The growing number of comparison websites are a great tool for finding competitive insurance quotes, but it’s worth shopping around a few to find the best deal. No one site has every insurer, and some companies, such as Direct Line and Norwich Union, refuse to be quoted on comparison sites. Three of the best for car insurance are confused.com, gocompare.com and tescocompare.com.

Third party or fully comprehensive?

Third party insurance will only cover the other person’s costs if you have a crash. If you have an accident and it’s your fault - or you don’t get the other driver’s details - then you won’t get anything back. Comprehensive insurance will pay out in all situations, but costs more. You’re legally required to have car insurance, but if you’ve got an old car, it may not be worth paying for anything more than third party. If your car’s newer and more expensive, the extra cost is probably well worth it.

How can I lower my insurance premium?

Women tend to pay lower premiums than men, and married couples tend to pay less than non-married. Conversely, young drivers tend to pay very high rates. If you’re under 25, it may be worth considering a pay-as-you-go scheme, such as More Than’s Drive Time, which helps to lower the cost by monitoring driving habits. Another way to lower your premium is to pay annually rather than monthly, which carries a hefty mark-up. Finally, don’t get any speeding tickets. These push your premiums up for several years.

What’s wrong with the cheapest policy?

Be careful to compare all the policy details before you decide which insurer to go for. Check how large the excess is - it’s often quite high on the cheapest policies. Also, ensure you’ve entered your details correctly. Any false information could invalidate your whole policy.

Tags: Carinsurance

The world’s largest reinsurer also said it had taken steps to reduce its exposure to corporate bonds, equities and the underlying quality of its reinsurance business. “The company is doing the right thing because it said it will reduce exposure to corporate bonds and structured assets,” said analyst Rene Locher at Sal. Oppenheim.

Swiss Re shares were indicated to open some 2 percent higher, according to pre-market data from Clariden Leu.

Swiss Re said it maintains its targets of earnings per share growth of 10 percent and return on equity of 14 percent over the cycle and sees opportunities for attractive returns from its Life & Health and Admin Re operations.

But the reinsurer had a mark-to-market loss of CHF 245 million ($225 million) between June 30 and August 31, 2008 in structured credit default swaps (CDS), the company said in a slide presentation.

For the period from the end of August to September 19, Swiss Re estimated a CDS mark-to-market loss of CHF 32 million [$29.5 million].

These add to previous writedowns of some CHF 2.7 billion [$2.491 billion] in its financial services unit, which creates products to transfer risk to capital markets.

“Structured CDS is the weak spot and we may see more of these (writedowns), but this is as the market expected,” Locher said when asked if today’s additional writedowns came as a surprise.

Swiss Re also said it had hedged sub-prime exposures within its trading portfolio and gross notional exposure was now CHF 3.2 billion [$2.95 billion].

Tags: Insurance

The accident was reported about 7:25 a.m. at Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue when the driver of the SUV was traveling at well above city speed limits and ran into a four-door sedan with four passengers, said Richmond police Lt. Mark Gagan.

The SUV overturned during the crash, and then struck the teenage girl, Gagan said. The SUV driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered critical injuries.

Occupants of the sedan were not seriously injured, Gagan said. Everyone involved in the collision was transported to local hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately available.

Gagan said the driver of the SUV was unlicensed and uninsured, making the collision an unfortunate prelude to a checkpoint being conducted in the area this evening targeting drivers who lack both a driver’s license and auto insurance.

“This accident is the type of incident we’re trying to avoid by going after any driver that is unlicensed and uninsured,” Gagan said.

Originally published by Robert Salonga , Contra Costa Times.

Tags: Carinsurance

Mr Murphy has over 40 years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance business and has held senior executive positions in companies located in the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.

From 1996 until his retirement in December 2007, Mr Murphy was the founding director and CEO of Island Heritage Holdings, a Cayman Islands-based property, liability and automobile insurer. He was responsible for providing commercial property insurance and reinsurance services to organizations in 16 Caribbean countries. Prior to joining Island Heritage, Mr Murphy acted as a consultant to Trident Partnership, and was employed by International Risk Management Group for 16 years.

