2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Touches Down

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is hitting dealerships this summer as the latest and greatest addition to the successful SUV lineup for Toyota. Available in three powertrains across three grades: the well-balanced 2.4L turbo gas engine, the efficient 2.5L hybrid and the ultimate performance-seeking, 362 horsepower Hybrid MAX, the Grand Highlander is perfectly packaged for the road trip ahead.

Designed by Calty Design Studios and exclusively assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana, the 2024 Grand Highlander will have a starting MSRP of $43,070 for the gas engine models, $44,670 for the hybrid and $54,040 for the Hybrid MAX powertrain when it hits dealerships this Summer.

"Grand Highlander will serve as the ultimate tool that can take our customers anywhere from the school pick-up line to the ultimate long-weekend road trip," said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing. "We've sold over 3.3 million Highlanders in the U.S. and developed a loyal customer base in the process – and we think customers will give Grand Highlander similar praise when it comes to dealerships this Summer."

As part of Toyota's diverse approach to its carbon neutrality goals, Grand Highlander Hybrid and Hybrid MAX are two additional products that support Toyota's effort to reach a "Beyond Zero" future. Beyond Zero is Toyota's vision to reach carbon neutrality with products, services, and operations; and find new ways to make a positive impact on the planet and society.

Toyota is demonstrating its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by providing 15 electrified vehicles for customers to choose from, including 11 hybrid models, two plug-in hybrid models, the bZ4X battery electric vehicle, and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric Mirai (currently available in California). Toyota currently offers more low and zero emissions vehicles than any other automaker to give customers the most choice to reduce their carbon footprint.

Three Powertrains Across Three Grades

When it comes to deciding between performance or efficiency, Toyota offers both in the first-ever Grand Highlander. The gas engine has 265 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds (FWD); the hybrid powertrain has 245 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds (AWD); and last, but certainly not least, the Hybrid MAX powertrain makes Grand Highlander the most powerful Midsize SUV Toyota has ever built, with an impressive performance off the line thanks to 362-horsepower, 400 pound feet of torque and a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also has 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity.

As far as efficiency goes, the gas powertrain has an EPA-estimated 24 combined MPG for XLE FWD; the hybrid an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG for the XLE FWD and the HYBRID MAX with an EPA-estimated 27 combined MPG.

All three powertrains come with three Drive Modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) to make driving more engaging – while Multi-Terrain Select with three modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) is offered on the gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains for even more on and off-road capability.

AWD Prowess

All powertrains can be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) - as an option on the well-balanced 2.4L turbo gas engine and the efficient 2.5L hybrid or standard on the powerful Hybrid MAX.

Dynamic Torque Control AWD on the gas models works to actively distribute torque between the front and rear axles, as well as the two rear wheels. It uses an electromagnetic coupling ahead of the rear differential to engage or disengage the rear wheels as needed -- the result is improved traction and enhanced driving stability.

Electronic On-Demand AWD on hybrid models, provides excellent fuel efficiency, start-off acceleration, handling and stability. Electronic On-Demand AWD achieves stable performance by driving the rear wheels with an electric motor, to provide traction when needed in slippery conditions. The front and rear wheel driving force distribution is precisely controlled to the front and rear wheels between 100:0 and 20:80, to achieve optimal fuel efficiency and a comfortable driving performance.

Full-Time Electronic AWD paired with HYBRID MAX offers an exhilarating experience with impeccable controllability. It delivers power to the front and rear wheels via a front mounted hybrid motor and a rear-mounted, eAxle electric motor. This system supports stable AWD performance and satisfying acceleration thanks to being paired with a direct shift six-speed automatic transmission. Full-Time Electronic All-Wheel Drive adjusts between a 70:30 and 20:80 front- and rear-wheel power split, depending on the driving situation. This new AWD system enhances the drive force of the rear wheels and provides the feel of rear-wheel-drive maneuverability, straight line stability and responsive acceleration.

