Developing more vehicle technologies and enhancing corporate synergy were among the topics discussed this week by Toyota Motor Corp., president Akio Toyoda and the automaker’s other top executives who gathered for the annual national dealer meeting.

The private meeting was attended by representatives from Toyota’s 1,233 U.S. dealers, as well as Toyota Motor North America president and chief operating officer Yoshi Inaba, Toyota Motor Sales president and chief operating officer Jim Lentz, TMS senior vice president of automotive operations Don Esmond, Toyota division group vice president and general manager Bob Carter and vice president of Scion Jack Hollis.

Toyoda also emphasized his focus on product and the company’s core philosophies that he believes will make “Toyota better than ever.”

Other themes from his speech included:

—The all-new 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid. Designed to meet the changing needs of the 21st Century driver, the new Camry is geared to provide technologically advanced features, a contemporary design inside and out, improved performance and refined ride and handling.

—Future vision of mobility. New technology offerings like the all-new RAV4 EV and telematics advancements stemming from the Microsoft alliance are designed to help make Toyota’s vehicles even better.

—Greater regional autonomy. Calling it his “most important goal,” Toyoda stated he will empower those with local knowledge to make their own decisions.

Looking forward, Toyoda said the company is more committed and more passionate than ever about being a leader in the automotive industry.

“We must earn it with our actions and with our words, with great products and great service and with genuine affection for our customers and our communities,” he emphasized.

Toyoda also thanked stores for their extraordinary support and donations as the OEM recovered from the earthquake and tsunami back on March 11. He praised the dealer body and friends that have contributed $11.5 million to Japan disaster relief.

Highlights from other executive speeches included:

—Recovery from the disaster has far exceeded expectations. In Japan, the company said production is expected to return to normal levels after July. In North America, eight locally-built models, including the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Sequoia, Sienna and Venza returned to 100 percent production in early June. The remaining four North-American built models, including the Tundra, Tacoma, RAV4 and Lexus RX, will return to 100 percent beginning in September.

—Prius family launch remains on track. Toyota reiterated Prius dominates the hybrid market with more than 50 percent market share.

“With the launch of the Prius family, Toyota is capitalizing on that brand strength and providing all the benefits of Prius in a variety of vehicles,” officials insisted. “Prius v, which arrives this fall, has SUV like cargo capability, nearly 60 percent more than the current Prius, but still is expected to deliver estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 42 mpg combined. The Prius C compact, arriving in the spring of 2012, offers expressive styling in a city-friendly vehicle that we believe will be the most fuel efficient hybrid in the U.S.”

As previously reported by Auto Remarketing, there were rumors circulating that Toyota could be in the process of shipping quite a few Prius models to the U.S. Apparently, a release was inadvertently issued on PR Newswire and then quickly killed after Toyota public relations received questions. But, according to reports, the photo accompanying the release showed quite a few models arriving on U.S. shores. So far, Toyota made no public comment about this development.

—Advanced technology vehicles. The OEM highlighted that new, advanced vehicles arriving in 2012 include the Prius plug-in hybrid, RAV4 EV and Scion iQ EV.

“Toyota has committed to putting a fuel cell vehicle on the road by 2015 and is researching bio-fuels and next-generation materials to help make vehicles that will be lighter, safe and more fuel-efficient,” officials noted.

—Investment in North America. The company indicated its new plant in Mississippi opening this fall will build 150,000 Corollas per year, create 2,000 jobs and represents “Toyota’s faith in the North American market.”

—State-of-the-art multimedia. Toyota’s new Entune system, which will feature simple, seamless functionality and is compatible with virtually every smartphone, is set to debut this fall in the new Prius v and Camry.