Check out this outstanding review!

"Friendly customer service and quickly found the vehicle we were looking for which was reasonably priced. Overall, a good experience and I would recommend them. -Customer

To read more reviews like this or leave your own click here.

The New Toyota Entune System

Toyota Furia Concept to Make Global Debut at 2013 North American International Auto Show

Toyota announced today that the Furia Concept will make its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  This exciting new sedan concept will be revealed in the Toyota display at Cobo Hall on Jan. 14, 2013 at 2:25 p.m. EST, with a presentation by Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division.  The global reveal of the Furia Concept will be broadcast live via Livestream at http://new.livestream.com/toyota.>

Courtesy of Toyota Press Room

Toyota Fun Vii Concept Car

Maintenance Monday! The Truth About Antifreeze

Antifreeze: this is many people’s first thought when it comes to winter car care. "Flush and fill" promotional signs abound at service stations as the weather cools.

But chances are good your engine coolant (a better name for it) is just fine for the winter ahead. If you've followed your car's service schedule regularly, give this pitch a pass. Most newer cars have been fitted with coolants that can last as long as five years or 150,000 miles. Read your owner's manual.

If you’ve missed a service interval or have another reason to doubt your coolant, go ahead and have it "flushed and filled." Just make sure your mechanic uses a compatible coolant to refill your car. Some coolants, such as Prestone's Extended Life, work for any car.

If your car has moved to a much colder climate and you’re concerned that your coolant might not be up to the deep freeze, you can check its effectiveness with a simple, under-$10 tester from the car-parts store.

Courtesy of KipLinger

The Toyotathon Is On, Don't Miss Out!

Check Out These Great Service Specials!

Have you been putting some car maintenance off for too long? With this winter weather taking its toll on your Toyota, now is a great time to come in and get everything checked out. Take a look at our unbeatable service specials by clicking here. We've got it all covered for you so you can sit back and enjoy the holiday traveling hassle-free.

Toyota Prius, World's Best-Selling Hybrid!

The global electric vehicle market has been forecast to exceed 4.6 million units by 2018, driven by growing environmental concerns, and the quest for alternative powertrains. An electric vehicle, also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. Three main types of electric vehicles exist, those that are directly powered from an external power station, those that are powered by stored electricity originally from an external power source, and those that are powered by an on-board electrical generator, such as an internal combustion engine (a hybrid electric vehicle) or a hydrogen fuel cell. Electric vehicles include electric cars, electric trains, electric lorries, electric aeroplanes, electric boats, electric motorcycles and scooters and electric spacecraft. Proposals exist for electric tanks, diesel submarines operating on battery power are, for the duration of the battery run, electric submarines, and some of the lighter UAVs are electrically-powered.Electric vehicles first came into existence in the mid-19th century, when electricity was among the preferred methods for motor vehicle propulsion, providing a level of comfort and ease of operation that could not be achieved by the gasoline cars of the time.The internal combustion engine (ICE) is the dominant propulsion method for motor vehicles but electric power has remained commonplace in other vehicle types, such as trains and smaller vehicles of all types.2012 was supposed to be the year of the plug-in car but, as the year draws to a close, it looks like the electric vehicle market still isn´t quite fully charged.By the end of 2012, most major automakers will have a plug-in car of some type on the market, but plug-in cars still make up just one tenth of one percent of all cars sold in America. So have automakers gotten ahead of themselves and produced too many?Promoters of electric vehicles say no. They acknowledge that while there are many types of electric cars out there, they´re not available in enough places or in large enough numbers.The Toyota Prius, the first mass-produced hybrid gasoline-electric car, was introduced worldwide in 2001. As of February 2012, a total of 2.5 million Prius cars have been sold worldwide and it is the world´s best selling hybrid.As of July 2012, series production all-electric cars available in some countries include the Tesla Roadster, REVAi, Buddy, Mitsubishi i MiEV, Tazzari Zero, Nissan Leaf, Smart ED, Wheego Whip LiFe, Mia electric, BYD e6, Bolloré Bluecar, Renault Fluence Z.E., Ford Focus Electric, BMW ActiveE, Coda, and Tesla Model S. The Leaf, with more than 32,000 units sold worldwide by early July 2012, is the world´s top-selling highway-capable all-electric car.Production within the electric vehicle market is gearing up all over the world, and automakers are planning to launch an increasing variety of new models over the next few years.

Courtesy of Pr-inside

The 2012 Toyotathon is On! You Won't Be Able to Resist!

2013 Toyota Tacoma Specials

Come on down to North Hills Toyota today and test drive the 2013 Toyota Tacoms. We've got some great offers going on right now such as leasin the 2013 Tacoma for: $209/month for 36 months! For more details click here.

Driver Distraction Study; Be the Driver You Want Your Kids to Be

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS), today announced preliminary findings from a major, national study of teen drivers (ages 16 to 18) and parents of teen drivers conducted jointly with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).  The Study shows a significant correlation between parent and teen behaviors behind the wheel, suggesting parents can play an influential role in modeling risky behavior on the road.  The UMTRI/Toyota Teen Driver Distraction Study, the largest scientific survey of its kind, also found that texting while driving remains commonplace among teens, despite ongoing, nationwide efforts to educate drivers on the significant risks associated with these behaviors.   

              The UMTRI/Toyota Study is based on national telephone surveys of more than 5,500 young drivers and parents.  The survey includes interviews with 400 pairs of teens and parents from the same household (dyads).  This is a unique factor that allows researchers to analyze closely how driving behaviors among parents and teens within the same family unit relate to each other.  In addition to a national sample, the study includes local surveys in Chicago; Philadelphia, Pa.; Houston, Texas; Long Island, N.Y.; Los Angeles and Washington, DC.     

Commenting on the connection noted in the study between parent and teen driving behavior, Dr. Tina Sayer, CSRC Principal Engineer and teen safe driving expert, said:  “Driver education begins the day a child’s car seat is turned around to face front.  As the Study shows, the actions parents take and, by extension, the expectations they set for young drivers each day are powerful factors in encouraging safe behavior behind the wheel.  Seat belts and good defensive driving skills are critical.  However, the one piece of advice I would give to parents to help them keep newly licensed drivers safe on the road it is to always be the driver you want your teen to be.”

Nationally, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for U.S. teens and, in 2010, seven teens between the ages 16 and 19 died every day on average from motor vehicle injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[1] 

The Study, sponsored by Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC), was designed to shed new light on frequently discussed driving risks and to identify effective recommendations to help keep teens safe and help parents serve as more effective driving role models.  The Study also looked at a range of risk factors that receive less public attention but pose great risks on the road as well as the role parents and peers play in encouraging distracted driving behaviors.

Today’s announcement represents only a portion of the study’s preliminary findings.  UMTRI and Toyota’s CSRC continue to analyze, compare, and contrast the data and will publish additional findings incrementally over the next few months.  

