Hey friends! Does anyone have any resolutions they'd like to share? Have a safe and happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy New Year from Toyota World of Lakewood!
Hey friends! Does anyone have any New Year's resolutions they'd like to share? Have a safe and wonderful New Year!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Is this going to be you this weekend?
Hey friends! It's finally Friday! Is this going to be you this weekend, or do you have exciting plans? Have a great day!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
A Positive Review from DealerRater!
"This past fall, I contacted Toyota World about trading in my current vehicle for a better deal. Kevin Miller, assisted me with my questions & concerns regarding my vehicle & invited me into the showroom to sit down with him to discuss a possible deal. Kevin was knowledgeable, listened to my concerns and then showed me the possibilities available to me. To my surprise, Kevin found me a 2013 Toyota Tacoma w/every option I was looking for, including color & great price! The deal took less than 24hrs, and I drove off the lot last week w/the truck! Thank You very much for your friendly sales staff & excellent service!"
Thanks for the positive feedback! To read more reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/T2JdZi
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
A Positive Review from Google+!
"I felt secure with my vehicle in this dealers hands,comfortable environment and people who made me feel confident"
Thanks for the kind words! For more reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/12ucMrS
A Positive Review from Google+!
"I lost my car in the Sandy storm and I was dreading the thought of buying a new one until I went to Lakewood Toyota! It turned out to be such a pleasant experience! I was able to get the exact car I wanted (Toyota Venza) at a terrific price. In fact it was the best price of all the local dealers. Kudos to Bob Ellwell and Jim Pedersen for making this happen! They are two of the nicest guys I have ever met - knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. I don't know what the other reviewers are complaining about. True you must pay for a "pre-certified" used car, but when you buy a "used car" all you ever get is a 30 day guarantee. I gladly paid for the "certification" because it was very reasonable and a lot cheaper than buying a warranty contract. My car is a 2010 and I have the same 100000 mile warranty that is given on a new car and it comes from Toyota and not some no-name company that has all kinds of exclusions. I highly recommend Lakewood Toyota and I will go back there when I need another car. I haven't dealt with the service department yet, but I just know they will be as good as their sales department."
Thanks for the kind words! For more reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/12ucMrS
Monday, December 24, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Entertain your kids or impress your party guests with edible cars!
Here's a great idea for the weekend! Do you have any other cool auto-related foodie tips?
A Positive Review from Google+!
"After a referral from a friend, I was connected with the Director of Internet Sales, Jeremiah Hupka. He was wonderful at giving me advice on the best route to go for a first time buyer. He gave me contact information for Dean Conforti down in Toyota World of Lakewood. Dean took care of everything and did a majority of the work over the phone, preventing me from having to make trips 70 miles each way to get the deal done. We received an AMAZING deal on our 2011 Camry SE and drove it home today. Despite the showroom being under construction, everything was handled quickly and professionally. I would recommend the services of both gentlemen.
Thank you for all of your hard work to get this deal done. I appreciate everything you guys had done and will continue to do [business] in the future. Thanks!"
Michael R
Lebanon, NJ
Thanks for the kind words Michael! To read more reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/12ucMrS
A Positive Review from Yelp!
"After a referral from a friend, I was connected with the Director of Internet Sales, Jeremiah Hupka. He was wonderful at giving me advice on the best route to go for a first time buyer. He gave me contact information for Dean Conforti down in Toyota World of Lakewood. Dean took care of everything and did a majority of the work over the phone, preventing me from having to make trips 70 miles each way to get the deal done. We received an AMAZING deal on our 2011 Camry SE and drove it home today. Despite the showroom being under construction, everything was handled quickly and professionally. I would recommend the services of both gentlemen.
Thank you for all of your hard work to get this deal done. I appreciate everything you guys had done and will continue to do [business] in the future. Thanks!"
Michael R
Lebanon, NJ
Thanks for the kind words Michael! To read more reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/T2JdZi
A Positive Review from DealerRater!
"After a referral from a friend, I was connected with the Director of Internet Sales, Jeremiah Hupka. He was wonderful at giving me advice on the best route to go for a first time buyer. He gave me contact information for Dean Conforti down in Toyota World of Lakewood. Dean took care of everything and did a majority of the work over the phone, preventing me from having to make trips 70 miles each way to get the deal done. We received an AMAZING deal on our 2011 Camry SE and drove it home today. Despite the showroom being under construction, everything was handled quickly and professionally. I would recommend the services of both gentlemen.
