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Piscataway, NJ, June 4, 2007 -- The IEEE has named the Toyota Motor Corp. co-recipient of its 2007 Corporate Innovation Recognition. The award recognizes Toyota's hybrid combustion-electric power technology for its ability to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions without sacrificing vehicle dynamic performance. Toyota made the technology available to the general population though the launch of the world's first mass-produced hybrid automobile, Prius, in 1997, and revolutionized the automotive industry with its Toyota Hybrid System (THS). The IEEE is a professional association for the advancement of technology.
Sponsored by the IEEE, the Corporate Innovation Recognition honors industrial entities, governmental, academic or corporate organizations whose contributions have resulted in major advancements in electro-technology. The award to Toyota Motor Corp. will be accepted by Mr. Yasuhiko Ichihashi, managing officer of Toyota Motor Corp., president of Toyota Technical Center, and executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc. at the 2007 IEEE Honors Ceremony in Philadelphia on June 16.
The Toyota Hybrid System combines an on-board rechargeable energy storage system, which is re-energized using kinetic energy from the vehicle, and a fueled power source for drive and added power. A THS vehicle starts using battery electric power and continues to run on electricity and mechanical power with the fuel engine providing additional power during acceleration, high speeds, or driving on inclines.
Unlike other hybrid vehicles, Toyota's hybrid systems have the ability to run solely on battery power, producing zero emissions. Toyota has been developing new technologies with the goal of achieving energy security and diversifying energy sources, made necessary by the dwindling supply of petroleum resources.
Toyota's development of the THS also contributed to other technological advancements in the mechanical design of automobiles. Since major components of the vehicle needed to be smaller, with higher performance and more reliability than conventional components, wide-ranging technical development and research was conducted by material producers and electronic and automotive parts suppliers. Results included advances in power electronics; improved nickel metal hydride battery technology; and innovations in advanced control systems, energy recovery (regenerative) braking systems and fuel efficiency technologies.
Building on the ecology-focused THS, Toyota developed a new-generation Toyota hybrid system called THS II, which achieves high levels of compatibility between environmental performance and power by increasing the motor output by 1.5 times. The THS II boosts power supply voltage and achieves advances in the control system synergy between motor power and engine power.
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