Thursday, December 29, 2011

Toyota’s New Camry Wins Recommended Status From Consumer Reports

Dec. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp.’s revamped Camry, the best-selling sedan in the U.S., won a “recommended” review from Consumer Reports magazine, which has been critical of some of the Japanese automaker’s models.

The 2012 Camry, which went on sale in October, was evaluated for the February 2012 issue of the magazine published by Yonkers, New York-based Consumers Union, a non-profit group.

“The Camry has a nicer interior, more responsive handling, and better fuel economy than before,” the review said. “In fact, the four-cylinder model’s 27 mpg overall ties with the Hyundai Sonata for the best fuel economy among conventional gasoline-powered family sedans.”

Carmakers seek favorable reviews from the magazine as they are considered among the most objective because of its policies of accepting no advertising and buying every vehicle it tests. While Toyota has historically fared well in Consumer Reports reviews, the magazine said in 2007 it would scrutinize the brand more closely due to problems it found in the Tundra pickup, Lexus GS luxury car and previous V-6 engine Camry sedan.

The magazine declined in August to recommend Honda Motor Co.’s 2012 Civic, a car it previously favored. The Tokyo-based automaker has since said it’s considering revisions to the Civic, without elaborating.

Best-Selling Model

Camry has been the best-selling car in the U.S. for 13 of the past 14 years, and its Toyota City, Japan-based maker has vowed to retain that position. The company is targeting U.S. sales of 360,000 Camrys next year, below 2007’s record 473,108.

Sales this year through October fell 8.8 percent from a year earlier to 251,564, the result of reduced output after Japan’s earthquake and tsunami cut supplies of parts, according to the company. The Camry decline mirrors Toyota’s 8.8 percent U.S. sales slide during the same period.

Some investors in Asia were concerned two months ago that U.S. sales of the Camry would be “poor,” though those concerns were probably premature, BNP Paribas SA wrote in a note Oct. 28.

Reviews for the 2012 Camry have been generally favorable, with the Los Angeles Times noting an improved driving performance while Edmunds.com cited the size of its cabin and high crash-test scores. Most also note that the new car’s styling is more conservative than midsize rivals including Hyundai Motor Co.’s Sonata.

Toyota builds Camrys in Georgetown, Kentucky, and at an assembly line at affiliate Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.’s Subaru plant in Lafayette, Indiana.

Camry

Courtesy of businessweek.com

New Pennsylvania Law Requires Additional Practice for Teen Drivers

We’re very glad to see a law like this get passed. Most of our kids are great drivers, but even older, more experienced drivers can get flustered and make bad decisions at night or in a snow storm. We need to give our teens all the real-world preparation they can get so that they can stay safe on the road.

Under the watchful eye of her father, Jim, Julie Enright, 16, of Castle Shannon slips behind the wheel after she passed her driving test at the PennDOT licensing center in Bridgeville.

Julie Enright said she spent at least 80 hours behind the wheel during the past six months as she learned to drive.

That well exceeds the 65 hours required under a teen driving law that takes effect today. Before today, teens had to have 50 hours of practice on the road. Now, in addition, state law requires 10 hours of driving time clocked at night, and five hours during bad weather.

Enright, 16, of Castle Shannon passed her driving test at the PennDOT licensing center in Bridgeville. She agrees with the state's rules.

"I think it's in everyone's best interest," she said.

The law, known as Act 81, limits to one the number of nonfamily passengers a teen driver can carry during the first six months after receiving a junior driver's license. After six months, teens can transport up to three passengers younger than 18 who are not immediate family members.

The law gives police the authority to make a traffic stop and cite a driver if anyone in the car who is younger than 18 is not wearing a seat belt.

Tamela Moore, 39, of Brighton Heights said she thinks the rules will help keep young people safe.

"You know how kids are -- they think they know everything, but they'll listen if someone else (other than a parent) tells them they shouldn't do something," she said.

She and her son Travis, 18, split the approximately $300 cost for him to take driving lessons through the Kennedy School of Driving in Kennedy.

"It helped him," Moore said. "I think (teens) need driving lessons."

The education courses, which include 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of in-car training, are provided by school districts and private companies. Taking a driver education course is one requirement for a junior driver to get an adult license before age 18.

Jerry Mancini, owner of Kennedy School of Driving, said the stricter requirements give teens more guidance.

"It's an attempt to make things safer for students," he said.

A parent or another experienced driver is responsible for keeping track of the time a student driver has had behind the wheel. And a parent or guardian must sign a form in the presence of a notary, or the person giving the driving test, to certify the student has had the required practice time.

"We didn't keep detailed records, but I made sure he could drive in the neighborhood and at night," Gerald Sandidge, 56, of Squirrel Hill, said as his son Gavin, 18, prepared to taking his test in Bridgeville. "I want to feel comfortable that he can drive."

Read more: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_773780.html#ixzz1hqYXXAqj

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Hurry in to Toyota of Greensburg for 15% off a front or rear break service, valid now through December 31st!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

2013 Toyota Prius C Compact Hybrid On Sale In Japan, Detroit Launch Coming

Less than three weeks hence, the 2013 Toyota Prius C--the first compact hybrid hatchback from Toyota's expanding Prius line--will be officially introduced for the U.S. market at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

It was first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show early this month, under the model name Aqua, and it went on sale in Japan this past Sunday.

According to Bloomberg, Toyota has high aspirations for the Prius C, hoping to sell as many as 12,000 of the car a month in Japan alone.

2013 Toyota Prius C, as shown at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

The hybrid hatchback should draw interest among Japanese buyers eager to see this new, smaller full hybrid from the world's leading maker of hybrid-electric vehicles.

In its home market, the car we know as the 2013 Toyota Prius C will compete with both the mild-hybrid Honda Insight and the Honda Fit Hybrid, a model we don't see in the States that has proven popular in Japan.

Here in the States, however, Honda has struggled to sell its Insight subcompact hybrid hatchback. It updated and remodeled the 2012 Insight for its third year on the market, slightly improving its gas-mileage ratings to 41 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, for a combined overall 42-mpg rating.

The EPA has not yet released gas-mileage ratings for the 2013 Toyota Prius C, though on the less strenuous Japanese cycle, it was rated at 82 mpg (35 km/l).

2013 Toyota Prius C, as shown at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

It's possible it could be rated as high as 60 mpg in the U.S., though Toyota has said only that the Prius C will deliver higher mileage than the Prius hatchback's 52-mpg city rating.

Toyota has expanded its well-recognized Prius hybrid lineup by adding a Prius V wagon, now on sale (in fact, our holiday test vehicle is the Prius wagon). The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will reach U.S. dealers by March.

The 2013 Prius C will go on sale "during 2012," Toyota says, probably over the summer.

Even before the 2013 Toyota Prius C hits U.S. dealerships, however, it's being modified in other markets. As our sister site Motor Authority reports, Japanese customizers have already developed body kits and other performance enhancements for the Aqua.

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Courtesy of greencarreports.com

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Seventeen Boys & Girls Clubs to Share $302,620 Contribution This Holiday Season from Toyota Financial Services, ADESA and Norwalk Auto Auctions

December 21, 2011 - Torrance, Calif. – Toyota Financial Services, as part of its Making Life Easier for YOUth initiative, has partnered with two auto remarketing firms, ADESA  and Norwalk Auto Auctions, to provide a surprise holiday donation of $302,620 to be shared among 17 Boys & Girls Clubs in cities where the three companies operate. In addition to celebrations at the various Clubs, representatives of Toyota Financial Services and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America will hold a special check presentation this afternoon at the Whittier Boys & Girls Clubs at 7905 Greenleaf Ave, in Whittier, Calif., to recognize the combined $302,620 contribution.

