More to Love With the Five Door Toyota Yaris

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The five-door Toyota Yaris is a new model for 2009, helping satisfy demand as more consumers not only want fuel efficient compacts, but also are interested in versatile hatchbacks. Previously, the Yaris was offered only as a two-door hatchback or a sedan. Now the four-door hatchback variant can help Toyota compete with a broader range of compacts.

Powering the 2009 Yaris is a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower and 104 lb ft of torque, which is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. While a five-speed manual can be had with the two-door hatchback or the sedan, the five-door only has the automatic. While it may not sound like much, Santa Barbara Auto Loans specialists say the Yaris deliver ample power for the price.

Of course many potential Toyota Yaris buyers will be attracted to the efficiency of this little compact says Used Cars Kingston NY. With 29 miles per gallon in city driving and 35 miles per gallon on the highway,  Albuquerque Auto Financing points out that the Yaris has competitive fuel economy without the added cost associated with hybrid vehicles.

2009 Toyota Yaris image

Despite its small engine and high fuel economy, the Toyota Yaris is surprisingly fun to drive, and offers plenty of peppiness for around town driving. For those who crave just a little more power, this can be easily achieved with the help of a Toyota Racing Development turbocharger available through Toyota Parts City of Industry. The suspension for the Yaris is well tuned, and provides the Yaris with spirited and nimble handling, but without a harsh ride.

The interior of the Yaris S provides a comfortable and sporty environment. According to Toyota Car Loans Tacoma, the S package includes auxiliary audio, rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and unique cloth on the bucket seats up front. Other features include power windows and locks and a 60/40 splint rear bench seat that makes it easy to stow larger cargo.

Despite its small size, customers at Ogden Toyota dealers have found that the Toyota Yaris offers plenty of room up front and in the rear. With the rear seats folded down, there’s even a commendable 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear compartment.

There are many affordable compact cars to choose from these days, but few are as efficient and as fun to drive as the Toyota Yaris. With the latest five-door body style, the Toyota Yaris is now even more versatile which should help it remain a dominant choice in this segment. Continue reading ‘More to Love With the Five Door Toyota Yaris’

Toyota to Spend Billions Meeting New Regulations

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Automakers have ample challenges in today’s auto market. To make matters a bit more challenging, new fuel and emissions regulations are going to be put into place in the U.S. Perhaps the most stringent of these new regulations is California’s, which will require 3% of sales from certain automakers to be zero-emissions vehicles.

While Toyota may be synonymous with hybrid technology and fuel efficiency, the new regulations are still incredibly restrictive. It’s estimated that Toyota will have to spend nearly $1 billion to meet the new requirements. This new regulation is only for automakers selling 60,000 units per year or more. Other automakers, such as Honda and Ford, will also have to comply. But with domestic automakers suffering, Honda and Toyota hold much of the market share right now, which according to Los Angeles Auto Loans means they will have a much higher cost in developing and marketing zero-emissions vehicles.

Toyota’s costs will come not only from the cost of components and the batteries that go into zero-emissions vehicles, but Toyota Service Goleta reminds us that costs will also come from additional necessary resources or revampings, such as service centers, engineers, marketing and advertising, warranty coverage, and other equipment needed to build such vehicles suggests one used cars Los Angeles dealer.  At 3% of their current sales, Toyota will be required to sell around 15,000 of these zero-emissions vehicles by 2012. If they fail to become compliant, they will not long be allowed to sell cars in California.

With the new regulations in place, Toyota and other automakers are scrambling to become compliant in a tight timeframe. Not only will this require money, but Cleveland Toyota Financing also points out that it will require serious research and development, and retooling. Should Toyota and others be successful in offering electric vehicles to the public, the next challenge will be  convincing car buyers to purchase them, as they will likely be pricier than gas-powered models. Continue reading ‘Toyota to Spend Billions Meeting New Regulations’

All-New Toyota Prius Meets High Demand

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The all-new 2010 Toyota Prius has recently gone on sale in Japan and is poised to outsell its all-new rival, the Honda Insight hybrid. Toyota has already received 80,000 orders for the new hybrid vehicle which is a good sign for Toyota, who set forth the lofty goal of selling 400,000 Prius units annually.

The high demand for Toyota’s latest product is likely welcomed news for Toyota. In addition to having fresh competition from Honda and its less expensive Insight, Toyota has had plenty of bad news lately. In addition to rising quality issues, Toyota also announced its worst fiscal year ever. It is hoped by many that the latest generation of the popular Prius brand can reinvigorate sales, and so far Boston Toyota dealers say that’s looking like a possibility.

