Minivans – while boring, the segment is a very important one in the United States. The current battle for minivans has to main competitors, Toyota and Dodge.

While Toyota is catching up fast, Dodge still leads the segment wit ha total of 92,930 Grand Caravan units sold through the first 10 months of 2011. Toyota on the other hand sold 91,955 units through October.

Honda’s Odyssey comes in at third place with 86,436 units while Chrysler’s Town & Country comes in at number four with 78,255 units.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Toyota announced today that is recalling 420,000 cars in the United States due to a potential problem with the power steering. The recall consists of approximately 283,200 Toyota models and 137,000 Lexus models where the company will replace the crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine.

“There is a possibility that the outer ring of the crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light,” Toyota said. “If this condition is not corrected, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley and the driver may notice a sudden increase in steering effort. There are no reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.”

The vehicles involved are certain:

• 2004 Avalon
• 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and Solara
• 2006 Highlander HV
• 2004 and 2005 ES330 and RX330
• And 2006 RX400h

- By: Omar Rana

Five minivan models have earned the 2011 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The winners are the safest vehicles around, with better rollover crash protection than other models. Other qualifying factors include the highest ratings for side, frontal, and rear crash protection, along with electronic stability control.

On the top of the list is the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Volkswagen Routan. Roof strength is the defining factor in rollover protection, and is gauged using pressure applied via a metal plate. Good ratings are issued to vehicles that can hold up on a five inch give to forces 4 times their weight.

With three of the top five making 2012 model year improvements, the minivan segment appears to be catering to its market with enhanced safety features. ESC is also now a requirement for all passenger vehicles, also. As it is estimated that having it will reduce the number of fatalities in rollover crashes, a strong roof is still the most effective preventative measure.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Rachelle Friedman was a woman celebrating her upcoming marriage at her bachelorette party. Heading home from the night out, she ended up in a bad accident that left her paralyzed. Over a year later, The Bruan Corporation, world leader in manufacturing wheelchair accessible lifts and vans, teamed up with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. to donate a special gift to a brave woman with tons of determination. As a surpise, the collaboration produced a 2011 Toyota Sienna with a BraunAbility Rampvan XT conversion to the new bride on her July 22nd wedding day.

Rachelle had been making good use of a loaner from BraunAbility via Van Products, Inc. Using the special van she was able to get around to appointments to plan for her upcoming wedding to fiance Chris Champman, therapy, and quad-rugby events. With the help of her mother carrying her in and out of the van, she was able to manage quite a bit.

Nick Gutwein speaks about what sparked the initiative for the gift, saying “Rachelle’s resolve and strengh are truly inspirational…We were so moved by her story that we wanted to help her not only while she planned for her wedding, but also as she moves forward in her married life.”

Toyota Motor Sales Corporate Fleet/TRAC/TCUV Manager and Braun Director of Marketing and Dealer Programs, Joe Garnett both presented the 2011 Braun Toyota Sienna to the couple at their Raleigh, NC wedding.

Soctt Heyer says of the experience “On behalf of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. and Toyota Mobility, we are honored to share in this joyous occasion,” and went on to tell the couple “We hope this special gift will enrich your new life together and enhance your health and happiness today and in the future. Congratulations!”.

Rachelle shows gratitude for her wedding presents, commenting that “The van’s made all the difference in the world… Not only has it saved my mom’s back, it’s just made it so much easier to get out and do things. I’ve missed this level of comfort, convenience, and Independence. Next up… learning to drive on my own!”.

Continuing to share her strengh and inspiration, Rachelle will be blogging her experience with driving lessons on BraunAbility’s site at www.braunablitiy.com/abilityvoice.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Not a fan of the design of Toyota models? Things may just get a little better because Toyota in North America is now taking product development authority away from Japanese bosses and keeping it in the hands of North American executives. The move is a part of its response to the quality crisis that hit the company hard in 2010.

Up until now, vehicles that were designed, developed and produced in North America required a sign-off by a chief engineer in Nagoya. Local engineers and sales and marketing executives had to jump through many hoops to get things going their way.

Yoshi Inaba, CEO of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., said Toyota adopted a new system that takes Japan out of the equation. That means that vehicles unique to the U.S. market – Toyota Avalon, Venza, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra – no longer need Japanese approval in the development process.

