in North America, will be in charge of producing the hybrid version of the highly successful Camry model. TMC will invest an additional 10 million U.S. dollars in order to start hybrid production and to reach the expected monthly production target of 4,000 Camry hybrids. The project was announced during a press conference in Kentucky, U.S.A. (May 17, local time) in the presence of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher, TMMK President Gary L. Convis and Executive Vice President and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Jim Press. The Toyota Prius, launched in North America in 2000, was the very first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The second-generation Prius was launched in 2003 and North American cumulative sales of the Prius reached 147,000 units by the end of March 2005. Besides the Prius, Toyota also offers-or is scheduled to offer-the following other hybrid vehicles in North America: the Lexus RX400h (since April 2005), the Highlander Hybrid (from June 2005) and the Lexus GS450h (in 2006). This again demonstrates Toyota's strong conviction that hybrid technology is key to tomorrow's automotive development.

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that it would produce hybrid vehicles in North America for the first time in the company's history, starting in the second half of 2006. This important step reflects Toyota's aim to spread the use of high-performance hybrid vehicles and further increase localization in North America. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), which is one of Toyota's existing production plants in North America, will be in charge of producing the hybrid version of the highly successful Camry model. TMC will invest an additional 10 million U.S. dollars in order to start hybrid production and to reach the expected monthly production target of 4,000 Camry hybrids. The project was announced during a press conference in Kentucky, U.S.A. (May 17, local time) in the presence of Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher, TMMK President Gary L. Convis and Executive Vice President and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Jim Press. The Toyota Prius, launched in North America in 2000, was the very first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The second-generation Prius was launched in 2003 and North American cumulative sales of the Prius reached 147,000 units by the end of March 2005. Besides the Prius, Toyota also offers-or is scheduled to offer-the following other hybrid vehicles in North America: the Lexus RX400h (since April 2005), the Highlander Hybrid (from June 2005) and the Lexus GS450h (in 2006). This again demonstrates Toyota's strong conviction that hybrid technology is key to tomorrow's automotive development.

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that, to help promote the development of safe vehicles, it has added an active steering function to its VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) vehicle control system and developed a two-chamber airbag aimed at lessening the impact of airbag deployment on front-seat passengers. These technologies will be offered in new models of the Lexus brand, which is due to debut in Japan this summer. Against a backdrop of the increasing importance of traffic safety policies, and in order to contribute to the complete elimination of traffic fatalities, which is the ultimate goal of a society that values mobility, Toyota intends to strengthen its initiatives in the future through: 1) the development of even safer vehicles, 2) activities designed to educate people in traffic safety and 3) participation in the creation of a safe traffic environment. Features of the Newly Developed Technologies VDIM with active steering control added Toyota's first-generation VDIM integrated VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), TRC (Traction Control) and electric power steering. By constantly monitoring driver action and vehicle status, it used integrated control to help stabilize a vehicle before performance limits were breached. It made its debut in July 2004 on the Toyota Crown Majesta. Adding to this, the new VDIM features an active steering function for optimal control of the front-wheel steering angle through VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering), a new technology that can flexibly vary steering responsiveness. As a result, even during startup or braking when the friction coefficient (slipperiness) of the road surfaces under the right and left wheels differs, the new VDIM prevents the vehicle from going off course by optimally controlling the front-wheel steering angle in conjunction with the brakes, engine and steering torque. In this way, a higher level of preventive safety is achieved, along with ideal vehicle performance. SRS Twin-chamber Airbag To help make front-seat passengers safer, TMC became the world's first*1 automaker to develop a two-chamber airbag. TMC's SRS Twin-chamber Airbag features an advanced shape and is based on the omni-support concept*2. Designed for the front passenger seat, the new airbag's two chambers create a depression in the center of the airbag upon deployment. This deployment is met by multiple surfaces, such as the head and shoulders, to disperse the physical impact of the airbag on the passenger. As a result, unlike existing airbags, which are deployed as a single bag, the new airbag can be expected to lessen the localized force applied to the human body immediately following deployment.

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that the recently improved TOYOTA FCHV, Toyota's fuel cell hybrid passenger vehicle, has become the first vehicle in Japan to acquire vehicle type certification under the Road Vehicles Act, as amended and enacted on March 31, by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT). Leases for the vehicle are to begin on July 1. Fuel cell vehicles that acquire certification under MLIT's new safety standard regarding the commercialization and marketing of fuel cell vehicles no longer need to be certified individually. Type certification can now be acquired through the submission of representative vehicles. Since setting out to develop fuel cell vehicles, Toyota has been independently developing all major fuel cell system components, including the all-important, electricity-producing fuel cell stack. Since limited marketing of the TOYOTA FCHV began in Japan and the U.S. in December 2002, 11 TOYOTA FCHVs have been leased in Japan and five in the U.S. Toyota is also active in applying its fuel cell technology to buses—after first conducting real-world verification tests with a fuel cell bus prototype operating within Tokyo's metropolitan public bus system (from August 2003 to December 2004), Toyota now has eight units of its FCHV-BUS transporting visitors between the Nagakute and Seto areas of the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan. Data gathered during the use of the previous TOYOTA FCHV was fed back into development, resulting in the new model, which features a fuel cell system with enhanced levels of reliability and durability. The new vehicle will be offered to such customers as national and local governments, and companies in energy-related fields. Main Features of the New TOYOTA FCHV · The new TOYOTA FCHV is fitted with new 35MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks developed by Toyota, which can hold 10% more hydrogen than the 35MPa tanks Toyota used before, extending the cruising range from 300km to 330km in the 10-15 Japanese test cycle. · The high-pressure hydrogen storage tank also features a high-pressure valve developed anew within the Toyota Group. This valve follows a new design that positions a solenoid shut-off valve inside the tank. · The new tank meets the technical standard for compressed hydrogen automobile fuel tanks, established in March this year as a safety standard for high-pressure hydrogen, allowing the tank to be used for 15 years, compared to a previous three years. · The motor output has been increased from 80 to 90kW, improving acceleration performance. · A choice of two exterior colors is now available, with Light Blue Metallic added to the Silver Metallic that was previously available.

if you had the major 60k service at a Toyota dealer, then I would go back to the dealer who did this, as the 60k should change the fluid, and while if it is not longer under warranty they are not legally bound to help, you may be able to push them to pay some of the bill for not picking up the problem sooner.

yeah, i dont think a full flush is nesacerry, the normal drain and refill should do okay..

nice :D

There are a lot of individual Toyota models - I can understand your point, but there isnt a huge amount of information just for the 4Runner (Or Tacoma etc..) to jusitfy seperating it out yet. If we get a lot of 4Runner topics, then yes, we will make a seperate forum for them..

works this end ;)

junkyard?

at a guess - you probably could do with changing the gearbox oil. Quick and cheap, and it could solve the issue... if not, then it could be expensive.

easiest way is if they are uploaded to the web... click the IMG button and paste the URL in there... otherwise,you can upload them by the file attachements below the post window..

there are lots of places... where are you based?

I think this is a tricky one... the garage should offer to meet some of the cost if this is a new truck... but it wouldnt stand up in court..

thats a good price, have you got any pictures?

it does sound like the EGR again...

ahhh...

I would imagine so. With lowering and stiffening, you are going to lose some comfort, but not an awful lot. The sway bars may make a larger difference than the springs though.

have you looked in the manual for the fuse locations?

that seems a little pricey, i would reccomend talking to an independent garage seeing if they could source an equivlent part cheaper...