Key Findings from the UMTRI/Toyota Teen Driver Distraction Study
The sample of teens and parents from the same households (the dyad sample) showed a strong correlation between driving behaviors and attitudes within families.  In general, parents who engage in distracting behaviors more frequently have teens who engage in distracting behaviors more frequently.  Other findings from the dyad sample include:

• What Teens Think Their Parents Do Behind the Wheel Matters More Than What Parents Say They Do:   What teens think  their parents do while driving has a greater impact on the teens’ behavior than what parents actually report they do.
  • If a teen thinks that his or her parent looks for something in the vehicle while driving, the teen is four times (4.1) more likely to also look for something while driving (as compared to if the teen does not think their parent does this at all).
    • If a teen’s parent reports looking for something in the vehicle while driving, the teen is two times (2.2) more likely to do the same (as compared to if the parent does not report this behavior at all).
  • If a teen thinks that his or her parent eats or drinks while driving, the teen is three times (3.4) more likely to likely to do the same (as compared to if the teen does not think their parent does this at all).
    • If a teen’s parent reports eating or drinking while driving, the teen is two times (2.2) more likely to do the same (as compared to if the parent does not report this behavior at all).
  • If a teen thinks that his or her parent deals with passenger issues while driving (interacts with passengers regarding requests, concerns and conflicts), the teen is five times (4.7) more likely to do so themselves (as compared to if the teen does not think their parent does this at all).
    • If a teen’s parent reports dealing with passenger issues while driving, the teen is two times (1.7) more likely to do the same (as compared to if the parent does not report this behavior at all).

• Teens Think Their Parents Engage in Driving Distractions More Often Than May Be the Case:  A third of teens (32 percent) believe that their parents use an electronic device for music while driving, while only one in ten parents (10 percent) report that they do so. Seventy-one percent of teens believe that their parents read or write down directions while driving, while 55 percent of parents say they do so. Eighty-five percent of teens believe that their parents deal with passenger issues while 70 percent of parents say they do so.

•  Parents May Underestimate How Much Their Teens Text While Driving:  Teens read or send text messages once a trip 26 times more often than their parents think they do.  More than a quarter of teens (26 percent) read or send a text message at least once every time they drive versus the one percent of their parents who said their teen does this.

Key findings from the larger, national sample of more than 5,500 respondents include:

• Cell Phone Use by Teen Drivers Is Similar to Parents:  More than half of teens (54 percent) report that they use a hand-held cell phone while driving, similar to the six in ten parents (61 percent) who report that they do so.

• Texting While Driving Remains Pervasive:  A quarter of teens (24 percent) respond to a text message once or more every time they drive. Nearly one in three teens (30 percent) read a text or email once or more every time they drive.  Almost one in ten parents (nine percent) respond to a text once or more every time they drive, while 13 percent of them read a text or email once or more while driving.   Perhaps even more alarming, one in five teens (20 percent) and one in ten parents (10 percent) admit that they have extended, multi-message text conversations while driving.

• Digital and Social Media Are Significant Driving Distractions for Teens:  Teens search for music on a portable music player, such as an iPod, four-and-a-half times more frequently than parents do while driving.  More than half of teens (53 percent) say they do so, while just 12 percent of parents do.  More than one in ten teens, or 11 percent, say that they update or check social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, while driving.

• Teens Regularly Drive with Young Passengers Despite Serious Risks:  Nearly three-quarters of teens (69 percent) say they drive with two or three teen passengers and no adults in their car, which, according to a study by the AAA Foundation, is associated with a doubling of the driver’s risk of being killed in a crash.[2] Almost half of teens (44 percent) do so with more than three teen passengers and no adults, which is associated with a quadrupling of a driver’s risk of being killed.[3]  Additionally, half of teens (50 percent) say that they deal with passengers while driving.  Nearly one in three teens (30 percent) say they do this at least once a trip or more.

Driver Education Begins When the Car Seat Starts Facing Forward

“Children look to their parents for a model of what is acceptable.  Parents should know that every time they get behind the wheel with their child in the car they are providing a visible example that their child is likely to follow,” said Dr. Ray Bingham, Research Professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and Head of the Young Driver Behavior and Injury Prevention Group.  “By examining the willingness of U.S. parents and teens to engage in high-risk driving behaviors, this study will inform programs that help reduce distracted driving and the non-fatal injuries and death that it causes.”

Toyota complements this research with extensive safety education programs for young drivers and their parents as well as direct outreach to consumers, including:

• Toyota Driving Expectations (www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com), which provides hands-on, real world defensive driving courses that go far beyond what is taught in standard driver education courses;
• Toyota Teen Driver (www.toyotateendriver.com), a partnership with Discovery Education, which offers free online teen safety resources to parents, teens, educators and schools and has annual contests, including the Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge and Educator Challenge, which reward scholarships and prizes, and are designed to inspire teens to make safer decisions behind the wheel; and
• Additional teen safe driving partnerships with DoSomething.org and the National Safety Council.

Sitting down with teens to draft a Safe Driving Contract can help jumpstart this dialogue.  This contract is a mutual agreement that outlines a parent’s expectations for a teen’s driving behaviors and the consequences when those expectations are not met.  Parents can find a sample agreement at www.toyotateendriver.co

 

Courtesy of Toyota News Room (11/27/12)

Tire Myths...And the Reality!

Myth: I should inflate my tires according to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.

 Fact: The handwriting's not on the wall--the tire sidewall, that is. Molded into the sidewall is the tire's maximum inflation pressure, not the manufacturer-recommended pressure. For normal operation, follow inflation pressure recommendations in the owner's manual or on the vehicle placard located in the glovebox or on the door post. 

Myth: A tread pattern is needed to provide great traction on dry roads.
Fact: A racing slick--a tire without any tread--provides the ultimate in dry traction due to the maximum amount of rubber touching the road. A tread pattern, with its groove voids, actually compromises this adhesion capability on dry roads. The role of tire tread is to act as a squeegee on wet roads to remove water from under the tire and channel it through the grooves for improved wet traction. 

Myth:  Performance tires wear out faster because of the sticky compounds.
Fact: Performance tires may wear out faster than conventional family-car tires; however, tread rubber polymers aren't the culprits. In fact, new polymers and ultratensile steel constructions make performance tires last longer than ever. Industrywide, performance tires average about 45,000 miles in tread life, similar to the figures for family-car passenger tires. Fast wear usually is due to high horsepower  vehicles fitted with the tires and aggressive driving. Jackrabbit starts and quick stops can shorten the life of any tire.

Myth: Wide tires provide better traction under all weather conditions. In fact, putting oversize snow tires on a car delivers better snow traction.
Fact: The opposite is actually true. Wide tires tend to "float" on deep snow, and the tread lugs never have a chance to "dig" through to the road surface to gain traction. Narrow tires are a better option in deep snow. The tire acts similarly to a knife cutting through butter; the blade works best when using the narrow edge to push through the butter rather than the wide flat side of the blade.  