Thank you for all of your hard work to get this deal done. I appreciate everything you guys had done and will continue to do in the future. Thanks!"Michael R
Lebanon, NJ
Thanks for the kind words Michael! To read more reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/T2JdZi
Thursday, December 20, 2012
A Positive Review from DealerRater!
"As soon as i walked onto the lot Chris, my salesmen, was right there. The negotiation process was made extremely easy. They located the exact model color etc and had it on the lot within in a few hours! Kudos & thank you for the professionalism."
Thanks for the kind words! To read more reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/T2JdZi
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
A Positive Review from DealerRater!
"My overall experience at Lakewood Toyota was truly exceptional. Chris, my sales person, took everything I wanted in my vehicle into consideration and made it happen with no ifs,ands or buts. I had the pleasure of being introduced to the general manager Cary, he worked hand and hand with Chris to make my purchase as easy and painless as possible! Jameson the business manager took care of all my paperwork, he explained everything in great detail and sealed the deal on my great experience! The entire process was as easy and thorough as I could of hoped for. You tell them what you want and they they get it done for you. I would highly recommend Lakewood Toyota/Scion to anyone looking for a new car."
Thanks for the positive feedback! Visit http://bit.ly/T2JdZi for more reviews!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Buy 2 brake rotors, get 50% off brake pads!
Visit us online at http://www.lakewoodtoyota.com to take advantage of deals like "buy 2 brake rotors, get 50% off brake pads!"
A Positive Review from DealerRater!
"Wonderful buying experience. All of my questions whether by phone or internet were answered quickly an accurately. Friendly no pressure atmosphere. Will do business with them again in the future."
Thanks for the kind words! To read more reviews, click here: http://bit.ly/T2JdZi
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Toyota using skateboard technology to craft commuter car of tomorrow
Most manufacturers have their own telematics systems such as Ford’s SYNC. GM’s OnStar, Toyota’s Entune and Lexus Enform. To cope with the trend of more and more apps from phones and tablets, plus minimizing, if not eliminating, driver distraction is something all brands are working to achieve.
“One of our many approaches is using a skateboard,” Lentz said. “I’m not saying people should travel by skateboard, but rather we can learn from one.”
He explained a vision of the future in which the dashboard is devoid of buttons, and has no touchscreen allowing a driver to remain focused on the road. That’s the kind of vehicle/driver interface Toyota is working to create.
“The Board of Awesomeness (that’s what it’s called) is an electric skateboard run by hand gestures,” he stated. “As a benefit of our partnership with Microsoft, the board is equipped with a Windows 8 tablet and Windows Kinect motion-sensing software.
“By raising and lowering your hand,” he motioned, “you control the throttle and the closer your hand gets to the board, the faster the motor goes.”
How this would work in a car, perhaps with mode selection via voice command, you would raise your hand to increase audio volume or drop your hand to lower it. Unlike voice recognition, hand gestures are not hindered by accents or mispronunciations.
“Hand gestures are pretty universal,” Lentz remarked, inviting the audience to supply their own punch line.
“The INSECT is our next-generation communications-linked concept model that supports the driver and keeps them connected to his or her home,” he said. “It’s an ultra-compact, single-passenger electric vehicle that’s equipped with a bevy of technologies like motion sensors, voice recognition and behavior predictions.”
The CEO characterized the concept as a high-tech update of Herbie, the Love Bug.
Motion sensors and facial-recognition technology detect and authenticate the owners approach, flashing its front lights in recognition. With a wave of his hand the driver opens the doors.
Upon entry, the owner is welcomed back with ‘Hello’ or any custom phrase. Using voice recognition, the INSECT will talk to the driver to establish a destination and set various functions such as audio mode and levels.
The future bug led to a brief discussion of autonomous cars. Lentz pointed out how this technology has been coming for a long time in systems like anti-lock brakes and vehicle stability control, plus features added to new models annually. Tech that enables pre-collision systems, lane keepers, blind spot alerts and even automatic parking.
“The new 2013 Lexus LS offers the industry’s most advanced pre-collision active safety system,” he said. “It’s designed to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating collisions with vehicles and pedestrians under a wide range of city and highway speeds, day or night.”
Nevertheless, Toyota’s view of coming autonomous technology may differ from other brands.
