Technical Development

Drivetrain

Year
Month
Technology developed and applied
Applicable Vehicle
1966
 
Diaphragm spring clutch cover developed, substantially reducing the pedal force required to disengage the clutch and greatly improving clutch operability compared to conventional coil-spring type
Corolla
1967
 
Auxiliary mechanism added to the release cylinder to substantially reduce the pedal force required to disengage the clutch
Century
1975
August
Non-adjustable clutch release mechanism adopted, making the clutch maintenance-free and improving operability
Crown taxi
1976
 
DOJ95-BJ95 drive shaft made by NTN Corporation adopted for the introduction of independent suspension for rear-wheel-drive vehicles
MarkII
1977
August
Clutch booster adopted for the first time to substantially reduce the pedal force required to disengage the clutch
Crown
1978
 
Production commenced of the GI69-GE82 drive shaft, with the introduction of Toyota's first front-wheel-drive vehicle
Tercel
1982
August
A non-asbestos clutch facing adopted; Significantly increases heat resistance and abrasion resistance, and is ahead of the environmental trends of the time by being asbestos free
Crown
1983
August
Resin clutch master cylinder adopted, replacing the conventional cast iron body with a resin body, achieving significant weight reduction
MR2
1984
August
Dry-friction flywheel damper adopted for the first time, making Toyota the first automaker in the world to use a dual-mass flywheel, drastically reducing booming noise and improving drivetrain noise-and-vibration performance
MarkII
1986
August
Pull-type clutch cover adopted in high-torque engines for the first time; Compact cover features a high clutch capacity and improved engaging/disengaging characteristics
Supra
1987
August
Variable, temperature-sensitive orifice adopted inside the clutch hydraulic fluid channel, limiting clutch transmission torque during sudden start from stop
Celica
October
Production commenced of the E55F, Toyota's first 5-speed manual transaxle for full-time 4WD, which features an integrated front and center differential for reduced size and weight and high rigidity
Celica GT-Four
October
Production commenced of a 4-joint propeller shaft, which uses a cross-groove universal joint in the third joint, for front-wheel-drive-based, full-time 4WD vehicles
Celica GT-Four
October
Production commenced of the EF1AV transfer case, which houses the center differential for front-wheel-drive-based, full-time 4WD vehicles inside the transaxle and features a viscous limited slip differential (LSD) function
Celica GT-Four
October
Production commenced of the EF2A transfer case, which houses the center differential for front-wheel-drive-based, full-time 4WD vehicles inside the transaxle and features a looking differential function
RAV4
October
Production commenced of the A241H, Toyota's first 4-speed automatic transaxle for full-time 4WD vehicles, which uses a wet multi-plate clutch as a differential-limiting device for the center differential
Corolla
1988
May
The GI2600-AC2600 drive shaft made by GKN Driveline adopted in an effort to procure parts locally for Toyota vehicles produced in North America
Camry
August
Production commenced of the A540H, a 4-speed automatic transaxle, for Toyota's EC-Hymatic electronically controlled, full-time 4WD system
Camry, Vista
August
Production commenced of the V-shell Joint, a shell-cup Hooke's joint for reducing vibration force, adopted along with a friction-welded tube
MarkII
October
Production commenced of the F19SX and F20SX rear differentials, which use a dual vibration-dampening structure that features one mounting point in the front and two mounting points in the rear for attaching to the subframe
MarkII
 
Production commenced of the F19DNF front differential, Toyota's first Automatic Disconnecting Differential (ADD) for switching between 2WD and 4WD
Hilux
1989
August
Production commenced of the A341E 4-speed, Lexus' first automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive vehicles; The transmission features the latest electronic control technologies, such as the Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with Intelligence (ECT-i) and a super-flow torque converter
Celsior, Lexus LS 400
October
Production commenced of the VL116-VL116 drive shaft, adopting a low-force joint for rear-wheel drive vehicles
Celsior, Lexus LS 400
October
Production commenced of a twin flexible-coupling-type propeller shaft, which reduces vibration, spline rattle, and residual imbalance, for use in luxury vehicles
Celsior, Lexus LS 400
October
Production of the EF2AV transfer case commenced, using the EF2A transfer case as the base and adding a viscous LSD structure to the center differential
Corona
October
Production commenced of the F17TA differential, marking Toyota's first use of the a Type A Torsen LSD as the rear differential
Celica GT-Four
December
Production commenced of the H150 5-speed manual transmission, which uses aluminum casings and an oil pump for improved lubrication
Land Cruiser
 