Myth: All-season tires are so good that winter tires are never needed.
Fact: In some parts of the country, this may be true, but if you live in the northernmost states or in Canada, the traction provided by winter tires can't be beat. Winter tires reign supreme in rural areas where snow remains on the road for days. They provide 25-percent-improved traction in deep snow over all-season tires. Metal-studded tires deliver up to 40 percent greater traction on hard-packed snow and ice over all-season tires, but many locales have restrictions regarding the use of studs.

Myth: Never rotate tires from side to side, only front to back.
Fact: Radial tires can be crossed from side to side in the rotation pattern. The old front-to-back rule applied to bias ply tires. Regular tire rotation--every 6000 to 8000 miles--promotes more uniform wear for all tires on a vehicle. (Goodyear recently designed a light-truck tire system that requires no rotation; the Wrangler RF-A provides a rear tire with a different tread design from the front tire).

Myth: Put your new tires on the drive-wheel position to get the most traction.
Fact: This is only true on a rear-drive vehicle. In all cases, install new tires on the rear axle. Most tire buyers purchase new rubber for the drive-wheel position to get the most traction; however, by doing so they transfer most of their traction capabilities from the rear and make it susceptible to oversteer. The vehicle's rear will fishtail and swing out in fast cornering or emergency maneuvers.

Myth: Sticking your fingernail in the tread can help you pick the tire with the softest compounds, and thus, the best adhesion.
Fact: It's sort of like kicking the tire, but with another part of your anatomy. Tread compounds only tell part of a tire's story. Tread pattern, tire shape, and tire footprint shape on the pavement provide clues to its adhesion capabilities. Don't rely on the fingernail test.

Myth: The government tests tires for traction, temperature resistance, and treadwear and assigns grades molded onto the sidewall.
Fact: Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a federal law that requires tire manufacturers to grade their own tires for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Tire manufacturers, not the government, test tires and assign their own grades. Unfortunately, the government has not prescribed a formula for converting the manufacturer test results into universal grades; therefore, the numbers are not objective. According to the Federal Trade Commission , treadwear grades are for comparison purposes only and are not intended to be converted into anticipated or promised tire mileage.

Myth: An undulation on a tire sidewall is a weak spot that could lead to tire failure.
Fact: An undulation is created where materials overlap each other in the tire carcass, and it actually is the strongest part of the tire. Still, motorists perceive a "wave" on the sidewall as a defect. Goodyear's new ultratensile steel reinforcement eliminates this material splice and overlap. Ultratensile steel should reduce sidewall undulation in polyester-reinforced tires.

Myth: Before you buy a car, kick the tires.
Fact: It might not tell you much about the vehicle or tires, but it could tell you whether your shoe padding is adequate.

Courtesy of MotorTrend

Check Out the Play-by-Play on the 2013 Toyota Avalon!

Toyota Named Best Resale Value Brand for 2013 by Kelley Blue Book!

Toyota has earned Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com Best Resale Value Brand Award for the 2013 model year.  This is the second year in a row that Toyota has received the Best Resale Value Brand Award from KBB.com, and it has received this top honor in three of the last four years.

In achieving the award for the top brand, Toyota earned six Best Resale Value Awards for specific 2013 model year vehicle categories   In addition, four Toyota models (FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and 4Runner) earned spots on KBB.com’s 2013 Best Resale Value: Top 10 Cars list.
 
“We are thrilled that KBB.com has selected Toyota for its Best Resale Value Brand award, and we appreciate Kelley Blue Book’s efforts to help increase consumer awareness as to the importance of resale value when purchasing a car“, said Bill Fay, Group Vice President and General Manager of Toyota division.

2013 KELLY BLUE BOOK BEST RESALE VALUE BY VEHICLE CATEGORY:

FULL-SIZE CAR:	Toyota Avalon
MID-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER:  FULL-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER:	Toyota FJ Cruiser Toyota Sequoia
MID-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK:	Toyota Tacoma Toyota Tundra
MINIVAN/VAN:	Toyota Sienna

 
Since vehicle depreciation (or loss of value) is typically a car buyer’s primary expense during ownership, these awards, like all of KBB.com’s new and used vehicle information, are designed to help consumers make more informed car-buying decisions.
 
Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book^® Official Residual Value Guide, determined by a skilled staff of automotive analysts.  These prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) after five years of ownership.  Low-volume vehicles and vehicles with a MSRP of more than $60,000 are excluded from award consideration, except in the luxury and high-performance categories.
 
For more information about the 2013 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards, visit www.kbb.com/new-cars/best-resale-value-awards-2013.>

Courtesy of Toyota Press Room

Happy Cyber Monday, Fans!

Hey fans! We know that you are shopping around online for all of those fabulous "Cyber Monday" deals!

While you are only a click away, check out all of our awesome specials and drive away in your new Toyota today!

It was a 5-Star Weekend at North Hills Toyota! Check It Out!

"Within three days, they had the exact truck I wanted on the lot and it was ready to be picked up. Jack was able to match the price of the other dealership, and was able to beat them on the trade-in value. I would recommend Jack from North Hills Toyota to anyone who was searching for a new Toyota." -Tim M.

"We walked out with a brand new car and everyone there was great! Thank you!" -Customer

"I have to say I rate the dearlership 10 out of 10 . Their service is also great, 10 out of 10. Please go to North Hills Toyota before anywhere else." -Barbara

To read more reviews click here.

The Radically New 2013 Avalon: Elegant, Yet Sporty

Kudos to Matt for such great customer service!

"After my experiences at other dealerships, Matt was far and away the most knowledgeable about the car, as well as the most helpful and professional salesman I dealt with.I let everyone know what a positive experience I had buying my first new car from Matt at North Hills Toyota Scion." -Customer

Read more reviews here.

Toyota RAV4 EV: All Electric, All SUV

Toyota Produces 25 Millionth North American-Built Vehicle

Toyota celebrated the 25 millionth vehicle manufactured in North America at the end of last month at a ceremony at its Georgetown, Ky., plant coinciding with the start of production for the all-new 2013 Avalon. The milestone vehicle – a Classic  Silver Hybrid Avalon – represents 26 years of manufacturing, a direct investment of nearly $24 billion in North American operations and 365,000 jobs created in the United States.

“Toyota’s 25 millionth vehicle signifies the tireless work of thousands of Toyota team members, hundreds of North American supplier partners, and great dealers giving their best every day,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. “We continue to evolve as a company thanks to their commitment to build the best vehicles in the market.”

Wil James, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., the company’s largest manufacturing operation in North America, emceed the event. “This is a pivotal time in Toyota’s history,” James said to an enthusiastic crowd of manufacturing team members. “What better way to cap off 26 years of manufacturing excellence than with the all-new Kentucky- built Avalon, a shining example of what our customers have to look forward to in the future.”

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and University of Kentucky Men's Basketball Coach
John Calipari also addressed the audience. Toyota’s Georgetown plant employs approximately 6,600 and builds the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Venza, and manufactures 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Toyota’s North American production includes 12 models representing 70 percent of U.S. sales.

