Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Happy Presidents' Day, everyone! One of the following presidents marked the official change from horses to cars in the White House. Who was our first motoring president?
b. William Taft
c. Woodrow Wilson
d. Warren G Harding
Toyota Motor Corporation Vehicles Dominate J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study
The study also found:
- Lexus is the number one nameplate improving by 23 fewer problems/100;
- Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate and tied for third place overall, improving by 18 fewer problems/100; and
- Scion achieves its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions and improving by 55 fewer problems/100.
| Segment | Ranking | Model | Problems/100 |
| Sub-Compact Car | 1 | Toyota Yaris | 97 |
| 2 | Scion xD | 113 | |
| Compact Car | 1 | Toyota Prius | 80 |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | 93 | |
| Compact Crossover SUV | 3 | Toyota RAV4 | 121 |
| Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle | 1 | Scion xB | 100 |
| Compact Sporty Car | 1 | Scion tC | 123 |
| Entry Premium Car | 1 | Lexus ES350 | 81 |
| Midsize Car | 3 | Toyota Camry | 105 |
| Midsize Crossover SUV | 3 | Toyota Highlander | 111 |
| Midsize Van | 1 | Toyota Sienna | 123 |
| Midsize Premium Crossover SUV | 1 | Lexus RX350 | 85 |
| Large Premium Car* | 1 | Lexus LS460 | 72 |
| Large Car | 2 | Toyota Avalon | 100 |
| Large Pick Up | 1 | Toyota Tundra | 108 |
| Lexus Nameplate | 1 |
| 86 |
| Toyota Nameplate | 3 (tie) |
| 104 |
| Scion | 5 |
| 111 |
| Premium Brands Industry Average | 129 | ||
| Non-Premium Brands Industry Average | 144 | ||
Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:
- Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study and earned more segment awards than any other premium brand.
- The Lexus IS won the entry premium car segment in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
- Toyota and Lexus won 11 awards – more than half the 21 total awards – in IntelliChoice.com’s Best Overall Values of the Year.
- Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than any other automaker. The 2012 models are: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra Crew Cab, Venza, and Yaris; Lexus CT 200h and RX, and Scion tC, xB, and xD.
- The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Scion tC earned five stars for Overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Toyota Announces Pricing for 2012 Prius c
TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2012 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2012 Prius c which extends Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to the subcompact segment. This dynamically styled, five-door hatchback will arrive at Toyota dealerships in March 2012.
Designed to function as a city-friendly vehicle with an engaging driving experience, hatchback utility, and an EPA-estimated city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg, *Prius c offers the highest city mpg rating of any vehicle without a plug. The all-new Prius c joins the Prius Family, which includes the third generation Prius Liftback, the versatile new Prius v and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which will be available in early 2012.
- The highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug*; 53 mpg in the city, and 46 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg
- A starting MSRP of $18,950 with a proven hybrid powertrain and premium technology
- A premium hybrid experience thanks to a wide array of convenience and advanced in-car electronics features, including a standard 3.5-inch full color TFT multi-information display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability, USB port with iPod® connectivity, and available Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune™
Prius c: Four Grades
The Prius c will be available in four grades, offering desirable features, equipment, and enhanced capability providing consumers compelling value. All Prius c models will be equipped with a Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.5-liter DOHC, 16-valve engine with VVT-i, a 60 hp permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery which generates 25.9 hp of electric propulsion for a total hybrid system net output of 99 horsepower. The Prius c will be equipped with 9 standard airbags, driver and front passenger Advanced Whiplash-Injury-Lessening seats and Toyota’s Star Safety System ™ that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
The Prius c One base grade will offer many standard features such as automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, multi-information display and Bluetooth® hands free phone controls; and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry.
The Prius c Two grade offers a 6-speaker audio system, variable intermittent windshield wipers, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, cruise control, engine immobilizer, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a cargo area tonneau cover.
The Prius c Three grade enhances the technology in the vehicle with improved audio and connectivity. The Prius c Three includes a Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune™ that adds a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability (includes 3 month trial subscription to XM Select Package), HD Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, and advanced voice recognition. Toyota Entune™ includes Bing™ and Pandora®; real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks. Apps available spring 2012 at no charge include iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable®. Access to Entune™ services is complimentary for three years. In addition, the Prius c Three grade includes color-keyed outside door handles with touch- sensor lock/unlock feature, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-information Display, Bluetooth® hands free phone and voice command controls, a Touch Tracer Display, and a Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. The Prius c Three allows buyers to add 15-inch alloy wheels and a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade as optional equipment.
The Prius c Four grade is distinguished by its 15-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels, Softex-trimmed heated front seats, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and integrated fog lamps. Optional equipment for the Prius c Four includes 16-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tires and power tilt telescopic moonroof with sunshade.