The donation is the result of a joint promotion from TFS and its auction partners. From Nov. 25th thru Dec. 19th, 2011, for every vehicle purchased from TFS at any ADESA and Norwalk Auto Auction venues, the company pledged a $50 donation to several local Boys & Girls Clubs and the auction houses pledged an additional $15 to $25 per vehicle. The promotion has provided Boys & Girls Clubs with much-needed funds at a time when more and more families are relying on the Clubs’ after-school activities. Boys & Girls Clubs programs include academic support, career enrichment, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports and fitness and family support resources. In a safe, culturally sensitive, fun and caring environment, the Boys & Girls Clubs offer youth opportunities to develop a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence and caring.

“I’m incredibly proud to work for an organization that recognizes the need to assist youth, especially those in under-served communities. At Toyota Financial Services, we’ve partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs on a local and national level for many years and we’ve seen the great impact they have in their communities,” said Mike Reid, national remarketing manager at TFS. “We know the money raised through this promotion with our auction partners, ADESA and Norwalk Auto Auctions, will absolutely help make a significant and positive difference for thousands of kids.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs benefiting from the joint donation include:

• Boys & Girls Club of Fontana, Calif.: $47,320.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Union County, N.J.: $40,170.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, Pa.: $34,450.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas, Texas: $30,420.00
• Boys & Girls Club at Salvation Army of the Bluegrass, Va.: $26,650.00
• Boys & Girls Club of MetroWest Boston, Mass.: $23,660.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Wis.: $22,450.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Whittier, Calif.: $14,550.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix, Ariz.: $11,750.00
• Boys & Girls Club of San Leandro, Calif.: $11,750.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, Ga.: $9,750.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.: $7,250.00
• Boys & Girls Club of King County, Wash.: $6,650.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, Kan.: $5,900.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside, Calif.: $5,850.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, Fla.: $2,150.00
• Boys & Girls Club of Trenton/Mercer County, N.J.: $1,900.00

Toyota-logo

 

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Electric charging stations coming to PA Turnpike in 2013


This is great news for our region! It should make road tripping by electric car much easier in the future.

There will be electric vehicle charging stations the entire length of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in about a year and a half.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection awarded a $1 million grant to Car Charging Group LLC to build charging stations at 17 service plazas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The work will be fully completed by July 2013.

But don't make plans to have your fully electric car on the Turnpike around here immediately. DEP said that its first priority would be to install the electric charging stations on the Turnpike between Harrisburg and New Jersey, then between Harrisburg and the Ohio line (including Pittsburgh) and then finally along the Northeastern Extension north of Philadelphia to Scranton.

Some of the stations will charge an electric car in about four hours. Others will take 20 minutes.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Toyota’s FJ Cruiser simplifies parking with its state of the art Rear Intuitive Parking Assist feature. Check out how it operates here!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

2012 Toyota Prius Liftback & 2012 RAV4: Pricing Announced

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If you're looking to buy a new Toyota in the near future, listen up. The automaker has just announced 2012 pricing for two of its more popular models, the Prius Liftback and the RAV4.

The Toyota Prius Liftback is, of course, the matriarch of the Prius family, which recently grew to include the Prius c, the Prius v, and the Prius Plug-In Hybrid. The 2012 Liftback will come in five trim levels, conveniently numbered one through five. The Prius One can mostly be ignored here, though, since it's only available to fleet buyers. (For what it's worth, that model carries an MSRP of $23,015.)

The least expensive 2012 Prius Liftback found in showrooms is be the Prius Two, which clocks in at $24,000 -- about 2% higher than last year. Like other members of the Liftback family, it gets a slight makeover for the new model year, with a refreshed front fascia and taillights, and LED daytime running lights. The audio system comes equipped with a USB port, which is handy for the near-ubiquitous iPods and smarphones.

Further up the ladder, the Prius Three comes with a snazzier infotainment system featuring the app-friendly Entune infotainment system, Navigation, a three-door Smart Key, and a backup camera. The 2012 Toyota Prius Three runs $25,565.

The Prius Four and Five offer a few more creature comforts -- namely, a JBL speaker system and thoroughly adjustable driver's seats with lumbar support. As an added option, both offer Toyota's Premium HDD Navigation, which comes with a seven-inch screen with split-screen capabilities. Perhaps most exciting, though, is the option of a heads-up display, which posts speed, navigation details, and hybrid stats to the windshield. The Prius Four starts at $28,235, and the Prius Five begins at $29,805

The 2012 Prius Liftback will arrive at dealerships in January 2012.

Toyota



Courtesy of thecarconnection.com

Monday, December 19, 2011

Get smart style for an affordable price with the 2012 Toyota Camry. Stop by Toyota of Greensburg today!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Thank you for letting us know how we're doing!

Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion Vehicles Earn Top Safety Pick Awards

December 15, 2011 -- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today announced that 15 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles earned Top Safety Pick awards for the 2012 model year, more than any other automaker.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., said, “Safety is a core value that dates back to the foundation of our company. IIHS’ awards further recognize our commitment to helping protect drivers and passengers.”

The 2012 model year winners are: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra Crew Cab, Venza, and Yaris; Lexus CT 200h and RX, and Scion tC, xB, and xD.

According to the IIHS, Top Safety Pick awards recognize vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in IIHS tests.

 

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Toyota-logo

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Hurry in to Toyota of Greensburg to get your car in tip-top shape before the holidays! Our online service scheduler is here to make the process even more convenient.

Stop by Toyota of Greensburg today to test drive a 2012 Camry and receive a $25 American Express Gift Card!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Greensburg Auto Dealerships Donate $22,000 to Food Bank

The Westmoreland County Food Bank works for a great cause. We were happy to be able to help!

A combined donation of $22,100 from two Greensburg car dealerships means thousands of meals for area families in need.

"There's going to be a lot of people this Christmas who won't have to know the anguish of hunger," said Jennifer Miller, development director of the Westmoreland County Food Bank. "When community organizations come together and do something so amazing like this, it means a lot."

Gary Semanchek, general manager of Hyundai of Greensburg, and Toyota of Greensburg general manager Dan Owens presented two checks on Friday to Miller at Dino's Sports Lounge in Greensburg during a Food and Fund Drive being held by radio station 107.1 WHJB.

With a new philosophy at Hyundai, Semanchek said, community organizations will be seeing more good will from the dealership. Hyundai donated $10,600.

"We're taking portions of our profits every month and donating it back to the community," he said. The food bank is the first to benefit.

Toyota's Owens said he just wanted to help the community and people who have fallen on hard times. The dealership contributed $11,500.

"Things are a little tougher out there now," he said.

Any donation means a lot to the food bank, Miller said. Cuts to the program have been significant: This year federal funding has dropped from $100,000 to $8,000, and the food bank is receiving $33,000 less from the state, she said.

Monetary donations go far: For every dollar donated, the food bank can purchase $5 worth of food, Miller said. The most-needed items are the ones that are typically the most expensive, including peanut butter and cereal.

The food bank feeds 15,000 people monthly, and Miller said the car dealers' donations will help stock up and replenish funds.

Read more http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_771330.html

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Toyota Shareathon



Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com
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Monday, December 12, 2011

From December 12th - 22nd, you can earn a prepaid debit card worth $500 just by tweeting about your newToyota. Earn up to $500 more by collecting retweets from your followers. Formore information visit toyota.com/shareathon.

In the market for a Toyota? Stop by Toyota of Greensburg to take advantage of our pre-owned specials!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Toyota of Greensburg December Sales Event: Toyotathon

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Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge Invites Students to Create Safe-Driving Videos

The grand prize winner gets $20,000 cash!

Toyota and Discovery Education announced the launch of their Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge – a competition that invites high school students to create a two-minute video showing how they would encourage safe driving to fellow students. The challenge is part of Toyota and Discovery Education’s Toyota Teen Driver program, which offers educators, students, and parents a variety of powerful tools and materials designed to help teens stay safe behind the wheel.