"We thank the millions of customers, some of the finest team members in the world, hundreds of excellent North American suppliers and our outstanding dealers who have supported us in reaching this milestone,” said Bill Fay, Group Vice President and General Manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Courtesy of Toyota Press Room

Another 5-Star Review, Another Happy Customer!

"Did not play games or try to get more money, and made the process of buying go quickly." -Joyce

Check out more reviews like this.

Maintenance Monday!

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Only choose superior car detailing supplies to keep your car's interior and exterior like new. There are plenty of decent quality waxes and polishes on the market today and if the last time you waxed or polished your car was over a decade ago, things have changed considerably since then. The wax and polish compounds are far more sophisticated both in terms of protection from fading, the look of the finish, and the ease of application. For example Turtle Wax Ice gets rid of that old problem of white waxy residue. Is a clean car a vanity thing? Partly, yes, but if you park under a tree where birds help repaint your car with recycled blueberries, that guck will come off a lot easier if it falls on a waxed paint job.
Tip: If you find a bird has pooped on your car, wash it off as quickly as you can. There are compounds in bird waste that can damage most car paint jobs. If you leave it in the sun and the poop bakes on, you could end up with a dull spot in the paint

Courtesy of CarBibles

See Where Toyota Is Marking Their Spot In History

Toyota Celebrates 35 Years of Research and Development in the United States

Toyota Technical Center (TTC), a division of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc., will celebrate its 35th Anniversary with team members and executives this week at locations in Michigan, Arizona and California.

Toyota Technical Center (TTC) has been the driving force behind Toyota's North American engineering and research & development (R&D) activities since 1977. Headquartered in Michigan, TTC has R&D facilities in Ann Arbor, Saline, Plymouth and Livonia. In California, TTC has R&D facilities in Gardena and Torrance and operates the Toyota Arizona Proving Ground near Phoenix.

TTC has major vehicle development responsibility for Avalon, Sienna, Tundra, Tacoma, Venza and RAV4 EV. The 2013 Avalon and 2012 RAV4 Electric Vehicle are the latest vehicles to have been engineered at TTC.

In 2011, TTC established the Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) to complement its advanced research activities. CSRC has committed $50 million towards safety related research. As of September 2012, CSRC has partnered with 16 universities, agencies and research institutions on 26 projects to help advance auto safety research across the industry.

Giving Back to Our Community
To mark the 35th anniversary, TTC Team Members selected 10 non-profit organizations in their communities, and Toyota is donating a total of $35,000 to these agencies. Additionally, TTC donated a total of $12,500 to the six fire departments that serve their communities.

Amanda Uhle, Executive Director of 826Michigan, an after-school tutoring program and one of the recipients, commented: “We are honored and delighted by this gift. I remain so grateful for Toyota’s partnership and community support over the years. It means the world to us!”

Another recipient was Packages from Home, Judy Hayes-Packing Coordinator. “Thank you for your generous contribution in support of our military,” she said. “This is our 4th year partnering with Toyota to send packages to our Troops. It has been a great experience!”

Organizations receiving 35th Anniversary donations are:
* 826 Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan * Ele’s Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan * Girls on the Run, Ann Arbor, Michigan * Growing Hope, Ypsilanti, Michigan * The Hope Clinic, Ypsilanti, Michigan * Packages from Home, Phoenix, Arizona * Humane Society, Phoenix, Arizona * 186th Street School, Gardena, California * Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Los Angeles, California * Lymphoma Research Foundation, Los Angeles, California.

Toyota Technical Center believes, in addition to their monetary grants, it’s equally important to volunteer within the communities we work and live. In 2011, 553 TTC volunteers participated in over 40 community opportunities.

“I am very proud of the Team Members at all of our locations,” said TTC Vice President Ed Mantey. “In the Toyota spirit of giving back to our communities, the TTC Team Members demonstrate their commitment and are recognized by many citizens and community leaders throughout the year.”

“Over the past 35 years, our outstanding workforce has dedicated itself to engineering quality vehicles right here in the North America,” said TTC President Seiya Nakao. “Toyota is committed to leading the way to the future of mobility and enriching lives around the world with the safest and most responsive ways of moving people. Building on 35 years of experience, we look forward to creating great Toyota products for our American customers.”

Courtesy of Toyota Press Room

Extreme Voting: How Astronauts Cast Ballots from Space

Call it the ultimate absentee ballot. NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station have the option of voting in tomorrow's (Nov. 6) presidential election from orbit, hundreds of miles above their nearest polling location.

Astronauts residing on the orbiting lab receive a digital version of their ballot, which is beamed up by Mission Control at the agency's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston. Filled-out ballots find their way back down to Earth along the same path.

"They send it back to Mission Control," said NASA spokesman Jay Bolden of JSC. "It's a secure ballot that is then sent directly to the voting authorities."

This system was made possible by a 1997 bill passed by Texas legislators (nearly all NASA astronauts live in or around Houston). It was first used that same year by David Wolf, who happened to be aboard Russia's Mir space station at the time.

"You think about being in a foreign country and voting — he was actually on a foreign space station," Bolden told SPACE.com.

Wolf participated in a local election in 1997. The first American to vote in a presidential election from space was Leroy Chiao, who did it while commanding the International Space Station's Expedition 10 mission in 2004. (The first crew arrived at the $100 billion orbiting lab in November 2000.)

The station's current Expedition 33 counts two Americans among its six-person crew — commander Sunita Williams and flight engineer Kevin Ford. But both of them have already had their say in Tuesday's presidential election, voting from Earth just like the rest of us.

"They actually both did it while they were stationed in Russia, before they launched," Bolden said.

Williams and Ford both rode to orbit aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft, which launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Williams blasted off in mid-July, while Ford launched Oct. 23.

Williams is slated to return to Earth on Nov. 12. When she departs, Ford will become commander of the new Expedition 34 mission, which runs through March 2013.

Copyright © 2012 TechMediaNetwork.com

Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Toyota today announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities.

Commenting on the donation, Shigeki Terashi, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., said, “On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand. In addition to this contribution, many Toyota employees are already involved in volunteer activities to support those in need. We very much appreciate their support.”

Beginning Nov. 1, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) will launch a “Customer Outreach” calling campaign to lease and retail customers who are delinquent, or become delinquent, due to circumstances related to the storm and who reside in the 13 states directly impacted by the hurricane (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT and WV) and in the District of Columbia. This campaign will determine if these customers may be eligible to take advantage of payment relief options, some of which include:

• extensions and lease deferred payments;
• redirecting billing statements;
• and arranging phone or on-line payments.

Toyota Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-8822. Lexus Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-7050. Qualified residents residing in FEMA-designated areas (of the above-mentioned states and the District) needing to purchase a vehicle may also take advantage of a 90 Day Deferred First Payment Program designed to assist customers with their transportation needs as they work through the recovery process. This program is for a limited time and only available through participating Toyota and Lexus dealers and TFS/LFS.

