Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and from it, electricity can be created using a technology from the space program – the fuel cell. Through a chemical reaction with oxygen, electrical energy can be produced with only water as a by-product. The fuel cell is therefore a strong candidate to power electric vehicles – except that the technology is still very expensive and hydrogen stations are very limited.
Nevertheless, companies like Toyota have developed fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and its Mirai model is already in its second generation and sold in selected markets. Recently, a Mirai set a Guinness World Record for a FCEV by travelling 845 miles (1,360 kms) on a full tank of hydrogen. The journey, which was done in southern California, beats an earlier world record set in France in May this year that achieved 1,003 kms.
The official record attempt was closely monitored by Guinness World Records officials and followed the strict rules and documentation procedures. The record distance achieved was more than double the EPA-estimated mileage that Toyota uses in marketing communications for the model.
The car was driven by a professional hypermiler and a partner over a period of 2 days over a route from the Toyota Technical Centre in California where Toyota’s fuel cell development group is based. The route used normal roads which included the Pacific Coast Highway and included rush hour traffic on the San Diego freeway. The Mirai was driven until the 3 hydrogen tanks were empty.
By the end of the trip, the Mirai had consumed a total of 5.65 kgs of hydrogen and passed 12 hydrogen stations along the drive routes without having to stop for refuelling. It emitted no carbon dioxide whereas a standard internal combustion engine vehicle, over the same distance, would have emitted about 300 kgs of the gas that is said to cause global warming.
Toyota adds that the record was achieved by drivers skilled in hypermiling techniques that optimized the Mirai’s vehicle performance under specific weather and driving conditions. . Additionally, as on the car’s Predictive Efficient Drive can learn repeatedly travelled routes to optimize charging and discharging of the battery to help maximize fuel economy and driving range. They also leveraged some basic fuel-efficient driving tips that any driver can learn but the car itself was a standard 2021 model on sale to the public.
The Mirai is priced from US$49,500 (about RM207,000) which is about 20% less than the first generation that went on sale in 2014. Buyers can receive state government incentives to lower the purchase price. Hydrogen is sold by weight and in California, the price per kg is around US$16 (about RM67). To fill all 3 tanks on board, the amount needed would be 5.65 kgs which would cost about US$90 (about RM376) and can provide up to 640 kms of driving if you are not trying to set a record. The electric powertrain generates 128 kW of power which is equivalent to 174 ps with 300 Nm of torque to give a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds.
As announced in July this year, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is making a big investment to introduce hybrid electric technology in Malaysia in a bigger way. The last time the company actively sold hybrid models was about 10 years ago when the government allowed hybrids and electric vehicles to be sold duty-free to everyone. After that exemption ended, prices were no longer as cheap and sales of hybrids dwindled. UMWT didn’t give up though, and besides making available hybrid variants of Lexus models, it also sold the Camry Hybrid for some years.
Now comes not just another push but a bigger one which the company says is officially launched today. It’s a RM270 million investment which will bring hybrid electric technology to more Malaysians and contribute to the more than 18 million hybrid vehicles already sold by Toyota worldwide since the first model – the Prius – was launched in 1997.
Toyota Prius – first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle in the world.
Long experience in hybrid technology
Toyota can promise Malaysians advanced hybrid technology because it has long experience developing them. Starting with fundamental technology, Toyota’s engineers have constantly made advancements and innovations that put the brand at the forefront of hybrid technology. To show that the technology is not just about fuel efficiency, Toyota has also demonstrated how hybrid powertrains can also offer high performance with 4 consecutive wins at the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance races.
Toyota’s hybrid racing cars have won the 24-Hour Le Mans endurance race 4 times in a row, demonstrating that hybrid powertrains can also offer high performance.
UMWT’s push towards greater electrification follows the trend globally and support’s Toyota’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in all its activities. This means achieving net-zero CO2 emissions throughout the cycle of manufacturing, transporting, energy generating, fueling and/or charging, and the recycling and disposal of vehicles.
Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality not only in its products but also in all its activities, including those at factories. This is the ASSB, UMW toyota Motor’s assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor, where the hybrid models will be assembled in the near future.
Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Akio Takeyama, said that for the automotive industry, carbon neutrality involves a very challenging process to ensure that zero emissions can be achieved. It requires offering consumers sustainable solutions which meet their diverse needs.
