The Total Industry Volume (TIV) for 2020 was expected to be lower than the 604,281 units recorded in 2019 and in the first half of the year, many would have expected it to be significantly lower. However, with the consistently high numbers in the second half of the year, the TIV closed at 529,434 units, 12% lower than 2019 but well past the forecast of 470,000 made by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).
When the year had started, the MAA had actually forecast 607,000 units for the year, but revised it substantially downwards by 23% as the seriousness of the pandemic and its impact on the industry became clear. The nationwide shutdown naturally resulted in lost sales, with April seeing the most dramatic drop to virtually zero as no business could be conducted.
Proton sales rose in 2020 and its overall market share went above 20% for the first time since 2013.
When the commercial sector was progressively allowed to resume, there was some consumer hesitance but then the government came out with its PENJANA program to help the economy recover and for the auto industry, the help was in the form of sales tax exemption for 6 months (extended a further 6 months until June 2021). This would lower retail prices and Malaysians always love it when they can escape paying tax, of course. The exemption applied to both locally-assembled and CBU models, except that the exemption for the latter was half and not the full 10%. Still, it made a difference, especially for the expensive models that are mostly CBU anyway.
Proton sales increased
It was expected that the sales volumes would be lower in 2020 but Proton didn’t suffer such a decline. The carmaker already had a healthy order bank and during the year, total vehicle deliveries were 8,524 units higher than in 2019, finishing off at 108,524 units. The volume was an increase of 8.8% over the 100,821 units sold in 2019.
Perodua, in spite of a big backlog of orders, still saw a reduction in volume of 20,178 units, 8.4% lower than the 240,341 units delivered in 2019. But it still retained the No. 1 position which it has had since 2006.
Among the non-national brands, Honda was in the lead but sold almost 25,000 fewer vehicles. Next was Toyota which sold 58,501 vehicles, while Nissan reported 14,160 vehicles. For the rest of the brands, the reduction in sales volume amounted to 20,451 units.
Malaysian makes gain in market share
In terms of market share, both Malaysian makes gained at the expense of the main rivals. Reflecting its higher sales, Proton’s share rose to 20.5%, an increase of 3.9%. The last time the carmaker had a share of 20% or more was in 2013 and the years before. Perodua, in spite of less deliveries, saw a 1.8% increase in its share to just above 41%. In most years, its share has been around 30%+.
Optimistic forecast for 2021
For 2021, the MAA is forecasting 570,000 units – an increase of 100,000 units from its 2020 forecast, which is 8% higher than the actual TIV achieved. Strong growth (18%) is expected in the commercial vehicle segment which will continue to require vehicles for the various projects underway around the country. If the pandemic doesn’t worsen, the association and its members expect the high demand to continue into 2022 before settling down to a 3% rate of increase annually.
Those who have driven the new Toyota GR Yaris have nothing but praises for it, impressed by its handling and power. It’s a ‘Homologation Special’ which means it’s ready to be used for international motorsports competition – mainly rallies – right out of the showroom.
To satisfy homologation requirements by the FIA (the body which governs international motorsports), a manufacturer must produce at least 25,000 units of the model in identical form. Toyota, with its resources and also the enthusiastic support of a President who is a racing driver, decided to do this, and enthusiasts around the world have been delighted.
The 25,000 units are built at the same plant that made the Lexus LFA and exported globally for sale. The exceptional demand for the GR Yaris has also been evident in some countries. In Australia, for example, 1,000 units were sold within just one week.
For the Malaysian market, less than 200 units were imported by UMW Toyota Motor and they are now all sold out.
Development of the GR Yaris has used all the experience gained from competing in the World Rally Championship.
Potential great for Malaysian market
“When we were informed of the new Toyota GR Yaris by Toyota Motor Corporation, we knew it would have great potential in the Malaysian market, especially with the increasing motorsport and motorsport-related activities organized by UMW Toyota Motor,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
“The enthusiastic fans were eagerly awaiting the launch of the model and wasted no time booking one right after we launched the car on December 17, 2020. And now, just over a month since its launch, we received such overwhelming response. We thank customers for their enthusiastic support,” he said.
