On March 11, business ceased to function as usual in Japan, and in some cases, the world. But despite the devastation brought by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, Toyota – focused on its core principles of continued improvement and respect for people – resolved to return to normalcy and help Japan recover as soon as possible.

Just one day after the disaster, Toyota began sending truckloads of medical and emergency supplies and tankers of water, as well as providing emergency housing, vehicles and temporary relief sites to victims. Since then, Toyota has raised more than $5 million in aid funds for the people of Japan — a number that has kept growing thanks to Toyota’s North American affiliates, who are fully matching donations from Toyota’s North American employees.

Amidst this outpouring of support, Toyota’s dedicated team members and suppliers have worked closely to improve parts availability from Japan despite concerns of a parts shortage. Their efforts recently paid off with the announcement that vehicle production would resume earlier than expected, starting in June. Aiming to reach normal production levels later this year, Toyota plans to continue evaluating production, model by model, on a monthly basis.

In the meantime, Toyota invites earthquake relief supporters to send donations and heartfelt messages to friends, colleagues and neighbors in Japan via the Hope for Japan Web site at toyotasupportforjapan.com.

Supporters can also easily donate $10 to the American Red Cross through their mobile phone bills with SnapTag. To do so, simply visit Toyota on Facebook, take a picture of the SnapTag image with your mobile phone, then text or email the picture as instructed.

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The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by the American Red Cross.

Whether you regularly shuttle groceries in a Corolla or haul heavy gear in a Tundra, Genuine Toyota Accessories can help you handle everyday tasks with more ease and efficiency.

Backed by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty¹ or Accessory Warranty, Genuine Toyota Accessories not only help you make your vehicle more “you,” they may also help maintain or improve your vehicle’s resale value. And, unlike aftermarket accessories, Genuine Toyota Accessories are engineered for a custom fit to your specific Toyota, not a generic fit that may cause you problems during your ownership experience. Choose from a full array of products, including:

• Illuminated Door Sills — Say goodbye to unsightly scuffs, scrapes and scratches on the door sills of your Prius. Designed for a precision fit and finish, these enhancements offer protection from damage while adding a sleek, customized touch with blue Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination of the Prius and Hybrid Synergy Drive logos.
• TRD 18′x7′ 5-Spoke Silver Alloy Wheel — These alloy wheels¹ don’t just make your Corolla or Matrix look good; they make you a force to be reckoned with on the road. They are constructed of low-pressure cast alloy and finished with a durable bright- silver coating and snap-in TRD center caps. In addition, they provide better heat dissipation and greater rigidity under high-load cornering maneuvers, while incorporating the proper weight, offset and brake clearance for fit, finish and reliability.
• Cargo Net – The stylish yet rugged FJ Cruiser is perfectly capable of handling a little dirt, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep its interior as clean as possible. Rely on this durable mesh cargo net to organize the cargo area and items from sliding around. Designed to help keep a variety of everyday items from shifting or tipping over, the net installs in seconds, attaches to defined points for easy accessibility and can be left attached or easily detached when not in use and stored away.
• Bed Rug – Maximize the comfort and productivity of your Tundra’s bed with this innovative 100% plastic rug that looks and feels like real carpet. Slip- and skid-resistant, it’s perfect for keeping precious cargo from sliding around the truck bed during quick acceleration, hard braking or sharp turns. It’s also custom-molded to fit the entire truck bed – including the front headwall, floor, wheel wells and tailgate interior –  and treated to resist fading, mildew, chemicals and stains for long-term durability.

Explore even more possibilities at toyota.com/accessories, where you can view which accessories are custom-made for your vehicle. To purchase Genuine Toyota Accessories, visit your local dealer. (Find one near you at toyota.com/dealers.)

¹18-inch. performance tires are often expected to experience greater tire wear than conventional tires. Tire life may be substantially less than 24,000 miles, depending upon tires used and driving conditions.

America’s favorite hybrid recently reached an epic milestone — its one-millionth sale in the U.S. — prompting Prius drivers across the country to wonder about how much CO₂ they’ve saved as part of the Prius Goes Platinum online celebration.

“Since the Prius went on sale 11 years ago, not a year has gone by when it hasn’t been the No. 1-selling hybrid vehicle in the U.S,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “Prius has become synonymous with the word ‘hybrid,’ and as we see fuel prices starting to rise again, it has accounted for more than 60% of hybrid passenger car sales so far this year.”