Toyota Operations

Toyota continues to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to its operations on the East Coast and reports no known injuries to associates, family members and dealer employees. The storm had the biggest impact on company operations and dealerships in the New Jersey area. Some regional/branch offices, as well as Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships, were affected by flooding and power outages. Toyota Logistics Services operations at the Port of Newark (N.J.) sustained water damage to its buildings and a number of vehicles.

Courtesy of Toyota Press Room

TRD-Tuned FJ Cruiser Concept has Baked-in Baja Capability

Toyota's FJ Cruiser enjoys a substantial audience of off-road aficionados with a constant craving for new variations on the popular 4x4. Toyota's performance arm, TRD, is obliging them once again with a fresh take on a Baja-themed off-roader scheduled to debut on Oct. 30 at the 2012 SEMA Show.

"TRD's work on high-performance off-road variants of Toyota vehicles goes back a number of years," said Keith Dahl, Toyota's national manager of engagement marketing and motorsports. "The FJ-S is a great example of their off-road expertise."

The FJ's 4.0-liter V6 engine gets the full TRD supercharger treatment with the Twin Vortex System (TVS) and a large air-to-water intercooler. The net effect is a 30 percent increase in horsepower to 345, and a torque peak of 340 lb.-ft at 3,500 rpm, a 25 percent improvement. A custom cat-back exhaust gives aural clues to the FJ's increased urge.

The front suspension uses 60-mm Bilstein® racing shocks that provide a 1.3-inch lift, and 50-mm Bilstein® racing shocks with remote reservoirs in the rear. Sturdy 17-inch TRD Midnight Black beadlock-style wheels and BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires give the FJ a go-anywhere persona.

The exterior of the FJ-S is enhanced with a front nudge bar and rock rails, and the interior gets a two-tone leather seat treatment with FJ-S logos on the seatbacks and custom floor mats.

The FJ-S can be seen along with eight other new and unique custom-built Toyota vehicles in the Toyota display booth #24801 in Central Hall at the 2012 SEMA Show starting October 30.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

• 4.0-liter V6 engine
• TRD supercharger with Twin Vortices System (TVS)
• Four-lobe, high-efficiency rotor pack
• Large air-to-water intercooler
• 345 HP (30% increase) @ 3,500 rpm
• 340 lb.-ft. of torque (25% increase) @ 3,500 rpm

Drivetrain

• Five-speed manual transmission

Suspension

• Front 60-mm Bilstein® race shocks with 1.3” lift / ¾” articulation
• Rear 50-mm Bilstein® race shocks with 0" lift / 1” articulation / remote reservoirs

Interior

• Custom floor mats
• Two-tone leather interior with FJ-S logos on seatbacks

Exterior

• 17-inch TRD Midnight Black beadlock-style wheels
• BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires
• Cat-back exhaust
• Front nudge bar
• Rock rails

Courtesy of Toyota Press Room

The overbuilt Tundra from Toyota

We have vehicles of all shapes and sizes!

Everybody loves variety! Check out our website and view our incredible inventory of used and pre-owned vehicles.We have something for everyone.

 

Kudos, Jason, For A Job Well Done!

"Jason R. was a terrific salesman! He was considerate of our time frame going so far as to ask another salesman to finish up our paperwork so we could get home to get our son off the bus." - customer

 

For more reviews, click here.

 

 

NASCAR’s Kyle Busch Unveils Track-Inspired Camry Dream Build

Kyle Busch, whose 104 career wins across all three of its top series make him one of NASCAR’s top drivers, is now hoping to head to the winner’s circle in a different kind of race: the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. Busch, one of four racing stand-outs pitted against each other in the vehicle-modification build competition, took on a 2012 Toyota Camry SE and remade it into the “Rowdy Edition” Camry, named for his “Rowdy” handle on the racing circuit. The Rowdy Edition Camry is all about style and substance.

“Our approach to the build [was] to make a car with the stance, attitude and handling of a road-race car while retaining the functionality of a production Camry,” Busch said.

The modifications were carried out at Detroit Speed & Engineering (DSE) in Mooresville, N.C., under Busch’s supervision.

Among the body modifications that the Camry received to realize the proper “Rowdy” image were a hand-formed, custom wide-body kit; custom front and rear belly pans; DSE-designed and fabricated front air splitter and rear air diffuser; and a custom, true dual exhaust system.

“This looks like something we should run at Daytona and Talladega,” Busch said.

Since the official “Rowdy” colors are black, red, and white, they are predominant on both the exterior and inside, where black and red leather Lexus IS F bucket seats were installed to complete the look.

The "Rowdy Edition" Camry will premiere, along with its competitors in the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, at Toyota's press conference at the Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. local time.

NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer produced a Tekked-Out Prius, NHRA Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria converted a Tundra pickup truck into a beastly desert pre-runner, and NHRA Top Fuel points leader Antron Brown modified a Sequoia for maximum speed. All four are competing for the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge title and a $50,000 check from Toyota to the driver’s chosen charity. A win by Busch will benefit the Kyle Busch Foundation, whose mission is to empower young men and women by fostering life experiences and helping them achieve their goals.

 

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

 

We know what you’re thinking: holidays = a drive to the in-laws.

 

If that makes you feel anxious, let us help. Check out our website for our current service specials. A smooth drive is good for the nerves.  http://bit.ly/WoQzd5

Our Team Knows The Definition Of Perseverance!

"That evening, I walked out of the dealership as the proud owner of a brand new Corolla Sport stickshift, with no high-interest car loan hanging around my neck. I prefer interest rates of 3% over interest rates of 23%, any day, hands down. Great work!" - Brad B.

 

For more reviews, click here.

We Love Us A Happy Customer! It's What Drives Us!

"Best experience I have EVER had buying a car. I cant say enought good things!" - Debbie B.

 

To read more reviews, click here.

Cruisin' In Toyota's Very First Car - The 1936 AA

Interested in saving some money?

Everyone loves to save a little money, and we want to help you do just that. Visit our Web site and see the many ways you can keep your money in your pocket. We offer great discounts on everything from batteries to brakes, and everything in between.

Great review on Google+Local for the North Hills Toyota team!

"The sales staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and low-pressure. I would recommend this dealership to any potential buyer." - Cedric K

Pricing Announced For 2013 Prius, Prius v and Prius Plug-In

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) announced the pricing for the eco-advanced 2013 Prius, Prius v and Prius Plug-in models. All pricing for these three 2013 Prius Family members becomes effective October 2012.

The Prius adds a style-focused Persona Series Special Edition model, adding exterior changes and equipment to a Prius Three to create a distinct visual package. The Prius Persona Special Edition includes 17-inch alloy wheels with a premium finish and offers a unique exterior color: Black Cherry Pearl. Available exterior colors for the Persona Special Edition also include Black and Blizzard Pearl. A “Persona Series” badge also helps distinguish the model. The Persona Special Edition’s interior is trimmed in charcoal-hued SofTex™ with black accents and red stitching. The steering wheel is also trimmed in SofTex material and includes a dark chrome bezel that complements the new model’s dark chrome shift knob ring and door grips. The new Persona Special Edition has a MSRP of $27,130.