Len Goldberg, CEO of Greenlight Re, said: “At a time when the industry is facing significant challenges and Greenlight Re is building on our strengths to continue to identify new opportunities, Bryan’s expertise and leadership will contribute substantially to our efforts.”

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080922/20080922006398.html?.v=1

Greenlight Re Expands and Strengthens Board of Directors with Appointment of Bryan Murphy Monday September 22, 2:15 pm ET

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (NASDAQ: GLRE - News), a specialty property and casualty reinsurer based in the Cayman Islands has elected Bryan Murphy to the company’s Board of Directors.

ADVERTISEMENT Murphy, 63, has over 40 years of experience in the insurance and reinsurance business and has held senior executive positions in companies located in the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. From 1996 until his retirement in December 2007, Murphy was the founding director and chief executive officer of Island Heritage Holdings Ltd., a Cayman Islands-based property, liability and automobile insurer. He was responsible for providing commercial property insurance and reinsurance services to organizations in sixteen Caribbean countries. Prior to joining Island Heritage, Murphy acted as a consultant to Trident Partnership, and was employed by International Risk Management Group for 16 years. His responsibilities there spanned all areas of claims administration, risk management and insurance underwriting.

“Bryan Murphy is an outstanding addition to our firm, with his significant experience and leadership roles in the insurance and reinsurance industry,” said Len Goldberg, CEO of Greenlight Re. “At a time when the industry is facing significant challenges and Greenlight Re is building on our strengths to continue to identify new opportunities, Bryan’s expertise and leadership will contribute substantially to our efforts.”

Murphy holds a degree in economics and mathematics from University College in Dublin, Ireland.

Tags: Carinsurance

– Profit before tax of £949 million [$1.764 billion], compared to £1.807 billion [$3.36 billion] for the first six months of 2007.)
– Combined ratio of 89 percent, which Lloyd’s said, “continues to compare well with our peers who recorded an estimated average of 99 percent for US P/C insurers, 98 percent for US reinsurers, 86 percent for Bermuda, and 96 percent for European insurers and reinsurers.” (the sources for the comparisons are given in the full bulletin)
– Investments returned £346 million [$643.3 million]
– Strongest ever central assets of £1.936 billion [$3.6 billion]

Lloyd’s explained the decline as reflecting “softening in market conditions and a rise in attritional claims.” Its investment returns were approximately 1 percent, reflecting a very conservative strategy. In the current financial turmoil that’s a good result. Lloyd’s noted that its investments had “outperformed many peers, but showed the impact of the extreme volatility in the capital markets, with both equity and bond holding adversely affected.”

Chairman Lord Levene commented: “We have reported a strong performance in extremely challenging circumstances. The result reported for the first half comes as no surprise with profits heavily influenced by falling investment income and increased cost of claims, while the second half will remain subject to the incidences of natural catastrophes.”

CEO Richard Ward added: “The market remains in a good position to face the challenges ahead even though the external conditions in which we operate are about to test our structure and resolve.”
The full report and Lloyd’s presentation to analysts can be accessed at: www.lloyds.com/2008interims.

Source: Lloyd’s - www.lloyds.com

Tags: Insurance

The Camry stands out in a competitive segment with its distinctive, athletic exterior design. It is built on a 109.3 in. wheelbase to provide outstanding interior room: 101.4 cubic feet of passenger space, including 38.3 inches of rear legroom. Changes for 2008 include new darker wood trim in the XLE grade. Classic Silver Metallic was added to the array of exterior colors, while Titanium Metallic was discontinued.

The Camry puts a sharpened focus on driving dynamics, especially in the sporty SE grade. The standard Camry powertrain is a smooth, 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 available for other Camry models provides outstanding performance with admirable fuel efficiency. The Camry Hybrid combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric drive motor and sets a new standard for the performance/fuel efficiency balance in a mid-size sedan.

Integral to Camry’s value is its fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway ratings for the Camry Hybrid. Four-cylinder manual and automatic Camry models have city/highway fuel economy ratings of 21/31 mpg, and V6 Camry models have 19/28 mpg EPA estimated ratings.

Comprehensive Safety
The Camry’s body structure is designed to absorb collision-impact forces and help minimize impact deformation to the passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements to help manage overall body deformation in the event of a side collision. Inside the cabin, even the seat frames are designed to help absorb side collision loads.