The world’s most powerful 3-cylinder engine (261 bhp/360 Nm) and the lightest and smallest 1.6-litre turbo unit currently in production. It comes only with a 6-speed manual transmission and the new GR-Four 4-wheel drive system.
Available only from exclusive dealers
Priced from RM286,896 (excluding insurance, roadtax and sales tax exemption), the GR Yaris has been offered only through a limited number of dealerships in Malaysia which have the GR Garage. This is a dedicated sales channel for GR products such as the GR Supra, GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport as well as performance items.
Explaining the GR brand, Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman and GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, said: “The GR brand harnesses the experience gained by pushing the limits in motorsport and applies it to a whole new generation of high-performance cars from Toyota. The result is models like the GR Yaris that are fine examples of how we are making ever-better cars that are rewarding and fun to drive. Further to that, we are also more than pleased that we will be introducing even more GR models to the in the near future.”
Will there by additional units?
While each of the units imported to date now has an owner, there is a hint that some more might be available as Mr. Ravindran suggested that ‘keen parties continue to register their interest with our GR Garage Dealers nationwide’.
For information on the GR Garage network and GR products, visit toyota.com.my/tgrmalaysia/gr garage/.
Trends in car ownership are evolving and these days, there is growing interest in what are known as subscription plans. Customers choose a model, and a fixed instalment is paid each month over an agreed period of a few years. The amount includes maintenance costs, insurance and even roadtax so it is convenient.
But there is a catch: ownership of the car is not the customer’s at the end and he or she can either return it or negotiate to buy it over, or even start a new subscription. It’s a good opportunity to upgrade to a new car every few years, and no hassles of having to sell off the old one first.
First in the world
A number of companies in Malaysia offer this approach and the latest to join is Toyota with its KINTO ONE scheme. Introduced by Toyota Capital Malaysia, KINTO ONE is a global financing scheme which the carmaker has introduced in many countries, and it already has a very big presence in the Europe. For Malaysia, it is the first-in-the-world Islamic based car medium-term subscription program.
Originating from the Japanese word kinto-un, which means ‘flying nimbus’, as the future image of mobility, the name is in line with the spirit of providing services that quickly appear when necessary, enabling mobility as per the user’s wishes, and are kind to the environment.
All-inclusive instalment
Unlike the traditional hire purchase (H-P) financing facility, KINTO ONE is an all-inclusive, fixed monthly payment, car subscription plan. The fixed subscription covers registration costs of the vehicle, annual comprehensive insurance coverage and roadtax, as well as scheduled maintenance and preventive maintenance costs. At the end of the term, which can be 2 years or 3 years, the customer can return the car.
Some of the Toyota and Lexus models available under the KINTO ONE plan. The monthly amounts may appear high but remember that they include costs like roadtax, insurance and servicing – which you would have to pay anyway. So all an owner really has to pay for is fuel, paking and toll charges – and fines.
“KINTO ONE is the direct translation of a strategic partnership between Toyota Capital Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor and is a distinctly curated response to the new generation lifestyle seeking mobility. It is about the shift of consumer behaviour from car ownership to car usership. It is about Toyota’s vision of ‘Mobility for All’,” said Thomas Chai, President of Toyota Capital Malaysia.
Good for corporate sector
Mr. Chai added that KINTO ONE is also aimed at the corporate sector which wants to be ‘light in their assets’ but still require the functionalities of being mobile. The full range of aftersales and support services will be handled by authorized Toyota dealers nationwide, with 24-hour emergency assistance also provided.
“It all seems new and revolutionary for KINTO ONE aiming to cater to the newer generation of car owners seeking for freedom and mobility through its all-inclusive fixed monthly subscription plan, but KINTO ONE has already been introduced in many parts of the world. While it is newly launched here in Malaysia, we are starting with our learning curves way past the introductory stages. With strong support from Toyota Motor Corporation and the abundant availability of intellectual discourses amongst KINTO operators around the world, it has made our market introduction journey a very enriching one,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
KINTO ONE is exclusively available online via the website (www.kinto-my.com) where customers can view the car models available, decide on which subscription plan suits them and then apply online. The subscription plans also cover Lexus models available in Malaysia.
The Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program, organised and managed by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) for the past 19 years, will continue into its 20th edition with a longer program. Unlike previous years which have been completed within a year, the concept for this year’s TEY program is that it will run for 3 years. For this 20th edition of TEY, the winners will return as facilitator in the 2nd year to mentor the new batch and establish a TEY Apprentice Online Club. The winners will then continue with proof of concept and Intensive Prototype Development.
283 teams registered to participate
To date, it has involved 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers throughout the country. The program is open to secondary school students aged 13 – 16 years old and there is unlimited school participation. For this year, 283 teams from 177 schools have submitted registrations but only a maximum of 16 teams from schools will take part.
In the 19 previous years, the teams have set up displays of their work but for this 20th edition, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole program will be conducted online.
“The Toyota Eco Youth has been running continuously for 20 years and we hope that those who have participated continue to grow their creativity help propagate a greener future for all of us,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
For the 20th edition of TEY, UMWT is again collaborating with the Ministry of Education and will run state and national level competitions. Additionally, for this year, the Leaderonomics Community also joins as a working partner.
Activities conducted online
In view of the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, the official launch of the National-level competition took place online recently. UMWT Executive Director of Sales, Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, announced the teams which come from all over the country, including Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
Encik Mohd Shamsor also introduced Agent M (Mobility), consisting of 3 – 4 members per team. Each Agent M will select a C.A.S.E. (Clothing, Apps, Smart Tools or Eco-Friendly Vehicles) and present solutions to environmental issues. Their solutions will be presented in a video uploaded for judging and public viewing.
‘Reimagining Mobility’ is the theme
The format of this program will be fully online, and the 16 teams will be equipped and trained with project management skills that incorporate Toyota’s Problem Solving Methodology. They will then be required to build a prototype solution based on the theme of ‘Reimagining Mobility’. This theme depicts the creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility solutions for the nation with a dual-pronged approach to ensure that they are both theoretically and practically comprehensive which includes the interactive e-learning lessons and workshops.
The final judging phase will require the team to showcase their progress through social media and livestream channels. The prize money has been doubled with the total pool of cash prizes amounting to RM64,000.
Some of the winning teams in the 2019 event.
“Since the inception of Toyota Eco Youth, UMW Toyota Motor has spent over RM7 million on the program,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “In spite of pandemic, we will not diminish our support for such programs as they are an important part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
For further information on the 2020/2021 Toyota Eco Youth Program and updates, the public can visit www.toyota.com.my/toyotaecoyouth.
With tightening regulations iyn Europe, carmakers have no choice but to switch their ranges to electrified powertrains. Subaru has already begun offering two electrified models – the XV e-BOXER and Forester e-BOXER – and will add a fully electric model before the middle of this year.
The model will be about the size of the Forester and will sit on a platform shared with Toyota. The news underlines Subaru’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint in Europe and satisfy a growing demand for alternative powertrains. It also signals the brand’s second electrification step in Europe.
e-BOXER accounts for 60% of sales
So far, since being introduced, the two e-BOXER models already account for 60% of Subaru sales in Europe. The e-BOXER powertrain combines a 2-litre direct injection horizontally-opposed petrol engine with an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
Forester e-BOXERXV e-BOXER
Paired with an updated Lineartronic transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, the e-BOXER powertrain provides achieves smooth and linear acceleration with highly responsive torque. Power-split adjusts according to the driving condition and alternates between 3 driving modes: EV driving, Motor Assist driving and Engine driving.
In EV Driving mode, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor and can travel for a distance of about 1.6 kms at speeds of up to 40 km/h. This is suitable in urban conditions with stop-and-go traffic where a 10% improvement in fuel economy is claimed compared to the 2-litre variant with just a petrol engine.
During Motor Assist Driving, at medium speeds, the motor and the engine work together to improve power and performance. For higher speeds, the Engine Driving mode is utilised, and this operates with just the engine alone. Depending on speed and driving conditions, the engine will recharge the battery pack.
The Subaru Way
In designing the e-BOXER powertrain, the engineers stuck to the ‘Subaru Way” where it is arranged in a symmetrical layout. The electric motor assist and battery pack are aligned longitudinally with the heavy motor placed near the vehicle’s centre of gravity. The battery and other components are positioned above the rear axle which plants the car on the road giving noticeable handling improvements and achieving a balanced weight distribution.