The MSRP on 2013 Prius has been increased by $200 on each of the five Prius equipment levels.

The 2013 Prius v will be available in a new Seaglass Pearl exterior color. In addition, the Prius v Five will offer a SofTex-trimmed steering wheel. The Prius v has small pricing increases over 2012 pricing ranging from $100 to $155. The Prius v Two has increased from $26,550 to $26,650 for 2013, and Prius v Three pricing has increased from $27,315 to $27,415. The highly equipped Prius v Five has increased from $30,140 to $30,295.

For 2013, there are no price increases or equipment model changes for the Prius Plug-in. The Prius Plug-in first arrived in showrooms in February 2012.

The MSRP for the 2013 Prius, Prius v, and Prius Plug-in does not include the delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $ 760. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

 

**Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Calculate Your Payment With A Click Of The Mouse

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

You work hard for your money, and we know selling you a car that you can afford is the right thing to do. With a click of your mouse, you can estimate your monthly payments, the cost of a vehicle you can afford, and search our inventory! It’s easy. It’s fast. And it will save you money. http://bit.ly/T5wQi0

Designed and assembled in America, the Toyota Tundra is more than ready to pull the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

“The Tundra is as American as apple pie.” Designed and assembled in America, the Toyota Tundra is more than ready to pull the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Amazing new car specials going on this month at North Hills Toyota!

Now is the time to upgrade to that new Toyota model you have had your eye on. Click on the link below to view the current new vehicle specials and then come on by and take a test drive! http://bit.ly/OypYSM

Toyota Brings Hybrids to the Living Room as First Automaker on HSN

Toyota introduced its all-new Avalon Hybrid and its hybrid vehicle lineup into millions of living rooms across America on Sunday, Oct. 7, with a “Discover Toyota” showcase that aired on multichannel retailer HSN at 12 noon, 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. EDT.

Toyota is the first auto manufacturer to appear on HSN in the more than 30 years since it was founded.

Auto experts Micah Muzio of KBB.com and Tara Weingarten of Vroomgirls.com, joined HSN's well-known hosts Marlo Smith and Brett Chuckerman to give HSN viewers an inside look at Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, including the Prius Family, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid and the all-new Toyota Avalon Hybrid.
Both the all-new Avalon and Avalon Hybrid were designed, engineered and manufactured in America.

Toyota extended an exclusive offer to HSN’s audience to register, either by calling HSN or visiting a Toyota/HSN custom site to receive a $1,000 gas card or HSN Kash upon purchasing a Toyota hybrid in the next 90 days. The site, which can be accessed at www.hsn.com/Toyota_at-5548_xa.aspx?cm_re=TVElement-_-Toyota-_-shopNow will remain live through Nov. 5.

To enhance viewers’ experience, the corresponding Toyota/HSN site featured a variety of Toyota activities, including videos, a quiz and a Toyota-themed game. Fans earned points for playing to win prizes and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win the all-new Avalon Hybrid.

“HSN has a really loyal and engaged base of viewers, so it was a natural partner to help us expose our growing lineup of hybrids to people across the country,” said Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing communications and motorsports at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We got such an enthusiastic response from HSN’s viewers and fans, so we’ll continue to push the envelope on how we help people discover Toyota.”

After introducing the Prius in 2000, Toyota expanded its hybrid lineup to incorporate hybrid versions of popular Toyota models. Toyota has now sold nearly 75 percent of all hybrids in America.

*Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Click on the link below to take a closer look at how Toyota is supporting our veterans.

Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer has joined Toyota and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in supporting Hiring Our Heroes, a program aimed at giving veterans and military spouses the personal branding tools needed to transition into jobs in civilian life. Click on the link below to take a closer look at how Toyota is supporting our veterans.

Watch Academy Award-winning documentarian Errol Morris connect with this real owner as he tells his Camry story.

Why did Phil get his 2012 Camry Hybrid LE? Watch Academy Award-winning documentarian Errol Morris connect with this real owner as he tells his Camry story.

Microsoft Continues Collaboration With Toyota to Drive Its New Global Communications Infrastructure

Microsoft Corp. today announced that Toyota Motor Corp. has chosen Microsoft’s technology platforms to build its communications and collaboration infrastructure for the Toyota family of companies worldwide.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and other affiliates in North America began the deployment of Microsoft Office 365-dedicated cloud services as their exclusive environment in June 2012. In Japan and other overseas affiliates, Toyota will be leveraging a hybrid model, with on-premises editions of Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Lync and Windows Server.

Microsoft will help Toyota provide these services to more than 200,000 employees around the world during the next two years. The goal of implementing this Microsoft platform is to better support mobile devices, reduce costs, and improve collaboration between employees with state-of-the-art enterprise social networking, conferencing, messaging and information-sharing tools.

“We continually strive to make our business stronger by improving Toyota’s organizational health, and today’s announcement to upgrade our communications is another step toward that goal,” said Shigeki Tomoyama, managing officer at Toyota. “We strongly believe that Microsoft has the most capable platform that delivers ease, excellence and efficiency required to provide the communication experience our employees expect.”

“Toyota’s decision to deploy Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync and Windows Server to its 200,000 employees worldwide is further evidence of the enterprise-class quality and scalability of the world’s most popular productivity platform, as well as another key milestone in our growing alliance together,” said Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner. “By seamlessly integrating both cloud and on-premises environments, Toyota will enable its employees to effortlessly collaborate and communicate with each other, whether they are within the same four walls or in locations around the world.”

This announcement represents an expansion of Toyota’s collaboration with Microsoft technologies. In April 2011, Toyota and Microsoft partnered to provide next-generation telematics services using the Windows Azure cloud platform. Today’s announcement expands that initial investment and includes participation in Microsoft early adopter programs to test new products before they are released.

“I am delighted that, following the forging of our strategic agreement in 2011, Toyota has chosen the Microsoft platform to build its global IT communication infrastructure and that our two companies are further expanding their partnership as a result,” said Yasuyuki Higuchi, president and CEO, Microsoft Japan. “The building of a communication infrastructure for the 200,000-plus users in Toyota and its group companies in Japan, America and throughout the world is one of the largest projects that Microsoft has ever undertaken.”

More information about how organizations are turning to Microsoft technology is available in the Microsoft Customer Spotlight newsroom.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

*Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Toyota Breaks Ground for V6 Engine Expansion

Toyota broke ground today on the expansion that will support increased V6 engine production at its Huntsville, Ala., engine plant.  Community guests joined Toyota to celebrate the occasion.

 

“We are so pleased to see our plant grow yet again,” said Jim Bolte, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL).  “Not only are we adding more jobs and investing in the local economy, we’re also playing a role in Toyota’s philosophy to build more engines where we sell them.  I can’t wait to see more Toyota vehicles with our engines here in our community.”

 

The $80 million investment marks the fourth expansion for TMMAL since the facility started production in 2003.  Total plant investment is expected to reach more than $700 million once the project is completed.

