The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on strict measures to prevent and stop the spread of the coronavirus. Although the authorities have eased the restrictions, large gatherings are still not allowed. Therefore, while many activities can be run, the general public cannot attend and have to watch via broadcasts over the internet.
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) is no exception. This has been an annual affair for the past few years, an event held in different parts of the country with racing, entertainment and fun for the family as its key elements. However, this year, the first round of the fourth season at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend will not be open to the general public.
One of the races in a previous round of the Vios Challenge.
In accordance with the requirements of the health authorities, a ‘Sports Bubble’ will be initiated for those who are allowed to participate but racing fans and the public nationwide will watch the TGR festival online via Toyota’s website and social media platforms on the internet.
“The concept of the event remains unchanged, only the manner in which it reaches out to the public in these extraordinary and challenging times. The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival has primarily been about bringing motorsports to the masses and we will continue to do this,” said UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K.
“The people who have come to the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival over the past 3 seasons have done so for many different reasons. Some come for the racing, others for the chance to spend time with their favourite celebrities, and there are those who are there for the many different on-ground activities and attractions. Moving forward, it is imperative we continue with this even if it means going online, as this is what has fundamentally made the festival unique and a huge success,” he said.
While the on-ground atmosphere will be void of fans and public presence, Mr. Ravindran said the ‘silver lining’ is that the opportunity to livestream the TGR Festival for the entire race weekend would reach out to an even larger and wider audience, including racing fans outside of Malaysia, all of whom can watch the action from the comfort and safety of their homes.
The rookies in the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program.
This new season sees an expansion of the racing activities with four, instead of three classes. Besides the Sporting Class, Super Sporting Class and Promotional Class, there will also be the new Rookie Class. This will see 6 newcomers who are graduates of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program. Identified for their potential, they are stepping up from karting and simulator to making their debut in saloon car racing and have been provided with professional training to prepare them for a new ‘career’.
The Promotional Class, always a crowd favourite as popular local celebrities take part, also has three newcomers – Talitha Tan, Zizan Razak and Ahirine Ahirudin. In between races, the 10 celebrities will also be involved in a livestream entertainment segment called TOYOTA GAZOO Racing OFFTHEGRID and will be able to give the viewers intimate insights into their racing experiences.
As for the Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class, many of the drivers are now experienced in the racing which is run as the Vios Challenge One-Make series as only the Toyota Vios is used. The cars are all identical in performance and strict inspections before and after the race are carried out to ensure that they conform to the rules.
In a segment called Jom Duet Bersama, three of the celebrities – Khai Bahar, Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali – fans will be invited to participate in an acting and singing duet challenge with the best submissions to be aired during the livestream. Comedians Nabil Ahmad and Zizan Razak will also join forces for Latah Positif and Berita Apani, giving viewers a quirky insight into the event.
Tengku Djan Ley – also known as Malaysia’s ‘Prince of Drift’ – will also go head-to-head in a battle to test the reaction times of the rookies in a series of challenges off the circuit in Toyota Arena Bersama Rookies & Tengku Djan. And fresh from completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, two of these rookies, Amer Harris and Mika Hakimi, will host Did You SPM?, where they will ask racers, mechanics and race officials random SPM questions in a test of wits.
Just as Toyota established Calty in California in 1973 as an advanced design studio to develop new models, mainly for the US market, it also set up a design studio in Europe to develop products more tailored for that region.
Located in the south of France, the facility known as ED2 has been in operation since 2000 and is now Toyota’s European Design Headquarters. ED2 was responsible for carrying out design studies, especially of A-segment models, and was a major contributor to the original Yaris project. It was also responsible for the original concept for the C-HR crossover SUV.
Preview of the next Aygo?
Now ED2 is also bringing the same visual boldness to small cars with the Aygo X prologue, a concept model which is likely to be a preview of the next generation of the Aygo that was introduced in 2005. The Aygo was jointly developed by Toyota, Peugeot and Citroen (which have their own versions) and is also built as a factory in the Czech Republic which is jointly owned by the three companies.