Toyota already has various types of electrically-powered vehicles, some with hybrid powertrains (a small petrol engine working with an electric motor, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that only use electric motors and even powertrains that get energy from hydrogen fuel cells. All these are already available in the market but availability depends on the energy policies and readiness of different countries. So in countries which may still lack certain elements for fully electric models, the hybrid approach may be the best and more practical in the short term.
“For the immediate future, we are absolutely positive that the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in Malaysia. It is a realistic bridge towards vehicle electrification while efforts are still being undertaken to help realize enablers for BEVs, such as cost-reduction, energy mix improvement and infrastructure development,” said Mr. Takeyama.
HEVs comparable to fully electric vehicle in emissions
While BEVs may not generate CO2 emissions at all, HEVs have almost similar values in the process of vehicle production, energy generation and ownership over a period of 10 years. This means that, given the current situation in Malaysia, HEVs can be equally effective as BEVs.
“Toyota HEVs are at their most advanced today, and present the most realistic, immediate, economical and practical solution for mass market production and sale in terms of reduced CO2 emissions, practical usage, and price acceptance by customers,” Mr. Takeyama said.
He added that no new infrastructure needs to be built – referring to charging stations – as HEVs do not need to be recharged. The battery pack is constantly recharged while driving. This will help to eliminate the ‘range anxiety’ that is a concern to consumers who worry that they may be stranded if they run out of electricity in the battery pack. Furthermore, the HEV can be driven like a car with a combustion engine, and go long distances without any problem.
The Toyota Hybrid Electric System has a petrol engine and electric motors working together and in certain conditions, it is possible to run using just the electric motor alone. The battery is constantly recharged – even during braking – so owners do not have to worry about finding a recharging station. And even if the battery does not have sufficient energy remaining, it is still possible to continue using the petrol engine.
Constant improvement of hybrid system
Since 1997, the Toyota’s Hybrid Electric System has been constantly improved with new technology, becoming more efficient and the cost has also been going down as volumes have rapidly risen. It is now in its fourth generation and of the various versions for different models, UMWT has mentioned ‘dual power’ with a petrol engine and two electric motors. It is possible, under certain conditions, to run entirely on electric power for a short distance, with quiet movement and zero emissions.
A concern which was apparent among buyers of the hybrids sold before was the reliability of the battery pack which is manufactured by a subsidiary of Toyota. Admittedly, the early battery packs did have issues but battery technology has advanced very quickly and manufacturers addressed the issues quickly. To give peace of mind, companies offered extended warranty coverage specifically for hybrid battery packs, with UMWT giving up to 8 years coverage.
The Toyota Hybrid Electric System has evolved greatly from the one in the first Prius which occupied a lot of space (above), to the latest one (below) which is more compact and also offers better efficiency and performance. The battery packs have also become less bulky and can store larger amounts of energy to provide better range.
More reliable and durable battery packs
Today’s battery packs (lithium-ion type shown above) are much more reliable and durable – and have even better energy storage – as they are designed to last as long as the vehicle. They offer safety, long life service, a high level of quality, and a high level of performance. Toyota’s own subsidiary – Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, a joint venture with Panasonic – has extensive experience in battery development and manufacture. It has achieved battery durability and performance through understanding how the vehicle is used and the state of the battery under such conditions.
“We have the right technology, the right products in support of the existing infrastructure and energy policies. We are in an ideal position to contribute to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a hub for advanced technologies and to reduce its carbon footprint. This will be an important cornerstone towards ensuring future policies and the people are well positioned and prepared to accept vehicle electrification,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
What models for Malaysia?
The question now on everyone’s mind is what models will be assembled locally. Over the years, Toyota’s range of HEVs has expanded considerably and in 2021, there are at least 45 different models available. Obviously, UMWT won’t be able to offer all of them and the logical thing would be to choose models in common with other ASEAN markets. In both Thailand and Indonesia, there are HEV versions of the Corolla Cross, Corolla Altis, C-HR and Camry. Since the models are to be assembled locally, the Corolla Altis Hybrid would be a very strong possibility and as the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a variant on the same TNGA platform, it too can be easily added to the assembly line at the plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor.
Toyota currently has 45 hybrid models in its global range. These two, which are already sold in neighbouring countries, would be strong candidates for assembly in Malaysia.
It’s often been said that Toyota is like an oil tanker; it may take a while to change course but once it has, it has massive ‘force’ behind it to push ahead strongly. In the case of hybrid models, UMWT may not be the first in the market to assemble such vehicles but now that the decision has been made to do so, it can be expected to become a major brand in the growing HEV segment.