 

The new facility will increase capacity by 216,000 engines each year, bringing total V6 annual capacity to 362,000.  Approximately 125 new jobs will be created, increasing employment nearly 10 percent to 1,150.  The increased production will begin in March 2014.

 

Construction will begin in October on the new 300,000 sq. ft. building that will be added to the southeast corner of the existing facility in North Huntsville Industrial Park.  Total square footage at TMMAL will exceed 1.2 million once the facility is completed. 

 

Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield, U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison County Commissioner Mike Gillespie participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking with Bolte and TMMAL Maintenance Team Leader Vance Newton.

“The support Toyota receives from our community partners and local government officials has allowed our plant to grow and thrive for more than 10 years,” said Bolte.  “Most importantly, we thank our team members for their commitment and hard work.  They are Toyota’s greatest assets, and we are lucky to have each and every one of them on our team.”

 

TMMAL currently assembles 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines for eight of 12 Toyota North American built vehicles.  TMMAL is the only Toyota plant globally to produce these three types of engines in one facility.

TMMAL’s Major Milestones

 

Date	Milestone
February 2001	Toyota announces $220 million investment to build a V8 engine plant.  Named Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc., it will employ 350 and it will mark the first time ever that V8 engines will be produced outside of Japan.
June 2001	Groundbreaking ceremony.
April 2003	Production of V8 engines begins.
July 2003	TMMAL announces a new $20 million investment to expand operations to produce V6 engines.  150 new jobs will be created.
July 2004	Groundbreaking ceremony for V6 engines.
September 2004	TMMAL announces a new $250 million investment to double its size and increase engine capacity.  300 new jobs will be created.
May 2005	Production of V6 engines begins.
December 2006	Production begins on the all-new 5.7 liter V8 engine.
January 2008	1 millionth engine produced.
April 2009	Jim Bolte named TMMAL’s first American president.
August 2009	TMMAL announces a new $147 million investment to produce four-cylinder engines becoming the only Toyota plant globally to produce 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines.  240 new jobs will be created.
September 2011	Production of 4-cylinder engines begins.  TMMAL’s cumulative investment is $637 million and employment reaches more than 1,000.
March 2012	2 millionth engine produced.
May 2012	TMMAL announces a new $80 million investment to increase V6 engine capacity.  125 new jobs will be created.

Toyota Presents: The Tundra Endeavour -- An Astronaut's Story

Time to get those brakes changed? For a limited time only North Hills Toyota is offering a special to our Fans and Followers.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Time to get those brakes changed? You're in luck! For a limited time only North Hills Toyota is offering a special to our Fans and Followers. Click on the link and claim your service coupon today! http://bit.ly/OUPAbu

 

Toyota Tundra transports Space shuttle Endeavour to final home

Toyota's Ultimate Fishing Tundra Build Underway for SEMA

Bassmaster Elite Series pro angler Britt Myers knows a thing or two about bass fishing.  And as a well-known builder of custom Toyota Tundras for his fellow anglers, he had an idea or two for a singular Tundra with everything an Elite Series pro could imagine—plus a little more. The result is the "Ultimate Fishing Tundra," which makes its public debut at Toyota's display booth at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on October 30.

Knowing that two heads, or in this case five, are usually better than one, Myers also solicited ideas from the Toyota Tundra Pro Angler team of Kevin VanDam, Terry "Big Show" Scroggins, Mike Iaconelli and Gerald "G-Man" Swindle, an accomplished group of anglers who also know a thing or two about fishing rigs.

Myers, who owns North Carolina-based CS Motorsports, then turned his team loose on a 2012 Tundra CrewMax. Toyota's brawniest full-size pickup has towing and payload capacities that make short work of hauling a pro bass fishing boat and gear, so Myers turned the lion's share of his attention on enhancing the bass fisherman's life.

Says Myers, "it will have a bed-area tackle storage system that looks like a Bass Pro Shop aisle. It'll have tackle, reels, rods and even a refrigerator."  For an extra-handy touch, Myers and his team are making all the gear in the bed easily accessible by utilizing an automatic, motorized delivery system.

Looking to enhance comfort and entertainment, the CS Motorsports crew replaced the rear bench with bucket seats and custom-built a fiberglass console that stretches from the dash to the rear cab wall and includes built-in video monitors and subwoofers.  Both front doors receive custom panels that will house extra speakers and video monitors to play fishing videos and display Navionics lake-mapping options.

Outside, the beefy Tundra gets a TRD Big Brake Kit and a 12-inch suspension lift—a little extra insurance against muddy bogs and steep lakeshore boat launches.  A custom roof rack with special LED lighting and fishing rod storage will also be installed, along with a specially-designed grille to set off the styling of this unique rig.

Leaving no lake un-fished, Myers' team couldn't resist adding a TRD supercharger and exhaust system.  The extra power and torque will be appreciated for the likely extra load from a successful day of fishing.

This unique Tundra will be on display at the 2012 SEMA Show alongside several other custom Toyota vehicles, including those from the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge . The four Dream Build cars and trucks are being individually created by four of Toyota's top racing drivers:  Kyle Busch and Clint Bowyer from NASCAR, plus Antron Brown and Alexis DeJoria from NHRA.

Voting for the winner of the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge will open on Oct. 20 and will continue through Oct. 29.  The final vehicle builds will be unveiled—and the winning driver and charity announced—during Toyota’s press conference at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30.

*Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Toyota Hall of Fame: Jay Mohr, Global Peacemaker

We are pleased to offer you the convenience of online scheduling for your service appointments!

Just follow the four easy steps to search our service availability in real-time, 24hours a day. Then immediately make and confirm your appointment without picking up the phone. Follow the link to set your appointment today! http://bit.ly/UqsErf

2013 Toyota Sienna Adds New Standard Amenities

The Toyota Sienna family van offers enhanced value for 2013 with new additions in most model grades. The four-cylinder engine has been discontinued, leaving the popular 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 as the sole powertrain. The roomy and versatile Sienna is the first vehicle in its class to offer an all-wheel drive option.

Designed specifically with North American customers in mind, the current-generation Sienna, introduced for the 2011 model year, was primarily designed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research, developed at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana.

For the 2013 model year, most grades of the Sienna gain new amenities and refinements. The popular LE grade adds a standard three-zone automatic climate control system. The system features a cabin air filter, along with individual temperature settings for the driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers. The rear passengers have a separate digital control panel.

The 2013 Sienna Limited and XLE gains a standard Blind Spot Monitor, and this feature is now also available as a stand-alone option on the SE grade. A standard acoustic windshield is also new on Limited and XLE models.

 

Design

The Toyota Sienna conveys a distinctive presence in the family van segment. Its sculpted shape yields a coefficient of drag (Cd) of .306, which is low for the class and a major factor in providing a quiet interior and admirable fuel economy. Distinctive window shapes and sliding door tracks hidden within the side window frames complement the sleek profile.

The Sienna interior features upscale quality and elegance, yet every element is logical and functional. The distinctive swept shape of the dashboard makes the spacious cabin feel even roomier. The seat designs add flexibility and roominess, while central climate and audio controls are integrated into a single graphic element.

