Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it will commence sales of its all-new Crown Sport Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model in Japan. A new addition to the Crown line-up, the Sport PHEV model is designed to enhance its fun, sporty driving experience. While retaining a beautiful design that resonates with the senses, the Sport PHEV model promises drivers a sportier feel incorporating exclusive equipment enabling drivers to more fully experience the joy of driving. Furthermore, fitted with a large-capacity lithium-ion battery, the PHEV delivers a BEV-mode cruising range suitable for everyday use, thereby combining the joy of driving with superb environmental performance.

Alongside the Crown Crossover HEV, Sport HEV, Sedan HEV, and FCEV models, through the all-new Sport PHEV, Toyota provides customers with an important range of options as it continues its path of decarbonization. Going forward, Toyota intends to continue its multi-pathway approach, promoting the widespread uptake of electrified vehicles by expanding its line-up to cater to diverse needs, and contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

2.5-liter Series Parallel Plug-in Hybrid System

- Equipped with a high-output density drive motor, the Sport PHEV reaches a maximum system output*1 of 225kW (306PS) and, by fully utilizing the motor, achieves seamless and powerful acceleration.

- A large-capacity lithium-ion battery has been positioned beneath the floor in the center of the vehicle. It provides a BEV-mode cruising range suitable for everyday use without compromising on interior space, which enables operation in BEV mode for most everyday driving situations. A fully charged battery delivers a BEV-mode driving range of 90 kilometers*2 and a hybrid-mode fuel economy of 20.3km/L*3. With a gasoline tank capacity of 55L, the PHEV boasts a total cruising range of 1,200 kilometers or more*4.

High-performance Technologies

- Thanks to an E-Four electric 4WD system, the power produced by the plug-in hybrid system is fully distributed between all four wheels. In addition to achieving superior driving stability, it also has enhanced the sense of stability even when cornering or driving in snow or rain.

- The Crown Sport PHEV model is based on the Sport Z grade, HEV model, but features added braces to the floor tunnel to ensure an optimal balance of body rigidity. The friction and damping force characteristics of the front and rear shock absorbers have also been optimized. In addition, by controlling the damping force of the shock absorbers independently for each wheel in response to road surface conditions and driver input, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)*5system delivers a smooth, even, and planted ride.

- Paddle shifters allow the driver to carry out smooth gear shifts with minimal hand movements.

- The front wheels are fitted with 20-inch ventilated disc brakes, with the braking force delivered by exclusive 20-inch aluminum opposing six-piston calipers. Both front and rear brake calipers are colored red for a braking set-up that combines improved stopping performance with a sporty exterior.

Power generation and supply

- The Sport PHEV model comes with a "My Room Mode" that lets users enjoy air conditioning and audio systems from the external power source by turning the power switch on during normal charging. Creating a comfortable interior space without running the engine, this feature turns the car interior into an additional room that can be used for teleworking, rest, or any other activities.

- The vehicle is equipped with a maximum 1,500W (AC 100V) external power supply function as standard―useful during blackouts and other emergencies, as well as for outdoor leisure activities. In addition to an accessory electrical socket in the luggage compartment and in the rear end of the center console box, the Sport PHEV model comes with a vehicle power connector that, when plugged into the vehicle's charging inlet, functions as an external power socket providing 1,500W (AC 100V).

- The vehicle is equipped with both standard charging and rapid charging functions. The rapid charging function is capable of charging the battery to approximately 80% of its full capacity*6 in approximately 38 minutes, providing significant time savings over standard charging with the 200V charging cable.

- The vehicle is also equipped with Vehicle to Home (V2H)*7, a system that allows electricity stored in the vehicle battery to be supplied to the home, enabling the vehicle to be used as a reliable storage battery during blackouts and other times of emergency. By setting the rapid charging inlet to external supply function-mode (V2H-mode)*8 and subsequently connecting the V2H device (sold separately), the electricity stored in the drive battery can be used as household electricity. Surplus electricity generated via household solar power generators can be used to charge the vehicle's drive battery to achieve a seamless supply and demand of electricity.

- The vehicle comes with both a BEV external power supply mode, which enables electricity stored in the battery to be used to supply external power for outdoor, leisure, and other activities, and an HEV external power supply mode, which enables the car to be used as a power supply during blackouts, disasters, and other emergencies. In the HEV external power supply mode, electricity is supplied from the battery only until the remaining power falls to a set level, after which the engine starts to supply electricity. With a full battery charge and a full tank of gas, this system can provide enough electricity for about 6.5 days of use*9. It also comes with an external electric power supply attachment as standard so that an external power supply is possible with the door windows closed to prevent rain and insects from getting in the car when in use.