In a lifetime, a person may own 5 or 6 cars, some more and some less. For car companies, the ideal thing is to retain that customer ‘for life’, which is why a range of products is important. There must be affordable products at the entry level so people can join the ‘family’ and then as they get older and requirements change, there are other types of models to suit their needs and budget.
This is why car companies go to great extents to care for their customers and companies like UMW Toyota Motor have had a strong and dedicated customer relationship management since 1988, the first company in Malaysia to have such a department. As a result, over time, the number of loyal Toyota customers in the country has grown and the introduction of loyalty programmes has further cemented the relationship.
Better rewards and enhanced convenience
Now, in 2021, the company is going further with the launch of its Toyota Loyal-T Programme, promising even greater value, better rewards and enhanced convenience for all Toyota owners. The new Loyal-T Programme, which replaces the previous Toyota Merit programme, offers all Toyota owners an opportunity to easily earn points from the time they purchase a new vehicle. Then they continue to collect the points when they send it for servicing at authorised service centres, purchase spare parts, or make repairs or repaint their vehicle at the Body & Paint centres.
Even when they renew their vehicle insurance at the authorised Toyota outlet, there are points to be collected. The accumulated points can then be exchanged for E-service vouchers which may redeemed for future services.
“We have a big Toyota family with many customers across the whole country, and it has always been our endeavour to ensure that they feel appreciated. Looking back, we have implemented numerous value-added initiatives and improved services to constantly increase customer convenience. These efforts, and many more to come, are a means of saying ‘thank you’ to our customers for their continued trust in the brand and support, and we would like to now consolidate all of these efforts with the introduction of a loyalty programme to reward our customers directly,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.
Strengthening the bond with customers
“Buying a Toyota is just the beginning. Like any relationship, you will go through an introduction, and as you come to know one another better, trust develops, and over years the relationship strengthens. People come and go, but the bond will always remain. This wholesome membership structure for the Toyota Loyal-T Programme recognizes this bond, and it is a sign of our commitment that we will always be there for our customers for generations to come,” added UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.
Mr. Takeyama said this concept of a total reward scheme and all-encompassing membership structure is one that defines a long-lasting bond between Toyota and its customers.
Joining the new Toyota Loyal-T Programme is easy: just download the Toyota Drive mobile application available from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once the mobile application is installed on a smartphone or tablet, it can immediately be used to register personal details with UMW Toyota Motor. All information is maintained and safeguarded in accordance with the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA).
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) will be making a major announcement on Monday, September 27, 2021, which it says will be ‘inviting Malaysians on a journey that will give them the opportunity to experience a part of the future, today’. According to the company’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama, this development will have ‘a big impact on not only the brand but the industry as a whole, and the lifestyle as well as choices that we have become so accustomed to’.
Details of the announcement are not revealed but Mr. Takeyama associates it with Toyota Motor Corporation’s global commitment by 2050. This would refer to the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 (Challenge 2050) which has 6 challenges that are the most demanding and most inspiring environmental commitments the world’s No.1 carmaker has ever made. The goals of Challenge 2050 apply to all Toyota subsidiaries around the world, including UMWT which is a joint-venture between United Motor Works (UMW), Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
It is therefore likely to be related to the July announcement about UMWT planning to invest RM270 million for assembly of Toyota hybrid models in Malaysia. The investment will be additional to the RM2 billion that was made the construction and commissioning of a second assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor, which began operations in January 2019.
The excitement of the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship returns this weekend with the top 20 simulator racers in Malaysia vying for the honours of winning a share of the total prize pool of RM70,000. Additionally, the top three winners will go on to represent the country in the GR GT Cup Asia qualifiers organized by Toyota Motor Asia Pacific.
Most lucrative local online racing series
Billed as one of the most lucrative local online racing series in the country, the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship offers a cash prize of RM20,000, RM10,000, RM7,000, RM5,500, RM4,500 to the top 5 overall winners. The 6th to 10th finishers will receive RM4,000, RM3,500, RM3,000, RM2,500 and RM2,000, respectively.
There’s also a prize of RM500 each for those who finish in 11th to 20th positions. Additional cash prizes of RM450 and RM200 will be awarded to the first and second place winners in each of the two individual races.
