Toyota Prius Brings PLUS Performance To Hybrid Driving

by Toyota in the News on August 30, 2011

It looks like the best-selling hybrid in America will soon be moving faster than ever: That’s because Toyota is launching a new, limited-edition PLUS Performance Package—created by the high-performance experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD)—specifically for the 2011 Prius. The new setup is based on components that first debuted at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show and will enhance both the Prius’ appearance and its handling. What it won’t do, however, is compromise fuel efficiency; even kitted out with these new goodies, the Prius retains its industry-leading EPA fuel-efficiency ratings of 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway/50 mpg combined.

Available with a driver’s choice of four exterior colors (Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black, and Winter Gray Metallic), the PLUS Package adds:

• A seven-piece aerodynamic ground-effects kit with front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts, and a rear diffuser, which lowers the the Prius’ already slick coefficient of drag.
• 17-inch race-inspired forged-alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile 215/45R17 tires with a custom offset.
  Suspension enhancements like track-tuned lowering springs and a high-carbon, spring-steel rear sway bar; results include a
• 1 inch lower ride height as well as quicker turn-in, improved steering response, superior cornering ability and notably upgraded maneuverability.
• Custom badging and PLUS logo floor mats.

Significantly, this is just the first offering from Toyota’s new PLUS accessories brand, which will continue to develop aftermarket solutions that raise the bar for performance handling and aggressive style in the hybrid segments, but without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The new Prius PLUS Performance Package is compatible with all current Prius models and is available for ordering right now with an MSRP of $3,699 for the Prius Two, Three and Four, and $2,999 for the Prius Five.

Toyota, Ford Team Up To Create Hybrid Trucks

by Toyota in the News on August 22, 2011

Hybrid vehicle leaders Toyota and Ford have just announced a new partnership that will lead to the development of advanced hybrid trucks and SUVs. Although the two automakers have worked independently on their own rear-wheel drive hybrid systems, they will collaborate in an effort to bring greater efficiency to truck and SUV customers without sacrificing capability.

Not only will Ford and Toyota collaborate on next-generation hybrid powertrain systems, but the automakers will also work to standardize telematics platform standards, helping bring more Internet-based services and useful information to consumers globally.

“This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well.”

While both companies have worked tirelessly on separate rear-wheel-drive hybrid systems, Toyota and Ford were surprised to find common ground when the two began discussing this potential collaboration. Ultimately, the partnership will yield an array of benefits for consumers.

“By working together, we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability.”

After sharing common technology and components, the automakers will each be responsible for individually integrating the system into their own vehicles. When combined with new telematics standards, future pickups and SUVs not only promise to be more efficient, but they’ll also deliver a more secure and more convenient in-car experience.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda added: “Toyota is extremely proud to join Ford in developing a hybrid system for pickup trucks and SUVs. Not only is this tie-up clearly one aimed at making automobiles ever better, it should also become an important building block for future mobility in the U.S. By building a global, long-term relationship with Ford, our desire is to be able to continue to provide people in America automobiles that exceed their expectations.”

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The reinvented Camry is the Official Pace Car of the 2012 Daytona 500. What are everyone's thoughts on the all-new Camry?

Global Launch of All-New 2012 Toyota Camry

By Toyota.com

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 @ 10:00 AM PDT

Join us live via webcast as we introduce the completely redesigned 2012 Camry on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. This first-of-its-kind reveal for Toyota will include a presentation by Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manger, live from Hollywood, and a visit to the Camry plant in Georgetown, Ky. to view the first vehicle coming off the assembly line. In addition, a special NASCAR-related announcement will be made as part of the program.

 

With the Camry being “America’s Car,” Toyota is engaging the public in this unique event by offering consumers the opportunity to view the program live on Toyota.com and, following the webcast, Bob Carter will be hosting a TweetChat via Twitter at 1:00 p.m. PDT (4:00 p.m. EDT).

 

We invite media and consumers alike to participate in the event via Twitter using the hashtag #CamryLive and to pose questions during the TweetChat with Bob Carter using the hashtag #CamryChat.

