Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Toyota’s $1,000 Rebate Program for College Graduates Now Includes the New Prius c

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Toyota Financial Services (TFS), in partnership with Toyota Motor Sales, is excited to announce that the new Prius c is the first hybrid vehicle option available to recent college graduates who want to take advantage of the company’s College Grad Rebate Program. TFS hopes to make the transition from college to workforce easier and more affordable by offering a $1,000 rebate to qualified college graduates toward the purchase of any new Scion models and select new Toyota vehicles, including the Camry (excluding Camry hybrid), Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, Tacoma, Yaris, and now, the Prius c.

 The all-new Prius c joins the 2012 Toyota Prius family of vehicles, which were recently named “Best Green Car to Buy 2012” by GreenCarReports.com. The letter “c” in the Prius c moniker represents “city” and it was indeed designed specifically with city-dwelling millennials in mind. It functions as an urban-friendly vehicle with an engaging driving experience, accessible price, a city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg and available convenient and advanced in-car electronics features such as Entune™ technology. It is the ideal vehicle for the recent college graduate in the market for a fuel-efficient and tech-savvy solution to their transportation needs.

“The Prius c, is taking off as one of the most popular vehicles among young adults, but more than that, it is a dependable and economical way for recent graduates to get to new jobs and start their careers,” said Mike Groff, TFS Group Vice President of Sales, Product and Marketing. “We hope this $1,000 rebate, which can be coupled with other incentives, helps make the dream of car ownership a little easier.”

Qualified college graduates receiving the $1,000 rebate are also eligible for the College Graduate Finance Program (applicable for all new Toyota/Scion models) which offers a highly competitive APR/lease and special incentives such as:
  • No money down when financing and no monthly payments for the first 90 days on select finance programs on all new untitled Toyota vehicles
  • Competitive APRs on all new untitled Toyota vehicles and Toyota Certified Used Vehicles
  • Waived security deposit on lease
  • And of course, Toyota Care: a 2-year/25,000-mile, whichever comes first, complimentary worry-free maintenance plan with roadside assistance
To find a dealer or to learn more, visit www.toyotafinancial.com/collegegrad or www.scion.com/college.>

The College Rebate Program for Toyota vehicles ends January 2, 2013 and is available to qualified customers who graduated within the last two years, or are about to graduate within the next six months.

How to Qualify: You must meet all of these conditions:
  • Get that degree! To take advantage of the program you must:
    • Have graduated from an accredited four-year college, university, or registered nursing degree program during the last two years or graduate from such a school/program within the next six months, or 
    • Have graduated from an accredited two-year college during the last two years, or 
    • Be enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program or have received a degree from an accredited graduate program during the last two years, or 
    • Have graduated during the last two years from the two-year Toyota Technical Education Network (T-TEN) Program or any other two-year post secondary automotive program accredited by the NATEF, or 
    • Have completed an electrician apprenticeship/cert. program during the last two years through NJATC and IBEW.
  • Get a job! Show proof of present employment, or future employment with a start date within 120 days of your purchase contract date. TFS must deem your salary sufficient to cover living expenses and vehicle payments.
  • Minor credit lapses allowed! Obligations paid within 60 days or less of the due date and non-credit related (e.g., rent, utilities, health club membership, etc.) charge-offs less than $1,000 in the past 24 months are acceptable.
  • On approved credit through participating Toyota dealers and Toyota Financial Services. Not all applicants will qualify. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

New-To-You Tuesday :: 2005 Highlander

This 2005 Highlander is all you could want at an unbeatable price! This is a one-owner clean Car Fax vehicle! J.D. Power and Associates gave the 2005 Highlander 5 out of 5 Power Circles for Overall Dependability! Get your 4WD truck now before the snow starts to fall! Stop in or call 877-817-7330 today!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Many thanks to Chelsea for this outstanding review! Keep up the great work team!

