ToyoTarollsouTTheall-NewyarisCross

Available in HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), it is also the latest addition to the brand’s most comprehensive range of electrified vehicle offerings. According to TMP, the All-New Yaris Cross is expected to intensify the brand’s drive for carbon-neutral mobility. With its attractive price point, the latest model is Toyota’s most affordable electrified vehicle yet.

No less than TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto presented the latest model during the official launch explaining how Toyota hopes to bring the electrified lifestyle even closer to more Filipinos.

“In Toyota, we believe in a multiple pathway approach to achieve carbon neutrality. One of the ways we are empowering you, our customers, to help build a sustainable future is through electrified vehicles,” said Okamoto. “The way to maximize the environmental benefits of electrified vehicles is through widespread adoption. That is why we offer the widest range of Hybrid Electric Vehicles or HEVs in the market,” he added.

AC200 Series DE VELOPED under the Toyota-Daihatsu joint project, the latest model (AC200) utilizes the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. The All-New Yaris Cross exudes a solid and dynamic design inside and out. Dimension-wise, the vehicle is about 4,310mm long, 1,770mm wide, and 1,615mm tall. Wheelbase is 2,620mm long, while the ground clearance is 210mm.

Upfront, the design language is consistent with its bigger siblings, the Corolla Cross and RAV4. The grille features a prominent trapezoid design matched with a pair of sharplooking headlamps and a sporty-looking bumper. The rear, meantime, highlights a compact tailgate and geometric rear lights. Exclusive to the top-spec HEV variant is the panoramic moonroof to further accentuate the premium styling of the All-New Yaris Cross. The sport LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, fog lamps, and rear combination lamp design are standard across the board. The G grade rolls on 17-inch alloys, while V and S HEV roll on bigger 18-inch two-toned alloys.

Inside is a seven-inch TFT multi-information display complementing the standard 10.1-inch touchscreen audio display with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice command. Exclusive to the HEV variant is the six-speaker Pioneer system. Soft touch materials are everywhere, with fabric and leatherette seat material options, depending on the variant. Also, a wireless charging dock, automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable seats (V and S HEV), a power tailgate, and electric power steering (EPS). Interestingly, many USB charging ports exist (front and back).

ICE and Hybrid options

M O TIVATION comes from two engine options. The G and V grades share the same 1.5-liter gasoline engine as the Vios, Avanza, and Veloz, generating 106 hp and 138 N-m of torque. On the other hand, the top-spec S HEV variant is fitted with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine generating 90 hp and 121 N-m torque, combined with a single electric motor producing 79 hp and 141 N-m of torque. The 0.7 kWh lithiumion supplemental power battery is mounted under the rear seats. Both engines are paired with CVT. The HEV variant is also the first electrified Toyota vehicle to carry the HEV carbon neutrality badge, signifying Toyota’s strong commitment toward a carbon-neutral future.

Toyota Safety Sense

THE S HEV and V CVT variants are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). These features include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The G CVT, meantime, has active safety features such as Electronic Brake Distribution (EBS), AntiLock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). Moreover, rear parking sensors and six airbags are all standard, while S HEV and V grades have a 360-degree camera.

Luneta showcase; China’s dominance

THE top qualifiers of the Toyota Gazoo Racing GranTurismo will battle it out in a live e-racing tussle at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila’s iconic Luneta on August 24.

Free to the public, the event is part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival culminating the 35th anniversary of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), according to TMP’s Allana Faith Rufo.

The e-racers got behind the wheel in the third and final round of the virtual Toyota GR010 Hybrid in Germany’s famed Nürburgring GP track, giving them the luxury to experience the thrill of the muscle’s powerful four-wheel-drive racing hybrid powertrain.

David Enzo Ison placed first in the Junior Class, followed by Russo Gabriel Formoso and Satoshi Jacobo Taguchi Paredes, respectively.

Finishing 1-2-3 In the Promotional Class were Stanley Theodore Golez, Jan Rene Cortez Aldiosa and Benedict Salido. Russel Reyes prevailed anew in the Sporting Class, with Jether Lugo Miole and Matthew Spencer Ang finishing second and third, respectively.

The Top 8 qualifiers advancing to the National Finals for a chance to represent the Philippines in the Asia Regionals in Kuala Lumpur are Russel Reyes, Jether Miole, Matthew Ang, Mark Elman, Luis Moreno, Topher

Pricing and color

AVAILABLE in three variants, the 1.5 S HEV CVT retails at P1.598 million, the 1.5 V CVT at P1.296 million, and the 1.5 G CVT at P1.199 million. Available colors are Platinum White Pearl Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Scarlet SE, Attitude Black Mica, Dark Turquoise SE, and Attitude Black Mica for the S HEV CVT. For V CVT, Scarlet SE, Attitude Black Mica, Dark Turquoise SE, Greenish Gun Metal, and Platinum White Pearl Mica. For G CVT, Attitude Black Mica, Greenish Gun Metal, and Scarlet SE.

Lithium, a major maker of lithium products, with a chokepoint score of 6.8. Novoray, a major producer of inorganic compounds, scored 7.1, while Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, which makes cobalt materials, rated at 5.7.

“Heavy dependence on Chinese supplier entails risks.

Tejada, Estefano Rivera and Bob Villangca.

Rufo said that aside from the National Finals, on tap are the exhibition races on drifting and gymkhana by international and local drivers on August 23, led by Akio Toyoda, the Toyota Motor Corporation chairman himself.

More details of the multiple treats are available on Facebook and Instagram through toyota.com.ph/gazoo.

CHINA’S DOMINANCE

NEARLY 40 percent of the suppliers for materials used in Tesla's electric vehicle (EV) batteries are Chinese companies, according to a recent Nikkei report.

That’s a lot, another proof of China’s growing dominance in this strategic sector.

Excerpts of Nikkei’s find:

“China was the largest supplier of materials for the lithium-ion batteries used in Tesla's EVs, constituting 39 percent of the 61 companies in the ‘storage battery’ category.

“The findings have complicated implications as countries tighten regulations and boost investment to secure supplies of materials important for economic security. China appears to be gaining the upper hand in the global market for battery materials crucial for manufacturing EVs.

“Chinese companies that were found to be vital suppliers for Tesla included Ganfeng

“Mari Yamamoto, a director at Fronteo, said the most worrisome risk for Tesla is that a supply chain breakdown as the U.S. and China battle for global hegemony could make it hard for the American automaker to buy batteries. An EV maker faces the risk of production disruptions if a leading supplier of a key component stops shipping the product to the manufacturer.

“With the rivalry between the US and China becoming increasingly confrontational, Tesla is taking steps to lower its reliance on Chinese parts and materials.

“As we look ahead a few years, a fundamental chokepoint in the advancement of electric vehicles is the availability of batterygrade lithium,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said at the groundbreaking ceremony for a Texas lithium refinery in early May.

“The $375 million facility is designed to produce enough of the battery metal to build about 1 million EVs by 2025.”

PEE STOP Going strong is the colossal P740-billion, four-lane airport project in Bulacan being spearheaded by San Miguel Corp. chieftain Ramon S. Ang. Ang is the sole distributor of BMWs in the country. Once completed in five years or so, the airport will trigger a massive modern transport system, both land and air, that is so efficient it will become a global envy—not to mention job opportunities for a multitude. Cheers!