Prior to this weekend’s semi-finals and finals, more than 800 participants from around Malaysia participated in the championship which began with qualifying rounds last month. Then came the quarter-finals which were held on September 4 and 5 to select the top 20 racers who will compete in the semi-finals on September 18. The 10 best racers will then move to the final challenge on Sunday.
The semi-finals and finals have been held in public spaces in previous years. This year, due to the pandemic and need for social distancing to be maintained, the racers will connect from their homes using Sony PlayStation’s Gran Turismo Sport platform.
Unlike previous years when the events were held in public spaces, this year’s finale will be run completely online from each competitor’s home, with the race utilizing Sony PlayStation’s Gran Turismo Sport platform. Spectators can follow the race action which will be broadcast on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Facebook and YouTube pages and also over Astro eGG, the first eSports channel in Southeast Asia.
The Toyota 2000GT is one of the cars the sim racers will use. Only 351 units of Japan’s first supercar were produced between 1967 and 1970. Being of an earlier era, its driving dynamics will be different from the modern racing cars like the Le Mans-winning TS050 HYBRID (below) which will also be used.
Racing at famous circuits
In the semi-finals, all the racers will first pilot the Toyota 2000GT (the first Japanese supercar) in a 15-minute race around the 73-year old Goodwood Motor Circuit in England, and afterwards another reversed-grid order race of the 3.8-km circuit. The third race behind the wheel of the GR Supra Racing Concept for a 30-minute race at Australia’s 6.2-km Mount Panorama-Bathurst circuit, well known for its annual 12-hour race.
One of the tracks will be Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
The final is also a 3-race format. The first two races will see a 15-minute sprint race with racers competing in the FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo GR.3 at the 7-km Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The championship decider will be a 40-minute finale at Fuji Speedway, behind the wheel of the Le Mans-winning TS050 Hybrid, during which they must make at least one pit-stop.
The two-day semi-finals and finals will see 4 previous GR Velocity Esports Championship winners returning. They include defending champion Taj Aiman, and last year’s runner-up and third place winner Iqbal Suji and Mior Hafiz, as well as 2018 winner Muhammad Uzair. Last year, Taj finished second overall in first-ever GR Supra GT Cup Asia.
The finals will also see several racers currently competing in the Vios Challenge Promotional, Sporting, Super Sporting and Rookie classes, in an exhibition race. Having challenged each other in the first round at Sepang earlier this year, they will now have a chance to continue the duels while waiting for the series to be resumed.
Some of the racers from the Vios Challenge, in Season 4 this year, will also participate in an exhibition race online.
During the broadcasts on the two days, there will also be interviews with the racers as well as GR Ambassador, Tengku Djan Ley and the event’s Race Director, former F1 driver Alex Yoong. The broadcast times will be 10:30 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 3 pm to 6 pm on Sunday.
Fourth year of championship
First held in 2018, the number of participants in the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship has grown from 400 to more than 800 this year. Last year’s event drew more than 1 million online spectators who watched the 2-day event via the Facebook and YouTube channels. Until today, UMW Toyota Motor remains the first and the only Malaysian car company to be associated with e-sports, a fast-growing activity which has even been recognised by the FIA, the world motorsport governing body.
“The momentum and the level of interest for the GR Velocity Esports Championship have grown tremendously in just 4 years. This is a huge boost for both e-sports and motorsports and we are glad that we persevered to keep the championship going despite the restrictions faced due to the pandemic,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K.
The Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship has been run since 2018.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama, said the company remains committed to its aspirations of establishing a bigger footprint in Malaysian motorsports.
“In the 4 years that the GAZOO Racing brand has actively been in Malaysian motorsports, we have seen the eco-system dynamically transform. At one point, we experienced young racers joining the Vios Challenge street racing series, and then it evolved to having simulator racers not only joining the event but proving they are also capable of winning a real race. Today, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we see a growing population of professional racers not just globally but also domestically, migrating to compete online in the absence of physical events. This is a fantastic evolution for both esports and motorsports and I believe moving forward one will be dependent on the other in order to produce racers of exceptional quality,” said Mr. Takeyama.
Connectivity is a popular term in use today; in the context of the car, it refers to the ability for different electronic devices to interface and interact. Connectivity in earlier days could be said to have started from the radio sending broadcasts that could be received on the radio in the car. As time went on, drivers could also connect their own devices to listen to a personal selection of music, usually via a cable and then wirelessly by Bluetooth.