“With the Aygo X prologue, I believe we’ve demonstrated that a small car can still be big and bold in personality,” said Ken Billes, Assistant Chief Designer at ED². The design has unique DNA and meets the demands of customers wanting flair, distinctiveness, and the chance to make a personal statement. Building on the model’s style icon position, ED² set out to design a new car specifically for them.
ED² assigned a dedicated team to focus on a unified message from start to finish and they became quickly convinced that there was an opportunity to bring a bolder and stronger design. From this conviction, the Aygo X prologue was born.
Bigger and taller
With the Aygo X prologue, an additional cheeky mischievousness is added to the mix. It’s just as fun like the current model, now with an added edginess to it. From every angle, it expresses a strong personality and an even stronger stance. By bumping up the size of the wheels, the driver sits higher and has a higher eye point for greater visibility, while additional clearance underneath will be appreciated when travelling on rough roads.
A bold bi-tone execution creates a unique graphic profile that grabs attention in the street by emphasizing the car’s readiness to leap forward into action. The wedged roofline also increases the dynamic feeling for a more aggressive sporty image. High-tech headlamps hug the upper bonnet to form a wing-like shape while, lower to the ground are the large hexagonal grille, foglamps and skidplate.
For the adventurous and active types
Practicality is an important aspect for the Aygo X prologue. The rear skidplate houses a bicycle-holder mount while, housed in the door mirror is an action-camera ready to record adventures at any time. An integrated roof rack accentuates the vehicle’s profile, as well as creating a visual link with the hexagon tail lamps, a subtle reminder of the Aygo DNA.
The designers at ED2 understand that, in life, colours are central to our emotions. For the Aygo X prologue, a ‘spicy’ concept to life is created with inspiration from certain ingredients such as chilli, ginger, wasabi and black pepper. Moreover, use of bi-tone was an additional invitation to take colour balances to another level with the inclusion of a fine sprinkling of blue metallic flake into the paint mix. The resulting dazzling effect makes the colour fully deserving of its name of Sparkling Chilli Red.
Working differently but together
The challenging project of creating the Aygo X prologue under present conditions has been a great test of the agile process of fast and fluid design development at ED2. Whether together or remotely, ED² design team members worked seamlessly from hand-sketching to digital sketch-modelling, to virtual reality simulations, to 3D ‘speedshapes’, right to the final car itself.
Although Toyota does not officially state that the Aygo x prologue will become the next generation of the Aygo, it looks pretty much like a production-ready design and will certainly be on a version of the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that is now used for all new models.
First generation of the Aygo was introduced in Europe in 2005. (above). It is currently in its second generation (below) which was launched in 2014.
The Toyota GR Supra’s fundamental appeal is being a sportscar in its purest form, and a sportscar is at home on a racetrack. Thus it’s only appropriate that the company has developed an exclusive version which it calls the Jarama Racetrack Edition.
Only for Europe
Only 90 units of this version will be available, all for sale only in Europe. The ‘90’ is s subtle reference to the coupe’s model code which is ‘A90’ and the name is, of course, that of a well known racing circuit in Spain. In fact, that is where many of the world’s media had their first experience of the GR Supra two years ago.
The Jarama Racetrack Edition is visually distinguished by its unique Horizon Blue paintwork, contrasting with a matt black finish for its 19-inch forged alloy wheels and visible red-painted brake calipers.
Tuned by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
Under the long bonnet is the original, 340 bhp/500 Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six unit, tuned by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the company’s high-performance unit. The engine output flows through a rapid-shift 8-speed sports automatic transmission. When using the car’s launch control system, 0 -100 km/h acceleration times is claimed to be 4.3 seconds.
‘Golden ratio’
The sports performance and handling are said to be every bit as rewarding as the regular GR Supra, founded on the car’s finely balanced chassis and the ideal ‘golden ratio’ between the wide track and short wheelbase.
A low centre of gravity, a lightweight and highly rigid body and aerodynamically efficient add to the car’s agility and stability. These qualities are optimised by performance-enhancing features including adaptive variable suspension (with NORMAL and SPORT settings), active differential, sports-tuned steering and powerful Brembo sports brakes with four-pot aluminium front callipers and 348 mm vented front discs.
Exclusive interior fittings
In the cabin the car’s special status is signified by a carbonfibre dashboard insert specifying its number in the production run and featuring an outline map of the Jarama circuit, plus the Toyota GR Supra logo. The interior is upholstered in black Alcantara with blue stitching and the seats are power-adjustable and have a memory setting and integrated heating.
