Toyota Indiana Launches the 2014 Highlander; Prepares for Hybrids and Exports

Hoosier pride was felt deep and wide on the plant floor of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) this morning as the company celebrated the start of production of the all-new 2014 Highlander.

TMMI team members and area citizens have much to celebrate, as the popular midsize SUV is responsible for $430 million additional investment and more than 600 jobs at the Princeton automotive plant.

“Automotive manufacturers and suppliers around Indiana are putting their expansion plans into gear, creating jobs and more opportunities in every corner of the state,” said Indiana Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann. “With Toyota’s launch of production for the new Highlander right here in the Hoosier State, we are witnessing an economy driving forward. From our world-class workforce to our low cost of doing business, Indiana proves daily that it is a state that works for automotive manufacturing.”

The Princeton plant builds a gas version of the Highlander and will begin producing the hybrid version early next year.  Highlanders born in Indiana will find new homes with drivers in the Russian and Australian regions as TMMI expands its export reach.

Highlander export business allows for better utilization of the Indiana plant, and helps capitalize on the improving North American and global auto market.  In addition to the new jobs created at the Indiana plant, this project increases opportunities and jobs for Toyota’s North American supply base.

2014 new Highlander features

• All-new exterior with three-row seating for up to eight,
• Increased cargo capacity,
• Three power train choices: a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, a powerful V-6 with a new six-speed transmission, and a V-6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive,
• Entune Audio with Bluetooth phone and streaming music and touch-screen display,
• Integrated backup camera,
• STAR Safety System, includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake assist and Smart Stop Technology,
• Adjustable height power rear liftgate and flip-up rear hatch window, and
• Eight-way power driver seat.

“The all-new Highlander is a dynamic, stylish SUV and its quality craftsmanship and the fact that it will be exported to the Russian and Australian markets is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members.” TMMI President Norm Bafunno said.  “This really is a milestone for our entire team,”

Sheila Showalter, Quality Assurance team leader, couldn’t agree more. “When I started here 16 years ago, I was one of 1,300 team members in the West Plant and we were only building the Tundra.  It is exciting to be a part of something this big.”

Representing a $4.2 billion investment, TMMI currently employs about 4,500.  By the end of 2014, Toyota will directly employ 4,700 team members.  The Princeton plant also produces the Sequoia full-size SUV and Sienna minivan. 


Courtesy of: Toyota Newsroom

Maintenance Tips: AC, Car Battery and More

We have six great tips on how to maintain your air conditioner, battery and more. Take a look.

1. Run your AC in winter
To keep your car’s air-conditioning system fit for the next warm season, run it a few times throughout the winter. This will prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Also, circulating the refrigerant will help keep the seals soft and pliant.

2. Maintain your car’s battery
Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenancefree, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery.

• Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
• Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
• Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced.
• Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion.

3. Some batteries need water
If your battery has vent caps, remove them to check the level of the electrolyte. It should rise 1/2 inch (13 mm) above the battery’s top plates. If it doesn’t, use distilled water to raise the level to 1/4 or 3/8 inch (6 or 10 mm) below the bottom of the vent cap. Don’t use tap water, as it may contain minerals that can damage your battery. Mechanics should check your battery as a part of your regularly scheduled maintenance, but they often skip the procedure. Be sure to ask to have it done.

4. Be kind to your battery
If you inadvertently leave your lights on and drain your battery, take the following precautions to prevent damage to the battery and the starter when jump-starting your car:

• Don’t risk causing the battery to explode. With both cars off, connect a positive cable end to the positive battery terminal of the dead battery.
• Connect the other positive cable end to the positive terminal of the source battery.
• Connect a negative cable end to the negative terminal of the source battery.
• Attach the remaining negative cable to unpainted metal on the car engine (as far from the dead battery as possible).
• Wait a few minutes and try to start the disabled car. If it doesn’t start, start the source car and then try starting the dead one again.
• When the car starts, be careful to disconnect the cables in the reverse order.
• If the car still doesn’t start, don’t keep trying to charge it or you are liable to damage the starter. Bring the battery to an automotive shop to see if it can be recharged.
• Even if you’re successful, ensure a full recharge by hooking up the battery to a charger overnight or by driving the car for 5 or 10 miles (8 to 16 km).