This has been the third major achievement for Toyota’s hybrid lineup since October 2010, when Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) announced that worldwide Prius sales topped 2 million. In March 2011, overall global Toyota hybrid sales passed 3 million.

“Since the introduction of the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid gas-electric vehicle, 13 other auto brands have seen the benefits of hybrid technology and joined the hybrid market,” Carter added. In an inspiring run, the 3rd generation Prius has maintained Best Overall Value of the Year for the past nine years in a row,¹ and earned the highest owner loyalty of any mid-size car for four of the past five years.² The 3rd generation Prius also topped the EPA’s list of the Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles for 2011.³

To date, more than 97% of all Prius sold since 2000 are still on the road. That means that we estimate that the Prius, when compared to the average car, has saved American consumers more than an estimated 881 million gallons of gas, $2.19 billion in fuel costs and 12.4 million tons of CO₂ emissions.

To join the celebration and see how much CO₂ your Prius has saved, visit toyotapriusprojects.com today to create and share your unique Prius Goes Platinum digital badge.

To learn more about the Prius, and to get first dibs⁴ on ordering the much-anticipated Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) before the general public, visit toyota.com/prius.

¹2011 IntelliChoice, www.IntelliChoice.com; Passenger Car.

²According to Polk statistics for the Mid/Full-size Car Category in the 2010 model year,  Toyota Prius ranked highest by having the greatest percentage of households return to purchase or lease another Toyota Prius vehicle.

³Fueleconomy.gov, 2011 Most and Least Fuel-Efficient Vehicles.

⁴Registrants can reserve the Prius Plug-in prior to the general public while quantities last.

For the first time in its 14-year history, the Toyota International Teacher Program has selected 24 U.S. teachers to study in South Africa in order to help enhance environmental and global awareness in schools.

 ”The expansion of the Toyota International Teacher Program to South Africa, and our partnership with the Western Cape school system, provides a meaningful opportunity for a broad spectrum of teachers to connect and integrate environmental and cultural themes in various disciplines,” said Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

 During their trip, taking place July 24 to August 10, 2011, the teachers will visit Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Cape Town and Kruger National Park to learn firsthand about sustainability and conservation efforts in South Africa, the country’s rich cultural heritage, and the economic and political issues facing the country today.

 Included in their itinerary is a visit to the Apartheid Museum and Soweto Township in Johannesburg, as well as a tour of Toyota’s South African plant in Durban, where teachers will learn about Toyota South Africa’s efforts to support local schools and educators. The group will also partner with Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, as well as collaborate for the first time with local South African teachers during five days of shared learning activities and visits to local schools in Cape Town.

 Throughout this unique experience, teachers will stay in touch with their students by posting blogs, photos and lesson plans via personalized virtual classrooms on toyota4education.com.

 Representing 18 states and selected from a record-high 1,026 applications, the educators were chosen through a competitive, merit-based process administered by Institute of International Education (IIE), the nation’s most experienced nonprofit educational exchange organization. Selection criteria included professional qualifications, evidence of interest in international education, and feasibility of incorporating the study experience into the curriculum.

 Over the course of the Toyota International Teacher Program’s history, a total of 635 teachers nationwide have traveled to Japan, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. To learn more about the program, visit iie.org; or to learn more about Toyota’s philanthropic efforts, visit toyota.com.

Whether you regularly shuttle family members or haul bulky items throughout the day, Genuine Toyota Camry Accessories can help you handle everyday tasks in your Camry with more ease and efficiency.

Backed by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited warranty or Toyota Accessory Warranty, Genuine Toyota Accessories not only help you make your Camry more “you,” they also may help maintain or increase your vehicle’s resale value. And, unlike after-market accessories, Genuine Toyota Accessories are engineered for a custom fit to your specific Toyota, not a generic fit that may cause you problems during your ownership experience. Choose from a full array of products, including:

• Cargo Tray — This tough, molded cargo tray helps you carry what you need — from groceries to travel gear — while keeping your cargo area protected from spills, dirt, water, snow and other debris. Made from a flexible polymer blend and custom-fitted to your Camry’s cargo area, it has a skid-resistant surface to help ensure your cargo stays put and a perimeter “lip” to contain spills. Also, it’s easy to clean; just wipe with soap and water or hose it down.
• Door Edge Guards — Avoid dinging or chipping the paint on the edge of your door next time you’re parked close to another object. These affordable, body color-matched door edge guards preserve your Camry’s like-new appearance while seamlessly blending into its sleek, streamlined styling. Engineered for easy installation and custom-fabricated for a perfect fit to the door edge contours. Constructed of stainless steel, then encapsulated in a PVC coating and painted to match, they meet Toyota’s rigorous engineering standards.
• Rear Seat Entertainment System — This dual headrest system lets your rear passengers entertain themselves with movies, video games and music so you can stay focused on the road. It features two integrated DVD players with seven-inch LCD monitors integrated into the back of each front seat headrest, A/V jacks for connecting external inputs and two wireless headphones.¹

Explore even more possibilities at toyota.com/camry/accessories.html. To purchase Genuine Toyota Camry Accessories, visit your local dealer. (Find one near you at toyota.com/dealers.)

¹Headphones are for passenger use only. Do not use while operating vehicle.

Congratulations, college grads! You hit the books, passed the exams and now it’s time to celebrate. Toyota and Toyota Financial Services want to honor your accomplishment with one of the most competitive college grad rebates in the marketplace – $1000 toward one of our six new Toyota models.¹

Want the highlights?

Which vehicles can I choose from?

Eligible vehicles include a new 2011 Camry (except hybrid model), Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, Tacoma or Yaris. Vehicles must be purchased or leased through your Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services.

What are the terms?

No money down and no monthly payments for the first 90 days on select finance programs.² Competitive APRs and lease terms are available, making it a great time to get into some of the most popular Toyota vehicles in our lineup.

What type of degree do I need?

Customers who have graduated within the past two years from an accredited two-year, four-year or graduate program, and who can show proof of employment, are eligible to take advantage of the rebate.

Ready to buy?

Learn more about our rebate at toyotafinancial.com/college, and visit your local dealer for details and to schedule that test-drive.

And spread the word – our rebate expires January 3, 2012, so let all of the celebrated college grads in your life know how they can save today.

¹Rebate offered by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Rebate will be applied on lease contracts, first toward the amounts due at lease signing or delivery, with any remainder to the capitalized cost reduction or toward the down payment on finance contracts. One rebate per finance or lease transaction. Not compatible with the Toyota Military Rebate Program. Rebate available on lease or finance contracts executed through January 3, 2012. Rebate only available on the select new untitled Toyota models described above. College Graduate Program is subject to change or termination at any time. Some restrictions apply. Program may not be available in all states. On approved credit through your participating Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services. Not all applicants will qualify.

²On eligible finance contracts with terms up to 60 months, first payment may be deferred for first 90 days on eligible new Toyota vehicles; finance charges accrue from contract date. Deferred first payment not available in PA or in connection with the preferred option finance plan.

Toyota Financial Services is a service mark of Toyota Motor Credit Corporation.

TRD Quickshifter

Less time spent shifting means more time accelerating, so whether you’re shaving fractions of a second off a quarter-mile closed track or merging onto the freeway, you’ll get through the gears and up to speed faster with a TRD Quickshifter. Besides the shorter throw and faster acceleration, you’ll also experience a notchier, more direct feel of the transmission going into gear.

A TRD Quickshifter provides a more intimate, responsive driving experience. The concept behind a quickshifter is simple: decrease the throw between gears so the shift event takes less time. Typically, TRD Quickshifters can decrease gearshift throw by 25–30%. So, when looking at performance modifications, TRD Quickshifters are definitely one of the most affordable and pack a pretty good return on investment.

How a Quickshifter Works

Quickshifters are engineered differently depending on whether the vehicle is front- or rear-wheel drive, but essentially, they perform the same function. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, the quickshifter modification occurs at the end of the shift cable, at the transaxle. Several easily installed parts mechanically decrease cable length and thereby the shift-throw distance. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles are equipped with a gearshift tower inside the vehicle. The quickshifter is a replacement shift shaft that is longer below the tower and, more importantly, below the shifter’s pivot point. There is no change to the length of the shaft above the pivot point, so the quickshifter height remains the same as the stock height. The result is maximum movement below the pivot point and minimal movement above.

The TRD Difference

For both front- and rear-wheel iterations, the neutral transmission spot has been engineered to remain in virtually the same position and retain original ergonomics. TRD Quickshifters are manufactured from the highest-quality components for maximum strength, durability and ergonomic performance.

