2007 Tundra Press Conference Transcript
02-09-2006, 06:44 AM
#1
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
2007 Tundra Press Conference Transcript
02/09/2006
As prepared for:
Jim Press, President & COO
Jim Lentz, Vice President Sales and Marketing
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2007 Toyota Tundra Press Conference
2006 Chicago Auto Show
February 9, 2006
Jim Lentz Remarks:
Good morning everyone, and thanks for joining us in the heart of America for the world debut of the all-new Toyota Tundra.
I noticed that some of some of you seemed a bit surprised when you came in today. You may be asking yourself, “Is this a press conference?” or did I just walk onto the set of “City Slickers?”
Well, we had a lot of questions too when it came time to develop the next-generation Tundra.
Questions like…
•Who's buying two million pickups in the U.S. every year? ...
•What are they using them for? ...
•Where are they using them? ...
•And how can we engineer the new Tundra...from the ground up...to set a new benchmark for size, performance and capability?
Well, as you'll see in a few minutes, we've answered those questions and then some. The new Tundra is very different from anything you might have imagined.
So for its world debut, we decided to do things a little differently, as well.
We created a special interactive display zone you saw on the way in, separate and removed from our main display areas. We call it Tundra Territory, and even though it was built for the public days starting Saturday, we wanted to give you a sneak preview of what it's all about.
Tundra Territory is a microcosm for how our design, development and manufacturing engineers went about researching the core values of today's full-size pickup market.
We chose typical work places where American trucks are put to the test every day, places that helped us answer the most important question of all, ”Why do Americans need, and love trucks?”
And it's fitting we show you the answer today on this stage.
After all, 8 years ago during the grand opening of the new McCormick Place, we staged the world premiere of the concept vehicle that became the Toyota Tundra.
That concept was developed to be a move-up vehicle for Tacoma owners, and other Toyota vehicle owners who were seeking the quality, dependability and reliability they were used to, but in a full-size pickup built in America.
That concept was a major hit at that show and it's been a major success story for the Toyota brand ever since.
Tundra is built exclusively at our production facility in Princeton, Indiana and from day one, we've sold every truck the factory was able to build. In fact, last year, we sold an all-time high 120,000 units, a 12 percent increase.
But, the market has changed since we launched the original Tundra seven years ago. New offerings in the full-size pickup segment feature more power, more towing capacity and more body configurations.
And, the full-size pickup truck segment has grown to become the largest and most competitive truck segment with 2.5 million in annual sales.
That's a strong market and good opportunity, so we set a goal to develop an even better next-generation Tundra.
And all the ingredients we needed to develop just the right truck were right here in the United States.
Product planning began at our headquarters in Southern California. All engineering development was directed by the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. And styling was the work of our Calty studios in Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In addition, this new Tundra will be the only full-size pickup exclusively built in the heart of America, both at our veteran Indiana truck plant and our brand-new factory in San Antonio, Texas.
To find out what customers wanted in large pickups today, we identified, researched and classified six distinct groups of buyers that make up the huge and broadly diverse full-size segment.
However, we primarily targeted one group that we call “True Truckers.”
True Truckers account for more than one-fourth of all full-size truck sales. But their importance goes far beyond their purchasing power. They are the true opinion leaders among full-size owners and highly credible, because they use, punish and demand the most out of the pickups they buy.
They depend on their trucks day in and day out. They use every horsepower, every pound-foot of torque and every bit of payload they can muster. It's the most important tool in their life.
So True Truckers are the people we created our new Tundra for and are the customers who will fully appreciate its total package of size, power, and capability.
And now, to take the wraps off the new Tundra, here's Toyota's top truck guy, the president of TMS, Jim Press...
Jim Press Remarks:
Thanks, Jim and welcome everyone. Thank you for joining us for one of the most exciting announcements we've ever made.
This new Tundra is one of the most important products in our history because it has the potential to make a major positive impact on our business.
We've built some great trucks before…but this one is our best ever.
Seventy years of truck-making and seven years of customer research have helped us craft the perfect full-size pickup for Americans. The new Tundra has everything true truck buyers seek...looks, size, power and capability along with time-tested Toyota quality, reliability and durability. It's a new world in full-size trucks.
Ladies and Gentlemen….behold…the biggest…boldest…bad-ass truck in Toyota history…the next Tundra…
(Tundra reveal)
What did I tell you, this isn't just a step in the right direction it's a gargantuan leap to the head of the pack. This new Tundra has it all, capability, power, style, roominess and refinement never before seen in a full-size pickup.