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Spitzer Toyota Monroeville - (5) Star Review on DealerRater

  • We were on our last leg with our old Prizm and had pretty much given up hope on finding something safe, affordable and reliable to suit our needs. We worked with Kelly and Ben. Ben was a helpful sales representative, answered all of our questions and found the answers if he didn't know them. My fiance and I are a young couple who haven't established credit yet. Kelly fought tooth and nail to get us financed for our vehicle and she did it! This was our first time purchasing a car from a dealership and they made it a great experience. Our family couldn't have asked for a better vehicle or a better deal on one. It means so much to me to have a safe vehicle I can transport my children in. I also have had four knee surgeries, and it is so much easier and less painful for me to get myself and the kids in and out of the Scion XB we purchased. These people truly care about their customers. They have changed our lives and we look forward to sending all of our family and friends here. THANK YOU! -Chelsea G.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Toyota Announces 2013 Prices for FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, Sequoia and Tundra

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Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2013 FJ Cruiser and 4Runner mid-size SUVs, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid crossover SUVs, Sequoia large SUV and Tundra full-size pickup truck.

2013 FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser, which uniquely melds the brand’s off-road performance legacy with distinct heritage design in a modern SUV, rolls into 2013 with a new Cement Gray color scheme offered for the high-capability Trail Teams Special Edition. All FJ Cruiser models will now feature Daytime Running Lights and power outside mirrors with illuminated markers as standard equipment. One new color is added, as Magma replaces Silver Fresco Metallic.

The MSRP for the 2013 FJ Cruiser will range from $26,880 for the 4x2 model with a five-speed automatic transmission to $28,470 for the 4x4 automatic. The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $765, or 2.8 percent.

2013 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner, the fifth generation of this rugged, full-capability SUV and a keystone in the Toyota SUV lineup for 28 years, continues as one of the few full-capability SUVs available in its segment. For 2013 4Runner carries over unchanged with the exception of the SR5 grade transfer case changing from a lever to a switch type and the USB port relocating from the glove compartment to the more convenient lower center stack.

The MSRP for the 2013 4Runner will range from $31,340 for the SR5 4x2 to $40,880 for the Limited grade 4x4. The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $305, or 0.9 percent.

2013 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models offer additional value for 2013 with more standard equipment, new option packages and audio systems. A new Highlander Plus model grade replaces the former Highlander grade that was equipped with a Tech Package and Cold Weather Package. The features in these packages will be standard equipment on Highlander Plus along with numerous popular features, including a rear back-up camera.

The 2013 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models feature changes to standard and optional infotainment technology for 2013, with Display Audio made standard on Highlander, SE and Highlander Plus grades. Highlander Hybrid now includes as standard Display Audio with Navigation and the Entune™ multimedia package.

The Highlander base MSRP will range from $28,870 for the Highlander grade front-wheel-drive with a four-cylinder engine to $39,250 for the Highlander Limited four-wheel-drive V6, reflecting an average overall increase of $1037 or 3.1 percent on existing Highlander models.

The Highlander Hybrid base MSRP will range from $39,970 for the Base grade to $46,170 for the Limited grade, reflecting an average overall increase of $1,527.50 or 3.6 percent.

2013 Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia, which offers seating for up to eight in a full-size, full-capability sport-utility vehicle, gains new family-friendly entertainment features for 2013. The Sequoia debuts an industry-first Blue-ray rear seat entertainment system, and 2013 also marks the first full year of Toyota Entune™ availability.

The 2013 Sequoia is available in SR5, Limited and Platinum grades, and all models for 2013 now make the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 standard. The 310-hp 4.6-liter V8 has been discontinued.
The base MSRP for the 2013 Sequoia will range from $41,955 for the SR5 4x2 to $62,570 for the Platinum grade 4x4. The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $580, or 1.1 percent.

2013 Tundra

The Toyota Tundra, recognized for its value and dependability, offers detail changes for 2013, enhancing value and comfort in a hard-working, hard-playing full-size pickup truck.

The Platinum Package that was available for the Tundra CrewMax Limited model in 2012 now becomes a full model grade. The Platinum Grade offers numerous luxury features, such as heated and ventilated front bucket seats with embroidered headrests and driver’s seat two-position memory feature, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, DVD navigation system, power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, and wood-grain-style interior trim.

The base MSRP for the 2013 Tundra will range from $25,355 for the Tundra grade 4x2 Regular Cab 4.0-liter V6 to $43,795 for the Limited grade CrewMax 4x4 5.7-liter V8. The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $200, or 0.6 percent.

The prices for the 2013 FJ Cruiser and 4Runner take effect immediately. Pricing for the 2013 Highlander Hybrid will take effect August 20th with the start of production. Prices for 2013 Highlander (gas) and Sequoia take effect with the beginning production on August 27. Prices for 2013 Tundra take effect with the start of production on August 31.

