More specifically, Toyota is recalling approximately 20,000 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles from the 2006-2007 model years to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet. According to the company, if the floor carpet is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, it is possible that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may jam against the accelerator pedal and keep it from returning to the idle position.
According to local newspapers, seven new Toyota models had their interiors vandalized by three young men, aged 20, 21 and 28. We don't know what really caused this deviant behavior, but one report attributes it to the fact that the three vandals were allegedly angry "about American jobs going overseas".
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The creation of the RAV4 EV was a two pronged attack: Toyota engineers took care of the powertrain upgrade/engineering as they normally would a mid-cycle product change, while Tesla engineers developed the battery pack and related systems.
Toyota says that the EV version of Toyota's CR-V fighter weighs about 220 lbs more than a comparably equipped V6 model, but retains similar acceleration figures. Due to the weight gain (couldn't we call in Lotus to tackle that?), suspension and steering components had to be properly modified or relocated to maintain proper balance.
The big news for the 2011 lineup is the installation of brake override technology as standard equipment across the range. This technology is designed to stop a car if the brakes and accelerator are applied simultaneously (see Consumer Report's video after the jump) and was adopted by Toyota to ease consumer concerns over sudden acceleration of its vehicles.
Aside from the redesigned 2011 Avalon that was introduced with the safety feature, brake override technology is now standard on the Yaris, RAV4 SUV, Land Cruiser SUV, Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup truck.
There are more changes on certain models for the 2011 model year that you can check out in detail in the press release after the jump.
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Earlier this month, a Tesla executive announced that the maker of the electric Roadster will deliver two EV prototypes to Toyota by the end of July, without providing any specific details about the cars.
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The exterior updates are concentrated up front and include a newly designed bonnet, a wider grille with horizontal bars and chrome accents, new headlights, with projector-type low beam lamps and a reshaped bumper. These changes bring the RV-4 in line with the Toyota's latest models such as the Avensis, Verso and Auris.
Now to the updated Vanguard that was launched in Japan today. For 2010, the Vanguard benefits form a few minor cosmetic tweaks that include the restyled grille and front bumper, the new alloy wheel designs and fresh body trim.
Inside, Toyota added new standard features and redesigned the steering wheel together with the paddle shifters that are said to be more ergonomic.
Finally, the Japanese firm's engineers made a few changes to the Vanguard's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
-AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
-iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
-Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
-Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
-Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
-RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)
The company said that precise number of involved units is still under investigation, but may reach up to a total of 1.8 million vehicles in the Old Continent, adding that no Lexus or other Toyota models are affected by the recall to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue.
"Toyota's policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances", said Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.
"We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it. We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances. The announced action is a preventive measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers."
According to Toyota, there is a chance that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms on the affected models may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position
Toyota said that the issue is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn.
The Japanese automaker added that only a limited number of incidents have been reported in Europe, and that the company is not aware of any accident resulting from this issue.
Earlier this week, Toyota suspended sales of eight vehicles in the U.S. due to the sticky accelerator problem while the firm also added another 1.1 million vehicles to last fall's recall of 4.3 million vehicles in the USA.
For the record, the Toyota models not affected by the temporary sales halt are the Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
According to the company, the new sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of around 1.7 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats.
In this latest recall, the Japanese automaker said that it has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles even without the presence of floor mats.
According to Toyota, there's a possibility that certain accelerators may, "in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position."
"Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company," commented Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.
"This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible."
Because of the sales halt, the company said that it will stop producing vehicles on certain production lines for the week of February 1. The affected factories are listed below:
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky – Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
--Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
--Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)
Continuing the announcements on its revised U.S. market lineup, Toyota has released details on the 2010 model year RAV-4. Changes include the addition of the backup monitor system with rear-view camera and monitor integrated into the electrochromic mirror to the Base model while the Sport grade now offers a new optional JBL audio system with steering wheel audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.
Moreover, Toyota is expanding the availability of the Sport Appearance package that was initially introduced for the 2009 4x4 269HP 3.5-liter V6 models, on the Sport grade 4x2 and 4x4 versions equipped with the 179HP 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in early 2010. Other external cues include
On the outside, the Sport Appearance Package adds a specific rear door design featuring chrome accents and no spare tire (run-flat tires come as standard), color-keyed power, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a stainless steel exhaust tip and special badging while retaining the Sport grade's 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Sport Appearance Package upgrades the RAV-4's cabin with a chrome accented shift knob with a leather insert, chrome interior door handles, parking brake and vent trim, and specific doorsills.
*All photos depict the 2009 Toyota RAV-4 V6 Sport Grade with the Sport Appearance Package
Along with the 2010 FJ Cruiser that gains a more powerful V6 engine, Toyota has also announced minor upgrades for its 2010MY Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact hatch, Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV and the Tacoma pickup truck. With the exception of the Highlander that's expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in September, the rest of the 2010 model year range will go on sale across the States in early August. 
Beginning with the RAV4, the 2010 model receives minor styling enhancements that include chrome-accented interior appointments on the limited model. The MSRP remains unchanged for 2010 RAV4 with prices ranging from $21,500 for the base four-cylinder 2WD model to $27,810 for the 4WD Limited V6.
Toyota's flagship sedan, the Avalon gets rear-passenger auto up/down windows and a new exterior color, Sandy Beach Metallic. The base MSRP for the 2010 Avalon ranges from $27,945 for the XL to $35,285 for the Limited, which translates to an increase of $100, or 0.3 to 0.4 percent over the 2009 model year.
For 2010, the Yaris receives standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) that add $150 to the model's prices that range from $12,355 for the three-door model with manual transmission, to $13,915 for the four-door sedan with an automatic transmission.
The only updates for the 2010 Highlander concern an available backup monitor on the multi-informational display for the Base grade V6, and a power tilt/slide moonroof for the Base grade four-cylinder model. The MSRP for the gas and hybrid models remains unchanged except for the Highlander Sport, which gets a stainless-steel exhaust tip that increases the price by $50. The base MSRP for the 2010 Highlander ranges from $25,705 for the base four-cylinder 2WD to $41,020 for the Limited 4WD hybrid model.
As for the Tacoma pick-up truck, the 2010MY brings an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality and, well that's about it. Prices carry over unchanged from the 2009MY ranging from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the V6 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Buyers should note that all MSRPs mentioned above do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for passenger cars and $800 for light trucks.
* Tacoma Aside, All other Vehicles Shown in the Photos are 2009MY
