Ann Arbor, MI -- May 7, 2019 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping three new powered sound systems for select Toyota trucks. The new models are the PSU-300FRN for the Toyota 4Runner® (2010-Up), PSU-300TCM for the Toyota Tacoma® (2016-Up), and the PSU-300TND for the Toyota Tundra® (2014-Up). Each system is compatible with the truck models that do not have the optional factory amplified sound system.

The three models are direct-fit sound system upgrades that are simple-to-use and enhance the overall sound performance of the factory sound system. Each system is pre-tuned to match the respective truck, eliminating the need to make tedious adjustments to the sound system.

All models are 300-watt systems which include an 8-inch powered subwoofer and a compact 4-channel amplifier. The products are pre-assembled onto vehicle-specific brackets and come with vehicle-specific wiring harnesses for easy plug-and-play installation.

The compact size of the subwoofer allows it and the amplifier to be installed under the front passenger’s seat (or under the left rear seat for the Tacoma) for optimal sound performance and placement that won’t occupy useable space in the vehicle. The included remote bass knob provides convenient control of the bass level right from the dash.

All models are compatible with the base factory Toyota radio, an Alpine universal head unit, or other aftermarket head unit. They are available now at authorized Alpine retailers at $800 each. Visit www.alpine-usa.com for a store locator.

Toyota, Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Visit www.alpine-usa.com for a store locator.

Montreal, June 22, 2020 -- Fortin is pleased to announce an exclusive "No Key Sacrificed" immobilizer bypass and remote start solution for 2019-2020 TOYOTA specific vehicles.

Covering TOYOTA RAV4 2019+, RAV4 Hybrid 2019+ and COROLLA 2020+ H-Key vehicles, the solution uses Fortin EVO-ONE or EVO-ALL platforms to offer a secure cost effective solution. A T-HARNESS is available to facilitate the installation (sold separately). 

The solution also supports the remote start from the OEM remote function and covers alarm and security features. RF Kits and compatible smartphone/telematic devices can also be connected directly to the EVO-ALL and EVO-ONE modules to extend the operating range if desired.

Fortin Electronic Systems is a world leading developer and manufacturer of integrated consumer solutions for vehicle control and connectivity.

Visit Fortin.ca to discover more remote starter, immobilizer bypass and security system solutions.

Miramar, FL—April 30, 2018—JL Audio, an innovator in high-end audio solutions,has announced the availability of new Stealthbox®subwoofer systems for theToyota Tacoma Double Cab, Tacoma Access Cab,and theFord F150 SuperCab.These vehicle-specific subwoofer solutions are designed to precisely fit into tight spaces within the vehicle while remaining virtually hidden from view while delivering strong, deep bass output.

The Stealthbox® for F-150 SuperCab and SuperDuty SuperCab trucks is designed to install neatly under the rear seat with no intrusion on cab space or affecting the ability to fold and recline the seat. A 10-inch TW3 thin-line subwoofer is housed in the all-fiberglass, sealed enclosure design. Additionally, a recess is incorporated on the top for mounting an amplifier, if desired.

Toyota’s Tacoma Double Cab has a highly optimized interior design with almost zero wasted space. This makes integrating a serious subwoofer a pretty major challenge. Utilizing the small box prowess and shallow mounting depth of the 10-inch TW3 thin-line subwoofer, a Stealthbox® subwoofer solution is sculpted toinstall behind the passenger side rear seat in the storage pocket. The results are stunning!

The Access Cab version of Toyota's midsize truck has minimal backseat space for passengers and almost no room for a bulky subwoofer enclosure. JL Audio’s Stealthbox® design team developed a clever solution that mounts between the jump seats, creating a nice arm rest with dual storage trays for rear passengers. Equipped with a 10-inch TW3 thin-line subwoofer, this down-firing Stealthbox® features an all-fiberglass, sealed enclosure design and delivers stunning deep-bass output. Rear seat folding remains unaffected.

For two decades, JL Audio’s acclaimed Stealthbox®vehicle-specific enclosures have set a high standard for sound quality, as well as vehicle-specific fit and installation integrity. Using laser-scanning technology, JL Audio’s development team, precisely measures the nooks and tight spaces available within a vehicle. Solid modeling software is then used to design subwoofer solutions with precise fit and maximum enclosure volume, for strong, deep bass output.