Today, connectivity is at a far more advanced level as connections can be made to the internet with wireless broadband services, and smartphone apps can also be mirrored on the infotainment system of the car. The location of the vehicle can also be determined precisely – anywhere on the planet – using GPS (Global Positioning by Satellite) systems.
Today’s connectivity technologies in cars can bring smartphone apps to the dashboard and even connect to the internet for information and entertainment.
Carmakers have used these new technologies to the fullest to make motoring safer and also give drivers more peace of mind. For Toyota owners, the GPS technology is used not only for route guidance and navigation systems that make it easier to find a location but also for enhanced vehicle security.
Toyota Vehicle Telematics System
This is the Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) available in many models today. It was introduced by the UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) in 2019. With VTS, the vehicle’s location is monitored using GPS, and its location can be pinpointed on a mobile application. This means that it will be easier for relevant authorities to find the vehicle in the event it is stolen.
Furthermore, VTS is also able to detect an impact experienced by the vehicle. This would suggest an accident, in which case emergency services may be dispatched by the 24/7 command centre to the scene, speeding up rescue actions and perhaps saving a life.
VTS also allows vehicle owners to review their trip history with minute-to-minute reports. They can know the distance covered and overall duration of their journey – useful for those who make claims for travelling expenses. The mobile application. Which can track multiple vehicles, can also review driving patterns during each journey as well as set driving parameters as safety measures with younger or new drivers.
“Connected mobility is a concept that is revolutionizing the automotive industry and it essentially brings greater peace of mind with the ownership of a car. This enables the driver to form somewhat of a personal and unique relationship with his vehicle, an interaction that was never available 20 to 30 years ago,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Toyota’s use of connectivity technologies provides more peace of mind when travelling long distances as assistance is immediately available should an emergency occur.
Toyota 24Seven Road Assist
UMWT also offers vehicle owners Toyota 24Seven Road Assist via its mobile application, an industry first. This is an evolution of what used to be ‘a call away’ for around-the-clock roadside assistance. With almost everyone having a smartphone these days, the mobile app is more convenient and all it takes is just a few swipes on the phone to get immediate assistance.
“We have been providing our customers with Toyota 24Seven Road Assist for the last 20 years. This is a service that continually undergoes enhancements to ensure that they never have to worry when they are on the road. As mobile technology grows more advanced, naturally the next logical step would be to introduce a mobile application that would bring this service to the next higher level,” said Mr. Ravindran.
Toyota 24Seven Road Assist is not just for the time when accidents occur but can even be called upon if the vehicle has run out of fuel or has a puncture. This is certainly a welcome support service when on a long journey. A request via the mobile app will bring help quickly and because the location is known via GPS, it is easier for the support team to find the vehicle.
Free minor on-the-spot repairs and nationwide towing (up to 50 kms) are offered to all Toyota owners using Toyota 24Seven Road Assist (terms and conditions apply).
A key feature built into the mobile app is an SOS button with a real-time tracking feature. Users have the ability track the travel route and time of the help that is on the way to them. Further assurance is in the fact that the help is from a trusted authorised Toyota outlet or service provider. If necessary, Toyota’s Freephone number 1-800-888-247 can be used to speak to a human operator, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“As technology advances, so will cars. This is inevitable, and we have seen vehicles rapidly evolving over the last 20 to 30 years to becoming increasingly safer, cleaner, more economical, offering better performance, to now growing even more intelligent and are able to provide greater forms of interaction with the driver. Suffice to say that transportation and communication will become increasingly reliant on one another moving forward in an era of seamless and connected mobility,” said UMW Toyota Motor Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.
With the closure of retail outlets for almost 3 months due to suspension of activities by the government, there has been a clear impact on new vehicle sales and bookings. To boost sales in the remaining months of the year, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) will be having sales promotions.
For the month of September, customers can enjoy the lowest instalment for the Toyota Yaris from RM493 a month with EZ Beli, while those who buy a Toyota RAV4 can get a cash rebate of up to RM10,000. Customers can save money until the end of 2021 as the sales tax exemption applies to all new models, including imported CBU models. For the popular Toyota Alphard MPV, the savings amount to RM17,391.