Toyota MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling The Destination Processing and Handling (DPH) fees are $795 for Toyota passenger cars, $845 for Toyota small/medium trucks, and $995 for large trucks (Sequoia and Tundra only). The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Monday, August 20, 2012

Do your keys weigh you down? Here is a Monday maintenance tip to help prevent a trip to the maintenance department for you!

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Lighten up your key chain

  • Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That’s a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it’s in the ignition. The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure. To add years of service to your ignition switch, purchase a lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded.

What's your trade worth?


Your trade will never be worth more than it is today. Tomorrow, it will be older, have more miles and less tire tread. Find out what your trade is worth before you come in, visit AutoTrader's Trade-In Marketplace. Print the voucher and bring it in with you, the stated value is good for 72 hours.



If you're not interested in replacing your vehicle, we still want to buy yours! 

Please take time today to vote for the Cumberland Animal Shelter finalist from Chambersburg, PA for the 100 Cars for Good. Voting starts now and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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Help give back to the ones that do good year round!

Click Here to Vote!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Toyota USA Foundation Announces $1.3 Million in New Grants

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The Toyota USA Foundation today announced more than $1.3 million in new grants to support innovative K-12 math, science, engineering and environmental science education programs, with a focus on programs that serve diverse and underserved communities. These new grants, combined with the more than $3.8 million in multi-year commitments, total to more than $5 million that the Toyota Foundation has disbursed to nonprofit organizations this year.

 

Toyota USA Foundation grant decisions place a high priority on programs that value diversity, incorporate inter-disciplinary learning and are built around “real-world” classroom applications. In addition, the Foundation focuses on innovative and cost-effective programs that help students and educators develop their abilities.

 

The new 2012 grant recipients are:  

 

  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Food for Thought- Feeding Young Minds with STEM Enrichment offers fun, interactive workshops to motivate and excite young students about science.
  • American University, Lab2Class offers an accelerated training process for midcareer scientists who want to shift into the teaching profession.
  • California State University Bakersfield Foundation, Families for STEM aims to increase the number of students from diverse backgrounds who are entering and successfully graduating from STEM fields.
  • Colorado Seminary, University of Denver, Kids Play Math will expand the development, implementation, and teacher training for Kids Play Math, a bilingual, research-based computer game system designed to teach mathematics skills to children.
  • Fremont Education Foundation, Education, Challenge, Inspire will build on the Foundation’s efforts to provide math and algebra teaching kits for California teachers, as well as calculators and science lab equipment for fourth- through eighth-grade students.
  • Mills College, Lesson Study will train elementary school teachers through an innovative Japanese teaching strategy to improve mathematics instruction.
  • Mobile Area Education Foundation, Engaging Youth through Engineering will train STEM educators in southwest Alabama to expand and reform STEM curricula to additional schools.
  • O’Neill Sea Odyssey, Community Oceanography Program will provide 750 youth and 25 teachers with an ocean field trip, hands-on restoration projects and in-class curriculum to improve student understanding of ocean science and environmental conservation.
For additional information about these and other grants from the Toyota USA Foundation, please visit: http://bit.ly/O3etoy

“We are proud to support these organizations and educational institutions, and to help further the important work they are doing to help our country’s young people excel in mathematics, science, engineering and environmental science,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of national Philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation at Toyota Motor North America. “Toyota is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of America’s leaders in these critical fields, and we look forward to seeing each of these programs – and the students and teachers they serve – make an even bigger impact in the years ahead.”

 

“This grant from the Toyota USA Foundation provides the opportunity to advance our mission and dedication to high quality STEM education for students in Washington, DC” says Sarah Irvine Belson, Dean of American University’s School of Education, Teaching & Health. “Toyota’s support will help us increase the number of middle school and high school science teachers in diverse communities and encourage more students to pursue science-based careers.”

 

Over the past 20 years, Toyota and the Toyota USA Foundation have contributed nearly $600 million to nonprofits across the United States.

 

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Please take time today to vote for Cumberland YMCA finalist from Cumberland, MD for the 100 Cars for Good. Voting starts now and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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Help give back to the ones that do good year round!