SB-F-F150SPRCB/10TW3:
fits 2015-Up Ford F-150 SuperCab / 2017-Up SuperDuty SuperCab

Contains one 10TW3-D4 subwoofer in a sealed enclosure. 400 watt power handling. Wired for 2 ohm mono. Installs under rear bench seat and requires removal of the storage divider panel. Stealthbox® includes a steel-mesh grille to protect the driver. Does not affect folding or reclining of seat.

MSRPUSD: $749.99
Availability: Now Shipping

SB-T-TACDCG3/10TW3:
fits 2016-Up Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

Contains one 10TW3-D4 subwoofer in a sealed enclosure. 400 watt power handling. Wired for 2 ohm mono. Installs in storage pocket behind the passenger side rear seat. Black steel mesh woofer grille is included. Requires relocation of factory amplifier and removal of factory “subwoofer", if so equipped.

MSRPUSD: $699.99
Availability: Now Shipping

SB-T-TACDCG3/10TW3:
fits 2016-Up Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

Contains one 10TW3-D4 subwoofer in a sealed enclosure. 400 watt power handling. Wired for 2 ohm mono. Replaces rear center console.

MSRPUSD: $649.99
Availability: Now Shipping

Guided by a philosophy that great audio has real value, JL Audio develops innovative products that improve the audio experience on the go, in the home, and in the studio. Committed to unique engineering and quality manufacturing, JL Audio operates three U.S. engineering facilities, and builds many of its home, car and marine loudspeaker products at the company’s Miramar, Florida, USA factory, with components sourced from the company’s global supply network. For more information, visit jlaudio.com or follow the company on Facebook or Twitter.

Wiring and antenna connections are sold separately. Ask for standard wiring harness part number 70-1761, or TYTO-01 premium interface harness. Use antenna adapter part number 40-LX11.

Now Available for Mustang, Tacoma, Sequoia and Tundra Models

Holly Hill, Fla. – September 17, 2019 – Metra Electronics®, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket dashboard kits, is now shipping three new solutions made exclusively for the new 8” Pioneer® Modular Solutions Receiver (DMH-C5500NEX) radio. The 108-TO1 and the 108-TO2 are both plastic dash kits available in several painted options to match different models for Toyota Tacoma, Sequoia and Tundra. The 108-FD4CH is a TurboTouch® kit with an integrated touchscreen and interface designed for Ford Mustang 2010-2014 models.

The 108-TO1 premium dash kit is available in three colors: matte black, high gloss black and high gloss charcoal and fits Toyota Sequoia models 2008-up* and Toyota Tundra models 2007-2013. The 108-TO2 premium dash kit is available in black and high gloss charcoal and fits Toyota Tacoma models 2012-2015. Using the vehicle fit guide at AxxessInterfaces.com or MetraOnline.com, installers can see a variety of interfaces that work in these vehicles, which are sold separately.

For Ford Mustang 2010-2014 models, the 108-FD4CH TurboTouch kit has an integrated 4.3 inch touchscreen and buttons that retain and control most climate and vehicle customization functions normally lost when removing the factory radio. It also features an Axxess interface built into the touchscreen with ASWC technology to retain the factory steering wheel audio controls. An antenna adapter is included and the dash kit provides NAV outputs for parking brake, reverse and speed sense, along with 12-volt 10-amp accessory power. This kit is painted charcoal to match the factory finish.

108-TO1 Product Specifications

●      Dash kit designed specifically for the installation of the Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX 8-inch radio. Fits Toyota Sequoia 2008-up* and Toyota Tundra 2007-2013.

●      Available in three colors:

○      108-TO1B - matte black

○      108-TO1HG - high gloss black

○      108-TO1CHG - high gloss charcoal (matches 2010-up*)

108-TO2 Product Specifications

●      Dash kit designed specifically for the installation of the Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX 8-inch radio. Fits Toyota Tacoma 2012-2015.

●      Available in two colors:

○      108-TO2B - black

○      108-TO2CHG - high gloss charcoal

108-FD4CH Product Specifications

Dash kit designed specifically for the installation of the Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX 8-inch radio. Fits Ford Mustang 2010-2014.