Standard equipment which customers will get includes satellite navigation with 3D-mapping, smartphone integration (via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Supra Connect access to connected services and a 10-speaker audio system. Multimedia functions are controlled using an 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen, or (for certain functions) voice recognition.
The Supra Safety + Package provides a comprehensive range of active safety features, including a Pre-Collision System with a pedestrian detection function and the ability to recognise cyclists during daytime driving; Lane Departure Alert with steering assist; Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go function; Adaptive High-beam System; Adaptive Front-light System, which adjust the headlight illumination in line with the car’s steering angle; and Road Sign Assist.
In Malaysia, the GR Supra is available through dealerships with the GR Garage (currently 5 outlets in Peninsular Malaysia). Prices start from RM589,987 (without insurance) and each unit comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
No matter how much effort a manufacturer puts into quality control, there will be some occasions when some parts which are not perfectly made slip through the system and get into the market. When that happens, responsible manufacturers will quickly identify where the faulty parts are and take remedial measures to replace them.
In the case of manufacturers like Toyota, recalls to replace or rectify faulty parts are not common but do happen. And because of concern for customers’ safety, the carmaker acts quickly to recall affected vehicles by having a Special Service Campaign in collaboration with its distributor; in the case of Malaysia, that would be UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT).
Special Service Campaign
The distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) for the Toyota Avanza MPV to replace the fuel pump. This SSC is an expansion of an earlier campaign.
Based on the information received from Toyota Motor Corporation, there are 3,923 units affected and they were manufactured from October 2017 to June 2019, and distributed nationwide.
Faulty fuel pump
The fault in the fuel pump may stop it operating and if this were to occur, warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel. This may be accompanied by engine power hesitation which could result in the vehicle stalling and being unable to restart.
UMWT will officially notify all its affected vehicle owners to being their vehicle to an authorised service centre to replace the fuel pump unit. The owner will not have to pay anything for all costs related to the exercise.
If you are not the original owner
It is possible that some of the units may have owners who were not the ones who originally purchased the vehicles. In this case, they might not receive the notification as the contact details UMWT would have in its database might only be for the original owner. Nevertheless, if the vehicle is among those being recalled, the current owner can still get the support at no charge.
For further information, Avanza owners may contact any authorised Toyota Service Centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my to find out more about other promotions at BHPetromart.
With restrictions in many countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, event organisers have found it difficult to have the usual live events since there are social distancing requirements and invited guests may have concerns about being in a crowded environment. Nevertheless, the pandemic should not be allowed to impact our lives so greatly that annual events cannot be held at all, and the solution has been to have them online.
Many companies have been doing this and so has ASEAN NCAP for its 4th Grand Prix Awards announcement. ASEAN NCAP is the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries, a regional organisation affiliated to Global NCAP which was initiated and established by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) in response to the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety.
In 2012, the City was among the very first cars tested by ASEAN NCAP at its crash-test facility in Melaka.Aerial view of ASEAN NCAP’s facility in Melaka, one of the sites where crash tests are conducted.
The ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards event recognizes and commemorates high achievers in car safety in the ASEAN region. The event was first held in 2014 in Sarawak, followed by the second in 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, and the third was held in Indonesia in 2018.
Two main awards
The 4th edition was initially planned in 2020 but due to COVID-19 pandemic, it had to be postponed to February 2021. There are two main awards given out – the Excellent Award and the Best Safety Performance Award – which have a number of categories each.
Under the Excellent Award, 12 winners were identified in which the award criteria were for the company/vehicle/organization/individual that contributed towards the improvement of vehicle safety in the ASEAN market.
Toyota Corolla Altis – one of the models which contributed to the carmaker receiving the most 5-star awards since 2019.Latest Isuzu D-MAX recognised for Continuous Safety Improvement.
As for the Best Safety Performance Award, there were 4 categories and selection was based on the highest scoring points during the 2019-2020 assessments.
Top scores in occupant protection made the Honda Accord stand out for safety performance.