Unique Styling Inside & Out

The Grand Highlander offers an exterior design that is distinctive and beautiful, coupled with a spacious interior found in all three rows. From the front, it is inspired by the Highlander shape, but in an entirely new way, thanks to the trapezoidal, hammerhead front grille and available 20" wheels.

The sophisticated design continues to the rear, thanks to a sharp rear bumper. The Hybrid MAX powertrain variant takes it one step further with standard exposed dual exhaust tips.

The exterior is beautiful yet functional. The rear doors are wide, giving great third row seat access. The side surface flows seamlessly from the doors through the fenders to the front and rear tires, expressing a simple yet dynamic-looking design. For the Hybrid MAX grades, unique bumpers and black-accented two-tone wheels are offered for a premium look. Exterior visibility has been prioritized with a low hood line and large side glass windows, allowing confidence when driving in city environments.

The thoughtful and spacious design continues to the interior. The soft-padded instrument panel floats above the available wood-effect ornamentation that continues into the door trim, with a functional tray shape that is seamlessly integrated between them. The form of the instrument panel upper continues into the door trim to emphasize the width of the cockpit, while the center console features independent driver/passenger side armrests allowing use regardless of whether the console lid is open or closed. High-quality stitchwork expresses a modern and refined elegance.

Drivers will enjoy available leather-trimmed seats with 10-way power driver and 8-way passenger adjustments (Limited and Platinum). And exclusively for Hybrid MAX, drivers will experience Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seats and with bronze-colored accents throughout the cabin.

Versatility and Convenience

Whether you're in the driver's seat or in the third row, the Grand Highlander is ready for the road ahead. The modified TNGA-K platform with a wider track and longer wheelbase than today's Highlander, provides confident handling and surprising interior space. Grand Highlander is suited for everything from short grocery runs to long weekend road trips. It has a spacious, adult-sized third row, thoughtful storage areas throughout the cabin and ample cargo capacity with room for seven carryon suitcases behind the 3rd row. And with second and third row seats folded down, it provides a total of 97.5 cubic feet of space.

Controls are centered around the standard 12.3-inch multimedia display. The center stack features a wireless charger, two USB ports, and three cup holders - including one capable of holding a large water bottle or mega cup. On the passenger side, a pocket capable of holding a small bag helps keep the cabin tidy. A sliding console cover lid can be opened and closed with the armrests still in use, allowing for even more versatility for both driver and passenger. On the right side of the dashboard, another USB port and a tray capable of neatly holding a cord during device charging, provide convenience for the passenger.

In the second-row, an air conditioning control panel and separate left/right USB ports are placed within easy reach of passengers. Cup holders are also provided for the second-row (XLE), while a removable tray with cup holders and a smartphone storage slot is provided for the Limited and Platinum grades. Additional water bottle storage areas are in the door.

And, for third row passengers, two left/right individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup & bottle holders are provided, allowing for diverse usage scenarios. Additionally, a support grip and a hand support space for use during ingress/egress provide enhanced accessibility.

Technology and Features with a Purpose

The Grand Highlander is equipped with the latest and greatest tech from Toyota, including Toyota's Traffic Jam Assist* technology (Platinum grade). Traffic Jam Assist is a radar and camera-based system that helps ease the burden of stressful stop-and-go traffic on limited access roadways by operating the steering, gas and brake pedals at speeds between 0-25 mph under certain conditions*.

*Traffic Jam Assist requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription and is dependent on the availability of a 4G network and other factors.

Standard on the Grand Highlander is a 12.3-inch touchscreen displaying Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota's Texas-based software teams. Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice-activated commands. With the available one-year Drive Connect trial subscription, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like "Hey Toyota" awaken the system for voice-activated commands, including searching for directions, adjusting audio controls, changing cabin temperature and more. Available Cloud Navigation is able to take advantage of the latest map, traffic and routing information, including a POI search powered by Google. Drivers can also use Destination Assist, which provides 24/7 access to live agents.