●       Integrated 4.3 inch touchscreen and button display for climate control and vehicle customization features normally lost when removing the factory radio

●       Axxess interface built into touchscreen

●       Built-in ASWC technology to retain factory steering wheel audio controls

●       Antenna adapter is included

●       Provides accessory power (12-volt 10-amp)

●       Provides NAV outputs (parking brake, reverse, speed sense)

●       Micro “B” USB updatable

●        Painted charcoal to match the factory finish

These new kits are now shipping and available from authorized Metra Dealers. *Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp® and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

Futurism.com, 6-1-2017 -- At Consensus 2017 on Monday, Toyota announced a plan to use blockchain to amass driving data that will help them development driverless cars. The move could also decrease insurance costs for drivers, as well as pave the way for new carpooling solutions. Chris Ballinger, chief officer of Strategic Innovation at Toyota, said in a statement from the company:

Hundreds of billions of miles of human driving data may be needed to develop safe and reliable autonomous vehicles…Blockchains and distributed ledgers may enable pooling data from vehicle owners, fleet managers, and manufacturers to shorten the time for reaching this goal, thereby bringing forward the safety, efficiency, and convenience benefits of autonomous driving technology.

Customers will have access to their own data, Toyota confirmed. If the information derived from sensors in a car is stored in a blockchain, customers will be able to give their insurance companies “increased transparency to reduce fraud, plus granting them access to driving data to measure safe driving habits,” Toyota wrote in the statement. Neha Narula, director of the Digital Currency Initiative at the MIT Media Lab, said in the statement that she was “excited Toyota is spearheading this initiative that uses blockchain technology to create an open platform where users can control their driving data.”

Read the rest of the story HERE.

USA Today -- Toyota announced an enhanced relationship with Microsoft on Monday aimed at delivering "connected car" services to drivers in ways they probably never could have imagined.

For instance, artificial-intelligence features could be added to cars that allow them to know where the car is going and offer services drivers might want along the way. Going to the baseball game this weekend? The car might detect the route a driver normally takes and recommend restaurants for a pre-game lunch.

Toyota Connected, as the partnership will be known, "will help free our customers from the tyranny of technology. It will make lives easier and help us to return to our humanity,” said Zack Hicks, the chief information officer of Toyota Motor North America who was appointed CEO of Toyota Connected.

Already, drivers ask the infotainment system in their cars for restaurant recommendations, but many locations often would require that a driver turn around. But with Toyota Connected, the system might be modified to only recommend restaurants on the highway ahead — and then only the kinds of food that the driver usually prefers.

The services offered can be tailored to individual customers. "We don't want to dump everything on everyone," said Sandy Lobenstein, executive vice president of Toyota Connected. "The whole is idea is getting to know our customers better."

Road information can be delivered to drivers based on driving patterns — knowing the routes they usually take. Auto insurance could be priced more accurately because the system could report on a driver's actual miles and routes traveled.

Medical-related sensors could also be built into the car, like heartbeat monitors or sensors on the steering wheel. Some of the services could be offered to customers wirelessly by being beamed directly into their cars, but Lobenstein said that customer privacy considerations will be paramount.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2016/04/04/toyota-connected-car-microsoft/82602066/

Automotive News -- Ford Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. posted their biggest U.S. sales declines of the year in August in what was a rare month of weakness for the industry.

Ford was dragged down by a 9.4 percent drop at its namesake division, while Nissan recorded its sharpest monthly decline in more than three years. Sales at General Motors and Toyota Motor Corp. dropped for the sixth time in 2016.  Fiat Chrysler chalked up another gain aided mainly by the strength of Jeep.

Overall sales fell 3.5 percent, and the seasonally adjusted annual sales rate came in at 16.97 million, the third-lowest total of the year.

The results point to the difficulties the industry will have stretching its streak of consecutive sales gains to a century high of seven years.

"It wasn't exactly a blockbuster month in August, so that puts extra pressure on the industry to step up its game in September, especially this coming Labor Day weekend," said Jessica Caldwell, an analysts at Edmunds.com. "We're at a critical time where dealers need to clear out 2016 inventory to make room for 2017s."

August marks the third month this year that volume has declined, the most monthly drops in any year since recession-wracked 2009, when volume slumped in eight individual months.

August had the same number of selling days as in 2015 -- 26 -- but featured one fewer weekend this year, contributing to the decline in volume most analysts expected.

The month's 16.97 million SAAR compares with 17.79 million in August 2015 and 17.86 million in July.

“Coming off the strongest SAAR of the year at 17.9 million units in July, the industry took a bit of a step back in August,” said Bill Fay, general manager of the Toyota division.

Ford's sales fell 8.8 percent to 213,411 with retail volume off 8 percent and fleet shipments dropping 10 percent. A 7 percent rise at Lincoln offset some of the decline at the bigger Ford division. The results marked Ford's biggest monthly setback since August of 2010.

