Tag Archives: Toyota

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Toyota Drives Toward a Greener Future with Hydrogen-Powered Logistics Fleet

In a bold step toward carbon-neutral logistics, Toyota Motor Europe has rolled out hydrogen fuel cell trucks across key European routes.

Toyota Motor Europe, in partnership with Dutch manufacturer VDL Groep, has launched a groundbreaking emission-free logistics program powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The initiative introduces five zero-emission trucks into Toyota’s core logistics network, linking Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Departing from the European Parts Center in Diest, Belgium, the trucks are now transporting goods to strategic destinations in Lille, Cologne, Rotterdam, and Weesp. Each of the 40-ton vehicles delivers performance on par with conventional diesel trucks but with the added benefit of producing no harmful emissions. Under real-world conditions, the trucks are capable of traveling up to 400 kilometers on a single hydrogen charge.

The project brings together prominent logistics partners including Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics. These companies will play a vital role in evaluating the day-to-day operational performance of the new fleet, particularly within the high-demand environment of Toyota’s logistics center, which handles over 500,000 parts daily.

This move is part of Toyota’s broader strategy to reach carbon neutrality across its logistics operations by 2040. Thiebault Paquet, Vice President of Research and Development at Toyota Motor Europe, emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative: “This project not only supports our decarbonization goals but also helps build the foundations of a hydrogen-based economy by increasing demand and awareness for clean hydrogen fuel.”

By pioneering hydrogen-powered logistics at scale, Toyota is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a cleaner transportation future across Europe.

Source: Toyota Motor Europe

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Toyota Prepares for a New Era: 13th Generation Corolla Set to Debut by 2027

Toyota’s iconic Corolla, the world’s best-selling car, is gearing up for a bold transformation. The Japanese automaker is expected to unveil the 13th generation of the Corolla between 2026 and 2027, marking a significant evolution in design, technology, and efficiency for the legendary model.

While official details remain under wraps, reports from Japanese media outlets suggest that the new Corolla will feature a radical aesthetic overhaul inspired by Toyota’s latest design language, seen on the new Prius and C-HR models. Expect sleek, horizontally stretched light clusters, a sharper, more aerodynamic silhouette, and a redesigned rear end featuring thin taillights connected by a modern light bar.

The front fascia will likely boast a more compact grille, recessed for a cleaner appearance, paired with a sportier bumper design defined by taut and dynamic lines. The evolutionary design reflects Toyota’s intent to keep the Corolla fresh and relevant amid intensifying competition in the global compact car segment.

As per tradition, the Corolla’s 13th generation will be offered in multiple body styles—including sedan, hatchback, and wagon—ensuring broad market coverage. However, not all markets will receive the full lineup, with some versions potentially limited to specific regions.

Inside the cabin, a digital revolution is on the horizon. The new Corolla is expected to feature a fully digital instrument cluster and a larger, high-resolution central screen supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In a major tech leap, Toyota may introduce an AI-based voice assistant capable of natural, intuitive interactions—bringing the Corolla in line with the industry’s move toward smarter, more connected driving experiences.

Under the hood, full hybrid powertrains will remain at the core of the Corolla’s offering, likely enhanced for greater performance and fuel efficiency. Rumors also point to the possible addition of a plug-in hybrid variant, with an electric-only range of over 100 km—an ambitious move aimed at matching or exceeding rivals in the electrified compact segment.

Perhaps the most tantalizing prospect is the potential arrival of the high-performance GR Corolla in European markets. Although not yet confirmed by Toyota, sources suggest this variant could be built in the UK, powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering over 300 horsepower and equipped with all-wheel drive. If realized, it would mark the first time a GR (Gazoo Racing) model is produced outside of Japan—a historic milestone for the brand.

As the Corolla approaches its 60th anniversary, the forthcoming generation seems poised to blend tradition with innovation. With bolder styling, cutting-edge technology, and an eye toward sustainability, the next Corolla may once again set new standards in the global compact car market.

Source: Toyota

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Toyota Adds Muscle and Matte Finish to Crown Estate Special Edition

In a bold move that leans into one of the car industry’s most niche but eye-catching trends, Toyota has unveiled a special edition of its recently launched Crown Estate in Japan — and it’s all about the matte.

Dubbed the Crown Estate Limited Matte Metal, this new edition wraps Toyota’s latest plug-in hybrid estate in a stealthy matte paint finish that’s sure to divide opinions. While matte finishes have long been associated with high-maintenance and niche appeal, Toyota is clearly betting that their moment has arrived — at least on home turf.

Unfortunately for North American enthusiasts, the special edition won’t be making its way across the Pacific. Although the standard Crown Estate is sold in the U.S. under the Crown Signia badge, this particular trim will remain exclusive to Japan.

Despite its name, the Crown Estate is more of a lifted wagon than a traditional estate, and the new matte treatment only amplifies its unique presence. It joins a growing lineup of matte-finished Crown models already available in Japan, including the Crown Crossover, Crown Sport, and Crown Sedan.

Toyota claims the paint isn’t just for looks — it’s engineered for practicality too. A special TM Coat is applied over the matte finish to resist scratches and protect against road grime. While not explicitly called a ceramic coating, it seems to offer similar benefits, with the caveat that it needs to be reapplied annually to retain its protective qualities.

The aesthetics don’t stop at the body. A set of 21-inch matte black wheels paired with red metallic brake calipers adds to the car’s aggressive stance. All the usual chrome accents — window trim, grille elements — have been blacked out for a cohesive, shadowy finish.

Inside, the cabin receives equally dramatic treatment. Black leather upholstery dominates, punctuated by gold metallic accents on the steering wheel, air vents, door handles, and a strip across the dashboard. The pièce de résistance? A subtle script on the dash that reads: “Matte Metal The Limited.”

Performance-wise, the Crown Estate Limited Matte Metal doesn’t just look bold — it drives that way too. Powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, this plug-in hybrid generates a respectable 302 horsepower.

The special edition starts at 8,900,000 yen in Japan, or roughly $61,600 USD at today’s exchange rate — a premium price for a premium look.

With this latest release, Toyota continues to push the envelope on what’s expected from a legacy automaker. Love it or not, the Matte Metal Crown Estate makes one thing clear: Toyota believes matte is more than a fad — it’s a finish with staying power.

Source: Toyota

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Toyota Adds Muscle and Matte Finish to Crown Estate Special Edition