I’m pleased to introduce Toyota’s new WRC Yaris, which will debut in next year’s WRC series. It’s been 17 long years since we competed in WRC, so I guess you could say we’re well rested!But now we’re back and we’ve been busy training up in Finland, under the leadership of the 4-time WRC champion, Tommi Makinen!

Akio:

Hi Tommi, thanks for joining us and thanks for being Team Toyota this time around!You look good in Toyota red by the way. So how are you feeling about our prospects for WRC?

Tommi:

We’re ready Akio. I wouldn’t underestimate our chances.

Akio:

So in other words, you’re “sort of” confident?

Tommi:

Something like that!

Akio:

Ok fair enough. I will see you back in Finland for more testing! Tommi Makinen,Ladies and Gentlemen!

Akio:

You know it’s wonderful to be here in Europe, the center of automotive racing, with a heritage and brands I’ve long admired.

As a racing fan myself, nothing gives me greater pleasure than test driving one of our vehicles like this new Yaris, built right here in France.

But as much as I want to win, and believe me, I do want to win by the way, just to be clear.

I also view racing as an opportunity for us to make ever better cars. To use racing as a real life laboratory to improve the performance, handling and durability of our cars.

Because to me, if a car’s not fun to drive, then what’s the point? But besides racing, there are other methods to improve cars to make them safer to make them more accessible.You might have been surprised by the Microsoft logo on our WRC entry here. Not what you might typically expect for a race car sponsor. But Microsoft, is a very important, long-standing partner for Toyota.

In fact, I asked Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, to share a few words with you himself. Let’s take a look.

(roll video of Satya Nadella)

Hi, I’m Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Thank you Mr. Toyoda. It’s such an honor to have the opportunity to address all of you at the Paris Motor Show.

At Microsoft our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Pursuing this mission means forging strong partnerships with leading organizations like Toyota.Since 2011 we’ve had a strategic partnership with Toyota to create a global, cloud-based telematics system, and provide telecommunications, GPS and data to the Toyota customers.

Recently we extended that relationship through the collaboration in Toyota Connected.No longer is the car simply a vehicle to travel between two places. It’s a connected device that serves as an extension of the person’s digital lifestyle. And drivers expect their car’s computing power to match its horsepower.

That together Toyota and Microsoft can empower drivers with cars that are more intelligent and connected, while improving safety and reliability. On behalf of the Microsoft team, I want to thank you for your partnership, and I look forward to seeing what we can collectively accomplish together. Thank you so very much.Akio continues:Microsoft has been an investor in our new data analytics company, Toyota Connected making them more than just a software supplier.

We are indeed very happy to have Microsoft on our team in our quest to make ever better cars.With 100 million Toyotas on the road today, to me, the true benefit of selling all those cars is that we can study and learn from them, in order to one day totally eliminate automotive accidents and fatalities.

That is one of the primary goals of the newly formed Toyota Research institute. It’s mission? To reach the next frontier in mobility or put another way, to boldly go where no car has gone before!

Led by Dr. Gill Pratt, our hand-picked, dream team of engineers and scientists are already hard at work on projects in the areas of autonomous driving, robotics and materials science.

Gill and I bonded over our mutual desire to make car accidents a thing of the past…, but to also make sure the fun of driving remains.Though not widely known, Toyota has been working on the development of autonomous cars for many years. Gill and his team, will be building on this foundation, developing two kinds of autonomy chauffeur mode and guardian mode.

We believe chauffer mode, or total autonomy, will only be 100% accident free by testing a minimum of14.2 billion kilometers, which in practical terms, would take decades of real world driving.

Therefore, the only way to accomplish this goal safely, and in a timely manner, is through the use of multi-agent computer simulation which we have developed.

Perhaps the greatest reward that will come when chauffeur mode autonomy is achieved, is the freedom of mobility we will be able to provide to those who would not otherwise have it.

As the automotive sponsor of the Paralympics, I have heard from many of these individuals first-hand about how important this is to them, and personally, their stories are very motivating to me.

The other form of autonomy that we are currently focusing on, is guardian mode. In this mode, the car can take over or assist the driver as needed. Not only does guardian mode make the car drive more safely, it also allows our customers to more fully enjoy driving the car.

Guardian, or assisted autonomy is the natural evolution of our cars’ current safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense, and it is the mode of autonomy that you will see come from Toyota first.This WRC Yaris will play a role in our autonomous testing as well. In fact, we won’t just be racing, we will be actively collecting data on how the car handles the unique driving conditions during races here in Europe, and around the world.