Production commenced of the F20SF rear differential, which features a low offset to accommodate higher vehicle speeds and a compact module to ensure quiet operation, and which uses a cap-less structure to achieve high rigidity
Celsior, Lexus LS 400
 
DOJ75 and BJ75 drive shafts by Toyoda Machine Works, Ltd. used for the first time
Starlet
1990
January
4WD system for the Land Cruiser developed, offering a differential locking option for both the front and rear differentials while inheriting the conventional complete-offset layout, dramatically improving traction performance
Land Cruiser
January
Production commenced of the RD20A differential, a reverse offset front-drive type for front banjo differentials
Land Cruiser
January
First full-time 4WD system for Toyota multipurpose vehicles developed based on a newly developed Type TF transfer case containing a viscous center differential LSD; Multi-plate LSD also offered as an option for the rear differential
Estima
January
Production commenced of the TF1AV transfer case, a full-time 4WD transfer case containing a viscous LSD as the differential limiting device for the center differential
Estima
May
Production commenced of the A540E, Lexus' first 4-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive vehicles and a larger-capacity version of the A140E automatic transmission
Lexus ES250
August
World's first rotary tri-blade coupling developed and used in propeller shafts;
Adopted in combination with the CF1A transfer case in a flexible full-time 4WD system
Tercel
 
Cumulative production of the Type C transmission, Toyota's main compact manual transmission in production since 1983, reaches 5 million units
 
 
Shaft equipment drive system adopted for an underfloor midship layout
Estima
1991
October
Production commenced of the A350E, Toyota's first 5-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive vehicles and the world's first automatic transmission to apply modern control theory
Crown
October
Production commenced of the UF1AE transfer case, the full-time transfer case for rear-wheel-drive-based, full-time 4WD passenger vehicles that uses an electrically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch, for a vehicle transfer, as the differential limiting device of the center differential for the first time in Toyota Motor Corporation
Crown i-Four
 
Production commenced of the F20SZ differential, which features two mounting points in the front long span and one mounting point in the rear for attaching to the subframe
Soarer
 
Cumulative production of transmissions at Kinuura Plant reaches 20 million units
 
1992
October
Production commenced of the A341H 5-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, which is equipped with the EC-Hymatic II electronically controlled full-time 4WD system and further improves driving performance through coordinated control with other systems
Crown i-Four
October
Production commenced of the F19SX and F20SX rear differentials, which adopt a new method of using mounting points to install the differential in the subframe
MarkII
 
LJ75-LJ75 propeller shafts adopted for the i-Four 4WD system; Shafts use a compact VL joint made by NTN Corporation
Crown i-Four
 
Production commenced of the SD18A front differential, which features a directly attached engine oil pan and a left-right split aluminum carrier
Crown i-Four
 
Production commenced of the BD26A, an equi-depth tooth hypoid gear, adopted for the first time
Coaster
 
Propeller shaft by Dana Corporation adopted for the first time, in an effort to procure parts locally for Toyota vehicles in North America and to address import issues
Hilux
 
Toyota Autoparts Philippines, Inc. (TAP) commences production in the Philippines of the G50 5-speed manual transmission
 
 
Composite propeller shaft adopted as a Japan first; the light, 2-joint-type shaft, made by GKN Driveline, uses a fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) tube
MarkII
1993
May
Production commenced of the V160, jointly developed with GETRAG and Japan's first 6-speed manual transmission for rear-wheel drive vehicles, as Toyota pursues the ultimate in the joy of driving by achieving an ideal close gear ratio
Supra
August
Production commenced of the SD19B front differential for independent front suspension, with reverse offset front drive and a fore-and-aft split differential carrier
Hiace
 
Production commenced of the GD22A front differential and VD22A rear differential
High mobility vehicles
 
Toyota Motor Hokkaido, Inc. begins production of the A541E automatic transaxle, the first 4-speed ECT-i transmission for front-wheel-drive vehicles
Camry, Avalon, Lexus ES300
 
As on-board diagnosis becomes mandatory in the United States, Toyota installs a system that complies with OBD II regulations in the A541E transaxle for the first time, and subsequently expands use of the system to Europe and other countries
Camry, Avalon, Lexus ES300
 
Toyota receives the JSME Medal for Distinguished Engineers from the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers in recognition of its R&D on automatic transmissions
 