Click Here to Vote!

New-To-You Tuesday :: 2002 Camry

"I need a car." "I don't want to kill my budget." "I don't want a high monthly payment." Sound like you? You should definitely take a look at this 2002 Camry. If you want an additional vehicle for the home or if someone's getting his or her license, this car is for you! It's reliable, fuel efficient and you can ride it til the wheels fall off!

Call 877-817-7330 to schedule an appointment or stop in today!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Happy Monday fans! Here is a Monday maintenance tip to help you drive safely on those rainy days!

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Before you go

  • Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls - steering, clutch, brake and accelerator - and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.

Please take time today to vote for Keystone Paralyzed Veterans finalist from Pittsburgh, PA for the 100 Cars for Good. Voting starts now and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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Help give back to the ones that do good year round!

Click Here to Vote!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

The All-Electric Toyota RAV4 EV First Drive

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Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS) offered news media first drive opportunities today for the Toyota RAV4 EV, an all-new, all-electric SUV arriving in select California dealerships later this summer. During the media event, Toyota engineers lifted the hood and shared developmental and technical details of this unique electric vehicle, while sales and marketing executives discussed launch and distribution strategy. Offering outstanding performance, comfort and versatility RAV4 EV is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated driving range rating of approximately 100 miles.  It charges in approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. 
“The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800, with available combined federal and state incentives of up to $10,000, the RAV4 EV is a practical, versatile option for the EV enthusiast.”
The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers revealed the vehicle at Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 in May 2012. To manage such a compressed timetable, Toyota engineers knew they’d need to be fast and flexible with development and evaluation. They devised the eFAST process (early field and suitability testing), a new protocol specifically put in place for the RAV4 EV to validate and confirm vehicle performance.  

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s most popular SUV model. The collaborative team set its sights on optimizing the customer experience. From remote charging options to interior comfort to futuristic interactive displays, the RAV4 EV combines the practical features of a compact SUV with aerodynamic styling and an electric powertrain for the longest EPA estimated driving range rating of any non-luxury EV.  
“Developing the RAV4 EV with Tesla gave us the opportunity to work with a leading-edge Silicon Valley company,” said Greg Bernas, chief engineer for Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing. “Tesla brought their EV powertrain expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. We brought our customer – first focus and decades of production experience to the project. It wasn’t always an easy process but I think we succeeded in blending our strengths and learning from one another.”

Power and Performance
The Toyota RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low center of gravity.   In fact, at 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world. Compared with the gas powered RAV4, at 0.35 Cd, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to optimize air flow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.
 
The front wheel drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum track speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum track speed of 85 mph.  Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW).
The RAV4 EV has two charge modes – Standard and Extended. In standard mode, the high voltage battery charges up to 35 kWh and the vehicle is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated driving range rating of 92 miles. Extended Mode allows the battery to charge to its full capacity of 41.8 kWh, providing an anticipated EPA-estimated driving range of 113 miles. Standard mode is designed to optimize battery life over range.

The RAV4 EV’s sophisticated battery and thermal management systems provide consistent vehicle performance in a variety of climates vs. competitor electric vehicles. The liquid-cooled battery is a first for Toyota.

EV Range Optimization
Toyota engineers devised a number of strategies to help optimize the available EV range on the Toyota RAV4 EV. The climate control system has three modes which allow the driver to select their preferred level of comfort and EV driving range.  In NORMAL mode, the climate control system operates in the same manner as a conventional vehicle and provides the maximum comfort level, but also draws the most power, which in turn reduces the EV range. ECO LO mode is recommended to achieve a balance of cabin comfort and improved range through reduced power consumption of the blower, compressor and/or electric heater. In cold weather, ECO LO also automatically activates and controls the seat heaters to optimal levels based on the cabin thermal conditions. ECO HI further reduces blower, compressor and heater levels and also automatically activates the seat heaters if necessary. The use of ECO LO can reduce the climate control system power consumption up to 18 percent compared with NORMAL while ECO HI offers up to 40 percent power reduction compared to NORMAL. Thus use of either ECO LO or ECO HI mode extends the vehicle’s EV driving range.
Remote Climate Control allows drivers to pre-cool or pre-heat the vehicle prior to driving while the vehicle is plugged-in, which conserves battery charge and EV range. The Remote Climate Control system can be set by a timer on the navigation display. It can also be activated using a smart phone. 