“We are going to implement the process from design to preparation for production to development, cost planning, and identifying and selecting suppliers,” said Inaba, said. “All these processes are going to be 100 percent done here, without going back to Japan for approval.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

We’re not sure how man of you are fans of the minivan segment but as Cars.com points out “It’s not often you see an entire segment of the auto industry redone at the same time, but 2011 is a renaissance for minivans.”

All the major players in the segment including Nissan, Honda, Dodge, Chrysler, Toyota and Volkswagen have revamped and redesigned their minivans for the 2011 model year.

Cars.com decided to team up with USAToday and MotorWeek to put six new minivans to the test in Atlanta over three days, including one day with a suburban Atlanta family. The six minivans we tested were:

• 2011 Chrysler Town & Country
• 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
• 2011 Honda Odyssey
• 2011 Nissan Quest
• 2011 Toyota Sienna
• 2011 Volkswagen Routan

Who won? Well, we didn’t want to ruin it for you but we couldn’t help it with the title and the picture above.

Hit the jump for the video.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Honda Odyssey comes from a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) making 248-horsepower and 250 lb-ft. of torque. All 2011 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX models come standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission that helps them average an EPA rated fuel-economy of 18/27 mpg (city/highway) or 21 mpg combined. The 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring ($40,755) and Touring Elite ($43,250) are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which allows for an EPA rated fuel-economy of 19/28 mpg or 22 mpg combined.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

2011 Honda Odyssey:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Cars.com

Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America said it will increase production earlier than expected following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

“Beginning in June, overall North American production will reach approximately 70 percent of normal levels, up from approximately 30 percent in May,” Toyota said in a statement. “The improvement in parts availability from Japan is the result of countermeasure activities implemented by affected suppliers.”

The Japanese automaker said it will continue to evaluate production model-by-model on a monthly basis, with a goal to return to fully normalized production by end of 2011.

Models that will return to 100 percent production in June include the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Sequoia, Sienna and Venza.

Toyota announced this morning that its fourth-quarter profit fell 77 percent as a result of the March 11 earthquake in Japan.

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

In these days, nothing seems to be built like they used to be. The simple answer is that it’s all about the money. In desperate bids to increase profits and expand into markets to raise volume, much has been sacrificed in the realm of build quality, reliability and handling performance.

This should not be news to anyone as we’ve been forced to adapt to the slow degradation that has been affecting nearly every manufacturer. Some have recognized their faults and are putting solid efforts in to redeeming themselves. Some have completely gone the opposite way. And of course, there are the reasons why cars have become less involving and cheaper than they used to be. But to keep this short and sweet, Consumer Reports just issued a little assessment.

CR found that in models such as the Honda Odyssey, Mercedes-Benz E350, and Toyota Sienna had slightly deviated from the standards that their predecessors have set. Others include the current BMW X5, Toyota 4Runner and the Volkswagen Jetta, all of which have fallen short of their expectations.

Just to give you an idea, Consumer Reports devised a little chart. Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Consumer Reports

Toyota - Filled with Pride

Toyota on Sunday (Jan. 30, 2011) will launch a national advertising campaign highlighting the company’s U.S. ties.

The commercial is part of Toyota’s latest corporate advertising campaign called “Filled With Possibilities,” highlighting the company’s extensive U.S. operations and team members, who are the passion behind its vehicles.

The commercial, called ‘Filled with Pride,’ shows the process of designing, engineering and building the Sienna from start-to-finish.

Hit the jump for the commercial.

- By: Zain Haq

2011 Chrysler Town & Country

The Chrysler Town & Country is on its way to regain the sales crown in the minivan segment for 2010. Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be since the spot has been largely dominated by Chrysler since the first of its minivans rolled off the line in 1983.

Up to the final month of 2010, Chrysler has sold 102,495 units of the Town & Country, well ahead of the Honda Odyssey, which sold 98,035 and has topped the segment for the past two years. Coming in next is the Toyota Sienna with 89,509 followed by the Dodge Grand Caravan at 89,057.

Being at the top of the minivan segment has a sense of pride for Chrysler, which has held the spot for 25 years.

“Our goal is regaining leadership,” said Olivier Francois, head of the Chrysler brand. “We consider we own it and we need to regain what once belonged to us.”