1994
January
Automatic transmission that measures gear input rpm without using a sensor adopted; General-purpose system meets OBD regulations
Previa
August
Toyota achieves dramatic fuel efficiency improvements by adopting Flex Lock-Up control, applying the H-infinity control theory to an industrial product for the first time in the world and establishing the core technology for improving fuel efficiency
Windom, Carina
October
Uphill/downhill assist control adopted in automatic transmissions, eliminating unnecessary gear shifting on winding roads and achieving a smooth drive
MarkII
November
Production commenced of the VF2A transfer case, a part-time transfer case with Hi/Low modes developed by increasing the capacity and reducing the weight of the existing VF series.
Toyota commences transfer case production for the first time at Toyota Motor Hokkaido, Inc.
Tacoma
 
Production commenced of the F22TA rear differential, adopted along with the FD22TA-C differential oil cooling system
Supra
1995
January
Production commenced of the SD19A front differential for independent front suspension, with reverse offset front drive and a left-and-right split differential carrier
Tacoma
December
Production commenced of the VF3A transfer case, a multi-mode transfer case for 4WD systems with both part-time and full-time 4WD functions, developed by adding an open center differential to the VF2A transfer case
Hilux Surf
1996
May
Production commenced of the VF3B transfer case, a full-time 4WD transfer case designed to provide stable handling and firm traction at all times
Land Cruiser Prado
May
Toyota receives the Technological Development Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for developing a high-performance torque converter
 
August
Self-adjusting clutch cover (SAC) adopted for the first time; Cover maintains a constant diaphragm spring orientation to keep the pedal force required to disengage the clutch at a constant level
Land Cruiser
August
Production commenced of the Q110 transaxle, containing a uniaxial motor, for the RAV4 EV
RAV4 EV
 
TAP commences production in the Philippines of the GI69C-BJ82 drive shaft, marking the start of overseas drive-shaft production by a Toyota overseas subsidiary
 
 
Production commenced of the F20TX rear differential, adopting a Type B Torsen LSD for the first time in Japan
MarkII
1997
April
Production commenced of the C160 manual transaxle used in the first 6-speed manual transmission for front-wheel-drive vehicles in the 1.6-liter class; Transmission uses a low-gear and close-gear ratio to provide better engine performance than that provided by conventional 5-speed manual transmissions
Corolla
April
Production commenced of the FD20D rear differential, which uses polished hypoid gears for the first time
Century
May
Production commenced of the H260 manual transmission, a 6-speed version of the H150 and the first 6-speed manual transmission for truck-pattern shifting
Land Cruiser
June
The V-Flex Fulltime 4WD system for front-wheel-drive-based 4WD vehicles adopted and installed in a V6 engine; Without a center differential mechanism, the system is compact and light, and features a viscous coupling inside the front of the differential
Camry Gracia
June
Production commenced of the MF1A transfer case with the V-Flex Fulltime 4WD system
Camry Gracia
August
Production commenced of the A650E automatic transmission, Japan's first high-capacity 5-speed automatic transmission developed for V8 engines; Transmission is nearly the size of a 4-speed automatic transmission
Celsior
October
Production commenced of a coaxial motor transaxle for the series hybrid system used in the Coaster Hybrid
Coaster Hybrid
November
Production commenced of the MF2AV transfer case, a new transfer case in which the oil for the transaxle is kept separate from that for the transfer case and which can be used in both automatic and manual transmissions
Caldina, Harrier
November
Production commenced of the U140F automatic transaxle, adopting Super ECT as the leading model in a series of automatic transaxles (U140/U240/U340/U440) designed exclusively for next-generation front-wheel-drive vehicles
Caldina
November
Sports-Steer Shiftmatic adopted, achieving a drastic improvement in operability
Caldina
December
Production commenced of the P110 transmission for the world's first mass-production hybrid vehicle, consisting of a power split device, a generator, a motor, and a motor speed reduction device, making possible a vehicle for the new century by controlling both how the vehicle runs and its fuel consumption
Prius
 
Production commenced of the F19TX rear differential, adopting a Type B Torsen LSD
Altezza
 
Steer Shiftmatic steering wheel-mounted gear selection system adopted, enabling nimble manual-sensation shifting while allowing drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel, achieving a sporty drive
Aristo
 