 

Power and Efficiency

The Sienna’s standard 3.5-liter V6 generates 266 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, with EPA-estimated mileage ratings of 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway (16 mpg city/23 mpg highway on AWD models). Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), roller rocker arms and an Acoustically Controlled Induction System (ACIS) optimize torque across the engine speed range. The powerful engine is matched with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift that provides a smooth gearshift feeling and quiet performance. The Sienna can tow a trailer up to 3,500 pounds.

Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and a wide stance help deliver a solid, direct on-road feel. Aerodynamic under-body elements also contribute to Sienna’s dynamic performance.

 

Entune™ Multimedia System

Sienna will offer the Toyota Entune™ multimedia system with Navigation on LE, SE, and XLE grades. Entune is a collection of popular mobile applications and data services, with three years of complimentary access. Once a smart phone is connected to the vehicle using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable, Entune’s features are operated using the vehicle’s controls, or for some services by voice recognition. Entune offers mobile apps for Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable^®, and Pandora^®. Entune data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.

 

Models and Features

The 2013 Sienna is available in five grades: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited.  All-wheel-drive is available on LE, XLE and Limited models. The value-driven Sienna grade and popular LE are equipped with a wide array of standard features that include cruise control, Daytime Running Lights with manual on/off feature, tri-zone air conditioning, six- or eight-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 12V outlets, among other amenities.

The Sienna LE model is upgraded with even more standard features including three-zone automatic climate control (new for 2013), eight-way power driver’s seat, four-way power front passenger seat, dual power-sliding doors and power rear liftgate, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, electrochromatic rearview mirror with integrated Homelink™, multi-information display with backup camera, rear window sunshades, AM/FM/MP3 CD player, integrated SiriusXM^® satellite radio capability with 90 day trial subscription, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod^® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth^®, and steering wheel audio controls. 

The XLE builds on the LE, adding features such as leather-trimmed seats, tilt/slide moonroof, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, and heated front seats.  Select 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, rear-seat Dual View Entertainment system, rear sonar, Smart Key, and an auxiliary audio jack and USB port with iPod connectivity.

The Sienna Limited offers top-of-line luxury in a family van. The standard equipment list is extensive, including a 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 independently powered, slide opening dual moonroofs.  Select options include those available on the XLE, plus HID auto high-beam auto-high beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Sporty SE

The Sienna SE is designed for those who appreciate an even sportier design with responsive performance. The front shows a bolder appearance, while the side skirting visually lowers the vehicle and hugs the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Smoked taillights make a distinctive statement. The Sienna SE sits lower on a sport-tuned suspension, for even sharper handling, and it comes with exclusive instrumentation and unique interior colors and trim. New for 2013, the SE gains chrome-accented outside door handles.

 

Interior Versatility

Sienna’s open field of view creates an airy, roomy ambiance throughout the cabin. A conversation mirror, integrated into the sunglass case in the overhead console, allows comfortable visual contact with rear seat passengers. The third-row passengers can see forward more easily. Numerous storage bins, cupholders and cargo spaces are placed in convenient locations. 

 Both seven- and eight-seat cabins can be configured for a full contingent of passengers, a load of cargo, or a mix of both. In seven-seat cabins, the second row captain chairs can slide 23 inches, moving to the rear to create legroom for the tallest passengers and easier ingress and egress; or they can be moved forward close to the front seats to make it easy to reach a child passenger, while also allowing easy access for third-row passengers.

A sliding center console on the XLE all-wheel-drive and Limited grades can be shared between the front seats and second row passengers. The illuminated console slides into the second row area to provide convenient access for both rows.

For even more passenger comfort, there is standard second-row Lounge Seating on the Limited grade, which includes leg and foot support. Second-row captain chairs on all grades have dual armrests, and a one-motion release mechanism facilitates seat removal.

On eight-passenger models, the second row seats offer added versatility and convenience.  The second-row center seat can be removed and stowed in the left side of the rear-storage area. 

 

When the center seat is stowed, a cupholder and storage tray is revealed. The eight-passenger interior can easily be converted for seven passengers.

The second-row seats also feature a Tip Up and Long Slide feature, allowing them to slide forward and back on extended rails, making more room for passengers or cargo. All second-row seats, regardless of configuration, move out of the way with one touch to gain easy access to the third-row seats.

The 60/40 Split and Stow third-row seat folds flat with one motion, with the Limited front-wheel drive model receiving a power feature. With the third-row seat in use, there is enough storage for five golf bags or four large suitcases.  Four handy grocery hooks, with two in the back and two in the second-row seatbacks, add storage convenience. With the third-row seat stowed and the second-row seat removed, the cargo area is approximately eight feet long and four feet wide, providing up to 150 cubic feet of available space. 

 A wide rear door and wide side doors, a low floor height and one-touch second-row seats make it easy and convenient to load the Sienna.  Sliding the second-row seats all the way to the rear creates a walk-in aisle, making it easier to enter, exit, install a child seat, or place a child in a seat. 

 

Innovative Technologies

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. Other upgrades include the Panorama Camera rear monitor with a 180-degree view and on-screen back-up guides to help drivers to back into parking spots or driveways.

 

Safety

The standard Blind Spot Monitor on XLE and Limited grades uses sub-millimeter wave radar designed to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots. When the system detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane, it alerts the driver using indicators on the side mirrors. If the turn signal is on when the there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the driver’s intended lane, the indicator on the corresponding mirror will flash. New for 2013, the system incorporates a cross traffic alert, which can be especially helpful when backing out of a driveway or parking slot.

The standard Toyota Star Safety System™ equips the 2013 Toyota Sienna with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Enhanced VSC coordinates the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist with Traction Control (TRAC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS).

A Pre-Collision System (PCS) with pre-collision seatbelt system is an available option on the Limited grade, as is the latest in advanced vehicle control technology, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). The VDIM system coordinates brake control with engine output and steering inputs, allowing all the control and safety systems to cooperate seamlessly.  Unlike reactive traction systems, VDIM operates proactively. During normal driving, the system works smoothly to enhance control even before the vehicle reaches its limits.

Seven airbags are standard equipment, including dual-stage front and seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus a segment-first driver’s side knee airbag. Side curtain airbags cover the length of the cabin, from the front seats to the third row. Active headrests are used in both front seats to help reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision.

The Safety Connect™ telematics system comes with a one year complimentary trial subscription on Sienna Limited and is optional on XLE. Safety Connect offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance.

 

Automatic Collision Notification is designed to automatically call a response center in case of airbag deployment or a severe rear-end collision. If a response agent cannot communicate with the occupants, the agent can contact the nearest emergency-services provider to dispatch assistance. Pushing the in-vehicle “SOS” button allows drivers to reach the response center to request emergency help as well. If a Sienna equipped with Safety Connect is stolen, agents can work with local authorities to help locate and recover the vehicle once a stolen vehicle report is filed.

 

Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

 

*Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom