Toyota develops Diamond-like chips for Hybrid cars to boost fuel efficiency

Toyota Motor Corp. in collaboration with Denso Corp. and Toyota Central R&D labs. Inc. has developed a silicon carbide used as a power semiconductor in automotive power control units. This material is nearly as hard as a diamond, which makes it one of the hardest materials in nature.

Left:Silicon power semiconductor wafer (transistor)

Right:SiC power semiconductor wafer (transistor)

“A key way to improve fuel efficiency is to improve power semiconductor efficiency,” Kimimori Hamada, a Toyota engineer, said in a media briefing.

Toyota hopes to cut hybrid vehicle fuel consumption by up to 10 percent by introducing diamond-like silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors in power control units in cars such as its Prius by 2020. Test driving vehicles with this technology are to be released on public roads in Japan within a year.

Right: PCU with silicon power semiconductors(Production model) 

Left: PCU with SiC power semiconductors(Future target)

“In December last year, Toyota established a clean room for dedicated development of SiC semiconductors at its Hirose Plant, which is a facility for research, development and production of devices such as electronic controllers and semiconductors.”

Toyota says this allows the engineers to reduce the size of the coil and capacitor in the hybrid vehicle power control unit (PCU) by 80 percent.

“In addition to improving engine and aerodynamic performance, Toyota is positioning high efficiency power semiconductors as key technology for improving fuel efficiency for HVs and other vehicles with electrified powertrains,” the company said. 

“Going forward, Toyota will continue to boost development activities aimed at early implementation of SiC power semiconductors.”

Toyota Motor Collaborates with FirstElement and Linde, hydrogen provider

Toyota said in a press release that it will collaborate with hydrogen provider Linde, which will build a public hydrogen refueling facility at the Toyota San Francisco Regional Office.

"The issue of hydrogen refueling infrastructure is not so much about how many stations; but rather, location, location, location," said Bob Carter, senior vice president, Automotive Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS), just four months ago at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas where he unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell sedan due to launch in 2015.

"Solutions are being found through collaboration between government, academia, carmakers and energy providers. Stay tuned, because this infrastructure thing is going to happen."

TMS and its affiliate Totota Motor Credit Corp. (TMCC) announced that they have entered into a group of financial agreements with FirstElement to support the long – term operation and maintenance expenses of new hydrogen refueling stations in California.

The assistance and the actual quantity will be based on analysis of the grant award to FirstElement by the California Energy Commission's (CEC) Notice of Proposed Awards (NOPA) announced on 1 May and final authorization of the NOPA, expected in June.

In accordance with the terms of the agreement with Toyota, FirstElement will work to establish an integrated and reliable network of fueling stations across California in target market locations that are certified by Toyota and regular with the California Fuel Cell Partnership Road Map.

"The first few years here in California will be a critical period for hydrogen fuel cell technology," said Carter. "California has stepped up with the offer to invest 200 million dollars to build 100 stations, and through this financial arrangement with FirstElement, Toyota is showing its full commitment to deploy zero emission fuel cell vehicles here in California. Perhaps most importantly, we are showing the future owners of this amazing technology that Toyota is helping to ensure that hydrogen refueling will be available, no matter what car brand is on the hood."

Toyota announced that Linde plans to build a hydrogen fueling station on TMS owned property located in San Ramon. Calif., adjoining Toyota's San Francisco Regional Office and Parts Distribution Center. This location will serve local and regional customers, as well as act as an important connector site between the Sacramento and San Joaquin, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

"This is just a start, but it's the first step in getting to the point in the near future where this technology will move into the mainstream," said Carter.

Toyota presently operates 14 manufacturing plants. There are more than 1,800 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold over 2.3 million vehicles in 2012.

Deal worth millions – Toyota Named Exclusive Auto Partner of the San Francisco 49ers and Levi's Stadium

Toyota and 49ers share similar focus of sustainability and innovation with Levi's Stadium while providing fans an unrivaled experience

Silicon Valley may be known as the home of Tesla Motors Inc., but it will be Japanese automaker Toyota putting its logos and model cars all over the San Francisco 49ers' new

$1.3 billion Levi's Stadium.

The Northern California Toyota Dealers Association and the 49ers signed a multi-year, multimillion dollar contract starting in 2014 to make the car company the "exclusive auto partner" of the team and Levi's Stadium.

In the context of the new 68,500-person Santa Clara stadium, the sponsorship deal will translate to a hulking "Toyota Plaza" at the Northeast Entrance of the stadium. Toyota will also get to attach its brand to 49ers touchdowns; "Toyota Red Zone" will flash across screens in the tech-heavy stadium anytime the team's offense makes it past the 20-yard line.

Specific terms of the deal with Toyota were not disclosed. The 49ers have already inked major deals with companies ranging from Yahoo Inc. to PepsiCo to New York investment firm BNY Mellon.

“Toyota’s roots in innovation and sustainability run deep,” said Henry Hansel, president of Northern California Toyota Dealers Advertising Association. “Given the 49ers new home in Santa Clara combines cutting-edge technology that one would expect from Silicon Valley, with an eco-friendly focus uncharacteristic for an outdoor stadium, a partnership seemed like a natural fit for Toyota. Toyota will be behind the 49ers every step of the way as they focus on nabbing a sixth Super Bowl victory.”
 

When it comes to the business imperatives for the new Toyota deal, a news release notes that the car company has already cornered about 20 percent of the Northern California auto market.

The joint statement also bills the partnership as an eco-friendly move, since Toyota is well known for its hybrid Prius model and the new 49ers stadium will be LEED certified.

"Toyota has utilized innovative technology to develop groundbreaking sustainable advancements in their industry for years,” said Jed York, CEO of the San Francisco 49ers. “Together we will present an unparalleled fan experience at the Levi's® Stadium."

Local manufacturer of eco-friendly cars, Tesla, could be considered a similarly tech-focused partner for the Niners. However, the Palo Alto company run by CEO Elon Musk has so far only dipped a toe in the world of sports sponsorships with a two-car NASCAR team set to debut next year.

Taking Trash Out in Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. receives EPA WasteWise award for 4^th successive year.

Almost all Toyota’s operational waste is reduced or recycled.

During the last four years, Toyota has reduced or avoided over 1.9 million trash cans at its sales and logistics centers across the country. By the end of April, the U.S. environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledged Toyota’s efforts to minimize waste and expand recycling with the 2013 WasteWise Large Business Partner of the Year award.

This title marks the second time TMS has received the Large Business Partner of the Year and fourth consecutive year Toyota sales and logistics facilities have received a WasteWise award.

''Toyota focuses on continually improving how we do business,'' says Chris Reynolds, TMS chief environmental officer. ''By reducing waste and increasing efficiency, we save environmental resources and lower costs for both Toyota and our customers.''

Toyota's sales and logistics centers avoided producing over 304 million pounds of waste, preventing a total of 98 percent of their trash from being hauled away to landfills or incinerators. That is the equivalent weight of 1,843 Endeavor Shuttles, like the one that Toyota Tundra pulled across the bridge in California.

The WasteWise program is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by EPA to help organizations achieve cost savings and preserve the environment.

For example, when the North American Parts Center, Kentucky, trucks drop off parts at the regional distribution centers, they are often loaded with plastic bags and plastic stretch wrap for the return trip. Such plastic is not easy to recycle, but Toyota has found a nearby manufacturer that combines the recycled plastic and wood to make composite patio materials, taking the plastic from packing to decking.

Toyota joined the WasteWise program in 2009, and in 2010 received the WasteWise Reduction in the Workplace Gold Honorable Mention Award, followed by Large Business Partner of the Year honors in 2011. Last year, Toyota was named the honorable mention, Large business Partner of the Year.  

 

 

From Mississippi State Plant to Export Toyota Corolla

Nine U.S. Assembled Toyota Model’s Are Now Exported To 32 Countries

Toyota Corolla is the automaker’s best selling model worldwide. That model is produced in Blue Springs, State of Mississippi. Since 17^th April, the Corolla is exported to Central and South America and the Caribbean. The best-selling model is now travelling to drivers around the world.

“Now our loyal customers in Central and South America and the Caribbean will experience Toyota Mississippi’s commitment to safety and high-quality, “ Masafumi Hamaguchi, president of Toyota Mississippi said. “The export of Mississippi-built Corollas directly supports 2,000 Toyota jobs, keeps our plant running at optimal capacity and increases opportunities for our suppliers and partners while serving our customers’ needs.”

 “Since 2011, Mississippians have been successfully producing Toyota’s best-selling model globally, the Corolla, for the U. S. market. Today, Toyota once again puts Mississippi on the world’s stage with the rollout of the first export vehicle manufactured at the Blue Springs facility, “Miss. Gov. Phil Bryant said. “This new export opportunity further strengthens Mississippi’s growing automotive industry and position in the Southern Automotive Corridor, while also demonstrating to the world that Mississippi has the talented workforce needed to build top-quality vehicles.”

“Toyota is to be commended for its long history of investing in U. S. facilities such as this assembly plant in Mississippi, and the resulting creation of tens of thousands of quality jobs. Toyota’s growing success in exporting U.S.–made vehicles is further evidence of its commitment to the U.S. manufacturing sector, “ said Chandra Brown, deputy assistant secretary for manufacturing U.S. department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. “Expanding exports and foreign investment are two of the primary priorities of the Department of Commerce. We are extremely pleased to have Toyota as a valued ally in these efforts. “

This year, the plan is to export more than 7,500 Mississippi-built Corollas to 18 countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Comparing to the previous year, export has increased by 5 percent, an all-time high for the company. In 2013, Toyota’s exports totaled in more than 130,000 units. Toyota expects that its export volumes will grow as the company capitalizes on the improving North American and global automotive market. Toyota began exporting U.S.-assembled vehicles in 1988.

In its 11^th generation, the Corolla is the world’s most popular compact sedan. Last summer, the 40 millionth unit was sold worldwide.

  

Toyota sponsors the 2014 Milken Institute Global Conference

The panel discussion by Chris Hostetter, Toyota group vice president of strategic planning was towards investment in fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure in »The Road to Profit in Alternative Fuels.» This marked the first year that Toyota participated in the Milken Institute Global Conference, as well as the first time serving as a sponsor for this annual event.

Bringing future, or how to bring the future of fuel efficient mobility to drivers across America was a challenge posed by Toyota during the 2014 Milken Institute Global Conference which was held in Los Angeles.

“Fuel cell technology is viable and ready for the mass market,” Hostetter said. “Toyota plans to bring a fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015 or sooner. Whether powering a vehicle or lighting our campus, hydrogen will play a key role in Toyota’s future.”

In a panel titled “The Road to Profit in Alternative Fuels,” Toyota group vice president of strategic planning Chris Hostetter helped advance the national conversation around the future of the fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The participants discussed the business opportunity for this promising 

zero-emission technology and the investment required to make it accessible and appropriate for drivers.

2014 marks the first time Toyota has participated in the Milken Institute Global Conference, held from April 27-30 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California, also this is the first time to an automotive company to sponsor the annual event in its 17-year history.

“Toyota is deeply committed to the future of fuel cell vehicles,” said Hostetter, “because it is a no compromise vehicle that offers cost, convenience, reliability, performance and safety that will match – or even exceed – traditional powertrains. But the future of fuel cells will be defined by the ownership experience and access to a convenient hydrogen infrastructure. The Milken Institute Global Conference is the perfect place to bring together energy providers, investors and a broad range of leaders to discuss how we can work together to make this technology a reality.”

Panel was moderated by Joel Kurtzman, senior fellow and executive director of the senior fellows program at the Milken Institute, and also featured co-panelists Yossie Hollander, chairman and co-founder of Fuel Freedom Foundation, Andrew Littlefair, president and chief executive officer of Clean Energy Fuels Corporation, and James Cameron, chairman of Climate Change Capital.

  
Toyota, which has put more than 6 million hybrid vehicles on the road around the world since 1997, has set hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a key research and development priority. The company has devoted to introducing a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell sedan (FCV) by 2015.  

For more information about the Toyota Car of the Future, please visit www.toyota.com/fuelcell.