Seems like most of the news concerning Toyota since it became the No. 1 carmaker in the world in 2008 hasn't been all that pleasant for the automaker. ———- Lexus HS 250h hybrid launched in 2009. ———- Shortly after Toyota gained that distinction, the company reported a loss for the fiscal year of $4.8 billion, the largest in Toyota's 72-year history. More recently, Toyota's been hammered by a series of recalls capped by its announcement that it would recall about 4 million cars, including versions of its flagship Camry sedan, to resolve a widespread problem with unintended acceleration. No doubt some heads at Toyota are bowed in humility right now. But those Toyota employees involved in the company's greenness efforts have got to be feeling pretty smug right now. That's because Toyota this week released its 2009 North America Environmental Report – an update on progress toward the goals and targets of the company's 2011 Environmental Action Plan. And it isn't looking too shabby. Highlights from the report include: Introduction of the third-generation Prius, with an innovative, optional rooftop-mounted solar panel and improved fuel efficiency. Introduction of the Lexus HS 250h, which includes “ecological plastics” in approximately 30 percent of the combined interior and luggage areas. Installation of the second-largest solar panel array in the U.S. at the company's parts center in Ontario, California. Reduction of 16 percent in energy consumption at Toyota's plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. Installation of water-borne paint systems at the company's plants in Princeton, Indiana, and Woodstock, Ontario, which lessen emissions of volatile organic compounds. Click here to read more about Toyota's 2009 N. American Environmental Report.
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On a Brighter Note, Toyota Reports Its Various Green Efforts Are Proceeding Nicely
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