Feature
Manufacturing in The Midlands
In the assembly shop, more than half the processes were new, and the introduction of Euro 6 emissions standards meant an update for the entire engine range for both models, plus the addition of three brand new engines. The new engines and the
introduction of Toyota Safety Sense added a significant new dimension to the checks made in quality assurance. New road markings and signage on the test track were installed to confirm the real-world functionality of the new lane- keeping, sign recognition and pre- crash systems. This unprecedented
manufacturing feat also included new training for the 2000 plus people operating on a rotating day and night shift. Toyota is an active supporter of
See Inside Manufacturing, which is encouraging young people to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The aim of the programme also aligns with Toyota’s corporate approach to personal development for its members. Toyota relies on its many
suppliers to provide, for the Avensis alone, around 3,000 parts. For 2016 Toyota has introduced
new changes to the Avensis, to cap a successful first year on sale, during which time it has proved
itself an attractive proposition for fleet/business customers in Europe. The company says it has researched fleet company car drivers intensively and the new changes have helped fleet business to remain strong with 75 per cent of segment sales. The revised model offers
prestigious, dynamic styling, a rich sensory quality inside and out and, thanks to precision chassis and steering engineering, a rewarding experience behind the wheel. The Avensis is a car that stands
‘The onboard connectivity gives easy access to live information services for fuel prices, weather, parking and traffic conditions local to programmed routes’
out on the company car park with classy quality styling. There is a choice of touring or saloon models. I road tested the touring model which has a huge boot, but there is a useful smaller section for carrying smaller items. It’s one of those cars that you can drive effortlessly - smooth gear
change, instant acceleration and precise steering. I have to admit to having to hunt for the handbrake initially! A push button lies out of immediate view behind the steering wheel! I didn’t find it an easy place for operation but I guess an owner would soon get used to its whereabouts. A new two litre Euro 6 compliant diesel engine offers improved CO2
emissions and combined mpg figures which attracts significant tax benefits in the UK, strengthening the car’s cost of ownership profile. BiK is 22%. The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system has been upgraded to the latest
2016 specification, which was unveiled at this year’s Geneva motor show. The centrally mounted seven-inch touchscreen now offers revised menu
pages for accessing the system’s functions and, where the Toyota Touch 2 with Go is installed, for satellite navigation operation. Access to the My Toyota online customer portal has also been improved. The onboard connectivity gives easy access to live information services for fuel prices, weather, parking and traffic conditions local to programmed routes, helping with easier and more efficient journey planning. It also enables use of online information, entertainment and social media apps from Google Search, Google Streetview, Aupeo!, Aha and Twitter. Buy a Toyota Avensis and new owners will be helping to support the Midlands automotive manufacturing sector and the Midlands economy.
46 CHAMBERLINK December 2016/January 2017
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