Toyota, Daihatsu Display 14 Vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2003
Tokyo, Japan, Apr. 21, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION and DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. began displaying today a total of 14 vehicles, including both production and concept vehicles, at Auto Shanghai 2003 (the Shanghai Motor Show), which is currently being held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Under the theme "Driving Excitement and Environmental Performance," Toyota and Daihatsu exhibits at the Shanghai Motor Show include the new hybrid passenger car HV-1, which features an advanced hybrid drive train, and the next-generation sports concept Fine-S (Fuel Cell Innovative Emotion-Sport), which uses the advantages of a fuel cell to achieve its unique design. Central to the companies' world-class display lineup are the Corolla, Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado, due to begin production in China from the end of this year or the following spring. Daihatsu will also launch its Chinese-market-only brand DARIO and display under it the Terios compact SUV scheduled to enter the market from the end of this year. HV-1 The HV-1 is a complete renewal of the first-generation Prius, which debuted in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger car. It is powered by a more-efficient, new-generation hybrid system aimed not only at achieving the world's best fuel efficiency and lowest emissions, but also at raising driving appeal. The vehicle displays its status as a leading hybrid passenger car through its new packaging and design and through operational controls featuring the latest in electronic-control technology, all reflecting the HV-1's emphasis on universal design. Fine-S The Fine-S, which features Toyota's proprietary fuel cell and hybrid technologies and an evolutionary design that goes beyond that of conventional cars, represents a new Toyota vision for automobiles. Its low center of gravity—realized by mounting the fuel-cell power unit and related components below the floor—and the exceptional drivability of independent four-wheel control contribute to creating a next-generation vehicle that achieves a sporty profile, while offering a highly efficient package able to accommodate four adults. Toyota TF 103 Formula One Racecar (replica) In 2003—dubbed the "Year of Challenge", the Panasonic Toyota Racing team is competing in its second year in FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) racing as a full-constructor team. The vastly aerodynamically improved Toyota TF103 F1 racecar features a new seven-speed gearbox and the advanced RVX-03 engine. Behind the wheel are new drivers Olivier Panis (France) and Cristiano da Matta (Brazil). A replica of the Toyota TF103 is on display. Expanded China Operations China FAW Group Corporation and TMC agreed on April 9 this year to jointly produce four different Toyota-brand vehicle models in China: the Crown, Corolla, Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado. Also, earlier this year, on Jan. 24, Tianjin FAW Xiali and Daihatsu agreed on the licensed production in China of the Terios. Corolla The Corolla is a vehicle that embodies the concept of "New Century Value". Sold in more than 140 countries around the world, the Corolla was designed to meet the needs of the times, and, as a leading passenger vehicle in the 21st century, it enjoys considerable popular support. Land Cruiser The Land Cruiser, known as "the King of 4WD", has enhanced its traditional fundamental functions of off-road performance, maneuverability and durability and has also increased its sense of prestige by adopting advanced technology and furnishings suitable for a luxury vehicle. Land Cruiser Prado The Land Cruiser Prado represents a new tradition by adding riding comfort to the Land Cruiser's reputation for superior performance and reliability even under the most severe conditions. It is designed to ensure excellent maneuverability and driving safety, while achieving the quietness of a luxury-class sedan. DARIO Terios (Chinese name: Dalu Terui, literally "understanding the road, extremely acute") The new brand DARIO is based on the concept of "a vehicle offering style, enjoyment and originality," and has been created specifically for the Chinese market. The new-generation compact SUV Terios is the first vehicle in the DARIO family and achieves a perfect balance between SUV off-road fun and city-driving functionality. New RX 300 The first-generation RX 300 (known as the Harrier in Japan) debuted as a "luxury SUV equipped with the basic performance of a high-class sedan". Its successor takes the effort one step further by being a new-generation SUV that features handling and safety performance "aimed at topping that of a luxury sedan". The new RX 300 offers better control on winding roads, a more comfortable ride and greater stability at high speeds on straightaways. Furthermore, the RX 300 uses world-first technologies to offer advanced driving support and Toyota’s innovative Pre-crash Safety system, which integrates preventive and collision safety. Other Production Vehicles Toyota will display six additional vehicles for a total of 14 Toyota and Daihatsu vehicles at the show. About Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation was established in 1937 and is one of the world's biggest automakers operating worldwide. The company operates a joint venture with General Motors in California. Toyota enjoys a strong 40%-plus domestic market share (excluding minicars). Boasts highly efficient production thru lean production system.For further information, please visit the Toyota Motor Corporation home page at: www.global.toyota.com/index.html <http://www.global.toyota.com/index.html> About Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. ( specializes in small, inexpensive passenger cars (including electric models) that it sells worldwide under such names as Cuore, Move, Sirion, and Terios (a tiny sport utility vehicle). The company makes more than 600,000 Daihatsu cars per year, as well as about 140,000 Toyotas, which it assembles on a consignment basis. It also supplies about 40,000 OEM cars per year for Toyota (including the Cami and Duet models) based on Daihatsu models. The company, which was formed in 1907, has four factories in Japan and exports to more than 140 countries. Toyota (#1 automaker in Japan) owns a controlling 51% stake in Daihatsu.For further information, please visit the Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. home page at: www.ingway.co.jp/~daihatsu/ <http://www.ingway.co.jp/~daihatsu/>