5. Seal a leaky radiator
Save the high expense of a new radiator by trying to seal a leak with a radiator sealer, such as Alumaseal from Gold Eagle Co. Available in powder or liquid form, the product circulates in the radiator until it gets to the hole, where it sets up and fills the hole upon contact with the air. Alumaseal may be used to stop heater core leaks as well.

6. Dilute your coolant
Your cooling system needs both coolant-antifreeze and water, so don’t pour undiluted coolant into your cooling system. Dilute it with water to the commonly recommended 50-50 ratio. Similarly, don’t use straight water in your system either.The coolant protects against corrosion and freezing.The water ensures good heat transfer from the coolant to the radiator.

Maintenance Tips: Engine Oil

Great maintenance on engine oil equals excellent performance. Check out these five excellent tips!

1. Check engine oil at every other fill-up

For an accurate reading, follow this procedure:

• Run or drive your car for about 15 minutes to warm the oil; then park the car in a level place.Turn off the engine and wait 15 minutes to allow the oil in the engine to drain back to the oil pan.
• Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. Reinsert the dipstick, being sure to push it in all the way, then pull it out again to check the oil level. It should be somewhere between the hash marks on the dipstick.
• Add the type and amount of oil as specified in your owner’s manual, if necessary.

2. Change oil frequently
Your dad knew that frequent oil changes were key to keeping his Buick on the road another year. And while owner’s manuals for today’s cars recommend increasing long intervals between oil changes, the fact remains — frequent changes flush abrasive dirt and metal particles out of the engine, prolonging its life. Most owner’s manuals recommend a more frequent interval for “severe conditions.” To maximize the life of your engine, follow the severe intervals recommendations, especially if drive regularly in stop-and-go traffic.

3. Avoid overfilling your crankcase with oil

Don’t overfill your engine crankcase with oil. If you do, the oil can rise into the crankshaft, where air bubbles will get churned into the oil.Your oil pump can’t do a good job of circulating oil with air bubbles. The result can be overheating and stress on engine components. Overfilling can also foul your sparkplugs. In fact, overfilling is a bad idea with all automotive fluids.

4. Wipe oil pan plug clean
If you do your own oil changes, clean the drain plug and washer with rags before reinstalling your oil pan. Some plugs are magnetized to trap metal particles.

5. Don’t forget the filters
There are several filters (the main ones are oil, fuel, transmission, and air) important to preserving your car engine, and they should be changed according to the schedule in your owner’s manual or as follows:

• Change the oil filter at least at every other oil change — every change is even better because the old filter contains nearly a quart of dirty oil that will remain with the new, clean oil. If you change your oil yourself, wipe the filter threads with an anti-seize lubricant, available at auto supply stores.
• Check the air filter every two months and replace it when dirty or as part of a tune-up. Air filters are generally easier to get to than oil filters.You find them under the big metal lid in a carbureted engine or in a rectangular box in a fuelinjected engine — check your owner’s manual for the exact location. Extend the life of air filters by blowing them clean with compressed air.
• Despite claims by makers and dealers that some newer fuel filters never need changing, it’s smart to have it done once a year. A clogged fuel filter will cause poor engine performance (hesitation and starting difficulties) and is an early warning that there may be corrosion in your gas tank.
• Change your transmission fluid filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of driving and every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two year thereafter.

The Magic of Lighter Fluid

To remove paint transfer from minor scrapes with other cars, fences, etc., wet a towel with lighter fluid and lightly dab the surface, wetting the area for about 20-30 seconds. Then, rub the surface lightly and the transferred paint/color will disappear. Don't worry, it won't harm your cured paint, it just breaks down the bonds between the two paints there. WARNING: Contents are extremely flammable!

Courtesy of USA Today

Florene H. - thank you for the 5-star review and enjoy your new car!

"The experience was nice. I got a deal I wasn't expecting and though it took longer than I expected, I walked out of the dealership with an exceptional value. I love my new car!" -Florene H.

