Commitment, innovation, efficiency, excellence: Toyota, Lexus and SCION
unveil the future of transportation at the Canadian International Auto Show

TORONTO , Feb. 11 /CNW/ - Drivers attending the Canadian International Auto Show, February 12-21 in Toronto , will be the first in Canada to witness a new future for the automobile, as Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) debuts Toyota and Lexus hybrid concept cars and customized vehicles from its new SCION youth+lifestyle brand. Many exciting models from the current year are also on display, including all-new designs for the 2010-2011 model year.

"Customer commitment, environmental excellence, fuel efficiency, and technological innovation are four ways in which the Toyota DNA expresses itself in our Toyota, Lexus and SCION cars, trucks and SUVs," noted Stephen Beatty , Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "We are delighted to give Canadians their first look at the Toyota Plug-In Hybrid vehicle and the Lexus LF-Ch luxury hybrid concept vehicle - plus three customized SCION models as we prepare to introduce SCION to the next generation of Canadian drivers in September."

In all, TCI plans to introduce nine vehicles to Canada this coming year - including all-new vehicles and all-new generations.

Must-see vehicles on display at the Lexus and Toyota booths at the Canadian International Auto Show include:

    
    -   The new, 2010 Lexus GX 460. This second-generation GX combines
        advanced performance, go-anywhere capability and Lexus luxury with
        best-in-class fuel efficiency.

    -   The new, 2011 Toyota Sienna. This extensive redesign of the minivan
        delivers new features such as second-row long-slide seats with
        ottomans. Plus, a special Sienna Sport Edition creates the first
        minivan that positively radiates "cool" style. The new Sienna starts
        at a suggested price of just $27,900, which is $1,600 below the
        starting price of 2010 models.
    

TCI is committed to maintaining its lead in the development of advanced technology vehicles that address society's environmental concerns. Two new examples will on display in Toronto as Toyota prepares, globally, to introduce eight new hybrid designs over the next few years. These are:

    
    -   The Lexus LF-Ch concept: As a luxury compact, the Lexus LF-Ch
        delivers a premium experience in a nimble form that's perfect for
        negotiating urban environments. The latest generation of the Lexus
        Hybrid Drive - the world's most proven gasoline-electric hybrid power
        train - features a switch that allows the driver to select between
        four drive modes. Normal, Eco and EV are joined by a Sport setting,
        offering owners a range of driving experiences from soothing to
        spirited. The exterior features an aggressive grille, wide front
        bumper and air dam that give the LF-Ch a powerful personality,
        reinforced by a commanding stance, broad and high shoulders, and an
        arching roofline that flows into the rear spoiler. Inside, Lexus
        designers created an elegant, contemporary and functional cabin
        trimmed in metal and leather to create a luxuriously handcrafted
        environment.

    -   The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (Prius PHV): With an electric-only
        range of more than 20 km and the ability to reach highway speeds on
        battery power alone, the Prius PHV delivers emissions-free driving
        around town. When the open road calls, the Prius PHV's full-hybrid
        gasoline/electric powertrain addresses issues of cruising range
        encountered by other, purely electric vehicles while making it a
        practical and greener alternative to the conventional automobile.
        Toyota will put the Prius PHV through real-world testing globally,
        including in Canada, starting this year.
    

In addition, the SCION display in the Toyota booth showcases three highly customized SCION models:

    
    -   The SCION Revault tC: The 2009 SCION Tuner Challenge winner features
        modern architectural elements, a custom wide-body kit, a turbocharged
        engine, and a unique in-car entertainment system - plus dozens of
        tuner modifications to enhance performance and handling.

    -   The 2010 SCION xB Release Series 7.0: This production model - a
        limited edition of 2,000 individually badged vehicles - features a
        four-piece DAMD body kit with side skirts plus front & rear lower
        lips, a unique TRD sport muffler, TRD lowering springs for more
        athletic handling, and a unique colour.

    -   The 2010 SCION xD by MV Designz: This model features a 5-Axis body
        kit, custom wheels, performance shocks and lowering springs, a TRD
        performance exhaust, and a customized Pioneer Premium Audio System.
    

"SCION's first 45 Dealers have been selected - including 20 in the Greater Toronto Area - and all are gearing up for our official Canadian launch in September, 2010," Mr. Beatty said. "Our urban savvy, high style, highly customizable models are exactly the type of vehicles the SCION Nation has told us they want and we look forward to reaching out to this new generation of Canadian drivers in a way that is relevant to their unique lifestyles. Moreover, our innovative approaches to marketing the brand represent the fresh thinking that all auto companies need if they are to reach the next generation of Canadian drivers."

"The Toyota DNA - a commitment to our customers, to innovation, to efficiency and to environmental excellence - gives us the map we need to build passion that resonates with our customers," Mr. Beatty concluded. "It is how Toyota will continue to ensure it is the car company that matters to Canadians."

For further information: For full product details and specifications - including a full list of media contacts and digital images - please visit media.toyota.ca