 

WHO: Bob Carter, Toyota group vice president and general manger, Toyota Division and other Toyota executives

 

WHAT ELSE: Camry has been the best-selling car in America for nine years running and 13 of the last 14 years. Since it was introduced in 1983, more than 8.5 million have been sold in the U.S. and 15 million worldwide. Designed to meet the needs of the 21st century driver, the 2012 Camry will provide technologically advanced features, a contemporary design inside and out, improved performance and fuel efficiency, and refined ride and handling. The all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid will arrive at Toyota dealerships this fall.

 

WHEN: Tuesday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT

 

WHERE: To view the live webcast and related Toyota materials following the broadcast, please click here
(link will be live at 9:45 a.m. PDT, Aug. 23)

See what Charlie has to say about the first ever Prius Plug-In

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Toyota Selects Leviton as an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Provider

Leviton’s Charging Solution Will Support Prius Plug-in and RAV4 EV

Torrance, Calif., August 10, 2011 -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) today announced that Leviton has been selected as an approved Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) provider for Toyota customers and dealers.

“Leviton provides electric vehicle charging products and a high level of customer service that will benefit both Toyota customers and dealers when the Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles and next generation RAV4 EV come to market in 2012,” said Rick LoFaso, TMS corporate manager, marketing for passenger cars.

Toyota is the only manufacturer bringing two battery electric vehicles to the U.S. in 2012 - the RAV4 EV and the Scion iQ EV.  While the RAV4 EV will be available to the public, the Scion iQ EV will be utilized for demonstration program applications only. Toyota also will bring to market in 2012 the Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle, which combines an extended all-electric range for shorter commutes with a conventional hybrid synergy drive for longer trips.   

Leviton’s support includes program management of a certified installation team and an extensive customer service center. Levitonoffers a variety of electrical vehicle supply equipment products for commercial and residential use that will offer Toyota dealers and customers an assortment of charging solutions to fit their needs.

Los Angeles African American Community Paves the Road for National Expansion of ‘Buckle Up for Life’ Safety Program

By: Toyota

 

August 6, 2011 - LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), today co-hosted a “Celebration of Safety” in conjunction with the Buckle Up for Life program, at an event held at True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for African Americans from birth through 14 years of age and the second leading cause of death for African Americans between 15 and 24 years of age, resulting in three times the incidence rates compared to other children. To address this health disparity, “Buckle Up For Life” was created by trauma specialists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and funded through a grant from Toyota. The program is designed to educate both African American and Hispanic families on the importance of keeping their families safe while driving.

“We were seeing a disproportionate number of African American and Hispanic children coming into the hospital with severe crash-related injuries and we knew we had to do something about it,” said Dr. Rebeccah L. Brown, Associate Director, Trauma Services at Cincinnati Children’s. 

“Safety is a priority for Toyota,” said Pat Pineda, Toyota’s group vice president of national philanthropy. “In addition to designing and manufacturing some of the safest vehicles on the road today, we are dedicated to supporting education programs that help drivers and passengers develop responsible habits to protect them on the road at every stage of life.”

Buckle Up for Life meets African Americans in their communities, delivering information in a faith-based setting. To date, Toyota, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have joined together with three local African American churches to deliver safety and prevention education to participants. 

Building on the program’s initial success in Cincinnati and Los Angeles, Toyota announced on June 28 that it has committed $1 million to launch the program in Chicago, Denver and San Antonio in 2011 and 2012.

 “What we saw when we began Buckle Up for Life in Greater Cincinnati was that, after participating in the program, the number of adults and children using seat belts and car seats more than doubled. When we saw those results, we knew we had found a successful and sustainable model that was meeting the pressing needs of the community,” added Pineda.

The congregations of the three participating churches have devoted weeks of Sunday school classes and sermons to learning about critical safety behaviors. At the closing events, dozens of volunteers from Toyota African American Collaborative joined with their expert partners from Children’s Hospital LA to help educate participants on child passenger safety and injury prevention through free car seat inspections, safety demonstrations and informational booths. Families who did not previously own a child car safety seat were given one, compliments of the program. Festivities also included live music, food, giveaways and arts and crafts for the children.

“Injury and death due to vehicle-related injuries is preventable,” said Dr. Jeffery S. Upperman, Director of Trauma at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “If we can save just one child’s life, all of our efforts have been worth it.”