Commenting on the awards, ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General and Acting Chairman, Adjunct Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim (also MIROS Director-General) said: “Over the years, we saw great efforts have been put forward by vehicle manufacturers to ensure their vehicles are offered with the best safety features for the road-users. As such, the awards will provide them with a competitive edge against other models that do not offer such safety technologies albeit better passive safety technologies or advanced safety assist.”
Recognition for individuals and organizations
“Furthermore, as ASEAN NCAP has been in existence for 10 years now, we would like to recognize not only vehicle models but also organizations or individuals who have worked hand-in-hand with ASEAN NCAP and continuously strived to ensure the significance of vehicle safety. I look forward to work together with these important individuals and organizations as well future vehicle models under the new ASEAN NCAP assessment protocol for 2021-2025,” he added.
To know more about ASEAN NCAP and read the reports of the various models it has assessed, visit www.aseancap.org.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has a new brand pillar and branding initiative known as Toyota Synergised Mobility (TSM), driven by Toyota’s advanced technologies. With its leadership in the automobile industry and growing as a mobility services company, Toyota has developed numerous innovative, advanced and cutting-edge technologies. Through Toyota Synergised Mobility, these advanced technologies will be simplified for easier understanding and their relevance explained.
“Toyota is moving beyond being just a manufacturer of cars to other forms of mobility for modern lifestyles. In pursuit of this, it creates innovations featuring cutting-edge technologies with the potential for expanding the possibilities of future mobility for the wider community. With Toyota Synergised Mobility, the public will gain greater awareness of the new and available technologies – as well as what is to come in the future. There will be even greater synergy between man and machine,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
TSS and TNGA
Two examples of the latest technologies are Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), both available and associated with the latest models. They make possible features which exemplify the meaning of ‘smart motoring’ to enhance safety, comfort and performance. With TSM, the customer will be able to see the synergy between trust and technology as it applies to his or her daily life.
Under the All About The Drive theme, introduced in 2016, UMWT will apply Toyota Synergised Mobility to bring to the forefront the technological leadership of Toyota that will be used to make ever better cars. Over the past 5 years, the brand has undergone a rapid transformation of its image, gaining a perception of being more sporty, youthful and exciting. This has been largely supported by the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) brand which has been used for events such as the TGR Racing Festival, GR Velocity E-Sports Championship, GR Garage and GR high-performance products.
New technologies to come
While the Toyota brand now has greater appeal with an energetic, fun-to-drive, sportier character, TSM will propel its image of being advanced, innovative and cutting-edge. TSM will also pave the way for new Toyota technologies to be introduced very soon, symbolising Toyota’s synergy with the future, living with tomorrow’s technologies, today.
“We believe that technology should be simple, yet intelligent. With Toyota Synergised Mobility, UMW Toyota Motor will present to Malaysians a new aspect of the brand which is advanced, cutting edge and innovative,” said the President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K. “Customers will understand and embrace ‘Smart Driving’ with Toyota where they will enjoy and experience seamless driving experience where technology is in perfect synergy – designed for and by humans.”
18 years ago, Toyota began a massive global project to develop the Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle of ‘IMV’ as it was referred to internally. The IMV project was not just about new models but more importantly, about moving production of those vehicles entirely outside Japan. It was believed to be the second most expensive project in the company’s history, after the Lexus project.
The result was the establishment of production hubs in major regions to product three models that shared platforms. They were the Hilux, Innova and Fortuner, rugged products for use on as well as off the highways of the world. While the Hilux was an established model, the Innova and Fortuner were new, targeting the MPV and SUV markets, respectively. The Fortuner, in particular, was intended to take over from the Land Cruiser which had become more sophisticated and more expensive. All three models were launched during 2004/2005 and in countries like Malaysia, they were also assembled locally.
Toyota IMV production in Indonesia.
The IMV project was a success, allowing Toyota to produce more vehicles outside Japan where labour cost structures were different, and more specific products could be developed for emerging markets.
While the longer history of the Hilux means it is already in its eighth generation now, the Innova and Fortuner are in just their second generation and with the first generation having been produced for around 10 years, it is now about halfway through the product cycle (if Toyota maintains the same length of time for the models).