3. Sporty Credentials Underlined by PHEV-specific Equipment

Exterior design

- The beauty of the Sport PHEV begins from the ground-up, with the use of 21-inch, large-diameter, wide tires and exclusive black aluminum wheels. The use of distinctive triple spokes and thin layered spokes underscore the vehicle's sporty and luxurious feel.

Interior design

- The interior of the Sport PHEV features a gorgeous black and sensual red asymmetrical color scheme for the driver's seat and front passenger seat. This color scheme adds excitement to the driving experience and accentuates the individuality and sportiness of the vehicle. In addition, the combination of the interior fabric with newly developed luminous material has achieved both strong shading and vivid coloration. In addition, the front and rear seatbelts also feature red.

- The vehicle is fitted with sports seats that firmly support the driver and which feature red stitching to enhance the thrill of driving.

https://global.toyota/en/

QMC Quantum Minerals Corp., (TSXV: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ) (OTC Pink: QMCQF) ("QMC" or "the Company") praises the Canadian Government's new Electric Vehicle Availability Standard ("EV Mandate") announced on December 19. The EV mandate revealed by Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will gradually increase the number of zero-emission vehicles ("ZEVs") until they account for 100% of new car sales in 2035, thereby eliminating the sale of conventional internal combustion vehicles in Canada. The Canadian Federal Government will also invest $1.2 billion to build 84,500 chargers across the country by 2029, expanding the infrastructure. Automotive and battery manufacturers, such as Northvolt, Volkswagen and Stellantis, have already invested more than $34 billion toward establishing a battery supply chain in Canada.

With the need to supply lithium, copper and other critical minerals to meet battery and automotive manufacturing needs, the Company is strategically positioned to supply material from its Irgon Lithium Mine, Rocky Lake and Rocky-Namew Lake projects.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

Historic Resource: Between 1953 and 1954, the Lithium Corporation of Canada Limited ("LCOC") reported a historical resource estimate on the Irgon Dike of 1.2 million tons grading 1.51% Li20 over a strike length of 365 metres and to a depth of 213 metres. This historical resource is documented in a 1956 Assessment Report by B. B. Bannatyne for LCOC (Manitoba Assessment Report No. 94932). This historical resource estimate is believed to be based on reasonable assumptions and both the Company and QP has no reason to contest the document's relevance and reliability.

Existing Underground Development: During 1956/1957 a complete mining plant was installed, and since removed, on site designed to process 500 tons of ore per day and a three-compartment shaft was sunk to a depth of 74 metres. On the 61-metre level, lateral development was extended off the shaft for a total of 366 metres of drifting from which six crosscuts transected the dike.

Excellent Historic Recoveries: Historic metallurgical tests reported an 87% recovery from which a concentrate averaging 5.9% Li2O was obtained.

Excellent Local Infrastructure: The Irgon Property is transected by Manitoba Highway 314 with access to hydro, water, nearby rail head and is located only 20 kilometres north of the Sinomine Rare Metal Resources Group's TANCO Mine which is currently mining spodumene and producing a lithium concentrate on site.

Pending NI 43-101 Report: A NI 43-101 technical report is nearing completion which will update the historical lithium resource to current NI 43-101 standards.

The mineral reserve cited above is presented as a historical estimate and uses historical terminology which does not conform to current NI43-101 standards. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Although the historical estimates are believed to be based on reasonable assumptions, they were calculated prior to the implementation of National Instrument 43-101. These historical estimates do not meet current standards as defined under sections 1.2 and 1.3 of NI 43-101; consequently, the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Disclosure

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Daniel Leroux, P. Geo. who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About the Company

QMC is a British Columbia-based company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of resource properties. Its objective is to locate and develop precious, base and rare metal resource properties of merit. The Company's properties include the Irgon Lithium Mine Project and two VMS properties, the Rocky Lake and Rocky-Namew, known collectively as the Namew Lake District Project. Currently, all of the company's properties are located in Manitoba.

Grace Removals is one of Australia's longest established businesses whose roots trace back to the iconic Grace Bros retail and home services empire founded in 1885. The company evolved to become Australia's largest provider of household removals and business relocation services.

This month, Grace has taken a significant step towards its commitment to environmental sustainability by introducing Australia's fully electric removals truck to its household moving vehicle fleet.

