Toyota South Africa has introduced a revised model range with a distinct sporty flair for the Auris-range, now referred to as the Auris X range. The most notable change in the new Auris X line-up is the introduction across the range of Toyota’s Optimal Drive Technology. The new 97 kW 1.6 litre Valvematic engine, fitted to certain models in the Auris X range as an element of Toyota’s Optimal Drive strategy, has the distinction of offering the highest power for a naturally aspirated engine in its class in South Africa.

A 61 year-old US man apparently experienced the shock of his life when his 2008 Toyota Prius accelerated out of control and sped to over 90 mph (145km/h) along a California freeway. James Sikes told reporters he was driving along the road when he tried to overtake another vehicle. Suddenly the accelerator “did something kind of funny,” jumped and got stuck. He says he tried applying brakes but to no avail.

Along with the redesigned RAV-4 SUV and the revamped Auris, Toyota’s presentation at next month’s Geneva Salon will also included the world premiere of the showroom-ready, full hybrid Auris HSD that was first teased through a concept model at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) today announced the vehicles to be included in its recall service campaign to correct the accelerator mechanism in these cars.

TOKYO — The Toyota Prius was the top-selling car in Japan last year – the first time a gas-electric hybrid has clinched that spot. The Japan Automobile Dealers Association said Friday that Toyota Motor Corp.’s Prius was No. 1 in its ranking of sales by vehicle models – with 208,876 Prius cars sold in 2009, nearly three times the numbers sold the previous year. The big success of the Prius in the home market for Toyota, the world’s biggest automaker, highlights the growing consumer acceptance of green vehicles.