Toyota recently revealed an all-new Toyota RAV4 EV that the company says has the driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity that are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6.

Earlier this week at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles, Toyota revealed an all-new electric Toyota RAV4 EV. The SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.

According to the manufacturer, the RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas-powered RAV4 V6.

The RAV4 EV is the product of a collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corp. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers brought product to market. So far, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.

Tesla designed and produced the battery and electric powertrain for Toyota’s most popular SUV model. For the most part, aside from distinctive exterior badges and more efficient LED/halogen projector headlights, the RAV4 EV will be identical to the standard gas version. The battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components. The announced MSRP is $49,800 for a fully equipped model.

The front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes—Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0–60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0–60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 hp (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is eight years or 100,000 miles. For more information: http://pressroom.toyota.com.

Even with heavy camouflage, the team at Brenda Priddy & Co. says that it's obvious this is the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado, which is due out for the 2014 model year.

While the team did not get to peek under the hood, sources have told the group to expect a small-block V8 with improved fuel economy and greater horsepower. The shooters also report that at a glance, it appears that the new Silverado will have a roomier interior.

Stay tuned for more details as they come in.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Co.

Even with heavy camouflage, the team at Brenda Priddy & Co. says that it's obvious this is the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado, which is due out for the 2014 model year.

While the team did not get to peek under the hood, sources have told the group to expect a small-block V8 with improved fuel economy and greater horsepower. The shooters also report that at a glance, it appears that the new Silverado will have a roomier interior.

Stay tuned for more details as they come in.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Co.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are Ram Trucks.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

The photo gallery located at www.semaphotos.com features thousands of pictures of products featured in the Show's New Products Showcase, vehicles on display and exhibiting companies from the 2011 SEMA Show. Each week in SEMA eNews, a new collection of vehicle photos is highlighted. In the spotlight this week are Ram Trucks.

In addition to the vehicle photos, the product photos also include key details, such as product name, a brief description and exhibitor contact information.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now authorized to share information with intellectual property right (IPR) holders for the limited purpose of determining whether certain goods bear counterfeit marks. These changes provide a pre-seizure procedure for disclosing information to the right holders who have recorded their trademarks with CBP and are now suspected of being victims of counterfeiting. The right holder may be provided photographs and/or a sample of merchandise or retail packaging for examination. The information will include serial numbers, universal product codes and stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers appearing on the imported goods/packaging, whether in alphanumeric or other formats.
 
Customs modified its disclosure rules to resolve a conflict with the Trade Secrets Act, which forbids a government official from sharing protected information. Due to the recent development of sophisticated techniques to make and import counterfeit products, it has become more challenging for Customs to determine whether certain products bear counterfeit marks without the assistance of right holders. Customs will monitor the effectiveness of the new policy to determine whether it needs further revision. SEMA encourages companies to record their trademark and copyright registrations with Customs in order to take advantage of this new enforcement tool. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now authorized to share information with intellectual property right (IPR) holders for the limited purpose of determining whether certain goods bear counterfeit marks. These changes provide a pre-seizure procedure for disclosing information to the right holders who have recorded their trademarks with CBP and are now suspected of being victims of counterfeiting. The right holder may be provided photographs and/or a sample of merchandise or retail packaging for examination. The information will include serial numbers, universal product codes and stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers appearing on the imported goods/packaging, whether in alphanumeric or other formats.
 
Customs modified its disclosure rules to resolve a conflict with the Trade Secrets Act, which forbids a government official from sharing protected information. Due to the recent development of sophisticated techniques to make and import counterfeit products, it has become more challenging for Customs to determine whether certain products bear counterfeit marks without the assistance of right holders. Customs will monitor the effectiveness of the new policy to determine whether it needs further revision. SEMA encourages companies to record their trademark and copyright registrations with Customs in order to take advantage of this new enforcement tool. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Two resolutions have been approved by the Hawaii State Legislature recognizing July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” Earlier this year, SEMA designated this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. SEMA members interested in publicizing events of any size should contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. The official logo and flyer are available for download from the homepage to help promote this special day. If you are unable to celebrate Friday, July 13, events are encouraged to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

Two resolutions have been approved by the Hawaii State Legislature recognizing July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” Earlier this year, SEMA designated this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. SEMA members interested in publicizing events of any size should contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. The official logo and flyer are available for download from the homepage to help promote this special day. If you are unable to celebrate Friday, July 13, events are encouraged to be scheduled throughout the month of July.

Two resolutions have been approved by the Hawaii State Legislature recognizing July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” Earlier this year, SEMA designated this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance.

In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. By taking part in these events around the country, these automotive enthusiasts and related businesses ensured that their passion was honored and recognized.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. SEMA members interested in publicizing events of any size should contact SAN Director Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or san@sema.org. The official logo and flyer are available for download from the homepage to help promote this special day. If you are unable to celebrate Friday, July 13, events are encouraged to be scheduled throughout the month of July.