Though the November of 2010, minivan sales in the U.S. came in at 438,808. During all of 2009, the segment accounted for 424,007 units sold. We just can’t believe that many Americans pick minivans over crossovers!

2011 Chrysler Town & Country:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

2011 Toyota Sienna

Get ready for some more recalls from Toyota. The automaker announced today that it is recalling 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans due to a potential defect with the brake lights. The vehicles being recalled were produced before early November 2010.

“Due to the proximity of the stop lamp (brake light) switch bracket to the parking brake pedal when the parking brake is fully applied, the bracket could, in limited circumstances, be deformed by the driver’s food during parking brake operation,” Toyota said in a statement. “Depending on the amount of bracket deformation, this condition could cause the brake lights to remain on. If the deformation is significant, the brakes could become partially engaged due to contact from the bracket, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, brake vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light.  If this condition is not noticed and the vehicle continues to be driven, braking effectiveness could be reduced.

Toyota said it will start contacted affected owners in mid-January after it has the parts to repair the issue. Owners can contact Toyota Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331 for more information.

2011 Toyota Sienna:

- By: Omar Rana

Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme

Toyota’s 2011 Toyota Sienna’s Swagger Wagon video has over 7 million views on YouTube, so the Japanese automaker decided to pay a tribute to the creative hip-hop viral campaign by debuting an extended version of the Sienna with help from B.A.D. Company. The concept is currently on display at the 2010 SEMA Show.

Click here for more news on the Toyota Sienna.

The Swagger Wagon Supreme started life as a 2011 Toyota Sienna SE V6  and was extended by nearly 4 feet. The interior was taken from the Sienna XLE and gets other additions like two swiveling captain”s chairs in the passenger area, a “Spa Seat” equipped with a multi-function/programmable massage unit, 23-inch HP TouchSmart computer, Xbox gaming system with DVD player, Glass-front refrigerator and much much more.

If we ever wanted a minivan (and believe us we don’t) we’d definitely have to pick the Swagger Wagon Supreme.

Click through for the press release and the complete spec list.

Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme:

Press Release:

Capitalizing on the success of the all-new 2011 Sienna SE and the popularity of the YouTube Swagger Wagon video that has attracted over seven million views, Toyota wanted to further re-examine the role of the minivan and push even harder against the traditional boundaries of the minivan identity. So, together with B.A.D. Company, Toyota has created the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme for the 2010 SEMA Show. Even Sienna”s online community of fans was engaged in providing suggestions and making decisions for this special build.

The creation of the Swagger Wagon Supreme began with a 2011 Toyota Sienna SE V6 with interior attributes from a Sienna XLE. This special van was stretched and modified to create a functional family vehicle that firmly dismisses the notion that to drive a minivan is to sacrifice personal style in favor of family functionality. The Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme dutifully demonstrates the meaning of the 2011 Sienna slogan, “always for kids, now for parents too.”

B.A.D. Company started the project by stretching the Sienna by nearly four feet (44 inches) and expanding the wheelbase to lengthen the interior cabin space and add more “swagger” on the outside. A custom acrylic roof replacement approximately eight feet long was installed to help bring in natural light and create a warm and stylish environment. An airbag suspension system was installed allowing ground clearance to range from 2.5 to 6.5 inches, maximizing curb appeal and providing appropriate ground clearance for day-to-day driving. The sporty SE theme was amplified with the installation of 20-inch chrome wheels designed by KMC around Nitto 255/40R20 tires in the rear and 245/45R20 tires in the front. Final exterior applications include a custom fabricated rear spoiler, shaved door handles on the automatic sliding doors, custom chrome exhaust tips, and a multiple-step exterior paint process employed by using a custom Blue Swagger Opal color applied over a pearlescent base.

The interior of the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme was designed to provide functional versatility with two distinct environments: the quintessential experience for parents out for a fun evening or event without the kids; and all the utility of a traditional van with functional and aesthetic features for the entire family.

Among the modifications are functioning power windows on the stretched section of the vehicle allowing easy access to accessories in the passenger area. The custom seats feature reversible cushions for multiple tastes. On one side the cushions feature single-color leather for an upscale, adult look. Flip the cushion and you will find bright upholstered colors that appeal to the kids. The passenger area includes two swiveling captain”s chairs. One captain”s chair is also a “Spa Seat” equipped with a multi-function, programmable massage unit. A hideaway table can be folded out in between the captain”s chairs sitting area.