“We believe the driver must ALWAYS be engaged and this technology must be introduced slowly due to major legal, regulatory and consumer hurdles that need to be made.”
“At Toyota, one idea we’re exploring is like Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak,” he smiled.
Rear view cameras are becoming fairly common on cars today, but they’re not foolproof. Toyota is working on a way to be absolutely sure you are not going to hit anyone or anything.
At Keio University in Japan, researchers have developed optical-camouflage technology that makes the back seat – the entire back of the car disappear, totally eliminating blind spots.
This system was showcased at Tokyo’s Digital Content Expo in a See-Through-Prius last September.
“How it works seems like magic, but the cloak is made of reflective materials that capture footage from cameras behind the car which then projects the image onto the cloak visible to the driver,” Lentz announced with pleasure. “The illusion of invisibility is amazing. One of the developers said, ‘It will feel like you’re driving a glass car.”
Courtesy of Torque News
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A Positive Review from Edmunds.com!
Check out this great review of Toyota World of Lakewood!
"I just bought a 2010 Toyota Venza. My salesman was Bob E. and the sales manager is Jim. Both were professional and very friendly. I usually dread buying a new car, but Bob and Jim just made it a pleasant experience. I highly recommend this dealership for their honesty, integrity and professionalism."
Thanks for taking the time to leave such positive feedback!
See more reviews on Edmunds.com here: http://edmu.in/116vEvc
Monday, November 26, 2012
Toyota Prius: High gas mileage, low theft rate
Not only do Toyota Prius hybrids save you money on gas, they are also less likely to be stolen. A new study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows that the Prius theft rate in 2008-2010 model years was one in 606 of those on the road vs. one in 78 for all cars.
Thieves likely are not attracted to the Prius because the complex hybrid parts are not much use to chop shop thieves who prefer widely interchangeable parts. "It could be that auto thieves are going to steal something for which there generally a market need for the parts," says Frank Scafidi, spokesman for the NICB. In a separate NICB report, the 1994 Honda Accord was the most stolen car in 2011 and the 1998 Honda Civic second. Parts from those cars fit into several model years and are thus valuable on the underground parts market.
The low theft rate is one of two new arguments for the advantages of gas-electric hybrid cars despite their extra cost vs. all-gasoline counterparts. Hybrids like Prius (rated 51 MPG in the city, 48 on the highway) save money on gas but take several years to offset the extra cost. But the government agency that compiles the official gas mileage ratings proposes that because of low auto loan rates and high gas prices, the addition to the monthly payment for a hybrid is more than offset by the savings on gas.
Courtesy of CBS News.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Toyota World of Lakewood Employee Cast in Discovery Channel Documentary
New Jersey resident and South Boston native Bill Kelly has been cast to portray the infamous Boston Irish Gangster James “Whitey” Bulger in a Discovery ID documentary called “The Making of a Monster.” Bill will portray "Whitey" chronologically from the 1980s to the time of his capture on June 22, 2011. The crew shot in various locations around Boston. The project is currently still in production, though filming was finished last week.
Bill is a senior sales adviser at Toyota World of Lakewood NJ. He is known for his comedy writing and his celebrity impressions on KISS 108S, “The Matty in the Morning Show” and “The JR in the Morning Show” on WZOU FM back in Massachusetts.
Bill presently resides on the Jersey shore where he is an actor and screenwriter. Between gigs, he is currently re-writing the Boston-area film classic “Friends of Eddie Coyle” in order to modernize the story for younger generations. Also, he has several finished screenplays, of various genres, that are ready for production. Bill is available for radio or press interviews.
Contact him at: actorbillkelly@aol.com
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONEThursday, November 15, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Toyota Smart-Car Technology Let Autos 'Talk' To Each Other, Sense Pedestrians And Red Lights
SUSONO, Japan — Toyota Motor Corp. is testing car safety systems that allow vehicles to communicate with each other and with the roads they are on in a just completed facility in Japan the size of three baseball stadiums.
The cars at the Intelligent Transport System site receive information from sensors and transmitters installed on the streets to minimize the risk of accidents in situations such as missing a red traffic light, cars advancing from blind spots and pedestrians crossing the street. The system also tests cars that transmit such information to each other.
