Post all rumors about USA intro of iQ here

[marinjim]

Many postings relating to possible US sale of iQ are under separate topics, lets put them all here..... 

[marinjim]

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/toyota-iq-to-become-scion-iq/

[marinjim]

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/10/toyotas-giving.html

[marinjim]

http://www.autoblog.com/tag/scion+iq/

[marinjim]

Possible big news here!!!!!

http://jalopnik.com/5115689/toyota-to-unveil-small-electric-car-concept-at-detroit

[marinjim]

More

http://jalopnik.com/5115870/toyota-ev-teaser-image-previews-new-exhausting-marketing-campaign

[marinjim]

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/12/toyota-goes-ele.html

[marinjim]

From 1/10/09 LA Times

Toyota’s FT-EV: more information released
Bloomberg is reporting more on Toyota’s secretive electric-vehicle debut. It’s tiny, it’s battery-powered and it can be recharged at electrical outlets. The concept version of the FT-EV “urban commuter” car will make its debut at the Detroit show Monday, and it’s a modified version of the iQ mini-car that was originally shown at the Geneva Auto Show in 2007 (shown here). Real photos will come Monday and no doubt more details, but it has been reported that the vehicle will have a range of 50 miles and will go on sale in 2012.

[marinjim]

Toyota amps up hybrids, plans an electric city car by 2012
Christine Tierney / The Detroit News
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to launch as many as 10 new gas-electric hybrids in the next five years, including the third-generation Prius and an all-new Lexus hybrid, the HS 250h, that it will unveil at the Detroit auto show.
The Japanese automaker also said it would market an electric city car with a roughly 50-mile range by 2012, and it will show an electric concept car, the FT-EV, at the 2009 North American International Auto Show to give an idea of what type of vehicle it has in mind.
The FT-EV electric car concept, shown two months after the company displayed a natural gas-powered Camry hybrid concept in Los Angeles, "signals Toyota's intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development," the automaker said in a statement Saturday.
Advertisement

 
But Toyota reiterated that it considers gas-electric hybrids its "long-term core powertrain technology."
In addition to the new Prius scheduled to hit U.S. dealer showrooms late this spring, Toyota confirmed that it would start deliveries of 500 Prius plug-in hybrids equipped with lithium-ion batteries to lease-fleet customers in late 2009. It said 150 would be delivered to U.S. fleet customers.
FT-EV concept
Toyota will display the electric car concept on Sunday, the first day of press previews for the auto show. The FT-EV concept shares a platform with the iQ urban four-seater already on sale in Japan, but the company did not say whether it would serve as the basis for the electric car it will sell in 2012.
"Toyota's FT-EV concept imagines an urban dweller, driving up to 50 miles between home, work and other forms of public transportation," Toyota said in a statement. It did not say what type of battery would power the electric car it plans to market.
"Last summer's $4-a-gallon gasoline was no anomaly. It was a brief glimpse of our future," Irv Miller, group vice president of Toyota Motor Sales Inc., said in a statement. "We must address the inevitability of peak oil by developing vehicles powered by alternatives to liquid-oil fuel, as well as new concepts, like the iQ, that are lighter in weight and smaller in size."
Such vehicles will improve the fuel-efficiency of Toyota's model lineup -- but the company said gas-electric hybrids will be its core powertrain technology. Toyota already is the world's biggest seller of hybrid vehicles and sold more than 400,000 last year.
Toyota officials say gas-electric hybrids provide the best combination of cost and fuel efficiency and environmental benefit. The technology is proven, the fueling infrastructure is in place, and hybrids can be sold in large volumes.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090110/AUTO04/901100420

[marinjim]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/klbxB1Droi4&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/klbxB1Droi4&rel=1</a>

Just posted today, seems there was a press release by Toyota today.

Here's the original site where I found this:
http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1016774_2009-toyota-ft-ev-concept-plugs-into-detroit-show

[redline]

PRESS RELEASE:


TOYOTA MAINTAINS PACE, BROADENS SCOPE

OF ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES


EV Concept Confirms Battery-Electric Vehicle in 2012;

First of 150 Plug-ins Arrive Late '09 to Lease-Fleet Customers;

As Many As 10 New Gas-Electric Hybrids by early 2010s


Detroit, January 10, 2009 - - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will display the Toyota FT-EV concept on opening Media Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), confirming its plan to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012. This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota's intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development.

"Now, more than ever, while we are so focused on the pressing issues of the moment, we cannot lose sight of our future," said Irv Miller, TMS Group Vice President, Environmental and Public Affairs. "Nowhere is this more important than with our industry's duty and commitment to provide true sustainable mobility with vehicles that significantly reduce fuel consumption, our carbon footprint and overall greenhouse gases."

The FT-EV concept shares its platform with the revolutionary-new iQ urban commuter vehicle. Already a huge hit in Japan, the iQ is lightweight and seats four passengers in comfort and security, while delivering exceptional mileage, sporty performance, unique refinements and a fun, youthful image.

Toyota's FT-EV concept imagines an urban dweller, driving up to 50 miles between home, work and other forms of public transportation, such as high-speed rail. Although, for now, the FT-EV remains a pure concept, it represents a natural pairing of product strategies.

