NASCAR delivers driver Denny Hamlin a hefty penalty for what Toyota calls a 'grievous mistake'
NASCAR docked Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 75 points and 10 playoff points, eliminating any shot he had at winning the regular-season title and making his path toward a championship more difficult.
Tyler Reddick wins rain-delayed NASCAR Cup race at Michigan, his 2nd victory of 2024
Tyler Reddick took the lead on a restart in the second overtime to win at Michigan International Speedway, opening up another spot for a driver in NASCAR’s playoffs.
Toyota offers to replace 100,000-plus engines in recalled Tundra, Lexus LX
Toyota issued a safety recall for two different types of vehicles that could have machining debris in their engines, according to a news release.
SA Zoning Commission votes against industrial zoning proposal near Toyota plant
While the San Antonio Zoning Commission voted against a proposed buffer zone around the Toyota plant on the South Side, one thing was made clear: City Council will have the final say.
Zoning buffer around South Side Toyota plant not as bad as neighbors fear, city says
The city’s proposed “Industrial Compatibility Overlay District” (ICOD) would be the first of its kind in San Antonio and would heavily restrict commercial and residential development around one of the city’s largest manufacturers. While people could remain in their existing homes, the construction of new houses would generally not be allowed - with some specific exceptions.
Rally great Ogier to remain hospitalized though 'no serious injuries' from crash in Poland
Eight-time world rally champion Sébastien Ogier will remain hospitalized overnight after he was involved in a crash in Poland while preparing for this week’s race, though his team said he was not seriously injured.
San Antonio City Council approves $24.4 million incentive package to expand Toyota plant
The San Antonio City Council on Thursday approved a tax incentive of $16.2 million for 10 years for a major expansion of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) plant.
Bexar County commissioners approve nearly $15 million tax incentive to expand South Side Toyota plant
Bexar County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a tax incentive for the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas plant of nearly $15 million for 10 years as it plans to create more job opportunities in the area.
A possible zoning buffer around the Toyota plant has residents pushing back against the city
A divisive proposal has landowners near the San Antonio Toyota Manufacturing Plant fuming. The city wants to limit what can be built around the plant for health and safety reasons.
Chinese automakers redefine the car as a living space at Beijing Auto Show
The seemingly never-ending efforts of China’s electric car makers to redefine the automobile are on display at the nation’s largest annual auto show.
Edmunds picks the best used plug-in hybrids that qualify for the federal tax credit
If you’re in the market for a used car and want to score a nice discount, consider getting a plug-in hybrid vehicle that qualifies for the federal tax credit.
Kyle Larson again wins at Las Vegas to keep Chevrolet undefeated on NASCAR season
Kyle Larson won his second consecutive race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday to keep keep Chevrolet undefeated and give Hendrick Motorsports its second victory in the first three NASCAR Cup Series races of the season.
Toyota Field to host Mexican women’s national team friendly
The Mexican women’s national team will play Australia on April 9 as part of the team’s 2024 MexTour W. The April 9 friendly will be the first women’s national match hosted at Toyota Field.
Toyota urges owners of old Corolla, Matrix and RAV4 models to park them until air bags are replaced
Toyota is telling the owners of about 50,000 older Corolla, Corolla Matrix and RAV4 models to stop driving them because their Takata air bag inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel.
Kia EV9, Toyota Prius and Ford Super Duty pickup win 2024 North American SUV, car and truck awards
The Kia EV9 large electric SUV won the 2024 North American Utility of the Year award, while the Toyota Prius hybrid took the top car honors, and Ford’s Super Duty pickup won the truck award.
Lawsuit filed against City, Toyota alleges 20-year agreement is unconstitutional
Unconstitutional and improper taking of private property; that is how a lawsuit filed this morning against Toyota and the City of San Antonio describes a 20-year-old agreement between the city and the automaker.
UAW will try to organize workers at all US nonunion factories after winning new contracts in Detroit
The United Auto Workers union has announced plans to try to simultaneously organize workers at more than a dozen nonunion auto factories.