To read more: http://bit.ly/15ChDFU

Worldwide Prius Sales Top 3-Million Mark

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that as of the end of June, worldwide cumulative sales of the iconic Prius gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle passed the 3-million mark⁽²⁾.

In 1997, TMC launched the Prius, which was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger car. The second generation followed in 2003, and the third generation in 2009. From the first to third generation, TMC greatly reduced the cost of the hybrid system by two-thirds while improving the EPA-estimated ratings for combined driving by nearly 22 percent⁽³⁾. In addition, TMC applied for 1,261 patents relating to the third-generation Prius, achieving progress worthy of the Prius name (derived from a Latin word meaning “to go before”).

Since the development of the first-generation Prius, TMC has positioned hybrid technology as a core technology required for the development of various types of environment-friendly vehicles and has placed emphasis on the development and production of core components such as motors, inverters, batteries and electronic control units (ECUs), giving rise to substantial investment in Japan.

TMC will continue to conduct R&D and invest in facilities in Japan for the development of hybrid and other cutting-edge technologies and achieve sustainable growth by deploying these Japan-developed technologies across the globe.

In the fiscal year ending March 2014, TMC expects to spend a consolidated 890 billion yen⁽⁴⁾ (790 billion yen⁽⁵⁾ unconsolidated) on environmental technology development, as well as on strengthening new platform and major component development.

In the same period, TMC also plans to make consolidated capital expenditure investments of 910 billion yen (up seven percent year-on-year), with 440 billion yen invested in Japan (up nine percent year-on-year).

Investments in R&D infrastructure include a new R&D facility (651 hectares) and the Powertrain Development and Production Engineering Building (a 12-story structure with a total floor area of 100,000 m²) in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, that will serve as a next-generation powertrain development base, as well as the Aerodynamics Laboratory (capable of producing winds of 250 km/h) located in the Honsha Technical Center.

Future capital investments by consolidated subsidiaries include an investment by Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE) for expanding battery production capacity at its Omori Plant in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

How to Trailer a Boat Safely

Get on the water faster by using this step-by-step guide to tow a boat.

Step 1: Know your towing capacity.

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the towing capacity of your car, truck or SUV and make sure the combination of your boat, trailer and supplies won’t exceed it.

• If you drive a small car (like a family sedan), you can probably tow a small boat, but it’s unlikely you can tow a large boat. Standard pick-up trucks and SUVs can trailer boats up to 25 feet, but check the owner’s manual to be sure.
• The boat’s manual will tell you the “dry weight” of the boat, which is the total boat weight without fuel and gear. Add several hundred pounds to account for fuel, water skis, coolers, and other items that will add to the weight of the boat.

Step 2: Check the hitch

Most towing relies on a ball and coupler system. The receiver is mounted to the tow vehicle and the ball mount is fitted inside the receiver. On the front of the trailer, a coupler joins the ball mount and links the tow vehicle and trailer. Sway control and spring bars promote weight distribution and load leveling.
Make sure the loaded tow vehicle and trailer are level so the hitch works properly. To verify:

1. Measure the distance between the vehicle and the ground in the front and back.
2. Hitch the trailer and adjust the tension on the spring bars so the tow vehicle remains at roughly the same attitude (that means if the rear drops an inch after hitching, the front should also drop an inch).
3. Inspect the trailer to be sure it’s level. If it is not, the hitch ball height should be raised or lowered.

Hitch failure is rare, but safety chains are required for travel trailers to prevent the trailer from separating from the tow vehicle. The chains should be crossed in an "X" fashion below the ball mount, with enough slack to allow unrestricted turning. Breakaway switches are also required so that if the tow vehicle separates from the trailer brakes can be activated.