This very valuable data will be applied to the development of our autonomous vehicles. The funding of the Toyota Research Institute is equal to what we spent developing the first Prius, so we are serious about what we intend to accomplish.We are also serious about our commitment to the European market, and hope that the new Toyota C-HR you see displayed here today is proof of that commitment.

From racing to robotics to real-world solutions to make cars more fun, more safe and more meaningful to our customers. We at Toyota, along with our partners, are committed to delivering future innovations in automotive technology.

Just as we invented hybrid technology, to help decrease emissions and improve the environment, we are also determined to create new innovations for the benefit of not just our customers but society as a whole.

We believe that that most important thing we can do as a company is not just improve how we build cars, but to dedicate ourselves to improving the lives of our customers, every day and in every way possible.

Thank you very much.

The 3 roles of TOYOTA FCV PLUS

Using the vehicle to convert clean hydrogen into electricity can help protect the environment and serve as an important way to address energy security issues:

• Generating electricity from hydrogenIn addition to having hydrogen in its own hydrogen tank, TOYOTA FCV PLUS can also generate electricity directly from hydrogen stored outside the vehicle. The vehicle can thus be transformed into a stable source of electric power for use at home or away.
• Sharing generated electricity with othersWhile parked, TOYOTA FCV PLUS can provide electricity stored on-board to other cars and to local power grids as part of the local infrastructure.
• Supporting electricity generation into the futureBeyond just being used in an automobile, the fuel cell stack of TOYOTA FCV PLUS can be removed and reused as an electricity generating device, transcending the traditional functions of cars. Put to versatile use around the world, these stacks could contribute significantly to local communities. 

A compact city commuter

Miniaturizing the TOYOTA FCV PLUS’ fuel cell stack and other components of the fuel cell system helped make possible a light and compact vehicle that’s ideal for city use. Fuel efficiency is enhanced by advanced aerodynamics which have been applied to the vehicle’s underside as well. Built-in wireless battery charging panels, covering the rear wheels and under the floor at the front, allow for intelligent external charging of other vehicles or infrastructure. Words and symbols can be displayed on the windshield and rear window to help others recognize the vehicle’s status.

The drive components have been downsized and positioned at the vehicle’s four corners to achieve a layout that maximizes interior space. The small fuel cell stack fits between the front wheels, while the hydrogen tank rests behind the rear seats. Together with the adoption of independent in-wheel motor in all four wheels, this allows the TOYOTA FCV PLUS to have both the overall length of a compact car and the interior length of a large sedan. By concentrating functional parts at the front and the rear of the vehicle, this next-generation fuel cell vehicle package creates an optimal weight balance and excellent all-round visibility.

The interior trim and seats feature the same advanced 3D processing and other techniques that give the car its exceedingly dimensional, light and highly rigid skeletal structure.

It features numerous sophisticated technological breakthroughs, including a Dual Motor EV drive system, a battery warming system and two world firsts - EV range-extending solar roof, and gas injection heat pump auto air-conditioning.

With an EV range doubled to over 50 km and maximum EV speed increased from 85 to 135 km/h, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents a huge leap forwards in efficiency, driving performance, innovation and styling, whilst remaining true to Toyota’s goal of creating the ultimate eco car.

State-of-the-Art PHV Technology, Impressive EV Driving Experience

At the heart of the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the latest generation of Toyota’s advanced PHV technology. It offers customers two cars in one; an even more sophisticated full hybrid powertrain and a real, all-electric EV driving experience with double the range of the previous generation model.

This significant increase in EV driving range is based on technological improvements in three key areas: optimum battery development, maximising EV driving performance and increasing recharging speed to enhance convenience.

Located under the rear loadspace, a large capacity lithium-ion battery is fundamental to the new Toyota PHV’s significantly improved 50 km EV range. Battery volume has been increased from 87 to 145 litres, its energy capacity doubled from 4.4 to 8.8 kWh and yet, at 120 kg, it’s just 50% heavier than its predecessor.

EV power has also been increased by some 83% thanks to the development of the Toyota’s first hybrid powertrain to feature a Dual Motor Drive System. A new, highly-compact one-way clutch within the transaxle allows the hybrid system generator to act as a second electric motor. This boosts EV driving power to 68 kW for better acceleration and an even more engaging performance, whilst greatly reducing engine start up frequency.

