Toyota Environmental Update

Toyota Environmental Update

by Eddiejoe

Toyota Environmental Update

Thirty-ninth issue, August 2006

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 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.