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
|