The further minimising of engine usage whilst the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is operating in EV drive mode is assured through the enhanced efficiency of the new PHV system, which builds on the 4^thgeneration full hybrid technology powering the new Prius with several sophisticated new technologies.

Another world first, the auto air-conditioning is now powered by a gas-injection heat pump which will heat the cabin in outside temperatures as low as -10 degrees C, without starting the engine, hence minimising the impact which heating the interior has on EV driving range.

Far more efficient than engine heating or high power electric water heaters, the heat pump can efficiently warm the interior using heat absorbed from the outside air. Mounted to the heat pump system, the gas-injection mechanism ensures heating performance even when outside temperatures are low.

Moreover, during charging, a new battery warming system will warm the cells to an efficient working temperature in outside conditions as cold as -20 degrees C. This ensures that both battery power and efficiency are maintained at a sufficient level to minimise the impact of cold weather on EV driving range, with full power available from start off in even very cold conditions.

Its maximum charging power increased from 2 to 3.3 kW, the battery itself can be fully charged up to 65% more quickly; in only 2 hours using the Type II Mode III Mennekes connector, and 3 hours and 10 minutes using a standard household plug socket. The charging process is now programmable weekly on a day-by-day basis, and includes the facility to simultaneously charge and pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin.

The full hybrid drive system’s new transaxle is combined with a new, highly efficient PCU system control unit to give the Prius Plug-in Hybrid extraordinary overall operating efficiency. It combines improved EV and HV driving performance with a targeted average fuel consumption of only 1.0* l/100km and CO₂ emissions of just 22* g/km.

Striking, Stand-alone, Aerodynamic Styling

Sharing the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform of the latest Prius, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid’s striking, highly aerodynamic design builds on the iconic Prius profile with unique styling elements which hint at the advanced technology within.

At 4,645 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,470 mm high, the new Toyota PHV is 165 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 20 mm lower than its predecessor, with front and rear overhangs lengthened by 25 mm and 80 mm respectively, over the 4th generation Prius. A reduction in cowl height and in rear spoiler height further emphasises the car’s long, sleek side silhouette and low centre of gravity.

A powerful evolution of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design themes, the front of the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid is instantly recognisable from the standard Prius through a highly three-dimensional acrylic grille treatment and thin, ultra-compact 4-LED headlamp units featuring new adaptive technology.

The strong forward projection of the grille is emphasised by the highly aerodynamic sculp-ting of the bumper sides, whilst the vertical location of the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and LED turn indicators at the extreme edges of the front fenders reinforce the low, wide, ground-hugging stance of the vehicle.

In profile, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid may be identified not only by its longer rear overhang and lower cowl and rear spoiler heights, but also by PHV-specific, two-tone 15” alloy wheels designed to enhance brake cooling.

To the rear, the cross-sectional shape of the PHV-unique, aerodynamics-enhancing, ‘double-bubble’ rear screen is carried into the curve of the rear spoiler, at the extremities of which are integrated rear LED light clusters, again unique to the Toyota PHV.

A comprehensive aerodynamics package is key to achieving the fuel consumption reducing benefits of a remarkably low, class-leading drag coefficient of only Cd 0.25.

The new Toyota PHV builds on the already highly efficient aerodynamics of the latest Prius with a lower roof and rear spoiler height, an enlarged area of underbody covers, airflow rectifying front and rear bumper corners, the double-bubble rear screen and aero stabiliser fins built into the rear combination lamps.

In addition, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a shutter built into the lower front grille, which is automatically opened or closed to optimise the flow of cooling air into the engine bay, reducing air resistance.

When the engine is cold, the grille shutter is closed to suppress engine cooling airflow and shorten the engine warm-up time, contributing to lower fuel consumption.

‘Iconic Human Tech’ Interior Design

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid shares the dashboard design of the latest Prius; a clear, structural arrangement of layered information which places the driver’s meters at distance and the displays close at hand.

However, the new Toyota PHV benefits from a larger, 8” infotainment screen with updated, 2016 graphics. The dual 4.2” TFT driver’s meters also feature PHV-specific graphics. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid instrument panel may be further identified through high-quality, satin chrome-plated ornamentation on the white base of the shift panel.

The new Toyota PHV shares the same new front seat design as the Prius, which offers improved seat cushion comfort to reduce driving fatigue. Maximising occupant space and the quality of the on-board environment, rear accommodation comprises two seats separated by a central console.