Complementing the seating area is custom cabinetry for added storage finished in cherry veneer with an integrated glass-front refrigerator and DuPont Corian countertop that can have multiple uses such as food and drink prep, a kid”s activity area, a mobile office, etc. The floor was lowered, leveled and finished in Brazilian cherry hardwood to provide a cozy environment for the family as well as for mom and dad.

Entertainment is in abundance inside and out. In addition to the many technological features found in the stock Sienna, the Swagger Wagon adds a 23-inch HP TouchSmart computer featuring multi-touch support in Windows 7, mounted on a custom bracket to allow for multiple viewing positions both inside and outside the vehicle; an Xbox 360 gaming system with DVD player; and a custom JBL audio system specifically designed and tuned by JBL sound engineers to provide a home theater atmosphere. The JBL system consists of the Toyota Original Equipment head unit through a JBL MS8 signal processor. It has 10 JBL GTO 428 speakers (eight in the main cabin and two more in the rear hatch), two JBL GTO 804 sub-woofers, and four amplifiers with 1700 watts of power.

In addition to the many aftermarket suppliers that contributed to the creation of the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme, Toyota also recruited Sienna fans via Facebook to help with the project. Since the start of the build, the Facebook community has been asked to provide input, allowing them to vote on various items for the project. For example, the name “Swagger Wagon Supreme” was chosen by the Facebook community as well as the wheel design for the vehicle, and is currently voting on a name for the custom Blue color. Toyota will continue to provide frequent Facebook updates about the Swagger Wagon Supreme throughout the SEMA Show.

After SEMA, the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme can also be seen at upcoming major auto shows including Los Angeles, Detroit and Chicago.

Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme Features

“¢ Base Vehicle: 2011MY Sienna SE & 2011MY Sienna XLE

Mechanical
“¢ Performance: 3.5L V6 with 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
“¢ Mechanical Modifications: Body extension of nearly 4 feet (44″)
“¢ Airbag suspension system: ground clearance range from 2.5 to 6.5-inches
“¢ 20-inch chrome wheels designed by KMC
“¢ Nitto 255/40R20 tires in the rear and 245/45R20 in the front
“¢ Functioning power windows on stretched section of vehicle

Exterior
“¢ Custom fabricated rear spoiler
“¢ Multiple-step exterior paint process
“¢ Shaved door handles on automatic sliding doors
“¢ Custom acrylic roof replacement (approximately eight-feet long)
“¢ Custom chrome exhaust tips

Interior & Audio
“¢ Custom seating with reversible cushions
“¢ Two swiveling captain”s chairs in passenger area
“¢ “Spa Seat” equipped with a multi-function, programmable massage unit
“¢ Foldable hide-away table in sitting area
“¢ Custom cabinetry with a cherry veneer finish and DuPont countertop
“¢ Glass-front refrigerator
“¢ Lowered and leveled floor finished in Brazilian cherry hardwood
“¢ 23″-inch HP TouchSmart computer mounted on a custom bracket allowing multiple viewing positions both inside and outside the vehicle
“¢ Xbox gaming system with DVD player
“¢ Custom JBL surround sound audio system
o Toyota Original Equipment head unit through a JBL MS8 signal processor
o Eight JBL GTO 428 speakers in the main cabin
o Two GTO 428 speakers in the rear hatch
o Two JBL GTO 804 sub-woofers
o Four amplifiers totaling1700 watts of power

- By: Zain Haq

Toyota Sienna - Swagger Wagon

Next week at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Toyota will show a pimped out Toyota Sienna known as the “Swagger Wagon Supreme.” Really, that’s all we know for now as confirmed by Toyota’s Twitter account.

Other than that, enjoy the popular Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon video after the jump for old time sake.

- By: Zain Haq

Source: Toyota Twitter

2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year

The following is a short-list of all the model being considered for the 2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year. On December 16, three finalists from each category will be announced, with the winner getting its fame and award at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January.

As you can probably see from the list Ford, General Motors and Hyundai / Kia lead the list.

The winner will be chosen by a pool of 50 U.S. and Canadian automotive journalists from various publications.

Hit the jump for the full list and let us know your choice in the comments section below.