This is when the facelift and updates are made and UMW Toyota Motor has launched both the 2021 models with updates today. The Fortuner is available in two variants with turbodiesel and petrol engines and all three have automatic transmissions. The Innova is available in three variants, all with a 2-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission only. As with most of the models offered by UMW Toyota Motor, the new Innova and Fortuner come with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
2021 TOYOTA FORTUNER
New to the Fortuner range is the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T which replaces the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ offered previously. It is powered by a 2.8-litre 4-cylinder common-rail diesel engine (1GD-FTV) which produces 204 ps/500 Nm. A balance shaft reduces vibrations and lowers noise levels while high efficiency is achieved with the electronically-controlled common rail injection system that can deliver fuel at a maximum pressure of up to 250 MPa.
The 6-speed electronic automatic transmission delivers power through a part-time 4×4 drivetrain to all 4 wheels. Like the traditional SUVs, there are High and Low ranges for more capability off-road. The ranges can be easily selected with a rotary knob, unlike the old days when a second lever had to be operated and the vehicle had also to be stopped.
For stability enhancement, the drivetrain has Active Traction Control (A-TRC). New for 2021 is an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD). This is very useful in the most difficult conditions and uses the traction control system to control braking when one of the rear wheels start to spin. It allows engine power to be maintained and power is directed to the wheel with better traction.
The Fortuner also comes with Variable Flow Control (VFC) Power Steering, which helps to improve fuel economy by reducing the power steering pump consumption torque. Toyota’s engineers have enhanced the steering feeling to achieve natural handling that matches the speed. For the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ, there is also a SPORT mode which enhances the power steering for responsiveness.
Giving the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ additional distinctiveness, the roof, A-pillars, wing mirrors and roof-mounted rear spoiler are finished in black. It comes with Quad LED headlamps that flank a mesh-type front grille. The other lighting units have also been restyled while the front and rear bumpers have a new design. The skidplate below the front end is also new, emphasizing ruggedness.
A new body colour – Bronze Mica Metallic – with a Black Roof is available exclusively for this new variant which is the flagship of the range. The Black Roof is also available with the Super White II exterior colour only for this variant.
The Fortuner is a midsize SUV (large to some) and has 3 rows of seats. This generation has been made more premium in look and feel and for 2021, the interior trim has a new design and colour while the seat upholstery also has a new design.
The instrument panel features a revised Multi Information Display (MID) opening animation. Ambient illumination is provided to add a touch of class at night, while the key cover has been redesigned. Convenience and comfort features include LED Interior Lamps, Electrochromic Rearview Mirror (to eliminate dazzle) and 8-way power adjustment for the front seats. USB charging ports are also available for powering or recharging personal electronic devices.
At the time of purchase, customers can also include options such as Wireless Charger (new), Kick Sensor-Powered Rear Door (new), Roof-mounted Monitor and Rear Digital Video Recorder.
In line with Toyota’s efforts to reduce road accidents, the latest model comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This is an integrated suite of active safety systems which make use of a camera and radar to monitor and detect other vehicles, and to take appropriate action to prevent an accident.
TSS, though available in many Toyota models today, has different elements and for the Fortuner, it comes with Pre collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Yaw Assist Function. Unlike the TSS in passenger vehicles, the system in the Fortuner (as well as Hilux) has a Yaw Assist Function. This activates when lane departure is detected, and additional braking force applied to the inner wheels to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position. The systems are also calibrated taking into account the usage conditions.
2021 TOYOTA INNOVA
The 2021 Innova range has updated styling and features as well as additional safety systems being made standard. Subtle changes give a more refined and prestigious look for the 2021 model. The grille has a chrome and black theme while the door mirrors have chrome housings for a touch of class. The foglamps and foglamp bezels have also been redesigned and contribute to giving a bolder appearance.
At the rear, the garnish on the back door has been restyled to visually widen the vehicle, while the roof spoiler (only for the Innova 2.0X) has been slightly reprofiled for aerodynamic improvements.
An Enhancement Package is included with the flagship Innova 2.0X. This package has a new design for wheelarch mouldings for protecting the bodywork, new bodyside mouldings and redesigned side skirts that add a sporty touch.