Dual-stage advanced SRS airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag are standard on all Camry models. The front seats use Toyota’s Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design.

All 2008 Camry models come equipped with a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Brake Assist feature is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Brake Assist supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Available as an option, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control regulates engine output and brake application on individual wheels to help control loss of traction in turns. Camry Hybrid is equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that helps control vehicle traction and stability through throttle control, brake application on individual wheels, and even minor steering correction if circumstances require.

Smooth Ride, Responsive Handling
The 2008 Camry offers responsive handling while providing the smooth, quiet ride that has helped make this model so popular. Four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear suspension system. Camry, LE, XLE and Hybrid models ride on standard 16-inch wheels of either steel (Camry and LE) or aluminum (XLE and Hybrid), with the sporty SE model getting aluminum six-spoke, 17-inch wheels as standard. All Camry models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

Toyota designed the Camry SE model to appeal to driving enthusiasts (or turn any sedan driver into a driving enthusiast). Chassis modifications beyond other Camry grades include springs, shock absorbers and bushings with firmer, sportier values than those used in other grades. Underbody stabilizing braces and a V-shaped brace between the trunk and cabin help to increase torsional rigidity in the SE model.

Tuning the SE chassis went together with optimizing underbody aerodynamics. Making the underbody as flat as possible helps to smooth and speed the airflow under the car, and engineers also specially tuned the balance between front and rear downforce.

The Camry SE gets a distinctive look with a standard full body kit that positions the car 0.4-inches (10 mm) lower than other Camry grades, plus 17-inch aluminum wheels, a distinct black, honeycomb-style grille and smoked tint halogen headlamps. Inside, the Camry SE is distinguished by a unique sport-trimmed interior in dark charcoal or Ash gray with a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and blue-colored optitron gauges.

Smooth Four-Cylinder or Powerful V6
The Camry’s standard 2.4-liter engine develops 158 SAE horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 161 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,000 rpm and can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an electronically controlled five-speed automatic. (The PZEV-certified version offers 155 hp and 158 lb.-ft.) The DOHC 3.5L V6 available in the LE, SE and XLE grades delivers a substantial performance boost with 268 SAE horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.

The V6 Camry models come equipped exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential mode for manual shifting when desired. Intelligent control adapts shifting strategy in response to driver input, with very fast kick-down response in particular.

Camry Hybrid
The Camry Hybrid provides excellent value and fuel economy. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive produces a combined 187 horsepower, and this system varies power between gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed.

The first part of Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of a 147-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine coupled to an electronically controlled planetary-gear continuously-variable transmission. The second part combines a small, high-torque 40-hp electric motor, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery, and a transaxle to seamlessly combine power from the electric motor and gasoline engine.

Because there are situations in which the gas engine in a Toyota hybrid completely shuts down, air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically. In addition, an ‘ECO’ button limits energy consumption by the climate control system and under certain conditions can help improve fuel economy.

Special attention paid to vehicle underbody aerodynamics, including the use of wheel spats and underbelly pans, helps yield a coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.27, which can benefit fuel economy. The 2008 Camry Hybrid is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), just one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard. It produces over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

Innovative Comfort Touches
The Camry’s roomy interior shows the attention to detail that has helped this model set such high standards for sedan comfort. Controls on the two-level dash and console are easy to see and use. Large instrument panel gauges are easy to see at a glance, and the odometer and trip meters are illuminated at all times to improve visibility. The audio/climate control panel features easy-to-use switches that are illuminated for easier use at night. A standard multi-information display provides the outside temperature, estimated range, average speed, average fuel consumption and a trip odometer.

With the 60/40 fold-down rear seats, Camry offers 15 cubic feet of luggage space (14.5 cu. ft. with the reclining rear seat in XLE or fixed rear seat in SE, and 10.6 cu. ft. in the Camry Hybrid). The trunk is equipped with a grocery hook, a utility box and a luggage net (on XLE) for added convenience.

The four-cylinder XLE model is exclusively equipped with special seat fabric designed to be gentle on the skin. The fabric is treated by the Fraichir™ process, in which it is coated with a naturally occurring component called Sericin that has been extracted from silkworm cocoons and refined. This substance contains a natural moisturizing component. The V6 Camry XLE is equipped with standard leather-trimmed seats.