2011 North American Car of the Year:

• Audi A8
• Buick Regal
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Chevrolet Volt
• Ford Fiesta
• Hyundai Sonata/2.0T/Hybrid
• Infiniti M37/56
• Jaguar XJ
• Kia Optima
• Mazda2
• Nissan Juke
• Nissan Leaf
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Volvo S60

North American Truck of the Year:

• Dodge Durango
• Ford Edge
• Ford Explorer
• Honda Odyssey
• Hyundai Tucson
• Infiniti QX56
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Kia Sorento
• Kia Sportage
• Lincoln MKX
• Mercedes-Benz R-Class
• Porsche Cayenne
• Toyota Sienna
• Volkswagen Touareg

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Honda Odyssey

Last week, Honda surprised the automotive industry with the debut of the 2011 Odyssey minivan. Ready to hit dealerships this fall with 15 cup holders, the 2011 Honda Odyssey has a lower roofline (-1.6 inches), a wider track (+1.4 inches) and overall improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel-economy.

Speaking of fuel-economy, the 2011 Honda Odyssey won’t be offering a fuel-efficient 4-banger likes its closest rival, the 2011 Toyota Sienna. However, its important to note that Honda says that the Odyssey’s 3.5L V6 engine with 3-mode variable cylinder management helps the Touring Elite model achieve an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

2011 Toyota Sienna

That’s actually better than the 187-hp 2.7L 4-cylinder Toyota Sienna, which returns an EPA-estimated 19/24 mpg (city/highway).

Both offer a wide range of interior features that are convenient to the average family and both offer outstanding looking exteriors.

The question is… which one would you buy (use your imagination if you aren’t married and don’t have 5 kids).

Let us know in the comments section after the jump.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

2011 Toyota Sienna:

2011 Honda Odyssey:

2011 Toyota Sienna:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Honda Odyssey

Unlike Toyota, which offers a 4-cylinder version of its 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan, Honda said yesterday that it will not offer a 4-cylinder powertrain with the 2011 Honda Odyssey, which was reveled yesterday.

“We will provide only a six-cylinder powertrain to provide customers with the power and performance they demand,” Honda said in a Web chat on Thursday. “It’s important to note that our six-cylinder Touring Elite model achieves an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.”

In comparison, the 2011 Toyota Sienna’s 187-hp 2.7L 4-cylinder engine returns an EPA-estimated 19/24 mpg (city/highway).

The 2011 Honda Odyssey will come standard with a 3.5L V6 engine with 3-mode variable cylinder management. Horsepower and torque numbers have yet to be released.

Click here for our original post on the 2011 Honda Odyssey.

2011 Honda Odyssey:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

2011 Toyota Sienna

Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and Nissan are all planning to bring new-generations of their minivans to the market this year and in early 2011. According to some, the segment may be on its way to making a comeback.

Automotive site Edmunds.com said that there is an increase in Web traffic searching for minivans on its website. In recent months, Edmunds has seen 2 to 3 percent of consumers checking out minivans.

“There is definitely a peak in interest,” said Ivan Drury, an Edmunds.com analyst. “Our assumption is that there has been some talk in public about new minivans coming, and consumers want to read about them.”

LeaseTrader.com is also seeing a jump in the demand for minivans on its website. The site reported a 23 percent increase in visitors searching for minivans in April.

The minivan segment in the U.S. passed the million-year mark in 1993 before peaking in 200 at 1,371,234. In 2008, automakers sold just over 600,000 units and last year the number came in at 450,000.

2011 Toyota Sienna:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A announced today that it has launched a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 600,000 units of the first and second generation Sienna 2WD minivans sold in the United States. The recall focuses around a potential corrosion in the spare tire carrier cable.

“This condition may appear on certain 1998 through 2010 model year Siennas that have been operated in cold climate areas with high road salt use,” Toyota said in a statement. “Continued prolonged exposure to road salts may cause excessive corrosion of the carrier cable in some of these vehicles. In the worst case, the carrier cable may fail and the spare tire could become separated from the vehicle, a road hazard for following vehicles that increases the likelihood of a crash.”

Toyota said it currently doesn’t have a remedy for the issue but is working to develop one. In the mean time customers will receive a interim notice instructing them to bring their Siennas to a dealership for a preliminary inspection. Once a solution is developed, Toyota will send out a secondary notice advising the customer of the remedy availability.

- By: Stephen Calogera