GM said August sales dropped 5.2 percent to 256,429 cars and light trucks. Deliveries slipped 3.9 percent at Chevrolet, 14 percent at GMC and 2.7 percent at Buick. Sales rose 3.9 percent at Cadillac.

At Toyota Motor Corp., volume dropped 5 percent to 213,125 cars and light trucks last month. Honda Motor Co. deliveries dipped 3.8 percent.

Sales fell 7.9 percent at Kia, 2.7 percent Mini, 13 percent at Mazda, 12 percent at Mitsubishi and 9.1 percent at the VW brand, where U.S. volume has slid every month beginning with November as the company struggles to move past violations of U.S. diesel emissions rules.  

The Hyundai brand's volume rose by just three units over August 2015.

Subaru posted record U.S. sales of 60,418 in August, the first time the brand has topped the 60,000 mark in a month, for a gain of 15 percent over August 2015. Thomas J. Doll, president and COO of Subaru of America, described the August results -- which shattered the brand's previous monthly sales record in December 2015 (56,274) -- as "epic."

Read the rest of the story HERE.

Easily allows a customer to add and operate Satellite Radio to their select factory Toyota car stereo system.

Englewood, CO (December 2018) – Looking to solve a need for Toyota owners that want to add SiriusXM® to their factory radio, but do not want to add visible on dash components, VAIS Technology has released their first SiriusXM-Ready™ interfaces (SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). Two SiriusXM-Ready™ models are available for select Toyota vehicles; the GSR-TY51 interfaces to most 2014-2018 Corolla, 4 Runner,86, Highlander, Prius, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Rav4 and CH-R vehicles and the GSR-TY52 interfaces with the 2018-19 Camry, and 2019 Corolla iM, Rav4 and CH-R vehicles.

The VAIS Technology SiriusXM-Ready solution plugs into the back of the factory radio and allows for full control of SiriusXM channels and features through the factory radio and steering wheel controls. Both models connect to the factory Toyota radio using locking “OEM” style connectors making the installation truly plug and play. Both models connect to the SiriusXM SXV300 Tuner. The interfaces additionally upgrade factory USB input to be a “High Speed Charging port."

Eugene Kaspin, VAIS Technology CEO, “we’ve gone through a complete hardware change to make the interfaces SiriusXM-Ready and made them easy for installers to install and have the best user experience for consumers to operate. We are very happy to be working with SiriusXM and looking forward to certifying solutions for other brands”

Availability

• The GSR-TY51 and GSR-TY52 are available at authorized VAIS Technology distributors and retailers at $319.00 MSRP. Visit www.vaistech.com for more details.
• GSR-TY51 Interface for select 2014-2018 Toyota vehicles.
• SiriusXM-Ready™ (SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner kit sold separately, Subscription required)
• OEM locking connectors for plug-n-play installation.
• High speed phone charging upgrade using the factory USB port.

Compatible with:

• 2014-19 Corolla
• 2014.5-17 Camry
• 2018 C-HR
• 2014-18 4 Runner
• 2017-18 86
• 2014-19 Highlander
• 2015-18 Prius
• 2014-18 Rav4
• 2015-18 Sienna
• 2014-19 Tacoma
• 2014-19 Tundra

GSR-TY52 Interface for 2018-19 Toyota Camry, 2019 CH-R, Rav4 and Corolla IM vehicles.

• SiriusXM-Ready™ (SXV300V1 Connect Vehicle Tuner kit sold separately, Subscription required)
• OEM locking connectors for plug-n-play installation.
• High speed phone charging upgrade using the factory USB port.

Compatible with 2018 and 2019 Toyota models:

• 2018-19 Camry
• 2019 CH-R
• 2019 Corolla Hatchback
• 2019 Rav4

Since 2003, VAIS Technology has been developing satellite radio adapters for vehicles that aren’t equipped with satellite tuners from the factory,” Dennis Hopper, Vice President of Sales, says. “While SiriusXM is more popular than ever, many new vehicles still don’t come equipped from the factory with SiriusXM installed. VAIS technology develops simple, easy to install integrated solutions that add SiriusXM, but preserve factory functions.

VAIS Technology introduces two SiriusXM-Ready™ interfaces for Toyota Vehicles.

Easily allows a customer to add and operate Satellite Radio to their select factory Toyota car stereo system.