2010 Toyota Prius interior image

Originally launched in 1997, the Toyota Prius has remained the strongest selling hybrid in the world. Sales have remained so strong that the Prius and Toyota have both become synonymous with hybrid technology. The success of the Prius has also spawned a number of hybrid vehicles within the Toyota and Lexus lineups, including the popular Camry hybrid which remains a favorite among San Diego Prius dealers. Being capable of 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 mpg on the highway, the new Prius will likely prove to be the most successful generation yet.

The price of the 2010 Toyota Prius is higher than that of the new Honda Insight. However, Toyota Service Lexington say the Prius provides a more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and even more standard features. Here in the U.S., the new Prius will be priced at $21K, less than $2,000 higher than the Insight. A price war in the hybrid segment is just what consumers need right now, and it will certainly be interesting to see which new hybrid model will garner the most demand globally. Continue reading ‘All-New Toyota Prius Meets High Demand’

After 50 Years Toyota Land Cruiser is Still the King

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on May 1, 2009
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Although our roads and highways are filled with SUVs, few have the same reputation and appeal as the Toyota Land Cruiser. As an SUV moniker that has been around for decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has always been capable, rugged, and reliable. But following the 1980s, Land Cruisers have added the reputation of also being luxurious and aptly suited for a broader range of consumers, not just those needing a heavy-duty off roader. While more recent Toyota Land Cruisers still hold on to incredible off-road capabilities, the latest generation Land Cruiser is by far the most luxurious yet, offering buyers a unique heritage and cache that few sport utilities can match.

While many sport utilities have forgone the truck-based construction in favor of a car-like unibody design, the Toyota Land Cruiser has retained its body-on-frame chassis.  Despite its rugged underpinning, consumers among Toyota dealers San Juan Capistrano have found that the interior cabin is packed to the gills with luxury, technology, and surprising comfort. From the four-zone climate control system, to the 14-speaker audio system, to the elegant wood trim, the interior of the Land Cruiser will surely impress. Powered by a 5.7-liter 381 horsepower V8 and featuring low-range gears, crawl control, and a Dynamic Suspension System, Los Angeles Toyota is confident that the Land Cruiser will be equally impressive off road as well.

Combining unmatched off-road capabilities with ultra luxurious accommodations, the Toyota Land Cruiser is certainly the total package. With each new generation, technology and performance have been improved, and a car dealership Santa Barbara says that the latest model is no exception. The lofty price of the Toyota Land Cruiser will keep many sport utility buyers away, but for those who are keeping the Land Cruiser on their shopping lists, they’re in for a SUV that is truly unlike any other. Continue reading ‘After 50 Years Toyota Land Cruiser is Still the King’

Toyota Production Forecasts Fall With Demand

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Toyota is currently the world’s largest automaker, thanks to successfully taking over the sales lead from General Motors in 2008. Unfortunately, Toyota has since faced numerous challenges stemming from a worldwide decline in new car demand and the credit crunch. With these factors weighing heavily on all automakers, Toyota has been forced to significantly decrease production in Japan.

Currently, Toyota’s vehicle output is lower than it has been in more than 30 years. An even grimmer statistic say Kentucky Toyota dealers is what that means for Toyota’s assembly line workers, as production has become so low that it cannot continue to support as many full-time employees.

In Japan, Toyota claims that it can support a full time workforce of nearly 71,000 employees while producing about 3 million units. Unfortunately, the latest projections show Toyota will end up making fewer than 3 million vehicles this coming fiscal year.

While employment and production cutbacks have already been made, Toyota Service San Diego believes that Toyota will likely have to make even more concessions. The automaker has not laid off full-time employees since the 1950s, which is certainly an indication of just how serious the current auto recession is. Worldwide, Toyota production is going to remain at around 6.2 million vehicles.

It’s likely that Toyota will cut workers’ hours before cutting their jobs or idling plants. But with many forecasts looking less than positive, Toyota hopes to continue its sales and production momentum with the help of attractive incentives and financing offers such as the ones that have already spurred interest at Ohio Toyota, plus the help of new models such as the 2010 Toyota Prius. Continue reading ‘Toyota Production Forecasts Fall With Demand’

Toyota iQ Arriving Soon in New York

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Toyota has long been known for producing small cars, and the strategy has certainly paid off. With rising gas prices and economic uncertainly, small cars have fueled Toyota’s sales sucess worldwide. Hoping to continue its dominance in the economy car segment, Toyota will be pushing to bring the small but curvy iQ car to the U.S.

