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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
8.02.2006 - 01:21pm ET
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Highlights of Toyota's Environmental Progress
Toyota Environmental Update, August 2006
(CSRwire) Our goal is to keep you informed about our worldwide progress on
environmental matters. Thank you for your interest in Toyota's efforts to
become a greener automaker.
--Irv Miller, Group Vice President, Corporate Communications Department,
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
More about Toyota's environmental efforts can be found at www.toyota.com/environment
Prius sales top 500,000 units worldwide; 250,000 in U.S.
As of April 30, global sales of Toyota's Prius hybrid car reached a total
of 504,700 units. Prius has had a history of substantial market acceptance
following its 1997 introduction in Japan. In 2000, Prius was produced in
low volumes of 12,000 units annually. The completely redesigned 2004
second-generation model was launched in the U.S. in 2003. By 2005, more
than 100,000 units were produced for the U.S. market alone, and in May
2006, U.S. Prius sales topped the 250,000 mark.
Toyota announces progress with plug-in hybrids and other
technologies
Toyota is advancing its research and development of plug-in hybrids
with the goal of developing a next-generation vehicle, which will have
extended range capacity using only the electric drive.
In the fall of 2006, Toyota's 2007 model year compact and midsize
vehicles will feature a new powertrain with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine
and continuously variable transmission (CVT). The engine's Dual VVT-i
(Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) enables continuous control of optimum
valve timing for various engine speeds and loads together with
torque-strong performance. The combination of VVT-i and CVT results in
improved efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
By the early 2010s, Toyota plans to double the number of models
featuring hybrid drivetrains.
In the spring of 2007, Toyota plans to introduce flex-fuel vehicles
to the Brazilian market that can run on 100 percent ethanol. Ethanol fuel
is used widely in Brazil.
Toyota wins environmental awards for energy-efficient buildings
Toyota's South Campus in Torrance, California has received a Savings By
Design Energy Efficiency Integration Award for Exceptional Performance in
a Large Suburban Office Park. The complex was cited for its energy-saving
and renewable energy features. South Campus has one of the largest
privately owned rooftop photovoltaic panel system in the country,
generating up to 62,000 kilowatt hours per month.
Savings By Design is funded by California utility customers and
administered by Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern
California Edison and the Southern California Gas Company. Cosponsored by
the American Institute of Architects, California Council, the awards
annually recognize designs that incorporate resource efficiency and
environmental sensitivity.
Toyota's North American Production Support Center in Georgetown, Kentucky
has been awarded a Silver Level Certification from the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC) through the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
(LEED) Green Building rating system. Expanded and refurbished using USGBC
guidelines, the 98,000-square-foot facility is powered 100 percent by
renewable wind-generated electricity. Potable water use has been reduced
by 80 percent, and more than 25 percent of the building was constructed
using recycled materials.
Toyota co-develops process to speed composting of farm waste in Japan
Toyota and Menicon Co., Ltd., Japan's largest manufacturer of contact
lenses, have jointly developed an efficient manure composting process with
environmental benefits for the livestock industry. Called "resQ45," the
process uses thermophilic bacteria and a new enzymatic agent to promote
decomposition of manure. The resulting high-quality compost contains 90
percent less nitrate-nitrogen and a 100- to 1,000-fold increase in
beneficial bacteria. This process will help solve environmental problems
caused by the storage of animal waste in agricultural areas. It cuts
composting times to approximately 45 days from 90-180 days, and reduces
ammonia, greenhouse gases, and methane by 90 percent.
For information, contact Cindy Knight at (310) 468-2170 or
cindy_knight@toyota.com. Produced by Robert Oberhand & Assoc., Chatsworth,
CA, in conjunction with Toyota Corporate Communications Department.
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