Last year, UMWT reported total sales of 59,320 vehicles, consisting of 58,501 units from the Toyota brand and 819 units from the Lexus brand. The total sales volume of new Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the month of August was 2,524 units, 56% lower than for the same month in 2020. However, when comparing the first 8 months of 2021 with the same period in 2020, the total sales volume of Toyota and Lexus vehicles was 38,085 units in 2021 and 31,734 units in 2020. This was due to the continued strong sales momentum that started last year.
“It has certainly been challenging for us, but we understand the necessity of the actions taken by the Government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. On our part, we have made sure that our workforce has been vaccinated so that we can safely resume and continue our activities at our facilities around the country,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K.
“Our loyal customers are also not forgotten and we will soon announce a new program that will reward them for their loyalty to the brand over more than five decades,” Mr. Ravindran added.
He gave assurance that all sales and service outlets will follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specified by the Health Ministry. Customers and visitors will be required to have temperature scans and register their visit using the MySejahtera app, as well as use hand sanitizers and facemasks at all times. The employees at all facilities will likewise follow SOPs for protection and safety.
Meanwhile, production activities have resumed at the two assembly plants in Selangor. While there is a small backlog of orders to meet due to the shutdown, UMW Toyota Motor expects to be able to deliver new vehicles to customers within a reasonable time-frame.
Assembly Services Sdn Bhd in Bukit Raja, Selangor, one of the two vehicle assembly plants of UMW Toyota Motor.
“We thank our loyal customers for their patience, support and understanding. It is a challenging time for everyone and we have been doing our best to assist customers by maintaining communication channels for them to use if they have a problem with their Toyota or Lexus vehicle. Now that activities can resume, we hope they will ensure that their vehicles continue to have maintenance service carried out,” added Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
The latest Toyota GR Supra imported by UMW Toyota Motor has refinements and upgrades as part of the second update for the sportscar following a performance upgrade in July 2020 (the model was launched in Malaysia in September 2019).
The updates are available in the 3-litre variant priced from RM589,987 (excluding insurance and with 50% sales tax exemption until December 31, 2021). Seven colour choices are available – White Metallic, Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, Black Metallic, Prominence Red, Lightning Yellow and Matte Storme Grey Metallic.
The performance upgrade centered on the turbocharged inline-six engine which now delivers 388 ps (a 14% increase) with torque remains at 500 Nm but and 100% is available between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. The performance improvement comes from tuning as well as adding a new dual-branch exhaust manifold with 6 ports (instead of two), which improves heat management. A new piston design also drops the engine’s compression ratio from 11:1 to 10.2:1.
With increased power output, the GR Supra (equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission) is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, marginally quicker than the previous 4.3 seconds.
The extra measure of performance available can be enjoyed fully with the chassis being further tuned and the addition of a Performance Rod to increase lateral rigidity and greater cornering stability.
Inside the improved GR Supra, there is now Apple CarPlay (wired) for easy connectivity with iOS devices. Management of many functions and features can be done via an 8.8-inch touchscreen with a touchpad. A GPS navigation system is included and for high-quality sound, the standard JBL HiFi Surround Sound System comes with 12 speakers optimally positioned around the cabin.
Safety is always a priority and even more important with high-performance models like the GR Supra. Toyota provides safety technologies in the GR Supra so that drivers can take the car safely to its high limits. These technologies include a variety of active systems which work together to assist the driver when necessary.
“The design and engineering parameters of the GR Supra from the onset placed great importance on performance, driving superiority and styling, elements that defined not only the heritage of the Supra but also represent the very the foundation of GAZOO Racing (GR). Having said this, GR models are built to continually evolve, not only enhancing on these three key parameters, but to also incorporate Connected Mobility and intelligent driving systems as these new advancements become available and can further enhance our customers’ overall driving and ownership experience,” said GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama.
The GR Supra is imported from Austria where it is manufactured for global sale. In Malaysia, it is available for booking from selected authorized dealers with Toyota GR Garage showrooms. To locate a dealer, visit www.toyota.com.my.
After over two months of closure, the local auto industry is relieved that operations at all its facilities, including assembly plants, can resume. As the summary of new vehicle sales showed, the Total Industry Volume for the months of June and July were at rock bottom, and for August, there remain only two weeks in the month to do business.
Nevertheless, it is good news that showrooms can open again, and customers can visit them to make purchases. Besides serving customers, the showrooms will also be rushing to register and deliver new vehicles to customers, while plants will also be trying to meet the backlog of orders.