"Last summer's four-dollar-a-gallon gasoline was no anomaly. It was a brief glimpse of our future," said Miller. "We must address the inevitability of peak oil by developing vehicles powered by alternatives to liquid-oil fuel, as well as new concepts, like the iQ, that are lighter in weight and smaller in size. This kind of vehicle, electrified or not, is where our industry must focus its creativity."

Although BEVs and new smaller vehicles like the iQ will be a key component of Toyota's sustainable mobility strategy, the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, is considered Toyota's long-term core powertrain technology.

Last year, Toyota announced that it planned to sell one million gas-electric hybrids per year sometime during the early 2010s. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch as many as 10 new hybrid models by the early 2010s, in various global markets. The new third-generation Toyota Prius and all new Lexus HS250h, both debuting in Detroit, are the first two examples of that effort.

Also, last year, Toyota announced that it would roll-out a large number of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) to global lease-fleet customers in 2010. That schedule has been moved up.

Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will start global delivery of 500 Prius PHVs powered by lithium-ion batteries. Of these initial vehicles, 150 will be placed with U.S. lease-fleet customers.

The first-generation lithium-ion batteries powering these PHVs will be built on an assembly line at Toyota's PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD) battery plant, a joint-venture production facility in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. During its development, the new Prius was designed and engineered to package either the lithium-ion battery pack with plug-in capability, or the nickel-metal hydride battery for the conventional gas-electric system.

The 500 PHVs arriving globally in late 2009 will be used for market and engineering analysis. Lease–fleet customers will monitor the performance and durability of the first-generation lithium-ion battery, while offering real world feedback on how future customers might respond to the plug-in process.

"Future customers will have high expectations for these emerging technologies. This Prius PHV fleet program is a key first step in confirming how and when we might bring large numbers of plug-in hybrids to global markets," said Miller.

"Our business is no longer about simply building and selling cars and trucks. It is about finding solutions to mobility challenges today and being prepared for more daunting challenges in our very near future."

[marinjim]

Toyota might bring IQ microcar to U.S.

BY BRENT SNAVELY
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Toyota Motor Corp. confirmed today that it is seriously considering plans to bring its IQ — a small three-seat urban commuter vehicle — to the United States during a speech at an industry conference in Detroit.

The vehicle, introduced in Japan last year, is smaller than Toyota’s subcompact Yaris and is about the size of a Smart microcar, which is made by Mercedes Benz.

“We think there is an urban market,” Esmond said, noting that Toyota has been watching the Smart’s performance in the United States. “We are looking real hard at how it would fit in….because if you look at urban markets, they are growing.”

Esmond said Toyota would likely import the car to the United States but declined to say when the company would likely introduce it.

He also said the promotion of Akio Toyoda, grandson of the company founder, to Toyota president is a move that is likely to benefit Toyota’s U.S. operations. Toyoda went to school in Fremont, Calif., and worked there, too.

“He knows the U.S. market,” Esmond said. “He’s made many visits to the U.S. He has a very good knowledge of the strength of the market. He has called on dealers.”

Toyoda, 52, is the first founding member to take the helm at Toyota in 14 years. He was promoted to president from executive vice president. He replaces Katsuaki Watanabe, who was promoted to chairman.

http://www.freep.com/article/20090121/BUSINESS01/90121063/Toyota+might+bring+IQ+to+U.S.

[marinjim]

Toyota considering bringing iQ ultra-compact to US
By DAN STRUMPF – Jan 22, 2009
NEW YORK (AP) — Toyota Motor Corp. is considering bringing its iQ ultra-compact car to the U.S., a top executive at the automaker's U.S. division said.
"The Toyota iQ microcar being sold in Japan and Europe is another example of a world platform that we may want to adapt to the U.S. market," Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations at Toyota Motor Sales USA, said at an industry conference in Detroit on Wednesday.
Esmond said the two-door car — which went on sale in Japan last year and in Europe shortly after — is part of Toyota's strategy to deliver more vehicles to urban dwellers. He did not offer a timeframe for when the car might come to the U.S.
The iQ is about 10 feet long, can seat up to three adults and a child and is smaller than the Toyota Yaris. It resembles the Smart fortwo two-seater, which is made by German automaker Daimler AG and went on sale in the U.S. last year.
The fortwo has attracted a following in urban areas for its small size and fuel economy. It boasts the highest mpg among vehicles in the U.S. behind the Toyota Prius. Smart sold about 24,600 fortwos in the U.S. in 2008.
Rebecca Lindland, auto industry analyst for the consulting firm IHS Global Insight, said one of the biggest obstacles for super-small cars in the U.S. is that many consumers here simply don't want cars that small, even in urban areas.
"There's a novelty aspect to these vehicles, and as long as the manufacturer understands that they're going to get novelty car volumes, then fine," she said.
Still, Toyota is counting on the iQ's hip design, fuel-economy and safety features as its primary appeal. The car comes with nine air bags for the standard model, including a curtain shield air bag that deploys from the roof lining about the rear window to protect back-seat passengers heads in a rear-end collision.
It gets 23 kilometers a liter, or 54.1 miles per gallon, under Japanese standards, the best mileage for a Toyota that's not a gas-electric hybrid, the automaker has said.
Toyota has made it clear that smaller, more fuel-efficient cars will be a growing part of its lineup. Earlier this month, Toyota unveiled an all-electric concept vehicle — called the FT-EV — based on the iQ at the North American international Auto Show in Detroit. It showed off the FT-EV alongside the iQ.
Toyota also unveiled the 2010 version of its popular Prius hybrid, and has said it will launch as many as 10 new hybrid models by the early part of the next decade.