Entries will be judged on creativity and originality. Entries will be narrowed down to ten finalists which will appear on the Toyota Teen Driver website and Facebook page during a “fan voting” period where the public will be invited to vote to determine the grand prize winner. The grand prize winner will receive a $20,000 cash prize and the remaining nine finalists will each receive $1,500 in cash. Students in grades 9-12 can submit their two-minute videos on the Toyota Teen Driver web site through February 16, 2012.

“Toyota is dedicated to building awareness among teens about the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging people of all ages to adopt safe driving habits,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of philanthropy for Toyota Motor North America. “We’re excited to launch the new Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge and empower young people to be advocates for responsible driving within their own peer groups and schools.”

“Discovery Education is proud to work with Toyota as we fulfill our commitment to finding creative and engaging ways to captivate students’ attention on current and relevant topics that span beyond the classroom,” said Mary Rollins, Discovery Education vice president of education partnerships. “The digital learning resources available from Toyota Teen Driver combined with the ability for teens to educate each other on safe driving are critical in creating a safe driving experience on the road.”

 

For more information please visit: http://toyotateendriver.discoveryeducation.com/

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Toyota Takes Fun to the Masses With 200-hp Sports Coupe

Check out the Toyota 86!

Toyota President Akio Toyoda unveiled his company's new 200-hp rear-wheel-drive sports coupe before thousands of fans at a Formula One race track on Monday in his bid to spice up a brand better known for bland but utilitarian offerings such as the Corolla and Camry.

The car, to be called the Toyota 86 in Japan and sold as the Scion FR-S in the United States, has been in the works for five years and received close scrutiny from Toyoda, who is banking on the car as an affordable halo model to burnish the company's performance credentials.

The 86 hits a top speed of 142 mph and can do a 0-to-62-mph run in six seconds. But raw speed is not the goal, says chief engineer Tetsuya Tada. The model's true mission is multifold:

-- Achieve a low price point that can lure recent college graduates.
-- Strive for fun-to-drive handling with a low center of gravity.
-- Strip out fancy electronic-control systems and turbochargers.
-- Deliver a ride that can be easily customized and tuned by car buffs.

Toyota hasn't disclosed a price or gas-mileage estimates. But the company has said it is targeting a sticker around 2 million yen ($26,000). Tada said the goal is to price the car in a range that would be affordable to recent college graduates.

Going low-tech
"A lot of cars these days are controlled by computer chips, and that leads to a sense of the car driving you, instead of you driving the car," Tada said after the 86's introduction Monday at the Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway outside Tokyo near the base of snow-capped Mount Fuji. "We decided to use as few computer controls as possible. We wanted to go back to basics."

The 86 was jointly developed with Subaru, which debuts its version--the BRZ--at this week's Tokyo motor show. Toyota did the styling, while Subaru provided the four-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine. Subaru will build both versions at its factory in Gunma, Japan.

Toyoda--clad in a red-and-black racing suit--introduced the car himself by flooring a bright vermillion 86 down the straightaway at the Fuji Speedway, where some 20,000 car buffs gathered to witness the debut and participate in the annual Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival.

The car's name in Japan--86--is a nod to the popular AE86 line of Corolla-based sports cars that Toyota rolled out in the 1980s. Toyota evoked its sporty roots at the tuner festival with a parade of vintage sports cars that included Toyota fan club members driving their original 86s, 2000 GTs, Sport 800s from the 1960s and a sampling of souped-up Supras.

The 86 first appeared as a candy-apple-red FT-86 concept at the 2009 Tokyo motor show. In Japan, the production version drops the "FT" nomenclature for concepts that means "Future Toyota." In Europe, the car will be sold as the Toyota GT 86.

No design by committee
Tada admits the car won't satisfy everyone, and he's fine with that. Toyota broke with a long tradition of designing by committee to deliver a car rendered by sports-car enthusiasts assembled from within the company, he said. They focused on driving feel, not on numbers.

"When you show a sports car to the board of directors, the first thing they ask is how fast it is, what is the lap time, how does its speed compare with rivals. Marketing initially opposed the concept, saying it's not fast enough and didn't have enough new technology," Tada said.

"But what is unique about this car is that we didn't target numerical performance goals. We ignored the traditional Toyota development pattern," Tada said. "And the only reason we could do that is because there is a man on the board of directors named Akio Toyoda."

Toyoda, a racing fanatic, was especially hands on in flavoring the 86--checking in monthly on the car's development. He often test-drove the 86 and gave orders on what to fix.

The Toyota 86 gets a 2.0-liter four cylinder, DOHC boxer engine from Subaru equipped with Toyota's D-4S fuel injection system. It comes mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while delivering 200 hp and topping out at 7,000 rpm.

The fuel-injection system has twin injectors for both direct and port injection.

The car enters production next spring and goes on sale next year in the United States.

Nimble, customizable
During a test drive for journalists on Fuji's short circuit, the 86 demonstrated lively pickup, good balance and nimble handling--all with the distinctive growling rumble of Subaru's boxer power plant. More-punishing journalists had a field day screeching and drifting through the turns.

Handling is improved by the boxer engine's low center of gravity.

The interior styling reflects what Tada calls "neofunctionalism." It is a no-frills, utilitarian look focusing on old-school dials and switches--with the meter cluster built around the tachometer.

Some paneling is simply shiny black plastic, while other trim gets a faux carbon-fiber texture. The deep bucket seats have sporty red stitching with ample side bolstering.

The steering wheel is the smallest in the Toyota lineup with a diameter of 365 millimeters (14 inches). Toyota says this provides optimal steering performance and grip.

The 86 seats four with cramped rear leg room. But the back seats fold down to provide space for luggage or--as Toyota pitches it--racing tires and tool kits.

Toyota envisions the car as being popular with the tuner crowd and aims to promote that use by making the car easily upgradable with a plethora of accessories and add-ons.

Read more http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/autosblogpost.aspx?post=682ce915-37b1-4f16-b50c-3fbd5b7f5272&_blg=2

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving Travel Tips

If you're driving anywhere this Thanksgiving, please make sure to stay safe on the roads. AAA says that "Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year, and unfortunately the deadliest." Check out these travel tips to make sure you have a safe and happy holiday!

As travelers throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond begin to finalize their travel plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend, AAA reminds motorists to put safety first when behind the wheel in the coming weeks, and is offering tips for a smooth journey.

Despite higher gas prices this year over last year, the overwhelming majority of Thanksgiving travelers will go by car. Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year, and unfortunately the deadliest.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Thanksgiving has more traffic crashes than any other holiday travel period in Pennsylvania – more than 4,300 statewide last year, killing 55 people from Thanksgiving Eve to the Sunday afterward.

Many of those highway fatalities were unbuckled, and involved alcohol.

AAA urges all motorists to drive safely, buckle up, and never drive impaired, and strongly supports the efforts of local and state police in keeping our highways safe this holiday season, with the “Click it or Ticket” campaign and DUI enforcement.  Additionally, motorists can help insure a safe trip in other ways: getting enough rest before hitting the road; checking tires for proper inflation; and packing an emergency car kit with key items such as jumper cables and an ice scraper.

“This year there will be another 55 empty seats at this year’s holiday gatherings, in addition to many other lives that are needlessly lost on the highways throughout the year,” said Jenny M. Robinson, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “We urge motorists, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and throughout the year, to drive safely, buckle up and never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. AAA thanks Pennsylvania law enforcement for keeping our highways safe throughout the holiday season.”

AAA Mid-Atlantic also has been a strong advocate on many other traffic safety issues in Pennsylvania, including support for a ban on texting while driving, which was signed into law by Governor Corbett just last week, and a stronger teen driver safety law, also known as "Lacey's Law", which was signed Oct. 25.