A dual-zone automatic climate-control system that is standard on the Camry XLE and Hybrid models uses Plasmacluster™ ionizer technology to help reduce airborne mold spores, microbes, fungi, odors, germs and bacteria inside the passenger cabin.

In the XLE grade, the rear seatbacks can recline eight degrees from their standard position to enhance passenger comfort. Rear-seat passengers also get dedicated personal reading lamps on moonroof-equipped Camry models.

Camry offers many storage spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side-pockets. Storage options also include a large front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and an auxiliary audio jack; this box is big enough to store nine CD jewel cases. Other storage areas include an accessory box behind the shift lever containing another accessory power socket, a 354 cubic inch rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, and, adjacent to the shift lever, two large cupholders.

Camry Available in Four Grades
The Camry comes equipped as standard with air conditioning with micro dust and pollen filter; power windows and door locks; color-keyed power side mirrors; cruise control; halogen headlamps with automatic on/off feature; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; vehicle immobilizer, and a six speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack. All Camry audio systems can play CDs with MP3 files. The Camry LE adds an in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver’s seat.

The XLE’s list of standard features includes an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control system with steering-wheel controls, Plasmacluster™ ionizer and rear vents; a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth® technology for hands-free calling with compatible phones; wood-style trim; power glass moonroof; reclining rear seats; fog lamps, and aluminum wheels.

The Camry Hybrid offers a standard equipment level similar to the XLE grade and adds a standard Smart Entry and Smart Start system. Push-button start allows drivers to lock, unlock, or start the car just by carrying the Smart Key.

The premium JBL system, standard in the Camry XLE and Hybrid, includes an AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer with eight speakers and an eight-channel, 440-watt digital amplifier for low distortion and faithful reproduction of a wide range of musical types.

Options available on select Camry grades include a power tilt/slide moonroof; heated front seats; voice-command DVD navigation system; leather-trimmed seating; rear spoiler, and the Smart Entry and Smart Start system.

When the available voice-activated DVD navigation system is added to the Camry (SE, XLE, Hybrid), the premium JBL audio system integrates that system and comes with a four-disc in-dash CD changer.

Warranty
The 2008 Camry and Camry Hybrid are covered by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation.

The Camry Hybrid also has an eight-year/100,000 mile warranty that covers the hybrid–related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module, and inverter with converter.

Source - Toyota

America’s best-selling car, and winner of Motor Trend’s 2007 Car of the Year Award, continues to set global standards for comfort, performance and — with the Camry Hybrid — ultra-efficient fuel economy.

The gas version carries over unchanged for the 2008 model year with a price increase of $100 for each grade. The weighted average of the increase represents 0.4 percent across all grades. The base MSRP for the 2008 Camry sedan ranges from $18,570 for the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $28,120 for the premium XLE grade with a V6 engine and sixspeed automatic transmission.

The 2008 Camry Hybrid is a better value than ever as its price point has been lowered significantly, making Camry and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology available to more people. The Camry Hybrid is equipped with an array of standard features including a Smart Key system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Plasmacluster™ ionizer, sixteen-inch steel wheels, and AM/FM/single
CD audio system with six speakers.

Two new upgrade packages are available to those seeking more amenities. The upgrade packages are available with or without navigation. Both packages offer sixteen-inch alloy wheels, JBL audio, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, and HomeLink®.

Stand-alone options include power tilt/slide moonroof, leather-trimmed interior, driver and front passenger heated seats and heated outside mirrors. Camry Hybrid’s base MSRP begins at $25,200, a decrease of $1,000 or - 3.8 percent versus the 2007 model.

Both the 2008 Camry and Camry Hybrid will begin arriving in dealerships later this month.

Taking as their theme “stately presence—the ultimate minivan”, the new models represent a further decisive evolution in all aspects of product performance. The exterior of the Alphard emphasizes “elegance” and “refinement”, while that of the Vellfire accentuates “power” and “innovation,” thus creating two vehicles with individual identities.