Measuring a mere 9.8 feet in length, the Toyota iQ is smaller than Toyota’s smallest car, the Yaris subcompact. At the upcoming New York Auto Show, the iQ will be featured, but it will be wearing a Scion badge. It has already on sale in Japan is arriving in Europe shortly, but the iQ’s North American presence has yet to be finalized. San Diego Toyota dealers expect that the turnout in New York will be a deciding factor.

Toyota iQ image
In Europe, the small but curvy Toyota iQ is intended to draw customers away from other popular mini cars, especially the Smart. As a four-seater, the iQ is larger than the Smart, but smaller than most cars categorized as subcompact. In Japan, the iQ is geared toward drivers in highly urbanized areas where drivers need to maneuver in tight spaces, which is why Los Angeles Toyota believe the iQ will become popular among LA drivers. Best of all, the Toyota iQ gets around 54 miles per gallon, making it an inexpensive alternative to a hybrid.

The Toyota iQ name was derived from the qualities that engineers wanted the vehicle to exude, including individuality and quality. As the ‘bigger is better’ mantra is slowing eroding away, Albany Toyota dealers say the Toyota iQ is intended to further dissolve the misconceptions that small cars lack fun and quality.

While the Toyota iQ is shaping up to be a truly global model, Garden Grove Toyota dealers admit that the car still has high hopes when it comes to battling stagnant auto sales worldwide. That being said, interest in the compact remains high, and dealers expect that such a car will still be able to draw in consumers. Plus as a Scion-branded model, expect ample Toyota car parts and personalization options available. Continue reading ‘Toyota iQ Arriving Soon in New York’

Quick Look at the 2009 Toyota RAV4

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When it was launched back in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 essentially started the compact crossover segment. For those who didn’t want or couldn’t afford a large, bulky SUV, the Toyota RAV4 provided the flexibility many car buyers were after in a compact package. Since the RAV4’s launch, it has grown in price, size, and power, but it still provides an attractive package that has helped it remain a strong seller.

After years of competitors springing up to take on the RAV4, Toyota decided to take a dramatically different route with the latest model. The third-generation, which was initially released in 2006, is larger than ever before, with the availability of third row seating, which was desired by Tustin Toyota visitors and many consumers who wanted more space in a small package. The current Toyota RAV4 is also more powerful, as it now offers a powerful V6 engine option.

Despite being larger and heavier, the Toyota RAV4 remains as fun to drive as the original if not more so. This is aided by Toyota’s use of advanced systems such as an automatic limited-slip differential, electronic on-demand 4WD, hill start assist, and downhill assist control. Toyota Monroe believes that all of these systems coupled with the RAV4’s suspension and chassis provide the RAV4 with amazing traction and comfort on road or off.

2009 Toyota RAV4 Interior image

Powering the Toyota RAV4 is the base 2.5-liter four cylinder engine which produces 179 horsepower and 172 lb ft of torque. Buyers can also opt for the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers an impressive 269 horsepower and 246 lb ft of toque. The available V6 power increase was what drew in many new buyers to Los Angeles Toyota dealers following the third generation redesign. Engines are mated to either a four-speed automatic or a smooth shifting five-speed auto.

With an EPA estimated 19 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway, the Toyota RAV4 is certainly not a gas guzzler, yet can still haul ample cargo and passengers with ease. With features such as XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and even a DVD navigation system, the Toyota RAV4 has options and accessories that make it highly customizable to the specific features a driver may be interested in.

It’s no surprise why the Toyota RAV4 remains a popular model for growing families according to Toyota Albuquerque. With the versatility, security, and comfort that the RAV4 delivers to the driver and passengers, the RAV4 will likely continue its role as the ideal family hauler. Plus, with outstanding reliability and strong residual resale values, the Toyota RAV4 is still a great value when compared with many of its competitors. Continue reading ‘Quick Look at the 2009 Toyota RAV4′

The Prius Conversion For Plug-in Power

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Plug-in Toyota Prius hybridsTo Plug, or not To Plug? That will be the question in late 2010. The biggest advantage of today’s gas/electric hybrids is that they don’t need to be plugged in to a power source in order to recharge their batteries. So what’s with all the static about automakers introducing plug-in hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt, or the Toyota Prius with a Hymotion L5 conversion kit from A123 System?