Step 3: Distribute the load

Weigh the trailer to help you properly distribute and balance the load, placing 10 to15 percent of the trailer’s total weight on the front axle (and onto the hitching mechanism) to enhance stability.
To calculate how much weight to put in the front:

1. Visit a local public scale (a quick internet search of “public scales near me” should help you find one).
2. Park your loaded trailer on a scale so that the hitch coupler extends beyond the end of the scale, but the tongue jack post (the post on the front of the trailer that rests on the ground when unhitched) is on the scale.
3. Block the trailer wheels, unhitch the tow vehicle. Note the weight. This is the curb weight of the trailer vehicle.
4. Place a jack stand (or 4" x 4" blocks) under the coupler and beyond the scale so that the tongue jack post is supported off the scale and the trailer is fairly level. Log this weight rating.
5. Subtract the reading in line 2 from the reading in line 3 for the hitch weight

Use the hitch weight to determine where to place supplies in the boat. If it is more than 10 percent of the curb weight, load heavier supplies in the back, at the bottom to keep the center of gravity low and ensure the best handling. If the hitch weight is less than 10 percent of the curb weight, load heavy supplies in the front. You may need spring bars rated for more weight if you cannot keep the tow vehicle from sagging in the back.

Conduct routine maintenance

Because the hubs and lights get dunked each time you launch and retrieve your boat, you’ll need to inspect them regularly. Add grease if the hubs are dry. Ask a friend to help you test brake lights, taillights, and turn signals.

Courtesy of Ameriprise

Denis enjoyed his hassle-free shopping experience at North Hills Toyota and drove away a happy customer in his new Prius!

"Appreciated the low-pressure approach. Made a couple of visits to the lot to browse, and was not bothered by anyone until I went in and was ready to talk to them. Taken for an initial test drive with Mark Entress, who demonstrated a good grasp of the technical side of the Prius, answered all questions, and did not force any sales talk at all. Made the deal later with Jason Russell, who also knew his stuff during a test drive, got me a fair deal, and was pleasant to work with throughout. Jason also gave a thorough explanation of the Prius while handing it over to me. Joe McMahon handled the financial side of things, clearly explaining all of it, and presented the available extras without exerting any undue pressure. Appreciated the overall no-nonsense approach." -Denis

Check out what else our happy customers have to say: http://bit.ly/17etixn

Steven A. - congratulations on your new car and thank you for this awesome review! Kudos, team!

"I had a great experience with Nemet Motors and drove home in a wonderful car. This dealership has been around forever and operates professional. I will buy my next car from them and highly recommend them to everyone." -Steven A.

To read all of our reviews, be sure to check out our Review Page: http://bit.ly/13cwxIe

Greta A. had a good experience at our dealership and drove away in a new car! Learn what she had to say!

“Overall, I had a good experience at this dealership. Craig was friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. We quickly found the vehicle I had in mind and I was satisfied with the features. It did seem to take a little long for the vehicle to be ready to take home (we took it home that day) but overall a good, stress-less car buying experience. I would definitely recommend this dealership and salesperson.” –Greta A.

To read more: http://bit.ly/13EJkQ2

Toyota Camry - The Ex

Those who choose well, choose Toyota.

Parts/Service Special: Battery Check

Worried about your car battery in the heat of summer? Worry not, fans. We'll perform a FREE TrueStart Express Batter Check when you bring your Toyota in for service! View/print offer: http://bit.ly/10PXxL3

We just received TWO new excellent reviews! Kudos, team!

"Craig was awesome! He was very detail oriented and listened. He helped me find what worked for me very quickly!" -Carla B.
To read more, visit our Review Page!

Constellation SENIOR PLAYERS Championship

Major golf returns to the city of champions with the Constellation Senior Players Championship.

The winner gains entry into the following season's The Players Championship on the PGA Tour.

Visit Constellation Senior Players Championship online here: http://bit.ly/136LUlm

Visit Constellation Senior Players Championship on Facebook here: http://on.fb.me/136M642

Maintenance Tip: Brake Dust Removal

 

Cooking Spray

• You know that fine black stuff that collects on the wheels of your car and is so hard to clean off? That’s brake dust — it’s produced every time you apply your brakes and the pads wear against the brake disks or cylinders. The next time you invest the elbow grease to get your wheels shiny, give them a light coating of cooking spray. The brake dust will wipe right off.
• When those bugs smash into your car at 55 miles (88 kilometers), per hour, they really stick. Give your grille a spritz of nonstick cooking spray so you can just wipe away the insect debris.

Courtesy of RD.com

Craig just earned TWO new 5-star reviews! Kudos!