Launched just under a month ago, response to the new Toyota GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport (GR-S) have been exceptionally positive and strong, with orders exceeding expectations.
The response to the GR Yaris isn’t surprising, though, and mirrors the situation in some other markets where it has gone on sale. Toyota will produce only 25,000 units of the GR Yaris for worldwide sale and approximately 200 have been allocated for the Malaysian market. Apart from having specifications that give it high performance, the hatchback model is a ‘Homologation Special’ which makes it immediately ready for use in any international FIA-sanctioned motorsport competition. Of course, regulations would require appropriate safety equipment to also be installed.
Racing car for daily use
The Vios GR-S is the latest variant in the Vios range with performance-oriented features and suspension tuning. It has been developed exclusively for the Malaysian market and offers a racing car character with comfort for the daily drive.
The GR Yaris, priced from RM286,896 and the Vios GR-S, priced from RM95,284 (both prices excluding insurance and with sales tax exemption), are available only at authorized Toyota dealerships with the GR Garage. These dealerships also offer the GR Supra, GR items for enhancing the appearance and performance of Toyota models, as well as aftersales support.
“We are delighted by the response to the new GR models although this has also been the same in other markets for the GR Yaris. The model is competition-ready as it has been developed from the start to meet international FIA regulations, so all an owner really needs to do is install the required safety equipment and he or she is ready to go racing! As the car is road-legal, those who do not use it for motorsport can still enjoy the high performance provided by the 261 hp 1.6-litre turbo unit which is currently the lightest and smallest engine in production,” said Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman and Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer.
Performance Package with GR Yaris
For the Malaysian market, the GR Yaris will come with a standard Performance Pack as well. Additionally, UMW Toyota Motor is offering an ‘Early Bird Package’ (limited to the first 65 bookings) which consists of an exclusive helmet bag, a GR Yaris scale model and participation in a GR Yaris Driving Experience in 2021 to learn to enjoy the GR Yaris to the fullest.
“While 2020 has been a challenging and difficult year, we are happy to be providing some excitement in the Malaysian market as a prelude to a better year ahead. Our Toyota line-up has been broadened with additional models and variants to meet every type of requirement. As always, we offer the best value for money and we also make it easier to purchase a new Toyota with a choice of financing schemes,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
After making a big splash with the launch of multiple models last month, UMW Toyota Motor starts off the new year by being the first company to announce new models that will be in showrooms soon. The first of these is the updated Toyota Innova for 2021 which has cosmetic changes and additional safety systems made standard.
Bookings are accepted from today for the new Innova which is available in three variants: Innova 2.0X – from RM129,677; Innova 2.0G – from RM121,483; and Innova 2.0 E – from RM111,622. There are six exterior colour choices, with the Innova 2.0X having an additional choice of Crimson Spark Red Metallic. Every new vehicle comes with a 5-year warranty and no limit on mileage covered. [Click here for latest pricelists]
Styling enhancements
The 2021 Innova’s cosmetic changes alter the appearance of the front end noticeably, with a chrome and black theme used for the grille and chrome for the door mirror housings and integrated turn signals. The foglamps and foglamp bezels have also been redesigned for a bolder appearance.
The flagship Innova 2.0X comes with exclusive styling enhancements such as new wheelarch mouldings for protecting the bodywork, new bodyside mouldings and redesigned side skirts that add a sporty touch.
While the lightweight 17-inch alloy rims of the Innova 2.0X are now in Dark Mica Metallic instead of black, those on the Innova 2.0G get a more dynamic new design. At the rear, the garnish on the back door has been restyled, while the roof spoiler (only for the Innova 2.0X) has been reprofiled for aerodynamic improvements.
Changes within
The large and bright 9-inch capacitive touchscreen for the infotainment system also serves as a display for the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) which is now standard for the Innova 2.0X and Innova 2.0G. The PVM display has been changed from a 2D view to a 3D view to provide the driver with a better perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings for more precise maneuvering in tight spaces.