In a test drive for reporters Monday, the presence of a pedestrian triggered a beeping sound in the car and a picture of a person popped up on a screen in front of the driver. A picture of an arrow popped up to indicate an approaching car at an intersection. An electronic female voice said, "It's a red light," if the driver was about to ignore a red light.
The 3.5 hectare test site looks much like the artificial roads at driving schools, except bigger, and is in a corner of the Japanese automaker's technology center near Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan.
Toyota officials said the smart-car technology it is developing will be tested on some Japanese roads starting in 2014. Similar tests are planned for the U.S., although details were not decided. Such technology is expected to be effective because half of car accidents happen at intersections, according to Toyota.
Managing Officer Moritaka Yoshida said Toyota sees preventing collisions, watching out for pedestrians and helping the driving of the elderly as key to ensuring safety in the cars of the future.
"We offer the world's top-level technology," he told reporters.
Toyota also showed a new feature that helps the driver brake harder to prevent bumping into the vehicle in front. Toyota officials said drivers often fail to push hard on their brakes in such situations because they get into a panic.
Toyota said the technology will be available "soon," without giving a date, and hinted it will be offered for Lexus luxury models. Luxury models already offer similar safety features such as automatic braking. Technology involving precise sensors remains expensive, sometimes costing as much as a cheaper Toyota car.
Toyota has also developed sonar sensors that help drivers avoid crashing in parking lots. One system even knows when the driver pushes on the gas pedal by mistake instead of the brakes, and will stop automatically.
Rear-end collisions make up 34 percent of car accidents in Japan, comprising the biggest category, followed by head-on collisions at 27 percent.
Cars that stop and go on their own, avoiding accidents, are not pure science fiction, experts say.
Alberto Broggi, professor at the University of Parma and an expert on intelligent transportation systems, said the idea of the accident-free cars is "very hot," and probably within reach on some roads within several years.
"I'm sure we will arrive to such a technology even if I don't know when exactly," he said.
Courtesy of Huffington Post
Monday, November 12, 2012
Toyota World of Lakewood Supports Toys for Tots
A gift as simple as a new, unwrapped toy can put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season thanks to Toyota World of Lakewood. In conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, we are collecting toys for children who might otherwise go unnoticed this holiday season.
Each holiday season, Toys for Tots unites local communities in a common cause during their annual toy collection and distribution campaign. The goal is to deliver a message of hope to needy youngsters through the delivery of a shiny new toy this holiday season.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year Contender: Toyota Avalon
For 2013, the new Toyota Avalon has aimed itself at becoming the world’s best front-drive Lexus. The Avalon is an all-out comfort-mobile with rich interior textures and an expressive exterior design. Toyota is trying to replace the oldest Avalon buyers with new, sub-Boomer-aged suburbanites.
“What’s this? Paddle shifters and a sport mode? Clearly this thing isn’t being aimed at oldsters anymore,” technical director Frank Markus said. The audio system dates Motor Trend’s Car of the Year soundtrack CD mix — like the Tesla Model S, there’s no compact disc slot. And interior designers managed to place the front center armrest on the same plane as the front door armrests, one of many surprise-and-delight features.
“The Limited trim level’s interior is a genuinely special place,” guest judge Jim Hall wrote. “The car is comfortable, has great ride and handling, and is appropriately quiet.”
Perhaps the biggest surprise is that the big car’s chassis won’t embarrass Gen-X buyers. “Sliced through Cameron Road at higher speeds than in the midsize sedans. Steering is light and precise,” guest judge Chris Theodore said.
As for the Hybrid version, even with its compact-car fuel efficiency, guest judge Jim Hall concluded, “The 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed auto just worked too well to consider the gas-electric I-4.”
-Courtest of Motor Trend
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Report: Toyota Considers Changing Prius’ Iconic Style
There are a handful of vehicles throughout history that have an instantly recognizable, seldom-changing style that becomes one of its defining characteristics. One recent example is the Toyota Prius.
Since the debut of the second-generation model that debuted its famous wedge-shaped hatchback style, it has become the most instantly-recognizable hybrid cars on the road, to the point where Prius has almost become synonymous with hybrid to the extent Kleenex has with facial tissue. So, any changes to that nearly decade-old look are approached with an abundance of caution, even though Toyota’s hybrid poster-child has legions of loyal fans, and has only grown in popularity with the addition of the C compact and V crossover wagon variants.