Driver-intent-oriented control system adopted; System uses a neural network, which deduces the driver's driving intention based on accelerator operation and vehicle state to automatically switch between normal and power shifting
MarkII
1998
January
Production commenced of the BD24B rear differential, which features an optimally positioned ring gear bolt
Land Cruiser
January
Production commenced of the SD20A front differential for independent front suspensions, with reverse offset front drive, fore-and-aft split, and an integrated mount cover
Land Cruiser
January
A 2-joint propeller shaft adopted; Uses solid joints, with a resin spacer added to the solid cup in the joint, eliminating wobble and reducing imbalance
Land Cruiser
May
Production commenced of an electronically controlled coupling for an active torque control 4WD system; Uses an electromagnetic force to control the distribution of the torque to the front and rear wheels based on information obtained by various sensors
Ipsum
May
Navigation shift control system adopted; Intelligent system controls the gear shift in coordination with a car navigation system and based on the driver's intention and the road conditions (e.g., a corner ahead)
Progres
October
Production commenced of the J160, a new 6-speed manual transmission developed exclusively for rear-wheel-drive sports sedans, using a high-rigidity case and achieving a light gear-shift feel
Altezza, Lexus IS
 
Tianjin Fengjin Auto Parts Co., Ltd. (TFAP) commences production in China of the GI69C-BJ82 drive shaft, marking the start of drive-shaft production by a Toyota subsidiary in China
 
 
Toyota receives the JSME award for developing a mass-production hybrid system for passenger cars
 
 
Toyota receives the Technological Development Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for developing a hybrid system
 
 
Toyota receives the then-International Trade and Industry Minister's Award from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Machine Industry for developing a mass-production hybrid system for passenger cars
 
1999
January
Production commenced of the C550 5-speed manual transaxle, developed exclusively for 1.0-liter engines and featuring a split case to make it compact and light
Vitz
January
The U440E, Toyota's first 4-speed automatic transaxle for liter-class cars, adopted; Highly efficient, compact and light
Vitz
January
Production commenced of the Toyota Free-Tronic (TFT), Toyota's first clutch-pedal-less manual transmission, which allows easy operation with no clutch pedal
Yaris
August
Production commenced of the C60 6-speed manual transaxle, which is based on the C50 manual transaxle and offers a light gear-shift feel
Celica, Corolla
August
Production commenced of the Super ECT series of U340E, U340F, U341E and U341F 4-speed automatic transaxles, which are high-functionality successors to the A240 automatic transaxle series
Platz, Celica
August
Production commenced of the UBJ82, an outboard drive-shaft joint that accommodates large-tire turning angles
Fun Cargo
 
Toyota receives the JSME award for developing a low-force, shape-designing technology for retouching the tooth surfaces of helical gears
 
2000
March
Production commenced of the E350 5-speed manual transaxle as an improved version of the E55 manual transaxle with increased torque, lower cost, and improved gear-shift feel
Estima
May
Production commenced of the PGI80C double-roller, low-force inboard drive-shaft joint
RAV4
August
Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia (TMMWV) commences Toyota's first North American production of automatic transaxles by producing the U140 and U240 automatic transaxles on a newly opened third line
Camry
August
Production commenced of the K110, Toyota's first belt-type CVT, which achieves both class-leading fuel efficiency and high driving performance; The CVT features a torque converter with a long-travel damper to help achieve quiet operation and improved fuel efficiency
Opa
August
Production commenced of the C50M, Japan's first electronically controlled sequential manual transmission (SMT), which uses a clutch-pedal-less 5-speed sequential shift for high response and smooth shifting
MR-S
October
'NAVI AI-SHIFT' adopted; the intelligent system controls the gear shift in coordination with a car navigation system and based on the driver's intention and the road conditions (e.g., hill or corner ahead)
MarkII
December
Tangshan Aisin Co., Ltd. commences production of the M150 manual transmission in China for the Coaster
Coaster produced in Sichuan
2001
May
Production commenced of the P210 transaxle for hybrid vehicles; The transaxle allows power generation and motor drive using a single motor combined with a belt-type CVT, making for a hybrid system that is ideal for heavy minivans
Estima
May
Production commenced of the Q210, the world's first electronic 4WD rear unit; The unit eliminates the conventional transfer case and propeller shaft and optimally controls the driving force of the rear wheels according to driving conditions
Estima
July
Production commenced of the U150E, Toyota's first 5-speed automatic transaxle for front-wheel-drive vehicles; The achieving of five speeds was made possible through minor improvements to the U140E transaxle
Windom
August
Toyota achieves dramatic fuel efficiency improvements with the world's first mild hybrid system, which was developed by adding an electronic oil pump to the A340E 4-speed automatic transmission
Crown
2002
April
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland Sp. z o.o. commences production of the front-wheel-drive C150 and C50 5-speed manual transaxles for supply to European vehicle production
 