The first thing you notice is its tremendous presence, we've super-sized it in all the right places.
It rides on an all-new platform with a wheelbase of 145.7 inches.
Bumper-to-bumper the new Tundra is 10 inches longer than the “Access Cab” it replaces.
What you see here is the all-new Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited half-ton pickup. And it's a very special vehicle.
Why?
Because when it arrives at Toyota dealerships about a year from now it will carry a towing capacity in-excess of 10,000 pounds!
You heard right, I said more than 10,000 pounds.
Think about what that says about the tremendous capability of this truck.
To tow more than 10,000 pounds every major component had to be brawny and designed for maximum strength, durability and reliability over the long haul.
And it all starts with the heart and soul of every pickup, its powertrain.
The engine under this hood is an all-new, 5.7 liter i-Force V8 built right here in America at our Alabama plant. And it has the largest displacement of any Toyota truck in our history.
The monster-torque developed by this hulking engine will be distributed by an all-new, six-speed automatic transmission, the first we've ever offered in a truck.
To develop a vehicle that will tow over 10,000 pounds with ease you need more than just a phenomenal powertrain, you also need industrial-strength components.
So the next Tundra has...
•Heavy-duty front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers and new rotors nearly 1-1/2 inches larger, plus standard rear discs brakes nearly as big as the front
•A bigger, wider, rock solid frame with 30 percent higher tensile strength steel.
•The heavy-duty pulling power of a rear differential...with a 10.5-inch ring gear.
•Plus, the extra-duty cooling and electrical systems needed to accommodate Class-4 towing capabilities
We know customers need lots of choices in trucks so we'll offer the new Tundra with three different engines to meet customer demand: a high-torque, fuel-stingy 4.0 liter V6; an updated 4.7 liter V8 and, for those who need maximum power and payload, a very capable 5.7 liter V8.
But being big doesn't mean it can't be smart. We're using advanced engine technology rarely found on trucks, like a higher compression ratio, independently controlled intake and exhaust variable valve timing, and a low friction cam assembly among other things.
As a result, this 5.7 is targeted to be ULEV capable. Now that's a smart engine.
In all, the new Tundra will be offered in over 30 different models when combining the trio of engines, three cab configurations, two- and four-wheel drive, three-trim levels and three different bed sizes.
In fact, this Double Cab actually replaces our current Access Cab. That's right, we'll have an even bigger four-door to show you when we get closer to launch.
But this will be one of the most popular models because it features the largest interior volume in its segment. And we're making an eight-foot cargo bed available for those True Truckers who told us emphatically they needed ample passenger room and maximum utility.
OK, we have power and capability, but what about styling?
Our customers told us that image was vitally important to them and that Tundra's exterior should leave no doubt about its immense capabilities.
And our designers at Calty responded. As you can see, the "Power of the Fist" shape from our enormously popular FTX concept was carried through to give this new Tundra bold, brave and distinctive character lines that are different from anything on the road today.
From the side, you can clearly see that the body is thicker and the doors are taller with character lines and fender flares that add dimension and strength as well as an unwavering stance.
The inside of the new Tundra is as well thought-out as the outside. The driver is surrounded by a U-shaped cluster, a “command and control” center that provides an unobstructed view of the road and gauges, while keeping all knobs, switches and buttons within easy reach.
And there's plenty of room.
Our class-leading cab will offer ample shoulder room for all passengers...4 more inches in the front and nearly 3 inches in the rear. Plus, front passengers will enjoy nearly 4 more inches of hip room in front and a remarkable half foot more in the back. It's so roomy back there that your kids can play hide-and-seek!
The next Tundra not only has great looks, size and performance, it's also chock full of unique features that meet the wide-ranging needs of today's full-size pickup customers.
For instance, truck owners who spend a lot of time on construction sites often use their trucks as mobile offices and need room for files, blueprints, laptops, cell phones and other business tools.
So we've increased storage capacity and made it practical for everyday use. For instance, the glove box can hold a standard Thermos™ bottle while the massive center console easily stores a laptop computer and file folders.
We also noticed that ranchers, foremen and construction workers are always in and out of their trucks, and need quick and easy access to the truck bed.
So we developed a lockable all-steel tailgate that can be effortlessly opened and closed with just TWO fingers. Plus, we added a damper on the hinge to cushion the tailgate when opening as well as to reduce bouncing when it's down.
To accommodate bulky protective clothing like hats and gloves, we crafted adjustable headrests, large door handles, and easy to turn control knobs. That way, customers won't have to take off their gear when they hop into their trucks and move to the next work site.
