http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1343
Toyota President Akio Toyoda urged thousands of his employees Friday to work toward a new start and win back customer trust following safety lapses that have battered the world's biggest carmaker.
"Let's go with high spirits, have fun and be confident while staying humble," Toyoda, choking up and wearing a gray workman's jacket, told 2 000 workers packed into the company's headquarters. "We are making a start today."
His address, billed as "An Urgent Meeting for All Toyota - Toward a New Beginning for Toyota," was also watched via live video by 7 000 workers at company plants. Representatives of suppliers and dealers also attended the event in the Japanese city named after the automaker.
Toyoda returned to Japan earlier this week after being grilled by U.S. lawmakers in a congressional hearing on the spate of quality lapses that include braking problems and sticking gas pedals. The problems have resulted in global recalls of 8.5 million vehicles, 6 million of them in the U.S.
Other executives who appeared before congressional hearings on Toyota's recalls also attended Friday's event.
Workers heartbroken
The head of Toyota's North American sales unit, Jim Lentz, assured the crowd the company was working hard to restore customer trust. He urged all to be prepared for "a long road ahead" of harsh criticism.
Workers, who applauded executive speeches, said they were moved.
"I could feel the president's anguish, and I felt we all must work harder," Hideki Watanabe, 51, a Lexus engineer, said after the 45-minute meeting. "It breaks my heart to think that the cars we are making to bring joy to people might cause sorrow and accidents."
U.S. transport regulators have linked 52 deaths to crashes allegedly caused by sudden, unintended acceleration in Toyota cars.
An executive vice president, Takeshi Uchiyamada, said the Toyota brand was in "a serious crisis," acknowledging the company must improve monitoring of consumer complaints and respond more quickly during crises.
Toyota has been widely criticized, especially in the U.S., where most of the recalls have happened, as slow and unresponsive, and doubts are growing it may not be transparent or forthright about defects.
"The path to regaining trust remains tremendously difficult," Uchiyamada said. "But I would like to work with all of you."
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'Toyota fixes didn't work'
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1344
U.S. regulators said on Thursday they were reviewing more than 60 complaints that fixes made on recalled Toyota Motor Corp vehicles for unintended acceleration had not solved the problem.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a statement it was reviewing the complaints and interviewing vehicle owners. The agency stressed that the complaints are unproven allegations.
The agency has also asked Toyota to provide information about any complaints it has received.
Toyota said on Wednesday after NHTSA reported the first 10 complaints that it, too, would move quickly to investigate the matter. The automaker said its recall remedies were rigorously tested.
US government flexes muscle
NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said on Thursday that regulators were "determined to get to the bottom" of complaints. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told a Senate committee earlier in the day Toyota owners should bring their cars back to dealers if they are still having problems.
The government said it has the authority to order Toyota to provide a different solution if it appears that remedies are not working. NHTSA did not object to the company's recall fixes.
Toyota said this week it had fixed more than 1 million of the more than 6 million cars and trucks subject to recalls in October 2009 and January. Recalls covered loose floor mats that can jam the accelerator and gas pedals that do not spring back as designed.
NHTSA is reviewing whether there are glitches with Lexus and Toyota electronic throttles as a possible explanation for unintended acceleration.
Toyota, which has hired an independent consulting firm to study the issue, has said it has tested the systems exhaustively and found no problems. Congress has sharply criticized NHTSA for its handling of previous complaints about electronic throttles.
Separately, Edmunds.com, an online research source for consumers, said Toyota's newly unveiled purchase incentives including interest-free loans and free maintenance have noticeably boosted interest in the company's vehicles among prospective buyers. Kelley Blue Book also noted a spike in traffic for Toyota.
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http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1345
Based on the current 997 Porsche 911, the RGT-8 "is powered by a completely new RUF designed V8 engine with a 180° crankshaft flatcrank." It features "four valves arranged spherically together with multipoint fuel injection [which] ensure optimal mixture conditions while the dry-sump system supplies the necessary lubrication." Boasting a capacity of 4.5-liters, the V8 produces 404 kW and 500 Nm of torque.
To ensure maximum sportiness, RUF made the RGT-8 as light as possible. It comes with aluminum doors, an aluminum hood, a carbon fiber engine cover, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. Other performance goodies include ceramic brakes, an integrated roll-cage, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.