New Subaru Forester, Lucid SUV and Toyota Camry are among vehicles on display at L.A. Auto Show
An all-new Subaru Forester, a Lucid electric SUV, and a revamped Toyota Camry are among the new automobiles that will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show starting this week.
Hyundai joins Honda and Toyota in raising wages after auto union wins gains in deals with Detroit 3
Hyundai has joined Honda and Toyota in raising factory worker wages after the United Auto Workers union reached new contract agreements with Detroit automakers.
Toyota is not advising people to park recalled RAV4 SUVs outdoors despite reports of engine fires
Toyota is not advising owners of 1.9 million recalled RAV4 SUVs to park them outdoors, even though U.S. safety investigators have four complaints about engine fires that can start with the vehicles’ ignitions turned off.
Toyota recalls nearly 1.9M RAV4s to fix batteries that can move during hard turns and cause a fire
Toyota is recalling nearly 1.9 million RAV4 small SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem with batteries that can move during forceful turns and potentially cause a fire.
Toyota more than doubles investment and job creation at North Carolina battery plant
Toyota will invest an additional $8 billion in the hybrid and electric vehicle battery factory it’s constructing in North Carolina.
More than a corporate celebration: Toyota hits 20 years in SA, showing South Side’s economic growth
At Toyota's 20th anniversary celebration event Wednesday, the car talk was short. The focus was on the community impact over the past two decades.
White House poised to announce winners of competition to produce hydrogen fuel
The White House is poised to announce the winners of a $7 billion federal competition to produce and deliver hydrogen fuel, a key component of its clean energy program.
Hundreds of flying taxis to be made in Ohio, home of the Wright brothers and astronaut legends
The same Ohio river valley where the Wright brothers pioneered human flight will soon manufacture cutting-edge electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Strong demand drives US new vehicle sales higher in the first half of the year
Demand for new SUVs, trucks and cars in the U.S. picked up steam in the second quarter, but the stronger sales kept prices high for consumers.
Ferrari topples Toyota in return to 24 Hours of Le Mans after 50-year absence
Ferrari ended a 50-year absence from the 24 Hours of Le Mans by toppling mighty Toyota in the centenary running of the most iconic sports car race in the world.
Kobayashi to make NASCAR debut as 1st Japanese driver to race with Toyota in Cup Series
One of the top sports car racers in the world will make his NASCAR debut when Kamui Kobayashi drives for Toyota on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in August.
Toyota: Data on more than 2 million vehicles in Japan were at risk in decade-long breach
Toyota’s much-touted online service for its drivers had a data breach spanning over a decade, risking outside access to information on more than 2 million vehicles.
2 hospitalized in critical condition after multi-vehicle crash on Loop 410, SAPD says
Two people are in critical condition after an overnight three-vehicle crash on Loop 410. One driver was arrested for intoxication, according to San Antonio police.
Bell says Wallace apologized on flight home from Las Vegas
Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell shared a flight home from Las Vegas, and Wallace apologized during the trip to his fellow Toyota teammate for the incident that crippled Bell’s championship chances.
Man shot multiple times during apparent road rage incident, in critical condition, police say
A man is in critical condition after San Antonio police said he was shot during an apparent road rage incident on the Northwest Side.
Chase Elliott needs nearly 7 hours to win at Nashville
Chase Elliott salvaged a crummy day for Hendrick Motorsports and interrupted a potential Toyota rout by winning the rain-drenched race at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday night.
Driver killed in South Side crash likely fell asleep at the wheel, police say
San Antonio police believe a man who died in a South Side crash was headed home after working all night and fell asleep at the wheel.
Chase Elliott wins at Dover to snap 26-race winless streak
Chase Elliott snapped a 26-race winless streak when the 2020 NASCAR champion pulled away down the stretch to win the rain-delayed Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.
Hamlin sent to sensitivity training after "Family Guy" tweet
NASCAR has ordered Denny Hamlin to begin sensitivity training this week after he posted a meme on Twitter that used a clip from the comedy “Family Guy” to mock reigning champion Kyle Larson.