We would like to thank the author of this review for taking the time to write this review and for our staff for providing excellent service.

"After visiting all of the Toyota dealerships in the area, I bought my new Highlander from Vasser. The staff was not pushy and they found the exact one I was looking for. Price was awesome and I was in and out of the office in less than an hour. It has been 3 months and they still call to see how I like my vehicle or if I have any problems."- T.N.

Next 25 Winners Announced for Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program

Public Voting to Determine 25 Remaining Nonprofit Organizations to Receive Toyota Vehicle

 

• A total of 75 nonprofit organizations have been selected by the public to receive a new Toyota vehicle
• Five non-profit organizations will continue to be profiled on Toyota’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/toyota) each day through August 16
• One vehicle will be awarded each day through August 16, for a total of 100 vehicles

TORRANCE, CALIF. (August 4, 2011) – Toyota today announced the third set of 25 winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program, which awards 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving non-profits. Winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program are determined based on voting from the public. Each day, five organizations are profiled on Toyota’s Facebook page where the public is invited to show their support by voting to determine the winning nonprofit organization.

Each daily winner will be awarded a new Toyota vehicle to help the organizations continue to do “good” in their local communities. The remaining finalists will each receive a $1000 grant from Toyota.

The third set of 25 winners spanned several categories including human services, animal welfare and protecting victim of abuse. From providing housing and supportive services to homeless families to working to prevent child abuse to distributing meals and food to those in need, a variety of worthy causes were shared on the finalists’ profiles and ultimately selected by the public to receive a new vehicle to further support their missions.

The third 25 winners in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program are:

 

Feeding South Dakota	Sioux Falls, SD	June 28, 2011
Blind Dog Rescue Alliance	Philadelphia, PA	June 29, 2011
CHS – Hutton House	Modesto, CA	June 30, 2011
Childhelp	Scottsdale, AZ	July 1, 2011
The Hope Institute for Children and Families	Springfield, IL	July 2, 2011
Ahimsa House	Atlanta, GA	July 3, 2011
Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse	Jackson, TN	July 4, 2011
Angels Rest Animal Sanctuary	New Richmond, OH	July 5, 2011
Dream Power Animal Rescue Foundation	Colorado Springs, CO	July 6, 2011
ACDS - Association for Children with Down Syndrome	Plainview, NY	July 7, 2011
Kentucky Blood Center	Lexington, KY	July 8, 2011
Paws'itive Teams	San Diego, CA	July 9, 2011
Food Bank of Lincoln	Lincoln, NE	July 10, 2011
Santa's Hide-A-Way Hollow	Middlefield, OH	July 11, 2011
Pennypack Farm & Education Center	Horsham, PA	July 12, 2011
Families in Transition	Manchester, NH	July 13, 2011
Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's Foundation	Louisville, KY	July 14, 2011
Friends of Chabad of Lake Success	Lake Success, NY	July 15, 2011
Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties	Massillon, OH	July 16, 2011
Feed'em Soup Community Project	Sycamore, IL	July 17, 2011
Quest Farm	Georgetown, KY	July 18, 2011
SafePlace	Austin, TX	July 19, 2011
The Louisville Zoo Foundation	Louisville, KY	July 20, 2011
Cascades Raptor Center	Eugene, OR	July 21, 2011
SafeHouse of Shelby County	Pelham, AL	July 22, 2011

 

 

Public voting for the 100 Cars for Good program opened May 9 and will continue through August 16. Voters may place one vote per day, each day, over the course of the program. Each day, the previous day’s winner will be announced and five new nonprofit organizations will be featured for voting.  Winning organizations can choose from the following vehicles: Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna or Sienna Mobility. Toyota will provide a six-year, 100,000-mile Toyota Vehicle Service Agreement to provide extended protection beyond the vehicle warranty.

The 500 finalists, from which the 100 winners are ultimately selected, were chosen by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.

Quote

“It gives us great pride to announce the third set of 25 winners in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program,” said Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “The voters have selected winners that provide valuable and much-needed services to their communities, and demonstrate what is possible when we put others’ needs before our own. We congratulate our third set of 25 winners and wish the remaining finalists the best of luck.”

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