Responding to customer feedback, more charging ports have been added. The front 2 USB ports have been repositioned in the dashboard from the centre console and an additional USB port 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 located in the centre console is also available as an option.
The Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems which can help prevent collisions with other vehicles are now standard for the Innova 2.0X and Innova 2.0G. The entire Innova range qualifies for the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. All variants come with 7 SRS airbags and every one of the occupants on 3 rows has a 3-point auto-retracting seatbelt.
All variants have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-start Assist Control.
Better security
Besides the standard electronic security system, UMWT is now installing a Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which can track the vehicle’s movements using GPS and GSM technology. In the event that the vehicle is stolen, the VTS Command Centre can determine its location and inform relevant authorities to make recovery faster.
Bookings can be made at all Toyota showrooms nationwide as well as online at build.toyota.com.my. Locations of all showrooms can be found at www.toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
The second model to be announced by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today is the updated Toyota Fortuner which will be available during the first quarter of this year. However, bookings can be made now at all authorised UMWT dealerships nationwide or online.
Assembled in Malaysia, Toyota’s full-sized 4×4 SUV for the Malaysian market will continue to be available with a choice of two variants at the following prices: Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T – from RM203,183 and Fortuner 2.7 SRZ 4×4 A/T – from RM172,244. A 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage comes with each vehicle. [Click here for latest pricelists]
The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T is a new variant which replaces the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ offered previously. A new body colour – Bronze Mica Metallic – with a Black Roof will be 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 with other four exterior colour choices.
Exterior changes
The 2021 Fortuner 2.8 VRZ comes with Quad LED headlamps with a new housing, flanking a mesh-type front grille. The foglamps, turn signals and position lamps have also been restyled while the front and rear bumpers have a new design. The skidplate below the front end is also new, emphasising ruggedness. Additionally, the corner mouldings are specially shaped for aerodynamic benefits.
For the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ, the Bi-Beam LED headlamps also have a new sharper design along with the revised front grille and front bumper. The turn signals, position lamps and rear combination lamps have also received cosmetic changes for both variants.
What’s new inside
The current generation of the Fortuner has a more premium image and interior feel, and this is further enhanced with the 2021 models. The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ interior, which has 3 rows of seats, is trimmed with a new design and colour while the seat upholstery also has a new colour and design.
The new 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.
The instrument panel for the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ has been redesigned and for enhanced usefulness, the MID has additional information for the driver. This variant also gets a new interior trim colour and new seat upholstery colour to freshen up the cabin appearance.
For added comfort and convenience, the new Fortuner is fitted with LED Interior Lamps, Electrochromic Rearview Mirror (to eliminate dazzle) and the front passenger can now easily adjust the seat with powered controls at the side.
Toyota Safety Sense
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS is standard in the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ). 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 latest 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.
Proven powertrains
The proven Toyota powertrains are maintained with the availability of the new 1GD-FTV 4-cylinder commonrail diesel engine that has a heavy-duty variable nozzle turbocharger and Intercooler. The new muscular 2.8-litre engine, which produces maximum power of 204 pd/500 Nm, operates at high efficiency with the electronically-controlled common rail injection system that can deliver fuel at a maximum pressure of up to 250 MPa.
The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ also comes with Variable Flow Control Power Steering, which helps to improve fuel economy by reducing the power steering pump consumption torque. This is achieved by having a standby mode (low assist) when the vehicle is not being steered. As with other power steering systems, the amount of assistance varies according to the speed. It is greater at low speeds (eg when parking) to make steering easier and becomes less at higher speeds to give a firmer feel.
The part-time 4×4 drivetrain provides for maximum capability on all surfaces, from smooth highway to muddy jungle tracks. With the 4×4 engaged, all four wheels constantly get power to give better stability and grip in all conditions, increasing safety.
The drivetrain of both variants includes an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD). This device 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.
Bookings can be made at all Toyota showrooms nationwide as well as online at build.toyota.com.my. Locations of all showrooms can be found at www.toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
Although Toyota is well known for hybrid vehicles, which it pioneered as a mass producer, it has also been developing and selling fully electric vehicles (EVs) for many years. While it recognises that pure EVs are – which are also referred to as Battery Electric Vehicles or BEVs – are going to increase in the market, the segment is not particularly large yet. Nevertheless, the company has made plans to sell 1 million BEVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (which also have electric powertrains) by 2030.