A new platform allows for an innovative package, providing further expansion of the interior space and improved ingress and egress. Additionally, an extensive range of equipment—including Executive Power Seats for the second row and indirect LED interior lighting—is aimed at creating a supremely welcoming environment.  A revamped powertrain, along with enhanced aerodynamics and lightweight technology, allows the new models to achieve ample dynamic performance together with high levels of environmental performance, including, in particular, substantially improved fuel efficiency.  The new models also offer outstanding handling and cruising stability, as well as class-leading*² levels of safety performance, contributing to their status as Toyota flagship minivans.

*1 4WD models with a 2.4-liter engine are scheduled for an August 1 sales launch.
*2 Coined from “velvet” and “fire” to emphasize the vehicle’s “cool” and “passionate” characteristics.
*3 Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement


Monthly Sales Targets in Japan:
Alphard: 3,000 units
Vellfire: 3,000 units

Assembly Plant:
Inabe Plant, Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.

*1. Prices listed do not include recycling fees.
*2. 210,000 yen higher for four-wheel drive vehicles
*3. Not subject to consumption tax. 200,000 yen higher for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
*4. 189,000 yen higher for four-wheel drive vehicles
*5. Not subject to consumption tax. 180,000 yen higher for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
*6. Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent
*7. Super Intelligent, Electronically-controlled, Six-speed Automatic Transmission

*1. Prices listed do not include recycling fees.
*2. 210,000 yen higher for four-wheel drive vehicles
*3. Not subject to consumption tax. 200,000 yen higher for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
*4. 189,000 yen higher for four-wheel drive vehicles
*5. Not subject to consumption tax. 180,000 yen higher for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
*6. Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent
*7. Super Intelligent, Electronically-controlled, Six-speed Automatic Transmission

Vehicle Outline

Alphard for Elegance and Refinement, Vellfire for Power and Innovation

• The Alphard and Vellfire share a common theme of delivering a commanding presence and imparting an impressive high-quality feel based on the Toyota vehicle design philosophy of “Vibrant Clarity”.  At the same time, while the Alphard pursues elegance and refinement in its design, the Vellfire emphasizes power and innovation, so that the two models strongly present separate, individual identities.

Alphard

• At the front, a “V”-shaped line stretching from the front pillars to the bumper adds dynamism to the front mask, while the elongated large headlights and the dynamic horizontal bar grille make for a high-quality feel.
• The side view of both the Alphard and the Vellfire presents a sleek monoform silhouette rising in a single sweep from the front fender.
• At the rear, a “V”-shaped-line running from the rear pillars imparts a sense of depth while the solid bumper gives the vehicle a firmly grounded aspect.

Vellfire

• The stepped headlights and a horizontally accentuated grille create a distinct impression, while the front mask, which emphasizes the lines flowing to the sides, expresses innovation.
• As with the Alphard, a “V”-shaped line running from the rear pillar imparts a sense of depth while the solid bumper gives the vehicle a firmly grounded aspect.  The combination taillights adopt a stepped design using LEDs and clear lenses for a slick appearance.
• Both vehicles also feature Toyota’s first-ever rear wipers that fold away into the roof spoiler for a clean look.
• On models with aerodynamic trim (S Grade on the Alphard; Z Grade on the Vellfire), the firm balance between the bumper and side cladding panels creates a sporty image.  Meanwhile, 18-inch aluminum wheels create a “meant-to-be driven” look, while the combination taillights have a special smoked-effect coating that enhances their sophistication.

Superbly Welcoming Environment and Extensive Functional Amenities

Package

• The innovative package made possible by a new platform allows for a low overall height, even though interior cabin height has been increased by 10mm (compared to the previous Alphard) by lowering the floor 55mm.  Cabin length has also been extended by 75mm, resulting in both expanded space and improved ingress and egress.
• Optimally distributed sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials reduce road noise and engine noise to create an extremely quiet cabin.

Seating

• The front seat is fitted with a preset driving position system allowing the position of the driver’s seat and door mirror to be adjusted to a preset position at the touch of a button.  Meanwhile, comfortable heated seats, as well as a power footrest and 4-way power seat for the front passenger position, are among the features that contribute to passenger amenity and comfort.
• Executive Power Seats available for the second row enhance passenger comfort and relaxation by offering large footrests fitted to the back of the seats in front, power leg rests, as well as large headrests and armrests.
• Third-row seats feature an extra-space-creating mechanism that makes it substantially easier to fold away the seats.
• The long slide and reclining features of the rear seats make a wider variety of seat arrangements possible, while the second-row tip-up mechanism and the extra-space mechanism of the third row ensure ample luggage space.