AAA Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Tips

Plan travel times.  Traffic congestion and delays are part of holiday travel, but try to plan your trip for off-peak hours.  The busiest travel days are typically the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday afternoon/evening.

Rest up.  Get 6-8 hours of sleep the night before a long trip.  Fatigue decreases reaction time and awareness. A recent AAA study found that about a third of motorists admit they have nearly nodded off at the wheel - don't be one of them.

Plan in advance:

  • Fuel Price Finder (AAA.com/fuelfinder) locates the lowest fuel price in your area.
  • Fuel Cost Calculator (FuelCostCalculator.AAA.com) helps budget travel expenses.
  • TripTik Mobile (AAA.com/mobile) plots fuel prices along your travel route.
  • Check tires for proper inflation.
  • Take breaks and rotate drivers.  Stop every two hours or 100 miles and share driving time.
  • Buckle up.  Make sure everyone is wearing safety belts or has age-appropriate child safety seats.
  • Pack a winter car emergency kit: shovel, jumper cables, ice scraper, wiper fluid, de-icer, kitty litter or salt for traction, first aid kit, flashlight, blanket, water, food, cell phone.
  • Never drink and drive.  Although Thanksgiving is known for travel and turkey, it's also a big party night for some folks.  Stay over where you are, arrange for a cab ride, or get a sober friend to take you home.
  • Never text and drive.  Governor Corbett has signed a new law that bans texting and driving in Pennsylvania - and although it doesn't take effect until early March 2012, why wait to be safe?  Pledge now to put the cell phone down and focus on the road ahead.

AAA Mid-Atlantic serves 700,000 members in the Philadelphia (5-county) region and nearly four million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, with personal insurance, financial, automotive and travel services through 53 retail branches, regional operations centers and the internet, at www.aaa.com/community.

Read more http://uppermoreland.patch.com/articles/thanksgiving-travel-tips#photo-8457699

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Toyota says hybrids offer best fuel economy gains

Hybrids are a “core technology,” says Toyota.

Toyota will explore various power trains and fuel sources, but sees hybrids as the core technology for improving fuel economy, an engineering manager says.
Ankil Shah, manager for materials engineering at Toyota's technical center here, says hybrids offer "the best short- to midterm gains in fuel economy."

Given that battery energy density is far less than that of liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel, the cost and weight of battery packs needed to produce an acceptable range in an electric vehicle are prohibitive, Shah said.

"This makes electric vehicles and plug-in electric vehicles a great challenge in a mainstream vehicle," Shah said recently in a speech at a conference sponsored by Plastics News on lightweight and electric vehicles.

Plastics News, like Automotive News, is published by Crain Communications.

Toyota has sold 3 million hybrids globally, Shah said. The Prius is by far the best-selling hybrid in the United States, with sales of 104,251 units this year through October--nearly half of the 211,598 total U.S. hybrid sales.

Aside from market leadership, Toyota uses the hybrid architecture as the basis for other alternative drivetrains such as plug-ins and EVs, he said: "Hybrid components can be easily adapted to other power train systems."

Shah said that Toyota sees a future for hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles, and plans to begin commercial sales in 2015. Its fuel cell vehicle has a range of nearly 500 miles per tankful and functions well in cold weather, he said.

Toyota sees fuel cell propulsion as optimum for large vehicles such as buses and delivery trucks, Shah said, particularly if they travel long-distance routes.


Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57324363-48/toyota-says-hybrids-offer-best-fuel-economy-gains/

Picture from: http://www.toyotainthenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/toyota-hybrid-x-concept-image.jpg

Friday, November 11, 2011

Greensburg neighborhood never forgets 87 who fought in WWII

Happy Veterans Day to all of the brave men and women who fought for our country.

(A photograph of returning veterans from the neighborhood hangs at the Hill-Top Social Club)

Veterans Day is a holiday that resonates in Hilltop, an Italian-American neighborhood of Greensburg that shipped out 87 sons and daughters during World War II.

One of every 10 Americans -- 16 million men and women -- was in uniform between 1941 and 1945, according to Department of Defense statistics

From cities to towns, farms to tight-knit communities, all rallied for the cause.

One was Hilltop, roughly 16 streets sandwiched between Vine Street on the north and Bierer Street on the south. There were 181 households in the neighborhood then; nearly half were Italian-American.

Eighty-four of Hilltop's sons -- and two daughters -- went to war. Three of them died.

John DePaul of Jeannette, a retired Pittsburgh marketing and public relations executive, and local historian who has studied and written about his old neighborhood, said he could not "help but think that Hilltop, because of the size of the families, gave more men to the war than just about any section of the city."

After examining the data, DePaul concluded that 14 percent of Hilltop's World War II population was in uniform. The number was even higher in the Italian-American population -- 21 percent. "That 21 percent figure is well above the national average -- in fact, 84 percent higher," DePaul said.

Among them were both of his older brothers, Ozzie and Mario DePaul, who grew up in a house on Steck Street and became soldiers in World War II.

Sending away their sons

Frank and Concetta Salvatore of 413 Margaret St. had seven sons, five of them old enough to serve in the war.

James, the oldest, spent the war years stateside; Anthony shipped off to the Pacific for the fighting at Guadalcanal; Thomas fought in the Battle of the Bulge; Frank Jr. saw action on a PT boat; and Richard was a Navy swabbie.

"My dad hated the Germans and the Japanese," recalled Lou Salvatore, who, born in 1932, was too young to serve in the war. "He called them "brutto bastards - ugly bastards."

Salvatore's mother was "always a little sad" during those years. The anxiety of having five sons in the service "took a toll" on her, he said.

Knowing that Germany and Japan had to be defeated, Childers said, was little comfort to wives and girlfriends, moms and dads, sisters and brothers who had sent their loved ones to battle zones, according to University of Pennsylvania World War II historian Thomas Childers

Looked upon suspiciously

"The war was a strain on all the mothers in the neighborhood," said Tony Testa, who was 18 in 1943 when he was drafted. "I'm sure a day didn't go by that they didn't worry about it."

Testa, who lives on Truby Street, three doors from his childhood home, said being drafted "made me wonder what I was getting into." His mother, Mary Ann, who was born in Italy and spoke little English, wept when she was told the news.

Testa, 86, doesn't talk much about his service years. An infantryman, he was part of the invasion of southern France in August 1944.

He recalls the day he left Hilltop for the Army. He and a neighbor, Frank DeFloria, drove to the Greensburg rail station, where a troop train was waiting.

"The fact is that the people who migrated from Italy to the United States between 1900 and 1925 fell in love with this country," said DePaul, whose mother and father were born in Italy.

For all of their patriotism, many Italian-Americans began the war under a cloud, a result of Italy's early alliance with Nazi Germany. In the earliest days of the war, scores of Americans of Italian descent were jailed on the flimsiest of charges, a 2001 congressional report found.

DePaul remembers begging his parents not to speak Italian on the bus on their way downtown. "I didn't like the glances" the family got from the other passengers, he explained.

Like the old country

Like many 1940s neighborhoods, Hilltop was a world unto itself. It had DeBone's Market on Steck Street, Hilltop Pharmacy on Tremont Avenue, Angelo's barbershop on Tremont, Felice's bar and restaurant at Highland and Bierer, and Zappone's auto repair shop on Vine Street.

"Hilltop was alive with the sights, sounds and aromas of the old country," DePaul said. He recalled the scent of tomato sauce and meatballs, seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs, wafting from homes on Sundays. The aroma of bread, baked in outdoor ovens, was "sensational," he said.

Many families planted backyard vegetable gardens, the neighborhood had a World War II victory garden on land adjacent to 8th Ward School.

Hilltop produced some war heroes as well.