Meanwhile, it is improving a small range of BEVs and selling them in limited numbers, mainly in Japan where engineers can more easily monitor usage and investigate any issues that arise. With BEV technology as part of Toyota’s future mobility roadmap, there is a need to encourage large numbers of people to adopt them and the company is progressively introducing such models.
A new mobility option
The latest one announced today is the new C+pod, a 2-seater BEV designed as a mobility option that improves per-person energy efficiency. In addition to short-distance daily use, the C+pod is also aimed at corporate users visiting customers on a regular basis, and at users in urban or mountainous communities needing safe, unrestricted, and environmentally-friendly transportation options.
The C+pod is 2.5 metres long and 1.3 metres wide so it is a compact vehicle and can turn within a tight radius of 3.9 metres. It’s therefore ideal for urban use and require minimum steering wheel operation when parking.
Toyota has been producing the i-Road 3-wheeler BEV since 2013 and is running it in public trials in Japan and Switzerland.
The under-floor location of the lithium-ion battery in front of the seat creates a flat, low-floor package that minimizes steps. The motor is positioned in the rear of the vehicle while the independent suspension system absorbs irregularities in the road surface and maintain stable movement.
Lightweight body with 150-km range
The motor can generate up to 9.2 kW with 56 Nm of torque, which is sufficient to give the lightweight 690-kg vehicle good performance. Factory tests using industry test cycles have achieved cruising range of up to 150 kms which would be adequate for daily use.
The C+pod can be charged at home or in public areas and in Japan, there are around 15,000 stations nationwide, all of which will be marked on the navigation system. Depending on the charging method used, an empty lithium-ion battery pack can be fully recharged between 5 and 15 hours.
There are now around 15,000 charging stations throughout Japan (Toyota COMS BEVs being recharged in Nagoya)
Mobile power supply capability
The C+pod includes an external power supply system of up to 1,500W as standard for use during power outages and natural disasters. In addition to use through the accessory power outlet near the passenger’s feet, the optional vehicle power connector can be plugged into the standard charging inlet at the front of the car for use as an external power supply socket, which can supply power for up to about 10 hours.
The 1100-mm wide cabin provides a simple space for two adults to sit side-by-side. Positioned above a white centre tray, the instrument panel features meters and other functional equipment. The contrast with the black tones of the interior creates a feeling of spaciousness.
Toyota has made sure the C+pod has safety features to protect the occupants even though its body is compact and has plastic panels in some areas. Its structure efficiently disperses and absorbs impact energy across multiple components during frontal, side or rear impacts. Injuries to pedestrians are also reduced during a collision with the vehicle, thanks to the design of the front end elements.
The C+pod will be sold only in Japan and customers can choose from two grades, priced from 1,650,000 yen (about RM65,000).
‘GAZOO’ has been in international motorsports news for a number of years and in more recent years, it has also gained increasing presence in Malaysia. In the context of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, ‘GAZOO’ means ‘garage’ but this was not how it started.
Back in early 2000, Akio Toyoda (current President of Toyota Motor Corporation) was back in Japan to join the Board of Directors after having served in various roles at different Toyota subsidiaries around the world. Among his responsibilities was the creation and supervision of a website that was given the name ‘GAZOO.com’ and the name was derived from the Japanese word ‘gazo’ which means ‘image’ or ‘photo’.
GAZOO.com, which still exists today, is a website gathering images of the vehicles in stock at each of the dealerships. It also contains dozens of virtual shops for consumer goods and services and provides information about new and used vehicles. This is, of course, a common thing today but 20 years ago, the internet was still in its infancy so it was quite a revolutionary idea.
The Gazoo.com website goes back some 20 years and though its content looks common these days, it was revolutionary when it started.
The first use of GAZOO in racing
In 2007, a team of Toyota test drivers, including Akio, were to participate in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race. For various reasons, they were not allowed to refer to their team as ‘Works Toyota Racing’ and perhaps because Akio was in charge of GAZOO.com, he suggested and could authorize the use of the name to be used by the team. That would probably be the first time the GAZOO name appeared in motorsports.