2012MY Prius c Pricing Sheet
| MODEL CODE | SERIES | DESCRIPTION | 12MY MSRP |
| 1201 | PRIUS c ONE | 5-DOOR HATCHBACK | $ 18,950 |
| 1203 | PRIUS c TWO | 5-DOOR HATCHBACK | $ 19,900 |
| 1205 | PRIUS c THREE | 5-DOOR HATCHBACK | $ 21,635 |
| 1207 | PRIUS c FOUR | 5-DOOR HATCHBACK | $ 23,230 |
2012 Prius c Options and Packages
Available for Prius c Three:
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
- 15-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P175/65R15 tires- MSRP $390
Available for Prius c Four:
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
- 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires – MSRP $300
- 16-inch Alloy Wheel Package: combines 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires and power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $1,150
Available Exterior Colors:
- Habanero
- Blue Streak Metallic
- Summer Rain Metallic
- Absolutely Red
- Black Sand Pearl
- Magnetic Gray Metallic
- Classic Silver Metallic
- Moonglow
- Super White
The MSRPs for the 2012 Prius c do not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee, which is $760. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
* 2012 EPA-estimated 53/46/50 city/highway/combined mpg. Actual mileage may vary.
Article courtesy of Toyota's USA Newsroom.
We would like to thank the author of this review for their kind words about their visit.
" Spitzer Toyota gave me the best deal out there and were very courteous and helpful.The whole experience was pleasant.I will definitely buy again.Following up with me and asking what it would take to make a deal made a big difference and brought me back to your dealership."- jsusich
Read more reviews on DealerRater by clicking here
Monday, February 13, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Toyota Announces Return of '100 Cars for Good' Program in 2012
The announcement was made by Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., who was accompanied by some of the nonprofits that received vehicles in last year’s 100 Cars for Good program.
“At Toyota, we appreciate what a big difference a new car can make for organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities across the country, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to lend a hand,” said Rouse. “Over the last 20 years, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to nonprofits throughout the U.S. 100 Cars for Good allows us to build on that commitment in important, new ways by making the public an integral part of these efforts and harnessing the power of social media to expand awareness and galvanize support for organizations that are having such a tremendous impact in neighborhoods nationwide.”
A 2011 winner of a new Toyota Sienna, the Chicago Zoological Society, also spoke at the announcement.
“We are very appreciative of this tremendous donation from Toyota,” said Stuart Strahl, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society. “The new van has been invaluable in our efforts to bring our conservation and informal science education programs to under-resourced communities throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Our dedicated staff travels year round to these communities, inspiring families to gain an appreciation of nature and wildlife, not only globally, but also in their own backyards. We have also used the minivan to transport young students to the zoo and field locations as part of the Society’s award-winning Youth Volunteer Corps.”
In communities across the country, vehicles from the first year of 100 Cars for Good are making a significant difference. These include:
- Ensuring that a soup kitchen in Morristown, New Jersey can pick up food donations that used to be turned away due to a lack of transportation, allowing it to provide meals and food to even more people in need;
- Helping a program near Detroit provide horseback riding visits for kids with cancer; and
- Supporting the efforts of a nonprofit in Wilmington, North Carolina to train and deliver service dogs to wounded veterans.
Applying for the 2012 100 Cars for Good Program
Beginning March 12, 2012, registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can apply online at http://www.facebook.com/toyota. Finalists will be eligible to win one of six Toyota models, including the Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Prius v, Sienna minivan, Sienna Mobility or Tundra full-sized pickup truck. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.
The 100 Cars for Good application process will last for two weeks, or until 5,000 applications are received. Of these, 500 finalists will be selected and then certified by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility. Each finalist can then submit a video that will be featured on the Toyota 100 Cars site explaining how a new vehicle would help support its work. In addition, Toyota will be providing each of the finalists with communications and social media tools and training to assist their efforts to raise awareness for their organization.
Public voting will begin in May, with the exact date to be announced later, and will continue for 100 consecutive days. Each day, five organizations will be profiled at http://www.facebook.com/toyota and participants may vote for the charity they feel is most deserving of a vehicle.
The four runners up every day will each be awarded a $1,000 grant from Toyota.
11. What if I don’t have a Facebook account?
Applications and votes can only be submitted via Facebook. All you need is an e-mail address to get started. For more information on how to create a Facebook account visit https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=173.
12. Who are the expert panelists?
The independent panel included experts in the area of nonprofits and philanthropy. The panelists will remain anonymous until after the finalists are announced in order to maintain objectivity.
13. What happens after I’m a finalist?
The 500 finalists will all receive an e-mail with details including the date on which the organization is scheduled to be up for voting. Finalists are required to submit a multimedia profile with information about their organization and how they would use the Toyota vehicle for good. Finalists will also receive a toolkit to help spread the word about their participation in the program to activate the voting public.
14. What if somebody else started a profile for my organization?
You can set up your 100 Cars for Good account so that more than one Facebook account can access and change your organization’s profile. This will allow more than one person to contribute to and edit the profile for your organization.