August
Production commenced of the A750E 5-speed automatic transmission, a new-generation automatic transmission with a new-generation, compact gear train for rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Land Cruiser
August
Production commenced of the VF4A and VF4B transfer cases, developed based on the VF3A and VF3B transfer cases using the Torsen LSD as the center differential, resulting in part-time/full-time transfer cases with a center differential providing high levels of traction performance and handling stability
Hilux Surf, Land Cruiser Prado
August
Production commenced of the SD20B front differential which features a high capacity and is light due to the use of a thin-walled cast iron carrier and high-strength differential gears
Hilux Surf, Land Cruiser Prado
September
Sports Sequential Shiftmatic adopted; Allows for a sporty drive when the driver puts the shift knob in the 'M' position and moves it up or down
Caldina
December
Production commenced of the K210, a belt-type CVT that achieves both class-leading fuel efficiency and high powertrain performance
Vitz
December
Neutral control system adopted; System reduces fuel consumption by semi-disengaging the stop/start clutch when the vehicle is stopped with the shift lever in the 'D' range, effectively putting the vehicle in neutral
Vitz
December
Production commenced of the C550A, Toyota's first multi-mode transmission, which comes with an 'M' mode for driving fun and an 'E' mode for easy automatic gear shifting, as well as improved fuel economy
Yaris
December
Tangshan Aisin Co., Ltd. commences production in China of the C550 5-speed manual transaxle for front-wheel-drive vehicles
 
 
Toyota receives the Technological Development Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for developing a new hybrid system for minivans
 
2003
February
Toyota achieves dramatic fuel efficiency improvements through its Intelligent Idling Stop System developed by adding an electronic oil pump to the K210 belt-type CVT, ensuring excellent startup performance during engine restarts and producing class-leading fuel efficiency
Vitz
August
Production commenced of the FD21A rear differential; The differential, without a side retainer and side gear shaft, and using low-viscosity oil and a conical spring, is light, with improved efficiency and handling stability
Celsior
August
Production commenced of the A761E, Japan's first 6-speed automatic transmission; The change to six speeds dramatically improves both powertrain performance and fuel efficiency while allowing high-quality and exhilarating driving
Celsior
September
Production commenced of the P112 hybrid vehicle transaxle, which features a larger motor output than the P110 hybrid vehicle transaxle, improving driving performance and achieving world-leading fuel efficiency; Toyota becomes the first automaker in Japan to adopt a shift-by-wire system when it introduces its Electro Shiftmatic
Prius
 
Toyota receives the Asahara Prize Technology Promotion Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (JSAE) for R&D and commercialization related to the vibration and noise performance of vehicles and powertrains and to gear-tooth design technology, which, for many years, has helped advance automobile technologies
 
 
TMMWV commences production of the U151E 5-speed automatic transaxle for SUVs and minivans
Sienna
2004
May
CVTEC Co., Ltd. begins mass production in Japan of 30-mm CVT belts, which were previously purchased from VDT BV of the Netherlands, to ensure a stable supply
 
July
Production commenced of the M551 manual transmission, Toyota's first output-reduction type, 5-speed manual transmission, which is compact and requires less force on the shift knob
Coaster
July
Production commenced of the K111, a belt-type CVT, which, with the addition of neutral-gear control and acceleration linear control to a K110 CVT base, furthers fuel efficiency improvement and high powertrain performance
Noah, Voxy
August
Production commenced of the RA60 manual transmission, Toyota's first output-reduction type, 6-speed manual transmission, which is compact and requires less force on the shift knob
Tacoma, Land Cruiser Prado
August
Toyota Kirloskar Autoparts, Ltd. (TKAP) commences production in India of the R150 5-speed manual transmission for the Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) vehicle series
IMV series
August
Toyota receives the Technology Award and Takeda Award from the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers for developing the Flex Lock-up System
 
August
AW North Carolina, Inc. (AWNC) commences production in the U.S. of the A750E 5-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive vehicles to meet the needs of commercials vehicles in the U.S.
 