The new electric vehicle symbolises Grace's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and leading the way in eco-friendly practices within the removals sector. By harnessing the advancements in electric vehicle technology, Grace Removals is not only streamlining its operations but also contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

"We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this exciting transition," says Craig Page, Managing Director of the Grace Group of companies. "Our new electric truck represents a significant milestone in our ongoing journey towards sustainable operations. It's more than just a new vehicle; it's our commitment to our clients and the planet."

The electric removals truck boasts impressive features that enhance operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. With its long-range capabilities, the vehicle is perfectly suited for the busy schedules of Grace Removals, ensuring seamless, uninterrupted service across the Sydney metropolitan area.

The arrival of the first electric removals truck marks the beginning of Grace's comprehensive plan to introduce electric trucks and small vans, complemented by high-capacity solar generated charging infrastructure across all its capital city branch locations throughout Australia within the next two years.

Grace Removals' transition to electric vehicles aligns with the global trend towards sustainable transportation. The electric truck market is projected to expand to 2.8 million by 2030, according to the Global Electric Vehicle Outlook 2022. Grace is proud to be part of this transformative movement, demonstrating its leadership in adopting innovative, environmentally friendly technology.

With more than 38,000 moves each year, Grace Removals is Australia's largest removalist with more than 30 branches operating in every state and territory. Grace has continued to provide generations of Australian households and businesses with high quality moving services across Australia and overseas for over 100 years.

Subaru Motorsports USA today reveals the all-new WRX rally car for competition in the Open 4WD class of the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship. The #180 team of driver Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams will pilot the car in its racing debut at Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 24-25. It was also announced today that extreme sport legend Travis Pastrana will join in a second car in the 2024 ARA season.

For an in-depth look at the all-new WRX rally car, be sure to keep an eye on the Subaru YouTube channel for "Next Stage," a six-episode miniseries giving a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the 18-month process of designing, building, and testing the new car. The first episode of "Next Stage" will go live Wednesday, August 9th.

Built for competition by technical partner Vermont SportsCar, the new rally car has been engineered from the inside out for maximum performance under current ARA Open 4WD specifications and regulations. Starting with WRX number 1 – the very first current-generation Subaru WRX sold in the US – the new car was designed, built, and tested over a period of 18 months before its debut today. It is powered by a custom-built turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that meets the requirements of its class, including a mandated 33mm restrictor and 22psi boost limit. To spec, the engine produces 320hp and 380 lb-ft. of torque, while a SADEV six-speed close-ratio transmission sends the power to all four wheels. Springs and dampers are from R53 Suspension, working with VSC-designed crossmembers, links, and hubs to manage wheel movement on any surface the Yokohama 15-inch ADVAN A053 gravel rally tires encounter.

Much of the development of the new car focuses on the safety of the driver and co-driver, starting with a fully seam-welded body shell and an FIA/USAC-spec roll cage constructed from T45 steel. The stock WRX gas tank is replaced by an 82-liter Kevlar fuel cell, and Sparco ADV Prime competition seats feature HANS (Head and Neck Restraint System) devices, a self-extinguishing fabric liner and FIA approved energy absorbing padding.

The carbon fiber widebody was designed from a blank sheet with the latest ARA aerodynamics ruleset in mind, with a giant carbon-fiber rear wing that is nearly as eye-catching as the car's matte WR Blue Pearl and livery reminiscent of classic Subaru rally cars. With new ARA regulations attracting more competition, there is every chance that rally racing could be on the upswing in the United States. Fans should look forward to this awesome new WRX rally car leading the way as Subaru Motorsports USA and Vermont SportsCar enter this new era.

Driver Quotes

Travis Pastrana: "So excited about the 2024 ARA rally championship. The new Subaru platform is amazing and the chance to battle again with two-time and defending champion Brandon Semenuk is going to be so much fun. When Brandon joined the team, I was the veteran. But the tables have turned and I'm looking forward to learning a lot and hopefully getting back to the top. I've only been away from the sport for a year but a lot has changed and I'm ready for the new challenge."

Brandon Semenuk: "The release of the new car will bring an exciting future along with it. This platform has been completely reengineered and the car looks and feels more dynamic, which will translate to an even better show for the fans! We will also have Travis coming back to the championship next season, which I'm looking forward to. Not only is it more fun having a teammate, but you learn so much more with a two-car team and this will be important for the ongoing development of the platform."