The unique Toyota/Tesla designed cooperative regenerative braking system  works to minimize the vehicle’s kinetic energy loss during stopping. The system recovers the energy and converts it to electrical energy, which recharges the battery and extends driving range. The vehicle slows down while energy is captured. The addition of cooperative regenerative braking increases driving range by up to 20 percent.
Safety
The RAV4 EV incorporates all of the safety features of the conventional model: for the front occupants there are advanced airbags seat-mounted side airbags, and active headrests. First and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags are also standard. 

Like all Toyotas, the RAV4 EV comes standard with the STAR Safety System. On this vehicle this includes Enhanced 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). RAV4 EV also comes with a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Toyota Safety Connect©, which includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification.

There are several safety features that are unique to the RAV4 EV. The battery modules are encased in a structural pack surrounded by a four-sided extruded aluminum enclosure. Large aluminum rocker extrusions act as a structural attachment between the enclosure and the body as well as provide further impact protection. In addition, the chassis is specially designed to help protect the battery and inverter assemblies in the event of a collision. A rigid inverter protection brace bridges the gap between the body front cross member and the front suspension member to mitigate inverter damage by keeping the two members at a set distance from each other during a frontal crash. Special steel ramps built into the front of the undercarriage serve to deflect intrusion into the battery enclosure. In a rear impact, the battery’s rear mounting brackets can separate the battery from the body further protecting the battery enclosure from intrusion.
 
As is the case with all Toyota electrified vehicles, there are multiple redundant systems in place to automatically safeguard against the unintentional discharge of energy. In the event of an accident, electrical contacts automatically open, quickly isolating the battery from the rest of the high-voltage system. After the contacts open, active and passive discharge strategies are employed to remove any remaining energy  from the high-voltage system within five seconds in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
“A prime design target for all Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles featuring traction batteries is to maintain battery structural integrity and electrical isolation internal to the battery,” said Sheldon Brown, executive program manager for Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America. “The RAV4 EV battery and chassis are designed as a system to protect against battery ‘isolation loss’ during a crash, meaning the electrical energy is completely contained within the battery preventing any conductive path to the vehicle body. Electrical components and chassis are designed as a system to protect occupants, first responders and the battery pack itself.” 

In addition to robust accident protections, the RAV4 EV is designed with multiple systems to help protect and maintain a proper state of charge on the battery. For example, the onboard charger is equipped with a hardware voltage limiter to prevent overcharging the battery. To prevent over discharge, the air conditioning system and driving power will be limited at defined low States of Charge, prompting the driver with a warning in the meter display to plug the vehicle into a power source. Finally, the battery system is designed to handle a lengthy period of non-operation. At a 50% state of charge the RAV4 EV can sit without charging for approximately one year with no permanent loss of function. If the battery pack does become depleted, its 12-volt battery will allow the vehicle to turn on and shift into neutral. If the 12 volt battery is also depleted it can be jumped.    

Exterior Design
On the exterior, RAV4 EV features upscale LED low beam projector headlights with halogen projector high beams. A manual leveling system allows drivers to redirect the headlights when the vehicle changes significantly in pitch due to a heavy load. Five vertical LEDs make up the daytime running lights, which dim to parking lights. The rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens. Other exterior variations from the gasoline powered RAV4 include new exterior emblems on the front, rear and the front door panel utilizing the signature Toyota “environmental blue.”
The vehicle will be available in late summer in three exterior colors: Blizzard Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver MetallicFleet units also will be available in Super White. The interior features a unique “Neutron” fabric, woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent, on the seat inserts and door trim. 

Interior Features
Inside, a six-way adjustable driver-seat includes variable front seat heaters, which extend heater coverage to the occupant’s upper back. The seat heaters help reduce the need for the climate control system’s heat operation – saving power and increasing EV range.  The split reclining rear seats with folding center arm rest fold flat for increased cargo space, with a total cargo capacity equivalent to the conventional RAV4 of 73 cu. ft. behind the front seats. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.
The highlight of the interior is a Toyota first; the IntelliTouch™ capacitive touch screen, featured on both the 8-inch navigation screen and climate control panel. The 8-inch, high-resolution, responsive touch- screen features a state of the art graphic display, with split screen capability for navigation, Entune®  and EV applications, and EV drive information and settings designed specifically for the RAV4 EV. The touch screen also allows map panning and list scrolling via flick operation similar to an iPhone®. The climate control panel features IntelliTouch™ capacitive touch sensor controls and a 5.7-inch display screen.  Entune™ is standard (with three year complimentary access to Entune™ services) along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), AM/FM radio, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and USB port with iPod® connectivity.