15. What Toyota vehicles are included in this program?
The following Toyota vehicles are included in this program:
• Highlander
• Prius v
• Camry Hybrid
• Sienna minivan
• Sienna Mobility (equipped with wheelchair access)
• Tundra full-sized pickup truck
These vehicles were chosen based on Toyota’s experience with non-profits requests for vehicle donations.
16. Can I vote on weekends and holidays?
Absolutely. The voting period will run for 100 continuous days, including weekends and holidays.
17. How do I know if my nonprofit is eligible?
To see the eligibility requirements for applying nonprofits, please see the terms and conditions.
18. How will I know if I’m a finalist?
Finalists will be notified via e-mail.
19. Are nonprofits outside the U.S. eligible?
Only non-profits registered in the 50 U.S. states are eligible.
20. Do I have to pay taxes on the car?
Please consult with your tax advisor to determine any applicable tax implications in your state.
21. How long should my video be?
Your video should be no longer than two minutes. Ideally it will be focused on the clients and mission of your organization and how a Toyota vehicle will help you further that mission.
22. Can I pick the color of my new car?
All vehicle specs and options will be determined by Toyota. Toyota’s intention is for each vehicle awarded to be white.
23. Will Toyota provide insurance?
Toyota will not provide insurance for vehicles won during 100 Cars for Good.
24. Is the car given to the organization or an individual?
The organization.
25. Do I have to be 18 and over to enter?
The representative of the nonprofit organization must be at least 18 years of age to enter to win a car.
26. Can my organization auction off the car to raise money for our organization?
Vehicles awarded through the 100 Cars for Good program are intended to be in-service vehicles, helping nonprofit organizations expand the reach and improve the efficiency of their good works. The resale of vehicles will be subject to limitation.
Courtesy of ToyotaPressroom
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thank you to the author of this great review for sharing their feedback! Keep up the great work Jamie!
- To begin with Mr. Jamie Benson was very courteous even though there was no guarantee that I would buy a vechicle. We went on a trial drive and he explained to me many features of the vechile. He helped in filling the paper work. It took the office staff several days to be ready to put the paperwork in mail. Mr. Jamie Benson helped to retrieve same and hand them over to me. He provided excellant customer service and I wish him the best in his career. -sanjibks
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thank you to the author of this review for sharing their feedback with us! Great work team!
[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Spitzer Toyota Scion - (5) Star Review on DealerRater
- We had an excellent experience at Spitzer Toyota. We worked with Victor and Anthony, and our experience was stellar. They took time to thoroughly answer a lot of our questions. At no point did we feel pressured to buy a car, or suspicious of the price we were quoted. Victor provided excellent customer service; we felt like we were talking to an expert about a big decision, appropriately, and never felt as though we were a hurried commission. Victor and Anthony were transparent regarding a quote on the vehicle we were interested in -- and earnest in working with us on it. For these reasons, our positive, fun, and open experience buying a car was wholly unlike other dealings we've encountered in this industry. We will surely recommend Spitzer and Victor and Anthony as often as we can. -erinbecky
Monday, February 6, 2012
Applications Open for Toyota-Funded 2012 TogetherGreen Fellowships and Innovation Grants
- Do you have a conservation idea that uses innovative approaches and technologies?
- Have you conceived of a unique way to conserve or restore habitat and protect species? Improve water quality or quantity? Reduce the threat of global warming?
- Are you interested in engaging a new and diverse audience in conservation action?
- TogetherGreen Conservation Fellowships invest in individuals who are committed to empowering others and to creating positive environmental change in their communities and organizations. Fellows receive a $10,000 grant to conduct a 12-month conservation action project in their community, as well as specialized training and support to help shape and implement their projects. They also become part of a dynamic alumni network of conservation professionals from across the country.
- TogetherGreen Innovation Grants annually provide essential funding that enables Audubon groups and others toinspire, equip, and support activities that engage new and diverse audiences in conservation action and create healthier communities. A minimum of 40 projects will receive funding, totaling more than $1 million dollars of support—with grants ranging from $5,000-$80,000. Grants will be reviewed by an expert advisory panel, and the average grant awarded will be around $25,000.
Thank you to Pam for sharing this great review! Keep up the amazing work team!
- I had been to spitzer two times in the past and ended up buying from a competing Toyota dealer. Spitzer was literally 5 minutes from my home whereas the other dealer was much farther. Under this new managemt I was treated with respect and negotiations were polite. . I will definitely recommend Spitzer to my friends and family. -Pam L.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Every Camry has a story. Yours could start Sunday, February 5th!
All you have to do is visit the link below and register to enter for a chance to win. You can enter once a day, every day from now until Sunday, February 5th!
Thank you Robert for sharing this review of your experience with us! Keep up the fantastic work team!
- I have found that dealing with Spitzer Toyota to be very satisfying. This is the second vehicle I bought there. The staff was very helpfull and friendly. They answered all of my questions and gave me a great deal! -Robert D. H.