Both the Innova 2.0X and Innova 2.0G come with Optitron meters (originally developed for Lexus models) in the instrument panel which provide bright and clear displays in all lighting conditions. Between the meters is a 4.2-inch full colour Multi Information Display (MID) that keeps the driver informed of fuel consumption and range available with the remaining fuel in the tank.
Captain’s seats available only with Innova 2.0X
Responding to customer feedback, extra charging ports have been added. The front 2 USB ports have been repositioned in the dashboard from the centre console and additional USB ports has been provided for those in the third row of seats. All the ports have Fast Charging capability for compatible smartphones and other portable devices. Additionally, a wireless charging pad in the centre console is also available as an option for all variants.
For 2021, additional features have been added to give the driver greater awareness of the surroundings to improve safety. The first is the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, standard for the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G and optional for the Innova 2.0E. The systems use sensors on the body and bumpers to detect other vehicles in the blind spot or approaching from either side during reversing out of a parking bay.
Also provided as standard for the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G is the Panoramic View Monitor. This uses cameras around the bodywork to capture a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The driver can view the surroundings (with selectable views) and spot hazards to avoid. The PVM is especially useful when parking in narrow or tight parking spaces.
All variants are fitted with 7 SRS airbags and every one of the occupants on all three rows has a 3-point auto-retracting seatbelt. All variants also have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control. The extensive standard safety systems are provided as standard across the Innova range which has received the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
Besides the standard electronic security system, UMWT now installs a Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) as standard in the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G. This system can track the vehicle’s movements using GPS and GSM technology. If the vehicle is stolen, the VTS Command Centre can determine its location and inform relevant authorities to make recovery faster.
The Innova’s proven 2-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine produces 139 ps/183 Nm which goes through a 6-speed Super ECT electronic automatic transmission.
Visit www.toyota.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia to view and test-drive the latest Innova and Fortuner.
With motor vehicle production and sales so vast and widespread around the planet, getting an accurate tally of total numbers is not easy. However, it is generally agreed that the Volkswagen Group has been the leader since 2017. Last year, the company it displaced 5 years ago – Toyota Motor Corporation – overtook the German carmaker to regain its position as the world’s best-selling automaker.
According to the company, Toyota sold 9.5 million vehicles globally in 2020, and this total includes vehicles sold by the Lexus brand as well as subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors. The volume was, however, 10.5% lower than in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic conditions in virtually all markets, limiting sales activities.
Volkswagen declared that it sold 9.3 million vehicles, which include those of the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche and Skoda brands. That represented a 15.2% decline in volume from 2019.
The Toyota RAV4 was the company’s bestselling model with 994,000 units delivered worldwide. The company also saw its global ratio of electrified vehicle sales increasing, from approximately 20% in 2019 to around 23% in 2020.
Toyota RAV4Volkswagen Golf 8
Alongside the Tiguan, the latest Volkswagen Golf, with all 8 variants made available during 2020, was also among the bestselling cars in the world. It was once again the most popular model car in Europe with around 312,000 units delivered.
Further down, the Renault-Nissan Alliance reported 7.95 million units sold (a drop of 20.5%) to be ranked third, while the Hyundai Motor Group (which includes Kia) reported 6.62 million units to take fourth place. General Motors, once the world leader, saw sales plummet by 13.2% to 6.26 million units, putting it again in fifth place.
General Motors, which was No.1 for nearly 8 decades, was overtaken by Toyota in 2008.
Looking ahead, both Toyota and Volkswagen see things improving even though the pandemic continues. During the October to December quarter, Toyota’s global sales were up 6.8% compared to the volume for the same period in 2019.
Volkswagen plans to increase its global market share in 2021 and sees its e-offensive as being timely, in addition to the hybrid offensive which started last year. Its new ID range of all-electric vehicles is also entering the market and will provide a boost.
Toyota, although a leading vehicle manufacturer, also gives attention to mobility and city planning challenges and issues. After all, its products are related in various ways, and helping to create a better environment for all is important.
This is being done through the Toyota Mobility foundation (TMF) which last year launched the CATCH – City Architecture for Tomorrow CHallenge – program involving Kuala Lumpur. Despite the continuing impact of COVID-19, the CATCH program progressed through the application stage in May, receiving over 90 entries from 20+ countries.