The luggage deck has been raised by 160 mm to accommodate the larger plug-in hybrid system battery, with maximum loadspace volume now 360 litres.

Advanced Technology for Greater Efficiency

Every aspect of the advanced technology aboard the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid has been designed to improve the efficiency of the vehicle’s PHV powertrain, and to promote an environmentally-conscientious lifestyle.

The successful development of technology first revealed on the Auris HSD concept in 2010, the roof of the new Toyota PHV can incorporate a large solar panel which generates electricity to charge the hybrid system battery.

When the vehicle is parked (but not plugged in to a charging socket), the solar roof charges a solar battery which, when fully charged, delivers a pumping charge to the main HV battery.

During driving, the solar charging system charges the 12 volt auxiliary battery, compensating for auxiliary load and thereby reducing the energy consumption of the main HV battery.

Solar charging can increase the EV driving range of the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid by up to maximum 5 km per day, equating to some 1,000 km of all-electric driving per annum.

The range of driving modes available now includes a Battery Charge Mode which uses the engine to generate electricity and charge the battery when the vehicle is operating in HV mode.

The new, dual-zone, gas injection heat pump air-conditioning system is equipped with S-Flow control, which automatically controls the cabin air vents in relation to passenger seat occupancy, maintaining comfort whilst reducing power consumption.

Multi-LED headlamps also reduce power consumption, whilst a CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) tailgate -a world first for a mass production vehicle- reduces weight to further enhance the hybrid drive system’s efficiency.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid further benefits from a wireless phone charging platform, a large, colour head-up display, a new, Simple Intelligent Parking Assist (S-IPA) system, and an enhanced Toyota Safety Sense system incorporating two features new to the Toyota PHV; Pre-Collision Safety with a pedestrian recognition function, and Full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, which can slow the car to a standstill when necessary.

TNGA Platform for Responsive, 

Engaging Handling

The Toyota New Global Architecture-based platform plays a defining role in the Plug-in Hybrid’s rewarding driving experience, giving the car a lower centre of gravity compared to the current model, and securing a more engaging driving position and more precise and responsive handling, with less body roll.

These qualities are also enhanced by the Prius Plug-in Hybrid’s new double wishbone rear suspension, which produces one-third the level of shock when driving on uneven roads compared to the current model. To achieve better handling with more direct response, the front MacPherson strut suspension has also been revised.

The significantly improved dynamic characteristics of the new chassis are matched by the more responsive character of the new plug-in full hybrid system. The 83% boost in EV power due to the hybrid transaxle’s Dual Motor Drive System offers drivers highly responsive acceleration characteristics.

Finally - and complimenting the quietness that comes from the improved EV capabilities - a particular focus has been placed on minimising NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). 

The optimum placement of sound suppressing and absorbing materials at the source of noise offers occupants unique levels of cabin quietness.

The principal change for the 2016 range is the installation of the latest version of Toyota Touch 2, Toyota’s touchscreen-controlled multimedia system. Avensis benefits from latest iteration of the technology, as previewed at this year’s Geneva motor show. The home screen menu has been redesigned and access to the My Toyota online customer portal has been made simpler.

The satellite navigation package has been rationalised into a single customer offer – Toyota Touch 2 with Go – with the added benefit of three years’ free map and connectivity updates*. This can be extended by a further two years, if desired. This gives peace of mind that journeys can be planned accurately, with access to apps giving the latest on traffic flow, weather, fuel prices, parking availability and other useful information. The system can be linked to a number of on-line service providers, including Google Search, Google Streetview, Aupeo!, Aha and Twitter.

The Avensis sedan and Touring Sports are newly available with an optional Platinum Bronze exterior paint finish. A new 16-inch alloy wheel design has also been introduced to the 2016 line-up, which is on sale now.

The new Toyota Avensis, launched in 2015, has firmly established the model’s credentials as a strong and attractive market competitor. Built and designed in Europe and for Europe, it offers prestigious, dynamic styling, rich sensory quality inside and out and, thanks to precision chassis and steering engineering, a rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Customers are appreciating the benefits of the improved CO2 performance across the range of powertrains, including the new 1.6 and 2.0-litre Euro 6-compliant diesels, performance that attracts significant tax benefits in several European markets, strengthening the car’s profile as a sound proposition for the fleet and business market.

The Avensis has also pioneered Toyota innovation in active safety, with the standard provision of the Toyota Safety Sense systems package on all models.