Toyota Audio Multimedia's Bluetooth® phone connectivity allows for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Additionally, the Grand Highlander has an available Wi-Fi Connect and includes a one-month trial subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the Grand Highlander into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio®, USB data and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan three-month trial subscription, Wi-Fi Connect also enables Integrated Streaming, providing customers the ability to link their Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.

As with all vehicles equipped with Toyota Audio Multimedia, Grand Highlander drivers will have the ability to download Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, augmenting the multimedia experience.

For the audiophile, Grand Highlander offers an available JBL® Premium Audio system with 11 speakers, creating a mobile concert from any music genre. Standard on the Limited and Platinum grades, with the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats, enhancing the audio experience.

Grand Highlander offers a host of additional available Connected Services such as Safety Connect through the Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance with up to a 10-year trial (4G network dependent). Service Connect provides drivers the ability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders, also with up to a 10-year trial (4G network dependent).

With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Grand Highlander with a one-year trial of Remote Connect service. Users can activate headlights, lock/unlock the doors and remotely start the vehicle. Users can also check vehicle status, receive reminder notifications and set Guest Driver Alerts. Digital key is also offered on all grades with a Remote Connect trial or subscription, making it easy to lock and unlock doors, remote start and more – all from a smart phone.

Convenience features are aplenty on Grand Highlander. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on Limited and Platinum grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available to assist the driver in viewing the surroundings, when operating at low speeds, by combining the front, side and rear cameras and displaying a complete vehicle overhead image on the screen.

Other available conveniences include heated steering wheel and power folding mirrors (Limited and Platinum), heated and ventilated front and second row seats (Platinum), 1,500-watt power outlets (Hybrid and Hybrid Max powertrains on Limited and Platinum) and a hands-free power liftgate (Limited and Platinum).

Allkem and Livent Merge for electric vehicle batteries

Allkem and Livent Corp have agreed to a $10.6 billion all-stock merger on Wednesday, creating the world's third-largest lithium manufacturer, highlighting surging demand for the battery metal used in electric vehicles (EVs).

Combining US-based Livent with Allkem in Australia creates a four-continent industrial giant that executives say would deliver the additional expertise needed to expand supply of the metal to an increasingly hungry automotive sector, including Tesla, General Motors, and BMW.

Allkem and Livent run lithium brine facilities in Argentina that are around 10 km (6.2 miles) away, and they are both developing hard rock lithium mines in the Canadian province of Quebec that are less than 100 km (62 miles) apart. Livent CEO Paul Graves believes that combining the companies will speed up the development of those initiatives.

Allkem, which also mines hard rock lithium in Australia, has a chemical conversion facility in Japan, and is a pioneer in the emerging field of direct lithium extraction (DLE), which is seen as a tantalizing prospect for producing more battery metal faster than traditional mining methods.

Allkem shareholders will receive one share in the combined entity for each share they own under the agreement and the company will eventually own 56% of the new firm. For each existing share of Livent, shareholders will receive 2.406 shares in the new company.

Graves will lead the new firm as CEO, with Allkem's Peter Coleman serving as chairman. The unnamed corporation will be listed on the NYSE and headquartered somewhere in the United States.

Analysts believe the new company's global mining and processing assets are solid growth indicators.

Despite the South American country's socio economic troubles, Graves believes the new company's growth prospects in Argentina are particularly promising.

He also urged the US to adopt a free trade agreement with Argentina, which would make Argentine lithium eligible for EV tax incentives, which are central to the Biden administration's 2022 strategy.

When all expansion projects are considered, the combine would become the world's third-largest lithium producer by volume, after Albemarle Corp of the United States and SQM of Chile. Ganfeng Lithium Group and Tianqi Lithium Corp of China are other important competitors.

In Canada, E3 Lithium Ltd (TSXV:ETL) (OTCQX:EEMMF) has the largest Measured and Indicated lithium resource. E3 Lithium's combined resources, including the Clearwater project, are being developed in Alberta on the backbone of the experienced and sophisticated oil and gas industry, allowing the company to expedite its development.