Safety is also a top priority for True Truckers. So we gave the new Tundra extra large side mirrors for a wide field of view, while still managing to reduce wind noise and image vibration, important factors when towing precious cargo. We also built the trailer hitch right into the muscular frame of the truck for better stability when handling heavy loads.
And we're still not done.
This new Tundra will come packed with an amazing array of standard comfort and convenience features as well as a huge payload of options and accessories.
Options like a JBL premium audio system with Bluetooth cell phone compatibility, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and even a wide-screen backup camera hidden in the tailgate handle that serves as an extra set of eyes when hitching trailers and backing up.
Now, as much as this new Tundra has changed some things will stay the same. It will fully retain key attributes our customers love like its superb quality and dependability, as well as the most comfortable, quiet and refined ride in the segment.
Pound for pound, this new Tundra delivers more looks, power and capability than any truck before it.
The new Tundra is a vital part of our goal to become a successful full-line manufacturer. And we are striving to do that by offering a balanced and responsible portfolio of vehicles, from big work trucks that meet customer needs like this, to 40 mile-per-gallon conventional cars like the recently introduced Yaris and our six advanced technology hybrids.
We are committed to our corporate vision to maximize customer satisfaction by meeting user requirements while minimizing negative impact on the environment. For 2005, based on Corporate Averages, Toyota vehicles achieve the best overall average fuel economy of any full-line manufacturer.
Our goal is to always serve our customers while at the same time working hard to meet the needs of our earth.
And now I'd like to acknowledge the two people most responsible for the new Tundra's development. Please welcome Chief Engineer, Mr. Obu, and Executive Program Manager, Mark Schrage.
Gentlemen, thank you for giving us a truck true to meet the needs of Americans while at work, or at play. We believe it will set a new benchmark for full-size pickups.
You'll start seeing the new Tundra on the street in about 11 months. In the meantime, our Indiana and Texas plants are busy gearing-up for a start of production this fall.
We plan to sell somewhere in the neighborhood of 200,000 Tundras in its first year on the market. And although it's far too early to talk pricing, I can tell you this: We're totally committed to maintaining Tundra's position as the highest quality, best-built, best value pick-up in the full-size segment.
Well, that's about it from the Tundra work zone today. Thanks for joining us and here's Irv to wrap things up...
As prepared for:
Jim Press, President & COO
Jim Lentz, Vice President Sales and Marketing
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2007 Toyota Tundra Press Conference
2006 Chicago Auto Show
February 9, 2006
Jim Lentz Remarks:
Good morning everyone, and thanks for joining us in the heart of America for the world debut of the all-new Toyota Tundra.
I noticed that some of some of you seemed a bit surprised when you came in today. You may be asking yourself, “Is this a press conference?” or did I just walk onto the set of “City Slickers?”
Well, we had a lot of questions too when it came time to develop the next-generation Tundra.
Questions like…
•Who's buying two million pickups in the U.S. every year? ...
•What are they using them for? ...
•Where are they using them? ...
•And how can we engineer the new Tundra...from the ground up...to set a new benchmark for size, performance and capability?
Well, as you'll see in a few minutes, we've answered those questions and then some. The new Tundra is very different from anything you might have imagined.
So for its world debut, we decided to do things a little differently, as well.
We created a special interactive display zone you saw on the way in, separate and removed from our main display areas. We call it Tundra Territory, and even though it was built for the public days starting Saturday, we wanted to give you a sneak preview of what it's all about.
Tundra Territory is a microcosm for how our design, development and manufacturing engineers went about researching the core values of today's full-size pickup market.
We chose typical work places where American trucks are put to the test every day, places that helped us answer the most important question of all, ”Why do Americans need, and love trucks?”
And it's fitting we show you the answer today on this stage.
After all, 8 years ago during the grand opening of the new McCormick Place, we staged the world premiere of the concept vehicle that became the Toyota Tundra.
That concept was developed to be a move-up vehicle for Tacoma owners, and other Toyota vehicle owners who were seeking the quality, dependability and reliability they were used to, but in a full-size pickup built in America.
That concept was a major hit at that show and it's been a major success story for the Toyota brand ever since.
Tundra is built exclusively at our production facility in Princeton, Indiana and from day one, we've sold every truck the factory was able to build. In fact, last year, we sold an all-time high 120,000 units, a 12 percent increase.
But, the market has changed since we launched the original Tundra seven years ago. New offerings in the full-size pickup segment feature more power, more towing capacity and more body configurations.
And, the full-size pickup truck segment has grown to become the largest and most competitive truck segment with 2.5 million in annual sales.