U.S. auto sales fall in Q1 as chip shortage slows factories
U.S. new-vehicle sales fell about 12% in the first quarter compared with a year ago, as the global computer chip shortage continued to slow factories amid high consumer demand.
2 killed, 3 taken to hospital following double rollover crash in Northwest San Antonio
Two people were killed and three people were injured late Sunday when two vehicles collided on the Northwest Side.
Automakers step up pace on electric vehicle battery plants
Global automakers are stepping up the pace when it comes to building factories to prepare for what many believe will be a fast-moving transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.
Toyota changes stand, halts donations to election objectors
Toyota has reversed itself and says its political action committee will no longer contribute to the Republican legislators who voted against certifying Joe Biden’s presidential election win.
SAPD searching for driver in fatal hit-and-run of bicyclist on Northwest Side
Authorities are searching for the driver in a hit-and-run that killed a 63-year-old bicyclist on the Northwest Side earlier this month.
‘Cars don’t melt in the sunshine’: San Antonio woman’s Prius damaged by sun rays
The back end of a San Antonio woman's car looks like it melted, and the owner thinks Toyota should repair it. But, she says the carmaker blames it on a phenomenon called solar convergence.
Martin Truex Jr. wins NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE, Ariz. – Joey Logano has won a few times at Phoenix Raceway and knows a good restart when he feels one. Truex blew past Logano on the final restart and pulled away for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season and 28th overall. Logano — who led 143 laps — won the second stage after leading the final 35 laps during a long stretch of green-flag racing. But he couldn't hold back Truex, who won his ninth race with JGR. Hamlin was fast early in the race, leading for 31 laps until the competition caution midway through the first stage.
US probing engine fires in nearly 1.9M Toyota RAV4 SUVs
The U.S. government is investigating complaints of engine compartment fires in nearly 1.9 million Toyota RAV4 small SUVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating after getting 11 fire complaints involving the 2013 through 2018 model years. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)DETROIT – The U.S. government is investigating complaints of engine compartment fires in nearly 1.9 million Toyota RAV4 small SUVs. In documents posted Monday, the agency says fires start on the left side of the engine compartment. The agency says the RAV4 has a higher number of fire complaints in the battery area than comparable vehicles.
Thinking of getting a new car? Check out these Consumer Reports top picks
SAN ANTONIO – If you’ve got the itch for a new car, truck or SUV, Consumer Reports’ annual list of its top picks may help steer you. Consumer Reports is out with its recommendations on new models based on more than 50 track tests as data on predicted reliability, owner satisfaction and safety equipment. “We put thousands of miles on each test car and actually evaluate them for how people actually use them in their day-to-day lives,” said Mike Quincy, auto editor. “To make CR’s list, the vehicle must come standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.”Toyota made a strong showing with three on the list. Here is their list of top picks in various categories:
Rights groups target sponsors like Airbnb for Beijing Games
(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)In one corner are the 15 leading Olympic sponsors, many household names like Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Visa, Toyota, Samsung and General Electric. They have branded these the “Genocide Games” and are pressuring sponsors, the IOC and world sports federations to investigate. AdThousands of Olympic athletes are caught in the middle. “Once again athletes are being used as pawns,” said Rob Koehler, director general of Global Athlete, an advocacy group for Olympic athletes. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian responded to Blinken: "The most important thing should be repeated three times: China has no genocide; China has no genocide; China has no genocide, period.”AdPolak pointed out that the United Nations Genocide Convention spells out much of the behavior taking place in China.
Wallace becomes 1st Black driver to lead lap at Daytona 500
Bubba Wallace checks his helmet before the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bubba Wallace ran into trouble early and late in his first Daytona 500 driving for Michael Jordan. He still came out of NASCAR's marquee race with another milestone, becoming the first Black driver to lead a lap in the Daytona 500. Wallace dipped to the low line late in the second stage to grab the lead on lap 129 in the No. Wallace got caught up in a fiery, chaotic last lap and finished 17th in a race won by Michael McDowell. Wallace had a solid first two-thirds of the rain-delayed race at Daytona International Speedway after a tumultuous start in Jordan's debut race.