August
Toyota develops and commences production of the A960E, a compact, light, and high-efficiency 6-speed automatic transmission ideal for 3-liter or smaller engines
 
August
Production commenced of the SD20C front differential, which features a high capacity and is light, due to the use of a thin-walled cast iron carrier and high-strength, 2-pinion differential gears
IMV series
August
Production commenced of the BD20D rear differential, which features a high capacity and is light due to the use of equi-depth tooth gears and high-strength, 2-pinion differential gears
IMV series
August
Toyota adopts and commences mass production of a compact, light, low-cost clutch master cylinder, with a resin plunger, developed as part of Toyota's Construction for Cost Competitiveness for the 21st Century initiative
Hiace
December
Production commenced of the K410 belt-type CVT, which achieves both high fuel efficiency and high powertrain performance through size and weight reductions and is perfectly suited for vehicles in the 1.0- to 1.3-liter class
Vitz
 
Production commenced of the U250E 5-speed automatic transaxle for front-wheel-drive vehicles
Camry
2005
January
Production commenced of the GF1A compact transfer case, which features a die-cast structure, a unit bearing, a ring-gear spline structure, an offset drive pinion, and rear drive
Vitz
January
V-Flex Fulltime 4WD system unit renewed to feature, not only a resigned, smaller and lighter GF1A transfer case, but a new FD13 rear-differential, a viscous coupling positioned inside the front of the rear-differential, and a propeller shaft with a tri-board constant velocity joint
Vitz
January
Aisin AI (Thailand) Co., Ltd. commences production in Thailand of the R150 5-speed manual transmission for the IMV vehicle series
IMV series
January
As the first step toward local procurement in China, production commenced of the A760 6-speed automatic transmission in China, with plans to shift production from Japan to China in phases
 
March
Production commenced of the P310 hybrid-vehicle transaxle for front-wheel-drive SUVs in the 3-liter class; The transaxle features a motor speed reduction device and a high-rpm, high-output motor/generator
Harrier Hybrid, Kluger Hybrid
March
Production commenced of the EA60, Toyota's first 3-axis manual transaxle, developed as a high-torque 6-speed manual transaxle with a new structure that allows easy installation
 
April
Production commenced of compact joints for front-wheel-drive-based 4WD vehicles; Used for the first time are compact Hooke's joints for the first and third joints and a GI joint made by GKN for the second joint, resulting in a compact, light, 3-joint propeller shaft
Vitz
August
Production commenced of the FD20A rear differential, which is light and highly efficient due to the use of a thin-walled cast iron carrier, low-viscosity oil, a conical spring in the differential, and low-resistance bearings
Lexus IS
August
As part of the plan to increase local procurement in China, Toyota commences production of the A960E 6-speed automatic transmission in that country, following the A760E
Lexus IS
August
Paddle shift system adopted, allowing drivers to shift gears with both hands on the steering wheel, providing sporty driving pleasure
Lexus IS
October
Production commenced of a shot ring CVT made by CVTEC; As a world first, the ring, for 2.4-liter engines, undergoes shot peening for increased strength
 
October
Production commenced of the K112 belt-type CVT; CVT was created by increasing the capacity of the K111 CVT
RAV4
November
Active torque control 4WD system unit renewed, achieving dramatic size and weight reduction by redesigning the GF1A transfer case, the FD13 rear-differential, and the electronically controlled, pre-differential coupling
RAV4
 
Production commenced of the A760E 6-speed automatic transmission
Lexus GS350
 
North American production commenced of the A750E/F 5-speed automatic transmissions for rear-wheel-drive vehicles
 
2006
January
Production commenced of the U660E and U660F, Toyota's first 6-speed automatic transaxles for front-wheel-drive vehicles; Transaxles feature a compact gear train that achieves six speeds using a single axis to produce a high torque of 400 Nm, and are as low cost, compact, and light as 4-speed automatic transaxles
Camry, Lexus ES 350, Estima
February
Production commenced of the P311 transaxle for front-wheel-drive hybrid vehicles in the 2.4-liter class; Transaxle features a motor speed reduction device and a high-rpm, high-output motor/generator
Camry Hybrid
March
Production commenced of the L110, the world's first transmission for rear-wheel-drive hybrid vehicles, which uses the world's first two-stage motor speed reduction device to achieve both powerful acceleration from stop and high-speed cruising
Lexus GS450h
September
The AA80E, or 8 Super ECT, 8-speed automatic transmission adopted; A world's first, the transmission features a far wider and closer gear ratio than conventional 6-speed automatic transmissions and proficiently achieves both powerful acceleration and low fuel consumption, which are normally inversely related performance characteristics
Lexus LS460
September
Driving Response and Acceleration Management System (DRAMS) adopted; System integrates control of the engine, transmission and related systems with a focus on drivetrain output to achieve an optimum driving feel for all aspects of the vehicle, including vehicle behavior
Lexus LS460
September
Production commenced of the K310 and K311 belt-type CVTs, which achieve both high fuel efficiency and high powertrain performance through size and weight reductions and are perfect suited for vehicles in the 1.5- to 1.8-liter class
Corolla
October
AWNC commences U.S. production of the AB60E 6-speed automatic transmission to satisfy the expanding need for commercial vehicles in the U.S.
Tundra
October
Production commenced of the JF1A (for part-time 4WD), JF2A (for full-time 4WD) and JF3A (for multi-mode 4WD) transfer cases, high capacity, light, compact, and extremely durable and reliable 4WD systems that are positioned as top-of-the-line for Toyota SUVs
Tundra
October
Aluminum propeller shaft adopted; Dana Corporation-manufactured propeller shaft uses an aluminum tube and a joint yoke
Tundra
November
Production commenced of the BD24B rear differential, which features a high capacity and is light and highly efficient due to the use of equi-depth tooth gears, low-resistance bearings, low-viscosity oil, and high-strength differential gears
Tundra
November
Production commenced of the SD22A front differential, which features a high capacity and is light and highly efficient due to the use of an aluminum carrier, equi-depth tooth gears, low-resistance bearings, low-viscosity oil, and high-strength differential gears
Tundra
November
Production commenced of the P312 transaxle for hybrid vehicles, which is based on the P311 transaxle and supplied to Nissan Motor Company Co., Ltd.
Nissan Altima Hybrid
November
Production commenced of Toyota's first cars equipped with the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI), an eco-drive system that recommends the best gear position for achieving the highest environmental performance in terms of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions
Auris
 