 "Craig was awesome! He was very detail oriented and listened. He helped me find what worked for me very quickly!" - Lyndon D.

"Craig did not pressure me. He was very respectful and understanding of what kind of payment I could afford. I really liked him." -Lois M.

To read more, be sure to check out our Review Page!

The 2013 Toyota Avalon "Behind The Scenes" with Idris Elba for "Only The Name Remains"

Go behind the scenes of the "Only The Name Remains" campaign as Idris Elba drives the 2013 Toyota Avalon that gets a double take with its all-new look and styling.

Pre-Owned 2010 Toyota Camry

With low miles, great gas mileage, and a CARFAX Buyback Guarantee, this 2010 Toyota Camry is a steal! Learn more details here: http://bit.ly/10ywHI5

Pre-owned 2010 Toyota Camry
VIN: 4T1BF3EK1AU102898
$15,994

Toyota digs deeper, targets reforestation, carbon reduction

Auto giant Toyota Motor Corp. has gone beyond merely creating hybrid cars. It has looked at the much bigger picture, and has funded reforestation projects as well as helped in creating a low-carbon emitting society. It knows, however, that implementing its vision too soon on a global scale would be akin to Don Quixote calling for a duel with the windmills. So, it has set its sights on a more manageable scale—in its sprawling Toyota City in Nagoya. 

Forty journalists flew in at Nagoya and traveled for 40 minutes to reach Toyota City, a 91,847-hectare (918.47-square-kilometer) industrial society which, ironic to its classification, is a “low-carbon producing society” on 62,754 ha of forest. Here, an industrialized urban area and Mother Nature coexist. As of March 1, Toyota City has a population of 44,135 (In comparison, Metro Manila,  638.6 sq km large, has a population of nearly 12 million.) 

So, how does an environmental model city that targets a 50-percent reduction in its carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 look like? 

Toyota City features prototype smart homes, electric vehicles and an ultraefficient traffic system. The city’s “life pulse” was demonstrated at the Toyota Ecoful Town, where a pavilion illustrated energy management systems, new technologies on traffic management and safety, an on-demand bus system and pedestrian detection systems, among other things. Toyota’s perspective on the smart community focuses on local management from the viewpoint of motor vehicles, houses, and information and energy management. 

Journalists saw city-fit compact electric cars in action. These ultracompact electric vehicles were used in a self-service vehicle-sharing system complementing public transportation. The energy consumption of the smart homes were closely managed and monitored by homeowners using modern devices. The energy used for the homes was from the sun, and even from homeowners’ cars that had excess energy (the vehicle, in effect, serving as a mobile generator). There are also systems that optimize the use of energy in public spaces. 

The energy management system in Toyota City virtually began in August 2010, when the Toyota City Low-Carbon Society Verification Promotion Council was established. In October 2010, the system development for energy began in earnest. The first model house was completed in June 2011. The first group of residents started living in smart houses later that year. In March 2011, the development of a vehicle with V2H (vehicle-to-home) functionality was completed. The Toyota Ecoful Town was opened in May 2012. And in October 2012, the Urban Transport System called “Ha:mo” started operations. 

Members of the international motoring press were also given the chance to go on a circuit run and public road drive on Toyota City using the Prius plug-in hybrid, Estima hybrid, Lexus RX 450h, Lexus CT200h, Alphard hybrid and the Prius CX. The most challenging part was competing with each other in a fuel miser run using the Prius in the 1.561-km Spa Nishiura Motor Park circuit.

Before the run, we were given tips on how to optimize the energy efficiency of each Prius variant. The instruction was to go full-speed on straight runs so as not to consume much time, and then slow down to average speeds (to optimize the use of electric vehicle mode) on corners and turns. 

Having driven a Prius in various occasions for the past four years around the Philippines, my running average was somewhere between 20 and 24 kilometers per liter. This writer thought that the circuit run would be a walk in the park. Apparently, some drivers were even more lightfooted. The tandem of Toyota engineers, as expected, topped the event at 32 kpl, while the Philippine team of Top Gear’s Dinzo Tabamo and Toyota Motor Philippines’ Tonyo Silva squeezed out 29.75 km, and they were declared overall winners. My team (I was the designated driver, while Bernadette Magkilat of Manila Bulletin was navigator) got 23.35 km. 