Interior Atmospher

• Indirect interior LED lighting adjustable to four levels of brightness and extending back to the third row seats is standard on all vehicles and creates a smart interior environment with a high-quality ambience.
• A feeling of elegance and luxury emanates from the large wood-grain-motif panel in the center and from the center console, which has a decorative metal finish that is applied for the first time on a Toyota vehicle using the sputtering technique*.

* A vacuum-based method of depositing atoms of silver-gray metal chromium

Equipment

• The fully automatic air conditioner with built-in humidity sensors features independent temperature control for the driver’s seat, passenger seat and rear seats.
• The Toyota Premium Sound System, with a total of 18 speakers, ensures not only high-quality sound but also superb acoustics for a cabin of this size.
• For the first time on a car audio system, the diaphragms of the front speakers are made of a bamboo fiber material for clearer sound reproduction.
• Sliding door speakers improve rear-seat sound quality in a Toyota first.
• A total of six ceiling speakers ensure depth and breadth of sound.
• A rear-seat entertainment system, allowing independent sound control for the rear seats and also featuring a large 9-inch Video Graphics Array monitor screen activated by wireless remote control, provides a rich audiovisual environment.

Major Evolution in Vehicle Dynamic Performance

• The newly fitted V6 3.5-liter Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine, coupled with 6 Super ECT (Super Intelligent Electronically-controlled, Six-speed Automatic Transmission), and the 2.4-liter VVT-i engine with increased output, coupled with Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent), both provide driving performance with power to spare.
• A six-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission on 3.5-liter models and a seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic transmission on 2.4-liter models allow the driver to enjoy a manual transmission-like sensation.
• Optimal shaping of the bumper and spoiler, under-floor parts and other elements improves aerodynamics, while redesign of individual parts has reduced weight.
• In addition to the revamping of the powertrain, improved aerodynamics and weight-reduction efforts mean that, although engine displacement compared to the previous models has been increased from 3.0-liters to 3.5-liter for front-wheel drive models, fuel efficiency has also improved substantially, by around 7%—and by around 20% on the 2.4-liter front-wheel drive models—delivering both generous dynamic performance and high levels of environmental performance.
• A package with a low vehicle and floor height results in a low center of gravity and, together with the wide track and long wheelbase, makes for excellent handling and cruising stability with limited roll and superior riding comfort.
• All vehicles adopt large 16-inch disk brakes on all four wheels, while optimal tuning further enhances brake performance.

Class-leading Environmental and Safety Performance

• Efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions.  The 2.4-liter, front-wheel-drive models boast a fuel efficiency of 11.6km/l in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) with CO2 emissions under the test cycle just 200g/km, achieving fuel efficiency that exceeds by 25% the level called for by the Japanese 2010 standards*.  Both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have been reduced as well, meaning all vehicles have emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the MLIT’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles and qualify for incentives under the Japanese government’s Green Taxation System.
• In addition to an Eco Driving Indicator light that indicates fuel-efficient driving, a new Eco Drive Indicator display shows in real time the degree to which the throttle is open and the range of opening the driver should observe for fuel-efficient driving.  Together, these indicators aim to help raise the driver’s awareness of environmentally considerate driving.
• Toyota employed Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System), its original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system, to efficiently reduce overall environmental impact throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, from production and use to disposal.  Environmental targets were set in the initial vehicle development stage and a life cycle assessment was carried out to help the vehicles achieve a reduction of CO2 and air contaminants.
• A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) used, thereby also reducing the unpleasant odors emitted from such compounds and achieving the Japanese automobile industry’s voluntary goals.
• The S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) system, which is also a standard feature, optimally balances driving power, steering and braking in pursuit of stable driving regardless of road conditions.
• The Pre-crash Safety System uses millimeter-wave radar.  When the radar detects a high risk of collision, the Pre-crash Seatbelts provide better initial restraint capabilities for passengers while the Pre-Crash Brake Assist system decelerates the vehicle to reduce the collision speed and contribute to less collision-caused damage.
• An advanced GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) collision-safety body meets even stricter conditions by incorporating the concept of omni-directional compatibility.  Through the use of a body that effectively absorbs collision impact by diffusing it throughout its structure, Toyota satisfied all independent targets for survival space and occupant injury.
• Improvements in the body structure further reduce the likelihood of pedestrian head injuries in an effort to achieve one of the top levels of injury prevention in this vehicle class.
• Seven SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, including an SRS side airbag for the driver and front passenger, SRS curtain shield airbags that cover the front and rear seats and an SRS knee airbag for the driver, are standard on all vehicles in the two series.
• The front-seat structures are based on the WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept.  Both the driver and front passenger seats incorporate an Active Headrest that shifts to an appropriate position to lessen stress on the neck and reduce the risk of whiplash injuries sustained during a rear-end collision.
• The center seats of the second row (eight-seat models) and third row come standard with three-point seatbelts and headrests.

* Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy

Welcabs: Specially equipped vehicles with factory-installed features for disabled people

• Lift-up Front Passenger Seat models (Type A and Type B) have a seat that slides down outside the vehicle to facilitate ingress and egress.  Making the lift-up mechanism more compact expands legroom in the second-row seats and also allows for a longer seat-slide distance and a larger footrest.
• On Side Lift-up Seat models (detachable type), a seat from the second-row can be pulled out of the vehicle and used as a wheelchair.  The new feature of a movable footrest improves accessibility for wheelchairs.
• Wheelchair-adapted models (Ramp Type I and II), which allow passengers to board and exit while in a wheelchair, have an electric winch and foot-level lighting as standard and flattened floor surfaces and other features, all of which combine to enhance ease of use.

Alphard

*1. Not subject to consumption tax. Prices listed do not include recycling fees.
*2. 200,000 yen higher for four-wheel drive vehicles
*3. 180,000 yen higher for four-wheel drive vehicles

Vellfire

*1. Not subject to consumption tax. Prices listed do not include recycling fees.
*2. 200,000 yen higher for four-wheel drive vehicles
*3. 180,000 yen higher for four-wheel drive vehicles

“Our sales volume grew in 14 of the Euro 19 markets, while our market share increased in 16 of those 19,” said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe.

“These increases were achieved even after we had taken the strategic decision in some countries, particularly the UK and Germany, to limit our short-cycle business. In the UK, for example, this switch in emphasis has led to an increase in the number of vehicles sold to private retail buyers.

“It is particularly pleasing to note our performances in France and Germany where sales were up 27 per cent and 25 per cent respectively. Although driven in part by an industry recovery following last year’s increase in VAT in Germany and CO2 incentives introduced in France, there was visible progress in our performance in these two key markets. And Ford leads the market in Spain after the first four months of the year – a first for us in that country,” he added.

Ford sales in the Euro 19 countries were up by 6.4 per cent to 129,500 giving a market share of 8.1 per cent.

When sales in Russia, Turkey and the 30 Ford European Direct Markets are added, Ford of Europe’s sales for April totalled 161,140, an increase of 8 per cent over the same month last year.

Ford’s success in Russia continued with sales rising 17 per cent to 18,200 – a record month. Sales in Turkey also improved, by 7.8 per cent to 6,900, giving a market- leading share of 14.4 per cent.

The new Focus was Ford of Europe’s top-selling model in April (33,100) across the Euro 19 markets, followed by the Fiesta (26,900). Sales of the new Mondeo increased further to 14,800.

April was a record month for commercial vehicles in the Euro 19 markets, with sales increasing by 1,900 to 23,500. This record was primarily driven by the Ford Transit, with over 15,600 units sold.

In the first four months of this year, Ford of Europe has sold 550,700 vehicles in the Euro 19 markets, giving a market share of 8.7 per cent, up by 0.1 per cent versus the same period last year. Sales in Russia, Turkey and Ford’s European Direct Markets added a further 112,000 units, taking the total to 662,700 an increase of three per cent compared with last year.

“The new Ford Kuga which goes on sale next month will further strengthen the sales appeal of the blue oval, particularly as it benefits from the lowest CO2 emissions in the expanding compact 4×4 segment”, said Ingvar Sviggum.