When larger or additional batteries are added to the equation, plug-in hybrids can run exclusively on electricity more of the time than conventional hybrids can. The end result is that they use less gasoline says Poughkeepsie Toyota dealers. A 42-mpg Toyota Prius Touring model was tested with a plug-in conversion and its gas mileage increased to 67 mpg overall, during the first 35 miles of test driving, after the battery depleted its charge. A Lexington Toyota dealer says this is great news for a driver with a relatively short commute because it drastically cuts gasoline consumption. Tell that to the 78% of Americans who drive less than 40 miles per day, round-trip (according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics).

The Hymotion L5 conversion kit, by A123 Systems, was installed at a Toyota dealership in Massachusetts, one of seven U.S. service centers that do the conversion. Although the standard hybrid system including the nickel-metal battery remains intact, Toyota dealer Cheyenne warms this is not a minor addition of a few Toyota parts as the conversion adds a large, 5 Kilowatt Hour lithium battery pack and a 110 Volt charging port at the rear bumper of the vehicle. The existing energy monitor in the Prius’ dashboard is also modified to show the new battery’s amount of charge.

The Chevrolet Colt will most likely run exclusively on electric power while the on-board batteries remain charged. A Westminster Toyota dealer says that system could mean that drivers that make solely shorter trips might never use any gasoline at all. The gasoline engine will only ‘kick in’ to recharge the battery pack if and when needed. The gasoline engine does not power the vehicle directly.

The cost of converting the Prius to plug-in power was more than one could ever expect to see in actual gas savings admits Toyota dealers Olympia. Plus the actual 8 mpg achieved during testing was not quite up to par with claims of 100 mpg. However, the plug-in Prius does show that this technology will produce huge gains in fuel-economy. And we drivers are more than happy to be headed in this direction for the future of hybrid vehicles. Continue reading ‘The Prius Conversion For Plug-in Power’

Toyota to Offer Safety Connect Telematics

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Toyota and Lexus to get Telematics SystemToyota used the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas to introduce its all-new telematics system for both Toyota and Lexus brands. The systems, called Safety Connect and Enform respectively, will allow Toyota drivers to access emergency services and other data to provide additional safety in the event of a crash or other emergency. Toyota’s new system is poised to compete directly with GM’s OnStar system.

Toyota is hoping that the Safety Connect telematics system will become one of the most sought after Toyota car accessories available to buyers. Already GM offers its own OnStar system throughout its numerous brands, and Toyota hopes to offer a system that is comparable in terms of safety and customer service.

While Toyota brand vehicles get Safety Connect, a similar system on Lexus vehicles is named Enform. While each system is similar, the Lexus Enform will be slightly different in that it will offer more data, such as weather data and route guidance. The Enfore system will also provide local points of interest and even information on Zagat-rated restaurants.

The new telematics system from Toyota features cellular and GPS technology to notify an operator automatically in the event that an airbag is be deployed. If there is no response from a vehicle occupant, the operator will then notify emergency services. If the car is stolen, Durango Toyota says the system can also help police locale the vehicle. Roadside assistance can also be reached at the press of a button.

Select Toyota and Lexus models will be available with Safety Connect and Enform late this summer. Los Angeles Toyota dealers expect many buyers to continue to subscribe to the system at the end of its trial periord which lasts for one year.

More information can be found via the press released from Toyota below.

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Annual Toyota Sales May Miss the Mark

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Toyota is predicted to release its first decline in annual global sales in a decade. With slowing demand for new cars worldwide, plus a deepening credit crunch in the US and global economic slowdown, Toyota has proven they aren’t invincible to economic woes.

Toyota is Japan’s largest automaker, and has been on path to take over General Motors as the world’s auto sales leader.

Auto sales have been down across the board in the US and abroad. Despite high demand in competitive markets such as among Orange Toyota dealers, the global financial crisis has kept consumers away from new car dealerships, including Toyota’s dealerships even despite fresh new models.

For quite some time, Toyota has been in a race with GM to become the largest automaker by global car sales. So far, Toyota has been on the right path, with a difference of 9.366 million vehicles sold to GM’s 9.37 million vehicles. The latest reports predict this year’s sales will be around 9.3 million vehicles.

Despite the grim prediction, a Olympia Toyota dealer notes that the automaker has fared better in the US than its domestic counterparts. Due to a robust lineup and fuel efficient compacts and hybrids, Toyota has had better luck in the US than GM’s brands. Continue reading ‘Annual Toyota Sales May Miss the Mark’