That's a strong market and good opportunity, so we set a goal to develop an even better next-generation Tundra.
And all the ingredients we needed to develop just the right truck were right here in the United States.
Product planning began at our headquarters in Southern California. All engineering development was directed by the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. And styling was the work of our Calty studios in Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In addition, this new Tundra will be the only full-size pickup exclusively built in the heart of America, both at our veteran Indiana truck plant and our brand-new factory in San Antonio, Texas.
To find out what customers wanted in large pickups today, we identified, researched and classified six distinct groups of buyers that make up the huge and broadly diverse full-size segment.
However, we primarily targeted one group that we call “True Truckers.”
True Truckers account for more than one-fourth of all full-size truck sales. But their importance goes far beyond their purchasing power. They are the true opinion leaders among full-size owners and highly credible, because they use, punish and demand the most out of the pickups they buy.
They depend on their trucks day in and day out. They use every horsepower, every pound-foot of torque and every bit of payload they can muster. It's the most important tool in their life.
So True Truckers are the people we created our new Tundra for and are the customers who will fully appreciate its total package of size, power, and capability.
And now, to take the wraps off the new Tundra, here's Toyota's top truck guy, the president of TMS, Jim Press...
Jim Press Remarks:
Thanks, Jim and welcome everyone. Thank you for joining us for one of the most exciting announcements we've ever made.
This new Tundra is one of the most important products in our history because it has the potential to make a major positive impact on our business.
We've built some great trucks before…but this one is our best ever.
Seventy years of truck-making and seven years of customer research have helped us craft the perfect full-size pickup for Americans. The new Tundra has everything true truck buyers seek...looks, size, power and capability along with time-tested Toyota quality, reliability and durability. It's a new world in full-size trucks.
Ladies and Gentlemen….behold…the biggest…boldest…bad-ass truck in Toyota history…the next Tundra…
(Tundra reveal)
What did I tell you, this isn't just a step in the right direction it's a gargantuan leap to the head of the pack. This new Tundra has it all, capability, power, style, roominess and refinement never before seen in a full-size pickup.
The first thing you notice is its tremendous presence, we've super-sized it in all the right places.
It rides on an all-new platform with a wheelbase of 145.7 inches.
Bumper-to-bumper the new Tundra is 10 inches longer than the “Access Cab” it replaces.
What you see here is the all-new Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited half-ton pickup. And it's a very special vehicle.
Why?
Because when it arrives at Toyota dealerships about a year from now it will carry a towing capacity in-excess of 10,000 pounds!
You heard right, I said more than 10,000 pounds.
Think about what that says about the tremendous capability of this truck.
To tow more than 10,000 pounds every major component had to be brawny and designed for maximum strength, durability and reliability over the long haul.
And it all starts with the heart and soul of every pickup, its powertrain.
The engine under this hood is an all-new, 5.7 liter i-Force V8 built right here in America at our Alabama plant. And it has the largest displacement of any Toyota truck in our history.
The monster-torque developed by this hulking engine will be distributed by an all-new, six-speed automatic transmission, the first we've ever offered in a truck.
To develop a vehicle that will tow over 10,000 pounds with ease you need more than just a phenomenal powertrain, you also need industrial-strength components.
So the next Tundra has...
•Heavy-duty front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers and new rotors nearly 1-1/2 inches larger, plus standard rear discs brakes nearly as big as the front
•A bigger, wider, rock solid frame with 30 percent higher tensile strength steel.
•The heavy-duty pulling power of a rear differential...with a 10.5-inch ring gear.
•Plus, the extra-duty cooling and electrical systems needed to accommodate Class-4 towing capabilities
We know customers need lots of choices in trucks so we'll offer the new Tundra with three different engines to meet customer demand: a high-torque, fuel-stingy 4.0 liter V6; an updated 4.7 liter V8 and, for those who need maximum power and payload, a very capable 5.7 liter V8.
But being big doesn't mean it can't be smart. We're using advanced engine technology rarely found on trucks, like a higher compression ratio, independently controlled intake and exhaust variable valve timing, and a low friction cam assembly among other things.
As a result, this 5.7 is targeted to be ULEV capable. Now that's a smart engine.
In all, the new Tundra will be offered in over 30 different models when combining the trio of engines, three cab configurations, two- and four-wheel drive, three-trim levels and three different bed sizes.
In fact, this Double Cab actually replaces our current Access Cab. That's right, we'll have an even bigger four-door to show you when we get closer to launch.
But this will be one of the most popular models because it features the largest interior volume in its segment. And we're making an eight-foot cargo bed available for those True Truckers who told us emphatically they needed ample passenger room and maximum utility.