Manufacturing High Purity, Battery Grade Lithium

The mineral property resource company focused on the exploitation of its large mineral potential in Alberta, Canada, has developed a proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process.

E3 Lithium is progressing with the development of its field pilot project, which will showcase ion-exchange direct lithium extraction technology in real-world operational settings. E3 plans to significantly derisk its Alberta lithium project by demonstrating the process at a pilot scale as it approaches the commercial size of 20,000 tonnes/year of lithium hydroxide monohydrate production.

E3 Lithium's Facility Application for its 2023 field pilot plant was recently approved by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). The AER license permits E3 to build and operate the equipment required to carry out the direct lithium extraction pilot, which is scheduled to commence operations in the third quarter of 2023.

The field pilot plant will be built in E3's Clearwater Project Area, east of Olds, at the first well drilled as part of E3's 2022 first drill program. E3 released the criteria and schedule for the field pilot on February 2, 2023.

E3 will provide updates on its field pilot throughout 2023.

E3 Lithium has upgraded its mineral resource to 16.0 Mt LCE of Measured & Indicated and 0.9 LCE of Inferred Mineral Resources.

Natural Resources Canada data show that Canada now has 3.2 Mt of M&I lithium resources in hard rock deposits, implying that E3's 16.0 Mt of LCE M&I is the country's largest M&I lithium resource.

E3 Lithium just announced their fourth-quarter and fiscal-year 2022 results. Highlights from last year included receiving $27 million from the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund, signing a $5 million strategic agreement with Imperial Oil, and signing a memorandum of understanding with Pure Lithium, which produced a lithium metal battery using E3's lithium concentrate.

E3 Lithium successfully manufactured its first batch commercial scale sorbent, which is critical to the success and commercialization of its ion-exchange DLE technology, and drilled the first two brine production wells at the Clearwater Project to evaluate lithium and sampled three wells, confirming the aquifer's producibility and lithium concentrations in its proposed production area over the past year.

The E3 Lithium 43-101 Technical Report: Lithium Resource Estimate, Bashaw District Project, Central Alberta has been filed by the Company.

Toyota Corolla Family for 2024

The Toyota Corolla keeps pouring on style with the return of the Nightshade Special Edition for model year 2024. Based on the SE grade and available on the Corolla Sedan, Hybrid, and Hatchback, the Nightshade edition brings an extra touch of character to this feature-packed lineup.

The Nightshade's bold style will feature blacked-out badging and black accents. Bronze-finished 18-inch wheels will also come standard – adding a spark of contrast on each model. Up front, this unique trim will include a sport mesh gloss-black front grille with blacked out Toyota badges, while the side is treated with black painted sport side rocker panels and black capped heated power outside mirrors. Additional eye-catching details continue around back, with blacked-out rear badges, a black shark fin antenna, rear lip spoiler, and lower diffuser. The Hatchback model adds a large black Vented Sport Wing and two-toned roof to the mix for an extra dose of personality.

All Corolla Nightshade models are built on the Toyota New Global Architecture-C platform (TNGA-C). Its super-rigid structure, low center of gravity and standard Independent MacPherson-type strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and multi-link rear suspension endow all Corolla models with exemplary handling agility and ride comfort.

The Corolla Hybrid Nightshade model will be available on both the Front Wheel Drive and electronic on-demand All Wheel Drive equipped models. The system on AWD equipped models employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. All Corolla Hybrid Nightshade models will be powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve 138-hp engine paired to two electric motor generators that has a 47 MPG combined manufacturer estimated fuel economy rating.

Under the hood of the Corolla sedan and hatch gas models that sport the Nightshade look is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve 169-hp engine. The sedan model has a manufacturer estimated rating of 34 MPG combined and the hatch model has a manufacturer estimated 35 MPG combined rating. The gas-powered sedan and hatchback use Toyota's standard Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission for a distinct performance feel thanks to a gearset used as a "first" gear for start-off acceleration, before seamlessly handing off to the CVT's pulley system. Synchronization of the increasing engine revs and vehicle speed provides a linear acceleration feel.