The most renowned was Frank L. "Hank" Spino of 408 Wood St. At 23, he became a B-17 bomber pilot. A slender 123 pounds, Spino was on his way to the East Coast from Salina, Kansas, when he flew his Flying Fortress over Greensburg, managing, as he said, to "buzz the old Hilltop neighborhood."

Angelo Rose, who grew up at 410 White St., remembered "everybody was at the window" at her school when Spino brought his plane in fast and low.

In an unpublished oral history for St. Vincent College, Spino, now living in Florida, said "people still ... call it 'the day the chimneys shook.'"

In 1943, Spino and his crew were shot down over Germany. He spent the remainder of the war in a POW camp.

Anthony "Tutta" Reno of Highland Avenue was part of an amphibious combat engineering team that waded ashore on Utah Beach hours before the main Normandy landing of June 6, 1944.

Three Hilltop men died in service to their country, according to the 1946 publication, the Service Album for Greater Greensburg

Tony Deverse of 519 Catherine St. was a tailgunner in the 22nd Bomber Squadron, 341st Bomber Group, when his plane was lost in March 1944 somewhere in the Pacific.

Lt. Jack Reamer of Highland Avenue died on Dec. 18, 1945, when his plane crashed. He is memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines, according to the World War II National Memorial Registry.

Julian Poli of 436 Steck St. was injured in a preflight training accident. Hospitalized before he was discharged from the service in June 1943, he died as a civilian 18 months later.

Greensburg veterans – we thank you for your service.

Source: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_766737.html#ixzz1dQ0ekaqH

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Toyota Shows Machines to Help Sick, Elderly Move

This new technology from Toyota would be amazing to have here in PA with our large population of elderly residents. Can’t wait to see these products hit the market!

Toyota unveiled its ambitions for high-tech health care Tuesday, displaying experimental robots that the auto giant says can lift disabled patients from their hospital beds or help them walk.

The company aims to commercialize products such as its "independent walk assist" device sometime after 2013 — seeking to position itself in an industry with great potential in Japan, one of the world's most rapidly aging nations.

Eiichi Saitoh, a professor in rehabilitation medicine, demonstrated the "walk assist" device on Tuesday, strapping the computerized metallic brace onto his right leg, which was paralyzed by polio.

He showed reporters at a Toyota facility in Tokyo how the brace could bend at the knee as needed, allowing him to walk more naturally and rise from a chair with greater ease than the walker he now uses. Wearing a backpack-like battery, Saitoh walked up and down a flight of stairs, smiling with delight.

Saitoh said he had tried Toyota's machines with patients and was confident they helped people recover more quickly from strokes and other ailments that curtailed movement.

"It may be difficult to predict the future, but the era of an aging society is definitely coming," he said. "We need partner robots to enrich our lives."

Toyota also demonstrated an intelligent machine with padded arms that can help health care workers lift disabled patients from their beds and then carry them around. Another mobility aid worked like a skateboard to help people relearn balance.

Toyota officials said technology for autos such as sensors, motors and computer software are being used in such computerized gadgets to help people get around, and what they learn about mobility for people will likely be of use in future cars.

Prices and overseas sales plans of all the machines are still undecided, according to Toyota.

General Manager Akifumi Tamaoki said more tests were needed on more people to insure safety and reliability, and gain user feedback, but the commercial products in the works were going to be smaller and lighter than the prototype versions shown.

"We define gentle and smart machines as partner robots," he said.

Toyota has previously shown human-shaped robots that played the trumpet and violin, and those that move around and talk about Toyota cars at showrooms.

Rival Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co. has developed a sophisticated humanoid robot called Asimo, which can run, talk and dance. But Asimo has been limited to showrooms and labs and has yet to enter any hospital or home.

Toyota faces competition from other manufacturers that are all working on gadgets to tap into the health care business. Honda also has demonstrated machines worn on the legs that help people move, as have some universities.

Hirohisa Hirukawa, a robot exert at the government-backed National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, said more time would be needed to see the full busineses potential of the Toyota machines but was upbeat.

"I feel that the walk-assist device has real potential to sell to consumers," he said in an email.

Tamaoki said Toyota is keeping its offerings simple, compared to those from Honda, so they can enter everyday life easily.

Read more http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/toyota-shows-machines-sick-elderly-move-14855252

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

44 Environmental Projects Receive TogetherGreen Innovation Grants

Thank you Toyota for funding so many environmental projects!

 

Energy and dollar savings for churches in Phoenix, gardens for people and wildlife in rural Colorado, and restored habitat for the threatened American eel in the Hudson River are just three expected results of the 44 projects receiving a total of $1.1 million in the latest round of TogetherGreen Innovation Grants. This will mark the fourth year ofTogetherGreen funding to facilitate people-powered conservation action in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Taking place in 27 states, these projects are selected for innovation; potential gains in habitat, water, and energy conservation; and opportunities to engage new audiences in protecting the environment. TogetherGreen is funded by a $20 million grant from Toyota over five years.

"Never underestimate ingenuity and innovation. The approaches that will help us tackle the enormous environmental challenges confronting us today are going to come from unlikely and unpredictable places,” said Audubon President David Yarnold. “Each Innovation Grant project is an opportunity for Audubon to partner with local organizations to test and implement creative approaches to build healthier communities and achieve significant conservation results. And as our alliance with Toyota shows, when organizations work together, we can exponentially magnify our impact.”

Since 2008, the TogetherGreen Innovation Grants program has awarded over $4.7 million to more than 160 environmental projects nationwide. The 2011 awardees are receiving grants ranging from $5,000 - $50,000. Funds were awarded to partnerships, mostly between Audubon groups (local Chapters or programs of Audubon’s large national network) and organizations in their communities. This year’s grant projects involve more than 150 partner organizations nationwide. Many of the projects focus on engaging audiences that have traditionally been under-served by the conservation movement, from urban youth to rural ranchers.

In addition to financial support, grantees take part in workshops to strengthen their capacity to achieve conservation results, including a multi-day professional development course held at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and online trainings throughout the year. Audubon staff provides further support, including communications assistance, which leads to more public recognition at the local, state, and national level; and grantees are networked with each other so that they can share best practices and learn from others.

Audubon’s partner groups also benefit considerably from Innovation Grants. As Molly Tsongas, director of Tatzoo, said, “We are thrilled and honored to be a recipient of this Innovation Grant. TogetherGreen is breathing new life into the conservation movement, one that I want to be part of.”

Last year’s Innovation Grantees helped tens of thousands of people take conservation action in their communities, including Hmong American Eagle Scouts who made and erected roosting towers for rapidly disappearing chimney swifts in Minneapolis, African American student teachers who learned how to involve students in conservation action in Arkansas, rural Missouri teens who restored native cane habitat in the Ozarks, and communities of faith in New York City who cleaned up beaches for horseshoe crabs and migrating birds. Grant recipients leveraged their grants several times over through matching and in-kind support, allowing them to reach more people and deliver even greater conservation results.

The TogetherGreen program grew out of Toyota and Audobon’s joint commitment to conservation, innovation, and diversity,” said Pat Pineda, Toyota’s group vice president of national philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation. “This latest group of Innovation Grantees will help further the mission of TogetherGreen and serve as a catalyst for environmental change within local communities all across the country.”

There were two grants awarded to Pittsburgh-area organizations:

ORGANIZATION: THE KEYSTONE CENTER

GRANT AMOUNT: $33,000.00

Reflecting on its clear waters and gentle currents, Thomas Jefferson once referred to the Ohio River as the “most beautiful river on earth.” Just shy of 1,000 miles in length and flowing through six states, the river was once majestic—but much has changed since Jefferson admired its beauty. Urban sprawl, mining, commercial boat traffic, sewage overflows, natural gas drilling: all have affected habitat, water quality, and wildlife populations along the river. In fact, according to a recent study, 80 percent of threatened fish species and many amphibian species of concern in Pennsylvania are found in the Ohio River drainage system, suggesting this river and its tributaries are a high priority for conservation efforts.