Tow/Haul mode adopted; Mode is part of a gear-shifting point control system that switches the AI-SHIFT uphill/downhill control and electronic throttle non-linear characteristics to the settings most suitable for towing, in addition to automatically downshifting during acceleration even when the brakes are applied
Tundra
2007
January
Production commenced of the BD26B rear differential, which features a high capacity and is light and highly efficient due to the use of equi-depth tooth gears, low-resistance bearings, low-viscosity oil, and high-strength differential gears
Tundra
April
Full-time 4WD system developed for rear-wheel-drive-based hybrid vehicles for the World's first
Lexus LS600h
April
Production commenced of the LF1A transfer case, the world's first rear-wheel-drive-based, full-time 4WD transfer case featuring a fourth-generation Type C Torsen LSD and high levels of controllability and stability
Lexus LS600h
April
Production commenced of the L110F hybrid transmission for use in rear-wheel-drive-based, 4WD hybrid vehicles; Combined a 5.0-liter engine with a high-output motor to reliably transmit power equivalent to that of a 6.0-liter engine to the road surface while achieving low fuel consumption (a world first)
Lexus LS600h
April
Production commenced of the VD19C front differential, which features a high capacity and is light and highly efficient due to the use of an aluminum carrier, equi-depth tooth gears, low-resistance bearings, and low-viscosity oil
Lexus LS600h
May
TMMWV, U.S, commences production of the U660E 6-speed automatic transaxle
Avalon
September
Production commenced of the JF2A and JF3A transfer cases, which are higher-functionality models in the JF series that use a Type C Torsen center differential
Land Cruiser
September
Production commenced of a propeller shaft with a higher-rigidity middle slide in response to the increasing speed of today's vehicles
Lexus LC 200, Lexus LX 570
October
Production and adoption of AB60E 6-speed automatic transmission commenced in Japan
Land Cruiser
November
Production commenced of the FD25A rear differential, which features a high capacity and is light and highly efficient due to the use of a thin-walled cast iron carrier, equi-depth tooth gears, low-resistance bearings, low-viscosity oil, and high-strength differential gears
Sequoia
November
Toyota commences production of the JF3A transfer. Installed in full-size SUVs in the U.S. market for multi-mode 4WD
Sequoia
November
Toyota Motor Hokkaido,INC. reaches a cumulative transfer case production 5 million units, after having commenced such production in 1994; Transfer cases it makes are used in rear-wheel-drive-based SUVs, and such transfer cases have the largest production volumes
 
December
8-speed Sport Direct Shift adopted, combining an 8-speed automatic transmission with electronic control technologies to achieve the benefits of both automatic and manual transmissions, offering new value in 2-pedal sports transmissions suitable to premium sports cars
Lexus IS-F
 
Toyota receives the Technological Development Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for developing a hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive vehicles
 
 
Toyota receives the Technical Paper Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for developing a hybrid transaxle for front-wheel-drive SUVs
 
2008
April
Toyota receives the Technical Development Award from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for developing a new hybrid transaxle for front-wheel-drive vehicle SUVs
 