The front-wheel-drive mechanics are an exclusive TRD design with components machined from billet (solid) aluminum. The rear-wheel-drive quickshifter components are designed for mechanical integrity and tactile precision. Both deliver an enhanced driving experience.

Installation

Both front- and rear-wheel-drive components are engineered to Toyota specifications for factory-like vehicle integration.

Front-wheel-drive quickshifter installation requires minimal time commitment and mechanical background and can be accomplished by the savvy consumer.

Rear-wheel-drive shift towers require the removal and reinstallation of a few interior trim components. It is suggested that this installation be performed by a dealer or a competent do-it-yourselfer following the installation instructions.

The Genuine Toyota Accessory Promise

TRD Quickshifters are manufactured from high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure long-term durability and performance. Tests include, but are not limited to, durability, vibration, fatigue and corrosion. All TRD Quickshifters are built to Toyota specifications to ensure seamless installation and a factory-like integration and appearance. TRD Quickshifters are backed by Toyota’s 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty when installed by a Toyota dealer within the 3/36 warranty period, or 12 months on the parts alone when not installed by a dealer.¹ These warranties are valid at any Toyota dealership nationwide.

Visit your local Toyota dealership to learn more.

¹See your Toyota dealer for details.

Drivers who want to preview the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) need not hold their breath until 2012. Now, they can take the highly anticipated new member of the Prius Family for a test-drive via Zipcar, Inc.,¹ the world’s largest car-sharing and car-club service.

As part of a pilot program with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., to both evaluate the vehicles’ performance and help familiarize more drivers with plug-in hybrid vehicle technology, Zipcar has added eight Prius PHVs to its network in four cities nationwide: Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts; San Francisco, California; and Portland, Oregon.

According to Zipcar chairman and CEO Scott Griffith, since about a third of Zipcar members’ trips are fewer than 13 miles, there could be plenty of emission-free trips to come in the Prius PHV. Powered by a lithium-ion battery that takes three hours to charge and can be charged from a standard household 110-volt outlet, the Prius PHV uses only electric power for a maximum of 13 miles at speeds of up to 62 mph. For longer trips, the Prius PHV functions like a standard 3rd generation Prius.

All eight vehicles are available for reservation by the hour to Zipcar members throughout 2011. Visit Zipcar.com to find out how you could test-drive one this year.

“The PHV demonstration program is designed to gather real-world driving data and customer feedback on plug-in hybrid technology, and we’re excited to be working with Zipcar to further test how this technology could have even greater environmental impact by fitting into the car sharing model,” said Mary Nickerson, national manager of advanced technology vehicles at Toyota. “This program will help us to educate and inform the public on plug-in hybrid technology, evaluate the performance of the vehicle under different driving conditions and better understand the benefits to future customers.”

While Toyota is gathering data before the Prius PHV’s scheduled commercial release, Zipcar hopes to learn more about the potential for a future expansion of its fleet of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. (Currently, hybrid vehicles – including the 3rd generation Toyota Prius and a groundbreaking addition of the Toyota RAV4 EV in 2002 – make up 15–20 percent of Zipcar’s entire fleet.)

Prototype shown with options. Actual production vehicle may vary.

¹Zipcar and the Zipcar logo are trademarks of Zipcar, Inc.

Surprise vehicle repairs equal inconvenience and unforeseen expenses. Can you relate? Your answer is probably “yes,” but there are ways to help protect yourself and your vehicle in the future. Toyota Certified Vehicle Service Agreements (VSAs) have helped shield our customers from unexpected covered repair costs since 1996. In fact, a Toyota Certified VSA is the #1 choice¹ of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) owners who want protection for their vehicle that goes beyond the standard warranty. On March 1, Toyota Financial Services launched enhancements to our Certified VSAs, making them better than ever.

When you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle, not only do you get a superior vehicle, you get a sense of security from its Comprehensive warranty,² Limited Powertrain warranty³ and Roadside Assistance.⁴ A Toyota Certified VSA provides expanded peace of mind after your warranties expire by offering roadside assistance, travel protection benefits and coverage of eligible repair costs due to mechanical failure for up to eight years or 125,000 miles.⁵

Here’s what you get when the unexpected meets a Toyota Certified VSA:

• Extended protection backed by Toyota
  All Certified VSAs are backed by Toyota, so you can be confident your service will be performed by Toyota-trained technicians with Toyota-approved parts.
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  Every Certified VSA includes roadside assistance for the life of the agreement, good anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. If the unexpected occurs, we’ll get you back up and running with:⁶
• Towing to the nearest Toyota dealer
• Battery jump starts and flat-tire and lockout assistance
• Delivery of up to three gallons of fuel
• Substitute transportation and travel protection
  If you’re unable to drive your Toyota due to the mechanical failure of a covered component, you’ll be reimbursed for:⁶
  • Car rentals or other substitute transportation
  • Lodging and meals if you’re more than 150 miles from home
• Flexible plan options and low deductibles
  Seven- and eight-year plans are available to fit various driving needs and provide coverage for up to eight years or 125,000 miles.⁵ Plus, with $0 and $50 deductible plans, eligible mechanical failure repairs are covered and you’ll be back on the road in no time.⁷
• Convenience and transferability
  Toyota Financial Services (TFS) works with the dealer, so there are no claims to submit. Plus, plan transferability could help maximize vehicle resale value.⁸

For more information, visit toyotacertified.com or toyotafinancial.com.

¹Based on CY10 Toyota Certified VSA sales data.

²Whichever comes first from date of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle purchase. The Comprehensive Warranty covers any repair or replacement of components which fail under normal use due to defect in materials or workmanship.(Program not available in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.)

³Whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. See your Toyota Certified Used Vehicles dealer for warranty details. Program not available in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. For AL, FL, GA, NC & SC, warranty coverage differs in the following ways: 7-year or 100,000-mile Toyota Certified Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage begins on January 1st of the vehicle’s model year and zero (0) odometer miles and expires at the earlier of seven years or 100,000 odometer miles.

⁴From date of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle purchase. Covers most services, including flat tires, lockout service, jump starts, fuel delivery and towing for mechanical breakdown or collision recovery to the nearest Toyota dealership. Services provided exclude any parts required. Coverage not available in Mexico. See Certified Warranty Supplement for warranty details.

⁵Coverage is effective as of vehicle’s date of first use as a new vehicle and expires upon plan’s year or mileage limit, whichever comes first. See plans for details on coverage, exclusions and limitations. Plans cover mechanical failure of eligible components.

⁶See individual agreement for details on services provided and reimbursement limits.

⁷Deductibles apply to each eligible repair visit.

⁸Nominal fee required.

Toyota Financial Services is a service mark of Toyota Motor Insurance Services, Inc.

Toyota recibió un tercio de los premios BOVY “Mejor Valor Total del Año” de Intellichoice, durante la convención de la Asociación Nacional de Concesionarios de Automóviles (NADA) realizada en febrero 2011 en San Francisco. Otra de las razones por las cuales muchos consumidores continúan teniendo fe en los vehículos Toyota.

“Cuando se trata de elegir un auto inteligentemente lo más importante es darse cuenta de que no se trata solamente de quedarse con el más barato”, dice Charlie Vogelheim, Editor Ejecutivo de IntelliChoice. “En realidad el precio de compra es el primero de los costos. Luego, cuando se estima el costo total, intervienen muchos otros factores”.

IntelliChoice determina cuáles son los ganadores de los premios BOVY basado en los mejores vehículos de 21 categorías que representan el mejor valor total. Cada ganador se determina luego de un análisis de los costos con los que debe cargar el propietario, incluyendo depreciación, mantenimiento, reparaciones, combustible, honorarios, financiación y seguro.

De los casi 1800 vehículos nacionales e importados de los modelos 2011, siete vehículos Toyota han ganado un reconocimiento dentro de sus categorías por tener el más bajo costo total por tenencia y operación durante cinco años, comparado con lo que normalmente se espera.

Esos vehículos incluyen: Toyota RAV4 cuatro cilindros (camioneta familiar/crossover compacta),Toyota Tacoma (camioneta compacta), Toyota Tundra (camioneta de tamaño completo/servicio ligero), Toyota Avalon (automóvil de pasajeros premium), Toyota Sienna (minivan), Toyota 4Runner (SUV) y el Toyota Prius de 3ra generación (auto de pasajeros).

“Uno de los aspectos más importantes al comprar un auto nuevo, en medio de una situación económica difícil, es encontrar un vehículo confiable que incluso mantenga su valor por largo tiempo”, dijo Don Esmond, Vicepresidente Principal de Operaciones Automotrices de Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Para conocer aún más los valiosos atributos de los vehículos Toyota galardonados, visita toyota.com/espanol.