Toyota targeted by environmentalists at car show.

[xcel]

The automaker's U.S. sales manager is confronted by environmental activists at the L.A. Auto Show.

AP - Nov. 18, 2007

Toyota Sequoia’s and Tundra’s overwhelmed the Toyota show floor in LA. -- Ed.

LOS ANGELES -- Toyota Motor Corp. is usually the darling of the Los Angeles Auto Show, but testy relations with environmentalists and questions about quality are making the show a headache for the automaker this year.

It doesn't help that Toyota chose to introduce a full-size sport utility vehicle at the show, and the redesigned Sequoia doesn't have a hybrid option like full-size SUVs from General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC that are debuting across the show floor. The Los Angeles show opens to the public Friday after two days of media previews.

After the Sequoia was introduced Wednesday, an environmental activist with a video camera approached Toyota's general manager for U.S. sales, Bob Carter, and asked why the company won't withdraw from a lawsuit against California, which has sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish tougher fuel economy rules.

Carter refused to answer and knocked the camera out of Brent Olson's hands. Olson, of San Francisco-based Rainforest Action Network, was eventually led away by two policemen.

A handful of protesters also picketed Toyota outside the show and planned further protests Thursday.

After the spat, Carter said Toyota and environmentalists have more in common than not, and that Toyota supports tougher fuel economy standards but doesn't want them decided at the state level.

"We believe it's best applied at the federal level," he said. "We're a full-line manufacturer and we want to meet consumer needs."

He added that despite the rise in fuel prices, many U.S. buyers simply need the utility and space of a full-size SUV.

The Sequoia has a new 5.7-liter, V-8 engine that is more powerful - at 381 horsepower - and more fuel efficient than the old engine. It also has improved aerodynamics to save fuel, and the company plans to introduce an ethanol-capable version in the fall of 2008. Pricing wasn't announced for the new Sequoia, which goes on sale in December… [Read More]

[Earthling]

He added that despite the rise in fuel prices, many U.S. buyers simply need the utility and space of a full-size SUV.

Translation: Toyota will prostitute itself to get the big bucks from SUV's sales.

Harry

[laurieaw]

Originally Posted by Earthling

He added that despite the rise in fuel prices, many U.S. buyers simply need the utility and space of a full-size SUV.

Translation: we have CONVINCED buyers that they need......blah blah blah

[Robert Lastick]

I think the new Sequoia V-8 is the same variable valve engine put in the Tundra. And, for what it is, it does get better MPG than their old V-8.

Why Carter resorted to fist-i-cuffs with the enviornmentalist is beyond me. He certainly did not need to. Toyota is without a doubt THE most green auto manufacturer on the planet.

He said later; "We're a full-line manufacturer and we want to meet consumer needs".
He added that despite the rise in fuel prices, many U.S. buyers simply need the utility and space of a full-size SUV.

Quite correct in my book.

I can hardly wait to see their PHEV. Given what is going on, you would need your head examined for buying a Sequoia, (or a Yukon, or a Hybrid Yukon, or an Expedition, or a Silverado) and drive it around the city to go shopping.

My little R.R.S.B Saturn costs me $42.00 to fill it up from empty, BUT at my current MPG average I can go almost 650 miles or 7 days (daily commute = 92 miles) before I need to give the tea-tottler another sip!!

Bob.