Bloomberg is reporting a more distinctive, emotional look is being considered for the next-generation Toyota Prius. But in terms of a wholesale change of the overall profile is unlikely, as the Prius’ aerodynamic shape also contributes to its high fuel economy, one of the key marketing attributes of the brand. The change is reportedly due to a directive from Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda to make the company’s cars more exciting, and to appeal to buyers beyond the Prius’ traditional customer base.
-Courtesy of Motor Trend
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Check out this week's great deals at Toyota World of Lakewood!
The Prius plug-in can save you some serious cash at the pump-- we can save you serious cash on the Prius plug-in!
We're offering employee pricing to everyone at Lakewood Toyota, as well as 0% APR financing for qualified buyers and up to $2500 over the KBB value of your trade.
Not in the market for a vehicle? Check out our current offerings below:
Monday, October 22, 2012
And here's what a Toyota looks like when it's drawn by Matt Groening
We've Received a 5-star review on Cars.com!
Here's a recent customer review on Lakewood Toyota:
"I saw the car available on cars.com that I was looking for and went in and Dean greeted me. It was an absolute dream. I never once had a purchase go that smoothly. I would recommend Dean and Lakewood Toyota to anybody."
Thanks for your review! We strive to provide excellent customer service!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Toyota Prius Plug-in: the little electric hybrid that could
Toyota has quietly nursed along its own electric hybrid, the Prius Plug-in, to pleasing results.
Since its launch last year, the Prius Plug-in has sold 7, 734, units in the United States, according to data from Automakers and Automotive News. The Prius Plug-in was the second-fastest selling car in March 2012, and the third-fastest in April. It even outpaced sales of the Cevy Volt during the month of April. The car gets the gasoline equivalent of 95 miles per gallon and has a starting price in the U.S. of about $32,000.
It’s a good start, especially for a vehicle in a category that comprises a mere sliver of the automotive market. What’s more, the Prius Plug-In is only available in 15 “launch” states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. The car will be available in remaining states sometime in 2013.
What accounts for the Prius Plug-In’s strong start? Keley Mays, a blogger at Cars.com, posits that some of it has to do with brand recognition: As of February 2012. 2.5 million cars carrying the Prius name have been sold worldwide. “That makes it relatively mainstream,” Mays writes. “Americans have bought four Priuses for every five Hyundai Sonatas [a briskly-selling gasoline-powered sedan] over the same span.”
What’s more, Toyota isn’t afraid to get a little creative with marketing. On Sunday, the Home Shopping Network devoted a three-hour programming block to the Prius and other Toyota-model hybrids in a segment called “Discover Toyota”– the first fully car-devoted programming in the network’s 34-year history, according to USA Today. HSN couldn’t sell the cars directly, but it did give Toyota an outlet to explain the features and technology of the Prius lineup , a move that Toyota officials touted as a great success.
-Courtesy of the Christian Science Monitor
Thursday, October 11, 2012
The Tundra Endeavour
The Toyota Tundra will soon face the ultimate task in towing the Space Shuttle Endeavour toward its final home inside the California Science Center. See the countdown to the journey at http://www.toyota.com/tundraendeavour/
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Take the 'On Ramp' to get to Toyota World of Lakewood, where we have amazing savings!
Watch out for falling prices, becase we've got 'em!
We're offering employee pricing for everyone, which means amazing deals you can't find anywhere else. Get the new Prius plug-in for just $27,499 or lease for just $199 a month. Test drive this vehicle and see how much money it can save you at the pump!
Thinking of trading in your current vehicle? We're still offering up to $2500 over the Kelly Blue Book value of your trade.
Come on in to find out more. Not in the market for a vehicle? Check out our current specials below.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Toyota Chief Engineer Reveals GT86 is First of Three Sports Cars
When Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda requested his engineers to develop a new affordable, exciting sports car, his team introduced the Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S and answered Toyoda's requisites in spades.
However, it would be a shame if the rejuvenation of Toyota's sporting DNA were to end there. Thankfully, Toyoda-san has grander plans. Beyond the Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S, the Japanese automaker plans to unveil two additional sport models for its future lineup.
While speaking with Top Gear Philippines, Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada said, "The first is more mass market and cheaper than the 86 and the third is more upmarket than the 86."
As budgeted as the GT86 already is, it's impressive to see Toyota deliver performance at an even more budget-minded segment. Following up on Tada's statement, Top Gear Philippines also asked whether a sports car slotting above the GT86 suggests a Toyota supra revival. To that, Tada refused to confirm any speculations.