All 2024 Corolla Nightshade models will feature Sport seats with sport fabric inserts, 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) with customizable settings, Toyota Audio Multimedia with eight-inch touchscreen, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard.

Available colors on the Corolla sedan and Hybrid Nightshade Edition will include Midnight Black Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, and Ice Cap. The Corolla Hatchback Nightshade Edition offers two-tone paint combinations, which include Windchill Pearl with Midnight Black Metallic Roof, Classic Silver Metallic with Midnight Black Metallic Roof, and solid Midnight Black Metallic. For music lovers, an available JBL® Premium Audio package will bring out the best in any playlist. While an available SE Premium package adds convenience with a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade and Qi wireless charger to the inside and safety with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The Nightshade Special Editions add even more style to a Corolla lineup that received multiple updates for the 2023 model year that include redesigned LED headlights, new front fascia and grill designs, as well as modified rear diffusers and bumper styling across multiple grades of the sedan, hybrid, and hatch models.

Corolla Nightshade models are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships in the Fall of 2023. Additional details and pricing for the 2024 Corolla Nightshade Special Edition, and the complete Corolla lineup (Hybrid, gas, and hatch), will be shared later this year.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more.

Harley-Davidson limited-production motorcycles

Since 1999, Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™) motorcycles have been an aspirational collection of limited-production motorcycles that deliver the ultimate in refinement of styling, design, craftsmanship and attention to detail, along with top-of-the-line performance. Over the decades, Harley-Davidson designers and engineers have thoughtfully evolved these motorcycles, introducing incremental improvements to further enhance the riding experience, while carefully respecting their heritage and position as icons within the hearts and minds of enthusiasts around the world.

Today, Harley-Davidson announces two new 2023 CVO motorcycles with exclusive and dramatic new visual designs, advanced technology, and dynamic performance, the details of which will be announced on June 7, 2023, with the official premiere of the all-new 2023 CVO Street Glide® and CVO Road Glide®. For more information, visit www.h-d.com/ourfutureisreal.

"With the introduction of the all-new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, we've completely reimagined two of Harley-Davidson's most iconic motorcycles and redefined the boundaries of CVO in the process," said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. "By rethinking these two models from the ground up, we are ushering in a new era of innovation, design, engineering, and technology, while expanding the definition of Harley-Davidson CVO and taking the Grand American Touring experience to another level. The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide break the mold and reset the bar for the pinnacle Harley-Davidson riding experience."

"These all-new and unquestionably Harley-Davidson designs bring a cohesive and dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags," said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design and Creative Director, commenting on the design of the new motorcycles. "Achieving a greater degree of visual change than any generation prior, the design of these CVO™ Street Glide® and CVO™ Road Glide® models are revolutionary takes on the historical art of evolution. Like all Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, these new models are meant to instill a sense of timeless desire."

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO™ Street Glide®

The all-new batwing fairing featured on the 2023 CVO™ Street Glide® model offers an evolved profile exhibiting a faster overall gesture and more swept windshield. Undercuts beneath the headlamp are more pronounced, and turn indicators are integrated as opposed to external units. While the iconic "T" shape of the batwing fairing is retained, the silhouette and graphic outline have been modernized with updated surfacing, and the new fairing integrates in design with the fuel tank, side covers and saddlebags. The "Omega-shaped" signature light provides instant recognition of the new model and turns signals are seamlessly integrated into the left and right lamp elements.

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO™ Road Glide®

The all-new CVO™ Road Glide® model fairing presents an aggressive update to the MY22 "sharknose" design and integrates with the fuel tank, side covers and saddlebags. The single LED headlamp has a wide, horizonal shape, yet appears to have twin elements, recalling a key feature of all previous Road Glide® model fairings and turn signal lamps are integrated within the outer portions of the signature lighting.