August
Production commenced of the EC60 6-speed manual transaxle, developed as a small-capacity manual transaxle exclusively for 6-speed transmissions, achieving a world-class gear-shift feel and high efficiency
Yaris, Corolla, Avensis, etc.
August
TAP commences production in the Philippines of the R150 5-speed manual transmission for the IMV vehicle series
IMV series
August
Toyota adopts concentric slave cylinder (CSC); using a hydraulic cylinder to directly operate the clutch cover improves system rigidity, thereby optimizing clutch operation and reducing weight
Corolla
September
Production commenced of the EB60 mid-capacity manual transaxle, developed exclusively for six speeds and achieving a world-leading gear-shift feel and high efficiency
Avensis, RAV4, Camry
October
Production commenced of the EE60 manual transaxle for 6-speed transmissions and of the EE50 manual transaxle for 5-speed transmissions; EC60-based EE60-layout places the differential axis in front to help make vehicles more compact; EE50 added for 1.0-liter engines
iQ
October
Production commenced of the K410-based K41A belt-type CVT that has the differential shifted forward to accommodate a new platform in which a vehicle's four wheels are positioned close to the four corners of the vehicle
iQ
November
Multi-mode transmission, Phase 2: Production commenced of the EC60A manual transaxle, further improving fuel efficiency through the use of six speeds, resulting in a high-response multi-mode transmission
Yaris, Auris
November
Production commenced of the U760E and U760F 6-speed automatic transaxles, which, as part of the U660E series, have class-leading fuel efficiency and are low cost, as well as compact and light
Camry, Venza, Highlander
November
Toyota CVTs introduced in Europe for the first time, marking the use of a new control system for Europe and achieving both superior fuel efficiency and powertrain performance suitable to the European market
Avensis
2009
January
Low-resistance bearings and low-viscosity oil for the MF1A transfer and FD15CE rear-differential of 4WD vehicles with active torque control adopted, reducing the volume of oil required and improving the transmission efficiency, thereby helping improve fuel efficiency
Lexus RX350
March
Production commenced of the P410 transaxle for front-wheel-drive hybrid vehicles in the 1.8-liter class; Transaxle incorporates a motor speed reduction device and a high-rpm, high-output motor/generator
Prius
April
Production commenced of the K41B belt-type CVT, created by increasing the capacity of the K41A CVT, for 1.3-liter engines
iQ
April
Production commenced of the large-capacity P313 transaxle for hybrid vehicles, based on the P310 transaxle but featuring higher torque, stronger motor cooling performance, higher efficiency, and a low installation position
Lexus RX450h
July
Medium-capacity P311 transaxle for hybrid vehicles adopted, which added a motorized oil pump and stronger motor cooling performance to the conventional P311
Lexus HS 250h
September
Production of the BD21B rear differential commenced, featuring higher torque capacity and improved durability compared to conventional differentials and using multi-row tapered roller bearings and low-viscosity oil, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and fuel efficiency
Land Cruiser Prado
December
Production commenced of the P410 transaxle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, 750 units of which are introduced to the market through leasing to limited customers in various countries
Prius Plug-in Hybrid
2010
December
Drivetrain for premium sports cars developed, consisting of the RB10 front transmission, the RB60M manual transaxle, and a torque tube for integrating them, achieving a low center of gravity and optimum fore-aft weight distribution
Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) for automating clutch and transmission operation also developed, achieving highly responsive gear-shifting and contributing to a vehicle's performance dynamics
Lexus LFA
December
Production commenced at TKAP (India) of the 5-speed manual transmission (MT) C550 for front-wheel-drive vehicles, a low-cost MT for vehicles in BRICSs countries
Etios
December
Production commenced of the belt-type K411 CVT, which was based on the K410 CVT and adopted a flex start control mechanism for the first time in a Toyota CVT; Lock-up clutch actively activated during startup to run the engine in the most efficient operating region, thereby improving fuel efficiency
Vitz
2011
May
Gear ratio optimized in the small-capacity P410 transaxle for hybrid minivans
Prius a
August
Medium-capacity P314 transaxle for hybrid vehicles adopted, which is based on the P311 transaxle and achieves low loss and improved powertrain transmission efficiency through the use of a newly developed oil pump
Camry
October
Production commenced of the 6-speed U760 automatic transaxle at AWNC in North America as part of Toyota's local procurement initiative
Camry
December
Low Production commenced of the small-capacity P510 transaxle for front-wheel-drive hybrid vehicles; A motor adopted with a new structure and a new cooling structure to correspond to the NZ engine and the B platform, achieving a compact size and lighter weight
Aqua

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