The Semi-Finalist stage concluded in last month, and with support and insights from strategic and data partners, the Semi-Finalists obtained an understanding of Kuala Lumpur’s mobility issues for their Proof of Concept (PoC) development over a 6-week period. An esteemed panel of 8 judges from various fields of expertise such as government, sustainable mobility, venture capital, technology, and industry virtually assessed the 16 Semi-Finalists.
TMF identified 6 teams as Finalists rather than five teams as originally planned. The following six teams are deemed to be best suited to CATCH’s problem statement and the five assessment criteria of creativity, feasibility, sustainability, desirability and technicality. These teams will be asked to further develop their MVPs and, at this stage, each will receive a grant of US$125,000 of financial support to drive testing and implementation of intelligent data-driven, connected solutions, aimed at a more efficient, innovative, secure and sustainable city of Kuala Lumpur.
“CATCH was designed to grasp groundbreaking innovations, and we were impressed by the ideas of 16 strong Semi Finalists who showcased new data driven mobility and city planning focused solutions. Though it was very difficult to narrow down the selection, as Toyota Mobility Foundation, we are very excited about the six Finalists and what they can deliver in the Minimum Viable Product stage to improve the quality of life of the residents of Kuala Lumpur,” said Pras Ganesh, Director of Programs of TMF.
TMF will continue to work together with strategic partners including DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall), the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and its data partners – Prasarana, MapIT, and Grab – to support the finalists until the selection of a final winner in April-May 2021. This support includes the financial grant by TMF and incubation and mentorship provided by experts and judges supporting this CATCH program.
“Kuala Lumpur City Hall is looking forward to a practical and workable solution to be implemented to ease congestion and disperse traffic more effectively,” said Yu Chuan Hock, DBKL’s Director of Urban Transportation.
TMF hopes to utilize the insights gained through this challenge to solve mobility issues in other regions and countries in the future.
The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong and equitable mobility systems. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, government, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world.
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team got off to a great start for the 2021 motorsport season with victory in the Rallye Monte-Carlo. Besides a 1-2 finish, Sebastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia also won the legendary event for a record eighth time. The victory was also the 50th for Ogier and Ingrassia in the FIA World Rally Championship, becoming only the second competitors recording such an achievement.
This is the first time that the team has won the WRC’s most prestigious event with its Toyota Yaris WRC, having made the podium every year since its debut in 2017. It is only the fourth Rallye Monte-Carlo win in Toyota’s history, the first time being in 1991.
The event lived up to its reputation as the most demanding event on the WRC calendar with special challenges for this year’s edition. To start with, the route was different and a modified schedule to follow coronavirus restrictions in France meant that some stages took place in the darkness before dawn.
Then WRC teams also had to get to grips with tyres from the new sole supplier, Pirelli. This year, conditions were very wet with snow and ice, making tyre choice even more critical to the outcome.
The Toyota team led the rally from the third stage early on Friday morning, with each of its three entries all taking turns in the lead over the course of the rally’s longest day. On his home event, Ogier claimed the lead back with a storming stage win on Saturday’s first test. He took a 13-second advantage over Evans into the final day, when he won three of the four stages – including the rally-ending Power Stage – to begin the defence of his title in the perfect way.
With second place Evans also makes a strong start to his championship campaign, while Rovanpera begins his second season having fought for the podium on such a demanding event. Tyre damage on Sunday’s first stage contributed to Rovanpera missing out on the top three, but he did finish with the second fastest time in the Power Stage.
With Evans third quickest, the team locked out the top three positions on the Power Stage, which from this season also gives bonus points towards the manufacturers’ championship. This, combined with the 1-2 finish in the rally, means the team takes maximum points from the opening round.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program driver Takamoto Katsuta also made it four Yaris WRC drivers in the top six as he completed Rallye Monte-Carlo for the second year in a row and scored his best WRC result so far in sixth place.
Arctic Rally Finland (February 26-28) is a new addition to the WRC calendar for 2021, taking the place of the cancelled Rally Sweden as the year’s only pure winter event. The rally will be based in Rovaniemi – capital of Finland’s northernmost region (and also the ‘home’ of Santa Claus) – with stages to take place inside the Arctic Circle on roads with a good covering of snow and ice.