Apparently, the Prius could run even more efficiently. The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism lists the Prius’ optimum fuel economy reading at 38 kpl, after up to 15 test cycles. 

Toyota developed and sold the world’s first mass-produced hybrid in response to issues. The vehicle’s seamless interplay between the electric and gasoline engine is managed by the breakthrough Hybrid Synergy Drive and its intelligent energy-management system. Its seat cushion, scuff plates and other interior components are made of ecological plastic. 

According to Toyota, popularizing hybrid vehicles is the key to reducing fossil fuel reliance. Its engineers stressed that the hybrid technology is the core technology that can be applied to a variety of next-generation environmental vehicles. 

The utopia at Toyota City merely showed the Prius in its natural, perfect habitat. 

Courtesy of Business Inquirer

Congratulations on your purchase, Janet!

"I was nervous about buying my first car, but we came back to this dealership because we had a good experience a few months back when my mom bought her vehicle from here. Luckily we got Craig again who guided me through the process and found me the best match." - Janet
 
Read the rest of her review on our Google+ Local page.

We're thrilled that Lindsey left us a brand new review on Insider Pages!

"Overall a good, stress-less car buying experience. I would definitely recommend this dealership" - Lindsey P.
 
Head no over to read the rest of it

This weekend was a great weekend for our dealership! Check out the reviews we received!

"Les stood up from his desk and came to greet me. He did not ask me if my
husband was coming. He treated me respectfully and as a decision maker" -Elena H.

To read more: http://bit.ly/19dEKu8

Our dealership just received TWO 5-star reviews! Keep up the great work, team!

"I knew that I was going to buy a Prius from this dealership or Baierl. When I walked in, there were several men standing around a desk talking. No one approached me. Les stood up from his desk and came to greet me. He did not ask me if my husband was coming. He treated me respectfully and as a decision maker. " -Irina B

"I was nervous about buying my first car, but we came back to this dealership because we had a good experience a few months back when my mom bought her vehicle from here. Luckily we got Craig again who guided me through the process and found me the best match. He did not pressure me to make a decision and listened to what I wanted. I definitely recommend him to others looking for a vehicle." -Joyce S.

For more, click here: http://bit.ly/144jZOz

2014 Toyota Corolla First Look

The new 2014 Toyota Corolla is spicing things up!

Craig just received this excellent review! Way to go!

"Craig did not pressure me. He was very respectful and understanding of what kind of payment I could afford. I really liked him." -Hazel R. To read more, click here: http://bit.ly/13EJkQ2

Parts/Service Special: Father's Day is just around the corner!

Looking for a Father's Day gift that your dad will really appreciate? Car accessories and maintenance discounts will go a long way! Check out our Parts and Service specials: http://bit.ly/14xrxeG

List: Toyota tops BMW as world's top auto brand

Toyota has passed BMW in a ranking of the world's most valuable brands.


The list was put together by a keeper of such scores called Brandz.

But it's no time for celebration if you're in the auto industry. Auto brands lag far behind other sectors, especially technology, on the Brandz Top 100 list. For instance, the top three places on the list belong to tech companies -- Apple, Google and IBM. How auto brands fared:

• Toyota ranks 23rd on the list with an estimated brand value of $24.5 billion. Toyota's value rose 12% last year, the study find and it moved up five notches. It's a sign that the brand has recovered from some huge setbacks, like its quality fiasco amid questions about unintended acceleration a couple of years ago.
• BMW was right behind in 24th place, with $24 billon in value, which declined by 2% in the past year. It fell one place on the list.
• Mercedes-Benz is ranked 43rd, its value up 11% with $18 billion in value and three places higher on the list.
• Honda is 71st, down 2% with $12.4 billion in value and down a whopping six places on the list.
• Nissan is No. 86, with $10.2 billion in value, up 3% in value and off by five places over last year.
• Volkswagen squeaks in at 100th place. The brand is valued at $8.7 billion, up 3%. but it still feel four places.

Courtesy of USA Today