Electric Toyota RAV4? Yep.

Toyota RAV4: Electrification Available in 2012

First, a disclaimer: my wife owns a Toyota RAV4 and loves her vehicle. She drives a 2003 model and reminded me today that in the six years we’ve owned the car, it hasn’t failed us once. Very true!

Second, an electrified RAV4 is in the works.

Toyota and Tesla entered into a partnership in May 2010 to produce an electrified Toyota and we now know that the vehicle will be a pure electric version of its popular RAV4 crossover.

Prototype EV

Already, Tesla has produced a prototype e-RAV4 and has delivered that vehicle to Toyota for testing. Tesla is a leader in the pure electric market, having brought its lithium-ion powered Tesla Roadster to the market in 2008. The California based automaker says that it is working on a second model, an electric sedan, that should be ready for the market in 2012.

Toyota purchased a $50 million stake in Tesla in May according to Automotive News. At that time Toyota and Tesla announced their desire to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support. Through this arrangement, Tesla seeks to learn and benefit from Toyota’s engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise, while Toyota aims to learn from Tesla’s EV technology, flexibility and quick turnaround.

Mutually Beneficial

The relationship may prove to be enormously beneficial to both companies. Tesla has wanted to remain independent, but with a cash infusion and stake from Toyota, the upstart automaker can aggressively pursue some options it might not be able to undertake had it not hooked up with Toyota.

Toyota, though a leader in hybrid technology, could use a boost in the area of pure electrification.  Moreover, following massive recalls and product glitches for the first half of 2010, the Tesla partnership focuses everyone’s attention on some of the positive things that Toyota can do. The recalls matter and the lawsuits will proceed, but Tesla will help Toyota to “move forward” as their tag line says.

Electric Lexus

Don’t think for a moment that the Toyota RAV4 will be the only model that will benefit from Tesla electrification. Rumor has it that the Lexus RX series, already available in hybrid form, could be the first pure electric Lexus to hit the market courtesy of Tesla Motors.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation

Resources

CNN: Tesla to build electric Toyota Rav4

Los Angeles Times: Toyota-Tesla plan to build electric RAV4 shows partnership is serious

Auto Trends We’re Following

What’s in the news?

The summer months are supposed to be fairly quiet when it comes to developing auto industry news stories, but there is enough happening this summer to keep everyone’s eyes focused.

This time last year the federal CARS or “cash for clunkers” program was heating up, introduced on July 24 and offering an artificial surge in car sales. In 2009, billions of dollars of taxpayer monies were being directed to an industry already benefiting from tens of billions of dollars in bail out bucks and other relief. What good the program did is a matter of debate, but know this: there is no desire on the part of most politicians to bring it back.

Here are some of the auto trends we’re currently following:

• The 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe is in production and the first cars have left the factory floor and are enroute to Cadillac dealerships. This model will expand the CTS portfolio which now includes a sedan, sport wagon, the coupe and V-Series versions of the sedan and soon the wagon and coupe.

• Toyota knew about engine problems with its Lexus models as far back as 2007, but didn’t issue a recall until July 1 this year.  Automotive News reports that the first customer complaints for affected Lexus models dates to March 2007, when Japanese customers complained about defective valve springs.

• Not much has been said about Ford’s sale of Volvo to Geely in recent months, but that is beginning to change. The Wall Street Journal shared a statement from the EU’s antitrust body which said, “The Commission concluded that the transaction wouldn’t significantly impede effective competition.” Expect that Ford to conclude the deal sometime this summer.

• How will Chrysler handle the sale of the Fiat brand in America? That is a good question, one that has remained unanswered even as the Fiat 500 is being prepared for its stateside debut later this year. The Kenosha News reports that Chrysler dealers are receiving packets outlining what is required of them to be considered for Fiat dealerships. Chrysler, 20 percent owned by Fiat, will be establishing 200 dealerships in hopes of selling 50,000 Fiats annually.

• Will the Detroit 3 survive? Some people are still asking that question although Ford’s position is by far the brightest of all three. GM appears to have stabilized and even Chrysler is enjoying a boost thanks to its recently released 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  The Detroit Free Press says that all three automakers appear to be able to ride out the current economic storm.

That’s it for today…new stories shared as we discover them!

Active Park Assist Is Phenomenal!

I am not someone who embraces all of the technological gadgets that are coming on the market today particularly pertaining to stuff added to our cars. I like to drive a car without it driving me although I must confess that cars are much more technologically sophisticated than they were just ten years ago.

Self Parking

One bit of technology I have decided is useful for some driver is self parking technology. I believe it was Toyota who rolled this feature out in 2009 with one or more Lexus models, allowing drivers to effectively take their hands off of the wheel and let their Lexus do the parking for them.

I think this technology is particularly useful for anyone who has had surgery, including women who have had a mastectomy and no longer have much strength left in their shoulders to turn their heads around, swing the steering wheel and attempt to park their car.

Dearborn Driver

Last week, when I visited Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, I had the opportunity to test drive a number of vehicles on the track. There were also several models sitting on the side of the road, parked in a line. I quickly realized that this was Ford’s demonstration for their new Active Park Assist technology, something I’ve seen on Lincoln TV ads over the past few weeks.

With just 15 minutes left before I was to jump on a shuttle taking me to the airport for my flight home, I decided to check out what Active Park Assist was all about. I’m glad that I did.

Simple Process

So how does the technology work? Very easily, actually. What’s more, Ford says that their technology works on a hill while Toyota’s does not. That’s important because I can think of a number of places where cars need to be parked on an incline and where Active Park Assist would come in handy.

APA uses a three step process to get the job done. Firstly, the driver activates the system by the press of a button located on the center console. That button activates ultrasonic sensors that measure and identify a parking space. If the space is too short, you won’t be guided into position, but even if it is shorter than one you might try to handle, you may still be squeezed in: Ford says that APA can handle spaces that are 20 percent tighter.

Secondly, APA prompts the driver to accept parking assistance. Once that happens, the steering system takes over and puts the car in the space. You’ll still operate the gas pedal and brake; you will also shift the transmission into reverse and back into drive before the car is parked.

Thirdly, you’ll receive a visual or audible cue to let you know if other vehicles or objects are in the way. If a problem arises, you can grab hold of the steering wheel to take over. In any case you’re in charge even if your vehicle actively assists you in this endeavor.

Optionally Available

APA is optional equipment on select Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brand models. I was laughing as the Escape took over the steering and was surprised at just how well APA parked the car.

Yes, I may not seek this technology out personally, but having it available can certainly make a positive difference for any driver.

Source: Ford Motor Company

See Also — Ford Showcases Its Technical Prowess