The Keystone Center wants to harness the power of Pittsburgh’s young people to tackle the environmental and social problems dogging the river and its tributaries. It will use its Innovation Grant to launch Students for Sustainable Cities, a program grounded in scientific investigation and aligned with National Education Standards that will help middle school teachers and their students explore the ways environmental health, social well being, and economic vitality are interconnected. Students taking part in the program will work with community leaders to explore the issues affecting the river and the city, and then commit to taking action on a specific community issue of their choice.

In the end, this project will contribute to a more thriving ecosystem, as well as a more informed and engaged community working to protect it. And who knows? Maybe the words of Thomas Jefferson will ring true once again!

AUDUBON SOCIETY OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

GRANT AMOUNT: $45,000.00

About 20 minutes west of Pittsburgh, people are hard at work transforming a former mine site – typically areas that are toxic, degraded, and off-limits to the general public – into a botanic garden featuring native habitats. They’re using green practices and processes from start to finish: recycling all of the metal waste found on the site, using solar power for irrigation, treating the acid mine drainage, and restoring native ecosystems to their former grandeur. In the coming years, Pittsburghers will be able to enjoy a beautiful botanic garden – the only one ever to be created on an abandoned mine site!

With TogetherGreen funding, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden will transform 15 acres of the site into a native woodland habitat garden. Through a partnership with Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and the fifty-year-old social services organization Auberle, up to 100 neglected kids will get to be part of the transformation, visiting the site on field trips, learning about native woodlands, and helping with the reclamation and restoration.

This is exactly what TogetherGreen aspires to do: transform lives and land at the same time.

For complete details about the 2011 TogetherGreen Innovation Grants projects, please visit: www.togethergreen.org/grants.

Read more: http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2011+togethergreen+innovation+grants.htm

Friday, October 21, 2011

The 2012 Scion iQ…for buyers who seek to set trends instead of following them

What do you guys think of the 2012 Scion iQ? It’s set to hit the East Coast in March.

Scion has chosen to make the 2012 Scion iQ available in waves, starting with California, Scion Vice President Jack Hollis told reporters at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit on Wednesday at a ride-and-drive event.

The timetable for the Scion iQ's release is clear. It comes to Scion dealerships on the West Coast "later this fall." It will arrive in Southeast and Gulf States dealerships in the first quarter of 2012, followed by New York. The iQ launch will culminate with deliveries to the East Coast and Midwest in March.

Hollis calls the introduction of the 2012 Scion iQ to the marketplace part of an "exciting, busy time" for Scion.

"Last year we launched the all-new, second-generation tC. Better in every possible way, it was well received by Scion owners – both new and existing – when it reached Scion dealerships last September," Hollis said. "The tC immediately increased showroom traffic … contributing strongly to sales increases for all three Scion models. And it continues to have the youngest median-age buyer in the industry. Shortly after launching the tC, we switched gears to talk about another very sporty car for Scion.

"A few months ago at the N.Y. auto show, we unveiled the FR-S, a sports-car concept that will rewrite the definition of what an affordable sports car can be. FR-S stands for Front-engine… Rear-wheel drive … Sport. But you’ve probably heard that I think it could stand for 'Friggin’ Really Sweet.' While we’re still a few months away from really getting into the FR-S, I’m personally pumped up about where this sports car will take Scion. It’s a fun to drive ... no, scratch that ... it’s an 'Awesome to Drive' car that offers performance that hard-core driving fanatics can only find in a rear-wheel drive. This car will be the perfect daily driver AND weekend warrior."

Hollis contends the tC and FR-S are helping to launch what he calls a “new dimension” of Scion. While both of those cars are adding a big dose of adrenaline with a young buyer who aspires for even more, the 2012 Scion iQ pushes Scion into another, very different direction.

"When we debuted the xB eight years ago it created an iconic vehicle that in many ways symbolically represented what Scion was in the early years of the brand," Hollis said. "And because it was a vehicle that grew to be more than 'just a car' to its owners, it has been imitated quite a bit. But what has made it unique and never been duplicated, is the special connection that xB owners have for their car.

"The iQ will do the same as it ushers in a 'New Urbanism' – a vehicle for a more progressive buyer whose transportation needs and desires are changing. While it will expand the Scion family to a fourth member, and the first all-new model since the tC launched in 2004, it will mean much more than that to Scion. It’s a premium micro-subcompact that will no doubt expand Scion into yet another 'dimension.' ”

Hollis says the iQ will "inherit the Scion DNA of authenticity, community and personalization." The Scion brand, he argues, "has accomplished exactly what the company hoped for when it launched. We're an investment in Toyota’s future."

There are at least four reasons for that:

1. More than 70% of Scion owners are new to the Toyota family.

2. The new buyers brought into the family are kept. Eight out of the top 10 vehicles that Scion owners trade into are either Toyota or Scion vehicles.

3. Scion buyers are the youngest in the industry.

4. Scion has become the most ethnically diverse among non-luxury brands sold to Americans.

"Scion has always been about setting trends that really fit with people’s new attitudes, new desires and new lifestyles," Hollis said. "And that’s really one of the reasons that the iQ will be a Scion here in the U.S. What the iQ is all about fits in with Scion, and it fits in with urbanites who will take it home with them and make it a part of their lives.

"The iQ will be about big ideas ... concentrated. It will take its own unique approach to urban mobility, with a style that will turn heads. The iQ will define a new, premium micro-subcompact segment with a level of innovation that makes a car of this size possible.

"It will attract youthful trend-setters who desire innovation above all else. The iQ is the future – a small footprint that appeals to their sense that a car should not be any bigger than it really has to be and one that is easy to drive and park in the city."

The iQ has stuff on it that appeals to smart, young people.

"I’m talking about a car that is small in size, but big on innovation," Hollis said. "A car that uses intelligence instead of sacrifice, giving owners both an unparalleled car of its size but with comfort, safety and entertaining features. ... And its size doesn’t forgo safety. It’s amazing that a car this small not only has an industry-best 11 standard airbags, including the world’s first rear-window airbag, but it also has all of the safety and security features that drivers want, like the Star Safety System, Vehicle Stability Control and traction control, among others."

The iQ name is a combination of “intelligent Quality,” the result of combining the best technology in a small, clever package. The “i” also stands for “individuality,” with a style that is unique and makes a statement about its owner. The “i” also represents the “innovation” needed to create a dynamic vehicle in a 10 foot-long package.

"The iQ’s concept really began by envisioning who its customers would be and what kind of designs would interest them," Hollis said. "We did focus group interviews of young urbanites who are fashion conscious, consider themselves trend setting rather than following, and like a level of sophistication in their lives.

"When designing a car that would ultimately be 10 feet long, we had to make sure it didn’t appear unstable or weak. It had to have a sense or strength and stability. This led to the second iQ design concept of Stability and Dynamism. To achieve it, we thought outside the normally prescribed proportions for a car and gave it ... a 'perfect imbalance.' The iQ has a broad, stable look with a width of 66.1 inches and a height of 59.1 inches, to go with the 120.1 inches in length. And the wheels are placed as far as possible at the four corners of the iQ."

The front passenger seat is off-set from the driver’s seat, giving the rear passenger good legroom. Thin front seatbacks enhance rear legroom.

Space between the front seats is greater than in a Toyota Yaris, and comparable to a Toyota Corolla.

"While we wanted the iQ to be a car that screams 'fun' in its styling, it had to be a car that was enjoyable and easy to drive," Hollis said.

The 1.3-liter engine with VVT-i, paired with a smooth Continuously Variable Transmission, provide the iQ "with pleasurable driving dynamics, impressive fuel efficiency of 37 mpg and low emissions," Hollis said.