An all-new meter cluster includes the power meter, driving range, battery gauge, speedometer, shift indicator and multi-information display. The dash display color illuminates red when the vehicle is operating in sport mode and blue in normal driving mode. The multi-information display scrolls through six different screens that provide driver-performance feedback including driving range, trip efficiency, efficiency, ECO coach, CO2 reduction and AUX power.
  • Driving range displays an estimated range according to the amount of charge remaining in the traction battery along with the current air condition setting. The range will adjust based on the setting of the air conditioning. 
  • Trip efficiency displays the average power consumption in intervals of five minutes during a trip. Efficiency displays average power consumption since the function was reset as well as current power consumption.
  • Eco coach evaluates the level of eco-sensitive driving according to acceleration, speed and braking and displays an overall score.
  • CO2 reduction displays the amount of CO2 reduced compared to a conventional gasoline vehicle. The reduction is displayed as a growing tree.
  • AUX power displays average 12-volt battery power consumption since the function was reset and the current trip’s 12-volt battery power consumption. 
The Premium Intellitouch™ Navigation screen features EV system screens that help customers understand and maximize their driving range. The EV Charging schedule lets customers schedule when the vehicle will charge and activates pre-climate conditioning based on departure time. Charging can be scheduled one charge at a time or on a weekly basis.   A Range Map specifically designed by Toyota for the RAV4 EV, allows customers to see how far they can travel for roundtrip or one-way trip based on their available electric range. A Charging Station Map EV app allows customers to locate nearby charging stations.

Charging Equipment and Sales Plan
Toyota’s approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. Leviton offers multiple options for charging solutions. For the shortest charge time of approximately six hours, Leviton offers a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. For more information visit Leviton.com/Toyota. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) 12A charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available. 

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select California dealers, focusing on major metropolitan markets. Service for the RAV4 EV will only be available at these authorized RAV4 EV dealers.  Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units through 2014. The battery is warrantied for eight years or 100,000 miles. 

The RAV4 EV is expected to qualify for a $2,500 rebate through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program in California and also is eligible for a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit. The vehicle will qualify for the California High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane white sticker program.   

“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds."

Given the RAV4 EV’s distinctive customer, marketing will focus on education to demonstrate the vehicle’s technology and establish RAV4 EV as a credible product within the EV enthusiast community. Focused media outreach with target EV enthusiasts and highlight product attributes such as driving range, performance and telematics.     

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012. Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility. Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise.  In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

Please take time today to vote for the iPRAXIS finalist from Lanham, MD for the 100 Cars for Good. Voting starts now and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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Help give back to the ones that do good year round!

Click Here to Vote!

New-To-You Tuesday :: 2010 RAV4 Sport 4WD

"I want a new car but I don't want a new car payment." Does this sound like you? Some financial experts think that buying used vehicles is more financially savvy than buying a new car. 

What if you buy a late model New-To-You vehicle? That makes you a genius! Enjoy the peace of mind of a Toyota Certified 2010 RAV4 Sport 4WD.

Toyota Certified Pre-Owned means you not only get the reassurance of a 12mo/12,000 mile Comprehensive warranty, but also up to a 7yr/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, a 160-point inspection/reconditioning, 1yr Roadside Assistance, trip-interruption services, rental car benefits, and a complete CARFAX vehicle history report.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Hey fans! Since it is Monday, here is a maintenance tip to help you get safely home after nightfall.

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Avoid glare

Instead of looking at oncoming headlights, look toward the right side of the road and watch the white line marking the outside edge of the traffic lane. When headlights from vehicles following you reflect in your rearview mirror, use the "day-night" feature on the mirror or adjust your mirror to cut out as much of the light as possible.

Please take time today to vote for the Bookbag Santa finalist from Roanoke, VA for the 100 Cars for Good. Voting starts now and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET.

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Help give back to the ones that do good year round!


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