[marinjim]

Just got an e-mail from Toyota linking to this article on the "Toyota: behind the wheel website":

http://behindthewheelnews.toyota.com/?id=154&cid=28-1D-88-3C-13-F6-F9-78-72-66-B2-D3-8C-02-69-99&mid=DB-0C-68-45-8F-B0-AF-FF-FE-8D-89-1F-7B-B2-C9-A9&fname=Jim&siteid=em_200902_RLA_btw_gen_segM&url=feature_text

FT-EV Concept Electrifies Detroit Auto Show
Updated on January 28, 2009

FT-EV Concept Vehicle
 
      
Tags: Vehicle Design,   Toyota News,   Research & Development, Environmental,   Concept Vehicles,   Auto Shows
 At the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the world got its first look at Toyota's FT-EV, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept. You may be asking, why are we showing this advanced-technology vehicle now, just as we are debuting the all-new Prius? Well, the answer at Toyota is simple: Right place, right time, right vehicle.
We believe there is no single solution to our future mobility challenges. What is the right vehicle for Tokyo right now might not be the best product for Kansas City today or Madrid next year. One thing is certain: Even in this difficult time for our industry, we must continue to look to the future. We are maintaining our pace for developing advanced technologies and exploring many technology options for future mobility.
We see the FT-EV concept as a great vehicle for the urban commuter. It is ideal for someone who drives fewer than 50 miles a day, mostly on flat surface streets, and has easy access to recharging options, such as a personal garage or a recharging station on a city street. While this vehicle will be perfect for the urban setting, it might not be the best solution for the rural dweller. This is why we continue to look at various technologies, such as the compressed natural gas Camry Hybrid concept that was shown at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
 
The FT-EV shares the platform of the Toyota iQ, a lightweight, four-passenger microcar that is on sale in Japan and Europe. This version is white with gold and silver design accents and a flared front and rear. With its lithium-ion battery, it will reach a top speed of 70 mph.
Look for more information in the future on the launch of an urban-commuter BEV coming to market in 2012.

[marinjim]

http://wot.motortrend.com/6488843/auto-shows/scion-iq-concept-to-debut-at-new-york-auto-show-can-it-win-american-hearts/index.html

Scion iQ Concept to Debut at New York Auto Show; Can it Win American Hearts?

When we reported back in early October that the Toyota iQ would debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show as a Scion, turns out we jumped the gun a bit by three shows. Apparently, the Scion-badged iQ our sources saw was headed to a Toyota dealer event instead of L.A. at the time. Nevertheless, Toyota will be bringing the rebadged iQ concept to New York next month as a pre-production look at the newest member of the automaker's youth brand lineup.

The iQ itself will come to market as a sub-$15,000 two-door subcompact hatch with enough hip, quirky appeal to potentially lure some buyers away from the similarly tiny Smart Fortwo. We're likely to see the 1.5L engine from the Yaris under the iQ's hood mated to either a five-speed manual or Toyota's Multidrive CVT.

When we drove a Toyota-badged iQ last year, we concluded that it rode more maturely than the Smart, but featured virtually non-existent rear seat room, an equally impractical trunk, and uninspiring behavior when hustled. Additionally, considering upcoming European rivals such as the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Golf MK6 will likely match the iQ's fuel economy while offering more room and practicality, it was hard to even praise that facet of the diminutive hatchback.

Still, there may be a few changes yet to come for the Scion-branded iQ when it enters the U.S. market. We'll have all the updates when we bring you live coverage from the New York Auto Show next month, but meanwhile, what are your thoughts on a Scion iQ? Will the Japanese subcompact have what it takes to win over American hearts?

Source: Scion

[iqplease]

I have owned 3 Toyota pickups and 3 scion products. I love em. I sure hope it comes to the US. I will be buying one for sure.

[iQ girl7]

   Can't wait to hear more from NY on April 6th!    Hope they give a release date and a cheaper base price.   
I am glad to finally hear something about the iQ.  I am not interested in the EV at this time and am looking to either get that smart or if comparably priced I would prefer the iQ (gotta love the toyota/scion rep and available parts).   I can't wait two more years to replace my car. 

Sooooooo excited...     

[marinjim]

  HERE IT IS (not April fools joke) 

Scion iQ concept spotted prior to New York auto show unveiling

Only 1 photo but as the day/week goes on more to come!!!!

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090401/NEWYORK/904019980

[marinjim]

Sorry it took me awhile to figure out how to post photo.......

[iQ girl7]

Notice they adjusted the "smile" a little. It looks happier now.   Love this color.