"With a turning radius that is under 13 feet, it has outstanding maneuverability in tight alleyways, parking garages and when parallel parking in congested areas. The iQ’s wide stance for its size and aerodynamic shape also give it great highway stability."

The iQ, Hollis says, "is a revolutionary idea on the efficient use of space in a vehicle. Its small size contrasts with its large capability ... the world’s smallest 4-seater that gives people the flexibility they never thought possible,. with the ability to take friends and gear where they need to go."

A 50 / 50 fold down rear seat and hatchback access provide room for groceries, gym bags, suitcases or sports equipment. The iQ will be mono-spec, presenting a simple purchase with a mix of standard features and benefits.

"The iQ will be easily personalized," Hollis said. "With over 25 accessories, we hope that no two iQs will be identical. To give you a better idea of how owners will personalize their iQs, some of the accessories available at dealerships include audio, fog lights, alloy wheels, a lowering kit and a rear spoiler."

Before the iQ goes on sale, there will be a “I Am Going to Be Big” pre-launch campaign that will hit television and print.

"As the iQs get closer to arriving at dealerships, we’ll go into launch mode with a campaign called 'iQ … Therefore I Am.' These spots will focus on the car’s features and highlights, calling out actual figures such as turning radius," Hollis said. "This is something that is really new for Scion, and the iQ is the perfect car to experiment with.

"We’re really having a lot of fun with this car as it takes the brand into new places. It will give us a chance to experiment and talk to people whom we’ve never talked to before. And we’ve already heard from some of our current owners, who’ve really been excited and are looking forward to the iQ."

The iQ will come to Scion dealerships on the West Coast "later this fall." It will arrive in Southeast and Gulf States dealerships in the first quarter of 2012, followed by New York. The iQ launch will complete in March, when it comes to the East Coast and Midwest.

Read more http://www.torquenews.com/1063/2012-scion-iq-coming-soon-dealership-near-you

Friday, October 14, 2011

2012 Toyota Sienna van is versatile, affordable

Yes, there are more reasons to buy a Sienna than its commercials, awesome though they are. Check out what Torque news has to say about the 2012 model!

“The third-generation 2012 model, developed at the Toyota Technical Center outside Detroit in Ann Arbor, Mich., is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana. Prices start at $25,060 and exceed $40,000 for well-equipped models.

The Toyota Sienna (pictured) offers an engine choice of between 4 and 6 cylinders and is the only van in its segment to offer an all-wheel drive option.

Toyota says the Siennaaims to provide "comfort, versatility, style and fuel efficiency."

The 2012 Sienna offers a choice between a 3.5-liter V6 or 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine. Both engines on the family van offer the latest in efficient, lightweight technology, including Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, roller rocker arms and an Acoustically Controlled Induction System that changes the intake tract length to optimize torque.

The 3.5-liter V6 generates 266 horsepower with mileage ratings of 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. It gets 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway on all-wheel-drive models. It also has a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine produces responsive power (187 horsepower at 5800 rpm) and delivers fuel-efficiency ratings of 19 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. Both engines are matched with the Sienna’s electronically controlled 6-speed transmission with sequential shift. That provides a smooth gear-shift feeling, quiet performance and a lightweight size.

The shape of the new Toyota Sienna is functional. A coefficient of drag of .306 is low for the class and a major factor in providing a quiet interior and miserly fuel economy.

The 2012 Toyota Sienna comes in Sienna base, LE, SE, XLE and Limited models. All-wheel drive is available with the V6 on LE, XLE and Limited vans. Others are front-wheel drive.

The base and LE list of standard equipment includes cruise, Daytime Running Lights with manual on / off feature, tri-zone air conditioning, 6- or 8-way-adjustable driver’s captain’s chair, power windows with auto up / down and jam protection, AM / FM / CD player with four speakers, XM compatibility, auxiliary input jack, power door locks, remote keyless entry and three 12-volt outlets.

The LE V6 upgrade adds as standard dual power-sliding doors and power rear door, an 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, electrochromatic rearview mirror with Homelink, multi-information display with backup camera, rear window sunshades, AM / FM / mp3 CD player, integrated Sirius XM satellite radio capability with 90 day trial subscription, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, and hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls. Those features can be added to the 4-cylinder model as an option package.

The XLE builds on the LE, adding leather-trimmed seats, tilt / slide moonroof, an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and heated front seats. Optional XLE equipment includes a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system with voice-activated DVD Navigation and Panorama rear camera with integrated back-up guides, XM NavTraffic capability with 90-day trial subscription, a backseat Dual View Entertainment system, rear sonar, Smart Key and an auxiliary audio jack and USB port with iPod connectivity.

The Limited is the luxury model. Standard equipment includes second-row Lounge Seating and a power 60 / 40 Split & Stow third-row seat, front and rear parking sonar, Smart Key that also operates on both sliding doors, Safety Connect and North America’s first independently powered, slide-opening dual moonroofs. Options include what is available on the XLE plus rain-sensing wipers and a Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The Sienna SE's smoked taillights make a distinctive statement. The SE sits lower on a sport-tuned suspension, for sharp handling, and it comes with exclusive instrumentation and unique interior colors and trim.

The available rear-seat Dual View Entertainment Center uses two displays side-by-side to create a seamless 16.4-inch widescreen image from a single source. The system can split the screen into two individual screens, each with input from separate sources. Used as a single screen, it can be easily seen from the third row, and it can be operated from any seat via remote control. Used as two screens, the system can accommodate the preferences of two separate passengers who might want to play a video game or watch a second DVD simultaneously via auxiliary inputs.

Seven airbags are standard equipment. Active headrests are used in both front seats to help reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision.

In case of airbag deployment or a severe rear-end collision, Automatic Collision Notification is designed to automatically call a response center. If a response agent cannot communicate with the occupants, the agent can contact the nearest emergency-services provider to dispatch assistance.”

Read more: http://www.torquenews.com/1063/2012-toyota-sienna-van-versatile-affordable

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

2012 Toyota Tundra Provides Outstanding Value and Dependability in the Full-Size Pickup Segment

Check out the 2012 Toyota Tundra! Voted the “Most Dependable Large Pickup,” this truck is definitely worth paying attention to:

“The Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck, recognized for its value and dependability, offers simplified option package selections for 2012, as well as detailed enhancements throughout the lineup. The Limited grade and available TRD Rock Warrior package both include a standard back-up camera for 2012.

The hard-working, hard-playing Tundra has been recognized for its outstanding value and dependability. IntelliChoice named the Tundra a “2011 Best Overall Value” in the full-size pickup segment, and Tundra was named “Most Dependable Large Pickup”, for the sixth year in a row in the 2011 J.D. Power & Associates Vehicle Dependability Study.

The Tundra offers three engine choices, a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 and the 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower. For 2012, all Tundras have standard heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty starter, windshield wiper de-icer, daytime running lights (DRL), front and rear mudguards, and heated, power, outside mirrors. All Tundra grade models feature standard styled steel wheels for 2012. The Tundra DoubleCab and CrewMax models offer an optional Chrome Package that includes chromed exhaust top, side mirrors, door handles and chrome-clad 18-inch steel wheels.

The 2012 Tundra is offered in two grades (Tundra and Limited), three cab styles (Regular, Double Cab and Crew Max), three wheelbase lengths (126.8, 145.7 and 164.6 inches, depending on model and configuration) and three bed lengths (78.7, 97.6 and for CrewMax only, 66.7-inches).

By combining popular equipment, Tundra’s option packages were simplified to make it easier for customers to find the right Tundra with the equipment they desire. Tundra grade Double Cab and CrewMax models now offer four streamlined packages: Convenience Package, Convenience Package with Bucket Seats, Upgrade Package and SR5 Package. Regular Cab offers four redesigned packages: SR5 Package, SR5 Upgrade Package, TRD Off-Road Package, and Color-Keyed Bumper Package.

A Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at commercial truck buyers or customers who need a tough, no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity. The package features heavy-duty vinyl-trimmed seating surfaces, and heavy-duty all-weather flooring; it is available in Regular and Double Cab configurations with any of the Tundra’s three engine choices. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Platinum Package available for the Tundra CrewMax Limited model offers numerous luxury features, such as heated and ventilated front bucket seats with embroidered headrests, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, and wood-grain-style interior trim.

Performance

The 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 engine with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) standard in Tundra Regular and Double Cab models produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. peak torque. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic.

The available 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 offers 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and the 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque. All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency.

The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) in all the engines uses butterfly valves inside the intake manifold that switch the length of the intake runners in two stages, based on engine RPM and throttle angle, to optimize efficiency across the engine speed range.

Both i-Force V8 engines are teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. A warming unit quickly brings the transmission fluid up to operating temperature to optimize cold-weather performance. Both V8 engines meet Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV II) emissions certification requirements.”

Read about the Tundra’s Handling, Ride, Safety, Design, Options, and more at http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2012+toyota+tundra+outstanding+value+dependability+full-size+pickup.htm?view_id=39839

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Camrys Claim Six Top-Fives at New Hampshire

Toyota did great last weekend in New Hampshire!

“Toyota drivers earned six top-five finishes this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Brian Vickers tied his season-best finish with a fifth-place result in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race and Kyle Busch earned his 30th career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) win and his third straight victory at the one-mile New England oval in Saturday afternoon’s NCWTS race. Camry drivers also swept the top-four spots in Friday’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) race at New Hampshire with Brett Moffitt taking the checkered flag and three other Toyotas following him to the finish line.

NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES (NSCS)
In Sunday’s NSCS race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Vickers was the highest finishing Toyota driver with a fifth-place result at the one-mile New England oval in a race where fuel mileage strategy once again set the stage for a dramatic finish eventually won by Tony Stewart.
Vickers started third and led one time for four laps (of 300) to tie his season-best finish of fifth, which he also earned earlier this year at Dover International Speedway. It was the sixth top-10 finish for Vickers this season.

“It was a good run for us,” said Vickers, following the race. “The Red Bull Toyota guys did a good job all day. We were good in the first stint, but not great. We over adjusted and got way too loose in the second or third stint and lost our track position. The last two runs we were awesome. The car was so good, probably one of the better cars on the track. We had to pass 20 cars just to get back to the top-five and ran out of time, but I’m really proud of the effort by everyone.”
Busch fought a tight race car most of the afternoon, but was able to relish an 11th-place result and moved up three spots in the unofficial NSCS point standings to sixth. Busch currently sits 26 points behind first-place Stewart in the Chase for the Sprint Cup playoffs following the second of 10 Chase races.

“We just fought hard all day long with our M&M’s Camry,” said Busch, following the race. “We got the car to where we were fast in the early part of the run, but we fell off a little too much as the run went along. Our car was good entry and center, but it was just so tight in the center all day long that it made it really hard. Track position was important today and I just have to thank the guys for hanging in there with me and fighting hard all day long. We survived and we’ll go on to Dover which is usually a much better place for me.”

Read more about the Toyota wins at http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorsports/nscs/news/2011/09-25-11-02.html

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Toyota US promotes new Camry by doing burnouts

Ever wanted to see a hybrid do a burnout? Now’s your chance.

Toyota US has come up with an interesting advertising campaign for the new 2012 Toyota Camry. To develop a sporty character for the new model, Toyota has put it up alongside a Toyota NASCAR in its latest advertisement. As part of the campaign, the 2012 Daytona 500 pace car will also be a 2012 Toyota Camry.

Using the Camry as the pace car for next year’s Daytona is a big statement by Toyota. For generations, the pace car has only ever been a large American muscle car. The only other non-American car to feature as the pace car in Daytona’s history was the Porsche 914 back in 1971. Ed Laukes, Toyota’s corporate manager of motorsports marketing, recently spoke about the Daytona campaign, saying

“We’re thrilled to be able to feature the new Camry in Daytona at the season’s biggest race. We think the Daytona 500 is the perfect place to showcase the all-new Camry, which will go on sale this fall.

“We knew when the opportunity arose to partner together with Daytona that it would be an extraordinary way to highlight our new Camry, as well as reinforce Toyota’s commitment to NASCAR and its fans.”

Toyota is serious about tapping into other, more sporty market segments with the new Camry, and is calling the new model the “reinvented Camry and Camry Hybrid”. But it’s not just about being sporty, Toyota also wants to maintain its lead in annual sales in the US, a market where the Toyota Camry has been the best-selling car (not including trucks) in 13 out of the past 14 years.

From next year, the US-spec 2012 Toyota Camry won’t be imported from Japan. Instead, it will be built at local production facilities as a way of becoming more independent from the Japanese operations. Toyota Japan is also doing this as part of its plan to make its production processes earthquake-proof.

Read more (and check out the video!) at http://www.caradvice.com.au/136998/toyota-us-promotes-new-camry-by-doing-burnouts-video/

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The 2012 FJ Cruiser Gets Upgraded

The 2012 FJ Cruiser gets an upgrade.

For 2012, the FJ Cruiser gets a trail-oriented Trail Teams Special Edition Package incorporates a standard Off-Road Package, along with a new Radiant Red color. Roof-mounted off-road lights with an air dam improve long-range visibility and enhance visual appeal. Capability is assured with a cyclone pre-air cleaner that’s effective at trapping sand and dirt that may be kicked up during off-road endeavors. The package beefs up chassis performance with trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers; rear differential lock and the active traction control (A-TRAC) system; engine, fuel tank and transfer cases; skid plates; rock rails; plus Toyota Racing Development (TRD) alloy wheels and BFG All-Terrain tires with wheel locks.

On pavement or off, the 2012 FJ Cruiser offers fully civilized audio and connectivity features. The standard audio system includes an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM Radio, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, plus hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

Powering the FJ Cruiser is a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Not only is it ideal for devouring challenging terrain, but the engine can also pull a trailer up to 5,000 pounds.

As with any Toyota model, the FJ Crusier comes standard with the automaker’s STAR Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology, Toyota’s brake override system. There are even roll-sensing side curtain airbags which can detect a potential rollover and signal the VSC system to help reduce a lateral skid.

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser offers a unique package for outdoor enthusiasts. And, since Toyota dealers offer a catalog of available accessories for the FJ, rest assured that you can tailor it to your specific needs and lifestyle as well. The 2012 FJ Cruiser is on sale now.

Read more: http://www.toyotainthenews.com/toyota-fj-cruiser-balances-ruggedness-with-modern-style/#more-2007

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

2012 Toyota Tacoma Gets Updated

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma gets updated.

The 2012 Tacoma’s front-end refresh includes a new lower bumper and restyled headlamps. Two hooks are also now included as standard equipment. Under the hood, the Tacoma is available with the same 159-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and 236-hp 4.0-liter V6 as the 2011 model.

For 2012, The TRD Sport Package includes turn signals integrated into the side mirrors as well as chrome five-spoke 18-inch wheels. Inside, HVAC controls and the center stack have been revised and upgraded audio options for all 2012 Tacoma models. Waterproof fabric and all-weather flooring are among the bevy of available options.

As with other new Toyota models, like the 2012 Camry, the updated Tacoma pickup will also be available with the automaker’s Entune infotainment system, which features Bing and Pandora, as well as real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. There will be a range of free apps available in the spring of next year, including iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable.

  

Read more: http://www.toyotainthenews.com/2012-toyota-tacoma-pickup/#more-1988

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