Performance specs have not been revealed either but judging from existing segments, a sports car slotting below the GT86 will likely use a more cost effective front-wheel-drive drivetrain. While the hot-hatch segment is highly contested, Toyota certainly has the resources to properly challenge the segment leaders including Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus ST, and Mazdaspeed3. Given the aging Toyota Corolla compact sedan is expected to receive a complete redesign very soon, we look forward to seeing what Toyota unveils in the months ahead. Another possibility is a Celica revival, although this may cause a saturation in two-door coupes for the Toyota lineup.
Tada may deny the development of a new Supra, but until we have more information, this seems to be the most logical hunch. The upmarket sports car is expected to face off against the like of the Nissan Z and the Ford Mustang.
-Courtesy of iMotorTimes
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Columbus Day weekend -- a great time to trade at Lakewood Toyota!
Now through Monday, get up to $2500 OVER the Kelly Blue Book Value for your trade. We're also offering 0% APR Financing for qualified buyers.
Not in the market for a new car? Check out our current service specials below:
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Toyota's ultimate smartphone accessory: a mini-car
Toyota's new concept car works as a giant extension of the driver's smartphone.
The company's "Smart INSECT" vehicle has a pad in its dashboard for mobile handsets, from which it syncs online services while also providing wireless charging.
The INSECT, whose name stands for "Information Network Social Electricity City Transporter," is packed with features now commonly found on phones and tablets. As a potential driver approaches its front, the car uses facial recognition to identify them, and the individual can then use voice and gesture controls to make queries or open the door and trunk.
Toyota's concept can communicate with its driver's home while on the road, checking whether the front door is locked or the settings of the air conditioning. The car has a large LCD display above the steering wheel that also shows information from the smartphone it is synced to.
"This car is based on the concept of connecting people, cars, and homes. It was developed by an IT engineer and has technologies such as telematics built in," said Yuji Amano, a group manager at Toyota.
The car links into to the "Toyota Smart Center," a platform that connects electric and hybrid cars with buildings and power companies, with the goal of making everything more efficient.
By accessing users' smartphones, Toyota will also gain access to information about its customers beyond their driving habits.
"The car uses data gathered from customers' actions to predict what they will do and suggest information to them," said Amano.
"One example might be in navigation, where the system uses what the user has done so far to suggest a destination."
Another example is advertising. In a demonstration, the INSECT takes a young woman to her favorite convenience store, then suggests a new snack that has recently gone on sale.
The car is based on Toyota's Coms personal electric vehicle, which sells in Japan for about $9,000. The Coms can reach speeds of 60 kilometers per hour, and can drive for about 50 kilometers on a six-hour charge.
Check out a video on the concept below:
Monday, October 1, 2012
Here's a Monday Maintenance Tip: Tackling Fall's organic bounty
As you tackle fall's bounty on your lawn, leave some energy for removing the leaves that find their way into your vehicle.
Leaves, twigs and other organic matter can cause havoc with gutters on your house -- and the equivalent on your car. When debris builds up in areas of your car where water is supposed to flow out, you can get leaks or corrosion. If you have a sunroof, open it up and poke around in there, too. Sunroofs have drains that flow water that sneaks past the seals down to the ground. Leaf gunk in there can make for wet headliners or worse. Less common, but more problematic: Animals may make nests in the engine compartment or airbox. You may need a mechanic and an animal trapper to fully solve this problem. -Courtesy of Kiplinger.com
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Toyota plans to expand green vehicle lineup
Toyota believes in green. Japan’s biggest car maker is boosting its green vehicle lineup, with plans for 21 new hybrids in the next three years, a new electric car later this year and a fuel-cell vehicle by 2015. The shift to eco-driving by Toyota is in response to growing demand for fuel efficiency. An electric version of the Rav-4 sport utility model, which Toyota worked on with America’s electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors, goes on sale this month. The fuel-cell vehicle, which runs on hydrogen to produce electricity, will be offered in 2015.