From then on, GAZOO Racing began to develop and its racing activities increased. The team was like an unofficial affiliate of Toyota and usually ran development models like the FT-86 and LF-A to carry out testing in extreme conditions.
Akio Toyoda is one of the very few car company Presidents who races and he also personally gets involved in testing and development of new models.
After Akio became President in 2009, GAZOO Racing began to expand as it was given new roles related to motorsports. Being a racing driver and car enthusiast, Akio wanted to generate more excitement for the sport among the young and GAZOO Racing was to expand the role of promoting motorsports beyond that of traditional automakers. Its mission would also be to carry out grassroots activities aimed at creating new generations of car enthusiasts.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has been active and successful in the World Endurance Championship, World Rally Championship and also the Dakar Rally.
The GAZOO Racing Company is born
Until 2015, Toyota had different racing organizations and a decision was made to unify them under the GAZOO Racing banner, with brand differentiation as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and LEXUS GAZOO Racing. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, which was in charge of vehicle development for motorsports activities, was renamed GAZOO Racing Company in 2017 during the restructuring of Toyota Motor Corporation.
The newly created GAZOO Racing Company was thus a more business-focussed unit and would start to develop GAZOO Racing or ‘GR’ as a performance brand like AMG for Mercedes-Benz and M for BMW. It would be independent in one sense but also an important contributor to Toyota’s R&D with experience and information gained from motorsports activities.
GR Garage
As part of its business activities, the GAZOO Racing Company established the GR Garage, a new dealership channel which would not only sell performance parts and high-performance models such as the GR Supra and GR Yaris but also be ‘the most fun car shop in town where enthusiasts can gather, talk, and enjoy cars together’. It was another approach to creating greater interest in motorsports and motoring in general that Akio was trying to generate.
The GR Garage concept was introduced in Japan and dealerships opened in many cities. As GR models start to be offered in many countries, the GR Garage concept is also following and the first country outside Japan to introduce it was Malaysia at the end of 2019 when the GR Supra was launched in the market. Selected authorized Toyota dealerships (5 at this time) have incorporated the GR Garage concept on their premises and specialize in GR products.
GAZOO Racing comes to Malaysia
Malaysia is in fact one of the first countries to have a strong GAZOO Racing presence which began about 3 years ago. Before then, in Thailand and the Philippines, TRD (Toyota Racing Development – an in-house division specializing in performance products) was prominent in motorsports but not in Malaysia. So when GAZOO Racing Company stepped up its activities, it was also timely for the Malaysian market to instead use the GR platform.
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival began in 2017 and had a carnival-like atmosphere with motor and motorsports-related activities, including the Vios Challenge one-make series.
The first activity in Malaysia was the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) held in 2017, replicating an annual event in Japan which was created by the GAZOO Racing Company in its initial years. The TGR Festival has a carnival-like atmosphere with a motorsports and auto-related theme. The highlight of the TGR Festival has been the Vios Challenge, a one-make series run on specially-prepared street circuits in Penang, Terengganu, Johor and Kuala Lumpur/Selangor, as well as the Sepang International Circuit. This successful series has completed three seasons and enters its fourth one in 2021.
Additionally, UMW Toyota Motor also got involved in digital motorsports or eSports with the Toyota GR Velocity eSports Championship series which began in 2018. This Malaysian event inspired the running of the GR Supra GT Cup ASIA2020 as the first virtual motorsport racing championship in Asia. The regional event, held in October this year, saw the best sim racers from 5 countries – Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and India – competing against each other.
The GR range in Malaysia started with the GR Supra and this month, the GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport have been added.
The GR cars
And, of course, there are the products – the GR Supra, GR Yaris and the Vios GR-Sport (presently only available in Malaysia). These models bring to the Toyota brand a sporty and livelier image that supports the promise of ‘fun-to-drive’. They can help diminish the perception of Toyotas being reliable and durable but lacking the performance sparkle. It’s not that Toyota has never produced performance models, but most have never reached our market due to high import taxes making their prices unappealing. But times have changed and with the GR models, the brand now has a side that can appeal to the younger and future generation of customers.