Semiconductor shortage forces automobile production cuts
A widening global shortage of semiconductors for auto parts is forcing major auto companies to halt or slow vehicle production just as they were recovering from pandemic-related factory shutdowns. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)DETROIT – A widening global shortage of semiconductors for auto parts is forcing major auto companies to halt or slow vehicle production just as they were recovering from pandemic-related factory shutdowns. Toyota was forced to slow production of the full-size Tundra pickup at a factory in San Antonio, Texas. "This will minimize the impact of the current semiconductor shortage while ensuring we maintain production at our other North American plants,” Fiat Chrysler said in a statement. The firm lists major players in the automotive chip market as STMicroelectronics, Infineon Technologies, NXP Semiconductor, Texas Instruments and Toshiba.
Toyota working on hydrogen-powered car
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, as car makers are looking for ways to think outside the box and look to the future of the industry. Toyota released a new version of their Mirai, a hydrogen-powered car, and it could be the first step towards a hydrogen trend in the car industry. The Mirai takes in hydrogen gas, charges in under five minutes and travels as far as a gasoline car while only emitting water vapor. Toyota first released the Mirai back in 2014, but according to Bloomberg the company, has only sold about 11 thousand units in six years. Toyota increased the car’s range by 30% to last about 528 miles per charge by adding a third fuel tank below the vehicle floor.
Oracle says it will move HQ from Silicon Valley to Texas
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Tech giant Oracle Corp. said Friday it will move its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Austin, Texas, and let many employees choose their office locations and decide whether to work from home. The business software maker said it will keep major hubs at its current home in Redwood City, California, and other locations. This month, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, one of the early companies in Silicon Valley, said it will move to the Houston area and build a campus with two five-story buildings by 2022. In 2018, Toyota shifted its U.S. headquarters from Southern California, to Plano, Texas, a Dallas suburb. In its most recent fiscal year, which ended May 31, Oracle reported earnings of $10.1 billion on revenue of about $39 billion.
GM flips to California's side in pollution fight with Trump
DETROIT – General Motors is switching sides in the legal fight against California's right to set its own clean-air standards, abandoning the Trump administration as the president's term nears its close. CEO Mary Barra said in a letter Monday to environmental groups that GM will no longer support the Trump administration in its defense against a lawsuit over its efforts against California's standards. Already at least one other large automaker, Toyota, said it may join GM in switching to California's team. About a dozen other states follow California's standards. The Trump administration’s plan increased fuel economy by 1.5% per year, backing off an earlier proposal to freeze the requirements at 2021 levels.
Mazda No. 1 in Consumer Reports 2020 auto reliability survey
DETROIT – Mazda beat traditional winners Lexus and Toyota to win top honors as the most dependable auto brand in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey. Mazda took top honors for the first time in the survey, which this year included Consumer Reports organization members who own more than 300,000 vehicles from model years 2000 to 2020. Consumer Reports said that the Ford Explorer SUV, redesigned for the 2020 model year, is among the lowest-scoring models of any manufacturer with transmission, electronic, and engine issues. Only the company's Model 3 small car was rated as reliable and recommended by Consumer Reports. Nearly half of the new models have much worse than average reliability, Consumer Reports said.
Wisconsin trooper stops driver hauling snowmobile atop car
CLAYTON, Wis. – The Wisconsin State Patrol had a little advice for a guy who transported a snowmobile by strapping it to the roof of his Toyota Corolla: Bad idea. A trooper pulled over the driver on Highway 63 in northwestern Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon after seeing the snowmobile perched sideways on top of the sedan. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation tweeted a photo of the car with the Polaris topper on Monday with a message: “Folks, don't try this at home.”The 23-year-old driver was issued a warning about the hauling technique and cited for failing to buckle up, according to DOT spokeswoman Christena O’Brien. The driver, Matthew Schmit, of Clayton, told the trooper he had just bought the snowmobile and was driving it over to a friend’s house to show him, the Star Tribune reported. “I know it looks sketchy, but we had it strapped down and shook it,” he said.