Toyota is counting on its reputation for green technology that it built with its hit Prius, the world’s leading gas-electric hybrid, to woo buyers. Takeshi Uchiyamada, the executive overseeing technology and new model development at Toyota, told The Associated Press the long-term potential for fuel cells was great compared to electric cars because of greater cruise range and shorter charging time. He said tens of thousands of fuel-cell vehicles were likely to get sold in the 2020s. A good compromise at the moment is the plug-in hybrid, which works as an electric vehicle until the battery runs down, and then switches to its hybrid motor, so there’s less chance of being stranded than with a standard electric car.
-Courtesy of ABC News
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Keep your child safe during Child Passenger Safety Month
September is Child Safety Passenger Month, and child safety in the car is always a top priority. Here's a quick, simple checklist to make sure that your child passenger is safe during your next errand:
1. Right Seat
Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height.
2. Right Place
Keep all children in the back seat until they are 13.
3. Right Direction
Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2.
4. Inch Test
A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
5. Pinch Test
Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and you are unable to pinch any excess webbing.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Toyota's new robot is handy household helper
An in-home robot for the masses that can fetch objects from the floor and high shelves and connect you with family and friends via a tablet computer, is being shown off this week at a trade show in Japan.
The lightweight, cylindrical Human Support Robot (HSR) responds to voice commands as well as a graphic interface on a tablet computer. Its key feature is a folding arm with a two-finger gripper that can pick up stuff from the ground, open curtains, reach high shelves, and other tasks, according to Toyota.
The arm is about 2.5-feet long and can lift objects weighing up to 2.7 pounds and 5.1 inches wide, which is sufficient to pick up a dropped remote control or fetch an ice cold beer from the fridge.
The 70 pound machine was designed to assist independent home living for people with limited arm or leg mobility. Top speed is only 1.8 miles per hour and the arm moves with insufficient force to cause much trouble, making it safe for indoor, at home use, according to Toyota.
The robot "can also wear a tablet computer atop its head, which would allow caregivers and family members to communicate with the robot's owner over Skype or other services," Gizmag noted in a story about the robot.
While a price isn’t set for the HSR, it could sell well among Japan’s aging population where insurance will pick up 70 percent of associated costs thanks to a recently passed law to encourage robot technology for elder care.
HSR is just one of many robots under development that are being designed to work with humans in all kinds of situations from the factory floor to the surface of Mars.
-Courtesy of NBC Blogs
Monday, September 24, 2012
Check out the always-reliable Toyota Corolla
Did you know that 80% of all Corollas sold in the past 20 years are still on the road today? Now that's reliability. Find out more about the 2013 Corolla by visiting us in person or online: http://bit.ly/ShoFZl
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Limited time offer: Great offer on the Prius Plug-In!
Right now, we're offering to lease the Prius Plug-in for just $199 a month!
We also have a great deal on the Toyota Corolla LE: lease the Corolla for just $99 a month for 36 months!
These are offers that you can't miss. Offers are valid while supplies last.
Not in the market for a vehicle? Check out our current service offers by downloading the form below.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Keeping You Car Clean
A clean car is an attractive car, and luckily, it’s easy to keep your Toyota in impeccable condition. Read below for some quick tips on keeping your car squeaky clean:
- Routinely wash and polish the exterior with a high-quality car wash soap. (Never use dish detergent to wash your car; it can strip off wax and damage the finish.)
- Wash your car in the shade. This keeps your car cool while you work, reducing water spots.
- Rinse first and wash from the top down.
- Use a clean, soft towel or sponge for washing and drying.
- Washing your car is not the same as cleaning the paint. Cleaning and polishing the paint removes oxidation, smoothes the surface, and restores shine.
-Courtesy of Toyota
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Toyota Prius Plug-In for $199 a month!
The Toyota Prius. It's the hybrid you know and love, and it's been completely recharged!
Right now, we're offering to lease the Prius Plug-in for just $199 a month!
We also have a great deal on the Toyota Corolla LE: lease the Corolla for just $99 a month for 36 months!
These are offers that you can't miss. Offers are valid while supplies last.
Not in the market for a vehicle? Check out our current service offers by downloading the coupons below.
Toyota Prius Plug-In for $199 a month!
The Toyota Prius. It's the hybrid you know and love, and it's been completely recharged!
Right now, we're offering to lease the Prius Plug-in for just $199 a month!
We also have a great deal on the Toyota Corolla LE: lease the Corolla for just $99 a month for 36 months!
These are offers that you can't miss. Offers are valid while supplies last.
Not in the market for a vehicle? Check out our current service offers by downloading the coupons below.
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