“Resuming our business activities, especially at Toyota and Lexus retail outlets, will enable a return to some form of normalcy so we can move forward and do our part to help in the economic recovery of the country,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Strict adherence to SOPs
He said that the company understands the seriousness of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and will follow all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conditions and guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and the National Security Council. These will be implemented throughout the company and will be strictly followed to ensure the safety of the public as well as its employees.
“In fact, after the MCO last year, we already implemented many of the SOPs at our showrooms and service centres, and these have been maintained even until now. These include temperature scanning of everyone, registration with MySejahtera, use of hand sanitisers and facemasks, and regular sanitisation of premises,” he said.
“Vehicle owners visiting service centres are also requested to make appointments in advance. As far as possible, contactless payments are encouraged and social distancing is to be observed at all times. We assure our customers that we have made sure that our premises have a safe environment for them to visit,” Mr. Ravindran added.
Specified capacities for factories
On the resumption of manufacturing activities, Mr. Ravindran said the two assembly plants and related factories in the UMW Toyota Motor group will be able to operate at specified capacities, depending on the percentage of workers who are already vaccinated, with full capacity permitted if more than 80% are vaccinated. “The company has been carrying out a vaccination programme and all our employees have already been vaccinated or will be vaccinated very soon,” he said.
“Now that the restrictions are lifted, we have more certainty as there are many important plans in the pipeline. For example, we have been preparing for the local assembly of Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles and while the past 2 months have disrupted planning, we will now proceed as quickly as possible to make up for the time lost,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
Car enthusiasts, especially Toyota fans, who have been to Japan would probably have had a chance to visit Megaweb, a huge Toyota showroom in Tokyo. Opened in March 1999, Megaweb is part of a commercial complex known as Palette Town in the Odaiba area that fronts the Tokyo Bay. Although it is described as an amusement theme park, it also has big stores, restaurants, a digital art museum and even a large music space. Almost 127 million people have visited Megaweb to date.
The sad news is that Megaweb will be closing at the end of this year. While the pandemic may have reduced the number of visitors, the reason for closure is said to be related to a move by the owner of Palette Town which wants to redevelop the site as an arena.
‘Look’, ‘Ride’ and ‘Feel’ automobiles
While everyone refers to it as ‘Megaweb’, it is officially the Toyota City Showcase and it offers visitors a chance to ‘Look’, ‘Ride’ and ‘Feel’ automobiles. As a car showroom, the latest Toyota models are on display, with special exhibits related to some of the models. For instance, when the Mirai FCEV was launched, there were displays to provide insights into the hydrogen fuel cell system.
A special display showing the hydrogen fuel cell system of the first Mirai FCEV when it was launched 7 years ago.
The History Garage
The 2-storey History Garage is the most popular area with many classic models of different makes. There are special themes and lots of historical items as well. Many of the displays are parked in front of vintage facades that give just the right atmosphere.
For the ‘Feel’ part, there is a small outdoor driving course where the public can try some of the latest models. Of course, there is also a shop at Megaweb where the usual souvenirs can be purchased as well as performance parts.
Many of the latest models can be driven on a small test course (above) and for those who prefer to experience the technologies in a simulator, there are also such units available (below).
Vehicles are parked in this vertical structure which automatically brings them to the display floors when needed.
AMLUX Tokyo
Before Megaweb, Toyota also had another huge showroom in another part of Tokyo which was in existence from 1990 to 2013. This was called AMLUX and it was developed and owned by a subsidiary of the carmaker. It was conceived in the days before Japan’s ‘Bubble Economy’ burst so it had a certain extravagance. Toyota noted that a trend began to emerge that found consumers thoroughly examining products on their own before purchasing them. To improve recognition of Toyota vehicles in response to this trend, it began to work on creating non-sale showrooms based on a new concept, and AMLUX was a prime example.
AMLUX in Tokyo
AMLUX was intended as a showcase of Toyota vehicles and technology. It had four floors and each floor had a theme, with special displays of old models in the basement. There was even a small cinema with seats that moved and at times, certain smells were introduced if the scene was one of driving through a countryside! There were also restaurants and AMLUX was one of the first auto sector showrooms in Japan where visitors could also dine (Honda was the first to put a restaurant in a showroom).
With increased use of online channels for shopping, which even the auto industry has shifted to, lavish showrooms may not be justifiable. However, people may still want to see the real machines close up, and certainly experience them as well if possible. For the future generation of car enthusiasts, we certainly hope carmakers like Toyota will continue to provide such facilities.
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