In terms of styling, the RGT-8 remains pretty faithful to the standard 911. However, if you want a more exclusive appearance, RUF offers a Frère package. Inspired by the 550 Coupe, that Paul Frère drove to victory in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Frère package consists of redesigned front fenders, a unique front end, and special interior trim.
RUF is planning to launch the RGT-8 in 2011, so look for more information to be released later this year.
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BMW 5-Series GT by AC Schnitzer Debuts in Geneva
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1346
In an effort to make the 'wagden' (half wagon, half sedan) look more appealing, Schnitzer added front and rear spoilers, a ventilated hood, aggressive side skirts, a redesigned rear fascia, chrome exhaust tips, and new wheels (available in a number of different styles, in sizes ranging from 19- to 22-inches). Inside, the company installed aluminum pedals, velour footmats, and a new cover for the i-Drive controller.
On the performance side, the engine in the 530d has been tuned to produce 213 kW - an increase of 31 kW. Schnitzer also added a twin rear silencer and a specially tuned sports suspension.
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2011 VW Touareg
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1347
This 2011 MY Touareg is described by its maker as the most technically innovative Volkswagen ever produced.
One of the advances made was to reduce its base weight by 208kg (459 lbs) while making it even more rigid. All models will be fitted with the company 8-speed automatic which is smooth and helps reduce fuel consumption as well as C02 emissions. Another standard feature is the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen limited-slip differential. It enables the Toureg to climb up 31 degree inclines.
Engines on offer include the V6 TDI making 176kW and 550Nm of torque. Its average fuel consumption is 1.9 litres less than before at 7.4 litres per 100km and C02 emissions are 195g/km.
The 4.2 V8 TDI replaces the V10 TDI. It produces 250kW and 800Nm of torque while averaging 9.1 litres per 100km in fuel usage. Unfortunately this model won't be available to US customers.
For the first time a Hybrid Touareg will make its presence felt with a supercharged V6 TSI petrol engine doing 245kW and 580Nm. When working with its electric motor power is boosted to 279kW.
Features available standard and/or optionally include a remote tailgate opener, the Side Assist warning system and Adaptive Cruise Control.
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Hamann Conqueror II Based on Range Rover Sport
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1348
Hamann has decked out a new kit plus performance hikes for the Range Rover Sport. Called the Hamann CONQUEROR II, the new car features a new front bumper with four integrated LED daytime running lights, a light carbon fibre bonnet and four wide extensions constructed from light materials as a start.
More kit includes a roof spoiler, a rear apron and a wide variety of wheel types and sizes. Hamann recommends a wheel/tyre combination for the front- and back of 11x23 inch wheels with tyres measuring 315/25 R23. A sports exhaust system with a stainless steel muffler was included.
The two engines have some extra boost. The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 was bumped up from 375kW to 412kW at 6,500rpm. Maximum torque was also increased to 685Nm between 2,000rpm and 5,500rpm. The smaller 3.6 TDV6 motor was upped to 206kW and 660Nm.
The interior comes with accessories like black-anodised aluminium with carbon applications and sports foot pedals.
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2010 Audi A8 by Hofele Design
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=1349
German tuners Hofele have released details about their new package of mods for the Audi A8 (D4). The kits release coincides with Audi's reveal of the new version of their flagship four-door.
A press release claims that the car realizes faster acceleration times of 5.2- and 5.3-seconds to 100 km/h depending on petrol or diesel engine. The petrol 4.2-liter FSI V8 has been improved to 294 kW and up to 475 Nm of torque, while the TDI is boosted to 290 kW and up to 880 Nm. Fuel consumption remains at 9.5- and 7.6-liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, for the petrol and diesel, respectively.
Extra power brings the need for extra brake power, which is provided by larger, ventilated steel disc brakes that can be swapped for ceramic discs. Six-piston brakes were also added. The car's suspension is lowered by between 40 and 80 millimeters, though it returns back to its original factory setting when traveling at 129 km/h and over. New alloy wheels measure 9.5x20" front and 10x22" in back, which look like a tight squeeze thanks to the lower wheel wells.
Other mods include a new front end with larger air inlets and front fender outlets, redesigned side sills, and a remodeled rear bumper with diffuser and quad exhaust. A decklid spoiler has also been added. Inside, quilted two-tone leather, Alcantara, and a new steering wheel can all be found.
Pricing for the Hofele Audi A8 kit was not released.
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