OK, we have power and capability, but what about styling?
Our customers told us that image was vitally important to them and that Tundra's exterior should leave no doubt about its immense capabilities.
And our designers at Calty responded. As you can see, the "Power of the Fist" shape from our enormously popular FTX concept was carried through to give this new Tundra bold, brave and distinctive character lines that are different from anything on the road today.
From the side, you can clearly see that the body is thicker and the doors are taller with character lines and fender flares that add dimension and strength as well as an unwavering stance.
The inside of the new Tundra is as well thought-out as the outside. The driver is surrounded by a U-shaped cluster, a “command and control” center that provides an unobstructed view of the road and gauges, while keeping all knobs, switches and buttons within easy reach.
And there's plenty of room.
Our class-leading cab will offer ample shoulder room for all passengers...4 more inches in the front and nearly 3 inches in the rear. Plus, front passengers will enjoy nearly 4 more inches of hip room in front and a remarkable half foot more in the back. It's so roomy back there that your kids can play hide-and-seek!
The next Tundra not only has great looks, size and performance, it's also chock full of unique features that meet the wide-ranging needs of today's full-size pickup customers.
For instance, truck owners who spend a lot of time on construction sites often use their trucks as mobile offices and need room for files, blueprints, laptops, cell phones and other business tools.
So we've increased storage capacity and made it practical for everyday use. For instance, the glove box can hold a standard Thermos™ bottle while the massive center console easily stores a laptop computer and file folders.
We also noticed that ranchers, foremen and construction workers are always in and out of their trucks, and need quick and easy access to the truck bed.
So we developed a lockable all-steel tailgate that can be effortlessly opened and closed with just TWO fingers. Plus, we added a damper on the hinge to cushion the tailgate when opening as well as to reduce bouncing when it's down.
To accommodate bulky protective clothing like hats and gloves, we crafted adjustable headrests, large door handles, and easy to turn control knobs. That way, customers won't have to take off their gear when they hop into their trucks and move to the next work site.
Safety is also a top priority for True Truckers. So we gave the new Tundra extra large side mirrors for a wide field of view, while still managing to reduce wind noise and image vibration, important factors when towing precious cargo. We also built the trailer hitch right into the muscular frame of the truck for better stability when handling heavy loads.
And we're still not done.
This new Tundra will come packed with an amazing array of standard comfort and convenience features as well as a huge payload of options and accessories.
Options like a JBL premium audio system with Bluetooth cell phone compatibility, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and even a wide-screen backup camera hidden in the tailgate handle that serves as an extra set of eyes when hitching trailers and backing up.
Now, as much as this new Tundra has changed some things will stay the same. It will fully retain key attributes our customers love like its superb quality and dependability, as well as the most comfortable, quiet and refined ride in the segment.
Pound for pound, this new Tundra delivers more looks, power and capability than any truck before it.
The new Tundra is a vital part of our goal to become a successful full-line manufacturer. And we are striving to do that by offering a balanced and responsible portfolio of vehicles, from big work trucks that meet customer needs like this, to 40 mile-per-gallon conventional cars like the recently introduced Yaris and our six advanced technology hybrids.
We are committed to our corporate vision to maximize customer satisfaction by meeting user requirements while minimizing negative impact on the environment. For 2005, based on Corporate Averages, Toyota vehicles achieve the best overall average fuel economy of any full-line manufacturer.
Our goal is to always serve our customers while at the same time working hard to meet the needs of our earth.
And now I'd like to acknowledge the two people most responsible for the new Tundra's development. Please welcome Chief Engineer, Mr. Obu, and Executive Program Manager, Mark Schrage.
Gentlemen, thank you for giving us a truck true to meet the needs of Americans while at work, or at play. We believe it will set a new benchmark for full-size pickups.
You'll start seeing the new Tundra on the street in about 11 months. In the meantime, our Indiana and Texas plants are busy gearing-up for a start of production this fall.
We plan to sell somewhere in the neighborhood of 200,000 Tundras in its first year on the market. And although it's far too early to talk pricing, I can tell you this: We're totally committed to maintaining Tundra's position as the highest quality, best-built, best value pick-up in the full-size segment.
Well, that's about it from the Tundra work zone today. Thanks for joining us and here's Irv to wrap things up...
02-09-2006, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by 350DGRZ
So, where's the pics?
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11257359/
and here:
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/futur..._FUTURE_TUNDRA
02-09-2006, 11:39 AM
#4
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by 350DGRZ
So, where's the pics?
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