DO YOU HAVE A DESERVING NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION – Deserving of a new Toyota ?

February 28, 2011 Leave a comment

DO YOU HAVE A DESERVING NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION – Deserving of a new Toyota ?

 
Toyota Community Relations and Interactive Marketing

departments are pleased to announce ’100 Cars for Good,’ a new, social

media-enabled philanthropy program to be unveiled via a national press

release on March 1st.
Toyota will donate 100 cars in 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit (verified 501c3)

organizations.  But we’re not deciding who wins these vehicles; we’re

letting the community direct our giving

 

Each day for 100 days, 5 different nonprofit organizations will compete

for votes from the general public on the Toyota USA Facebook page.

 

The organization with the most votes at the end of each day will be

awarded a Toyota vehicle.  The four runner-up organizations each day

will be given a consolation prize of $1,000.

 

From the total pool of applications received, 500 nonprofits will be

selected by an independent panel of experts in the field of

philanthropy.

 

Once selected, these organizations will be notified, assigned their

voting day, and asked to submit a profile, including a short video

detailing how they will use a Toyota vehicle ‘for good.’

Applications will be accepted on the Toyota Facebook page beginning at

noon Pacific time on March 7th.  Applications will be accepted until

noon Pacific time on March 21st or until 5,000 applications are

received, whichever comes first.

 

Public voting on Facebook will begin on May 9th, 2011, and continue for

100 consecutive days.

 

 

FAQ Toyota ‘100 Cars for Good’

 

 

 

Q: What is Toyota 100 Cars for Good?

 

A: Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program is a Facebook-enabled philanthropy initiative whereby Toyota will give 100 Cars in 100 Days to 100 deserving charitable organizations.

 

Q: Why is Toyota giving cars to charity?

 

A: Toyota believes that motor vehicles, and the mobility they provide, contribute to the betterment of society.  They can be particularly impactful in enhancing the good works of charitable organizations in local communities, fulfilling their transportation needs to help extend the reach and efficiency of their good works.

 

Q: How will winners be determined?

 

A: Daily winners will be determined by popular vote on a dedicated Facebook application.  Each day, 5 charities will have the opportunity to win.  The organization receiving the most votes at the end of the day will receive a car.  The four runners-up will receive $1,000 cash.

 

Q: Who is eligible to win a car?

 

A: In order to be eligible for consideration, organization must be a verified 501c3.  Organizations with religious or political missions will not be eligible.

 

Q: How and when do organizations apply to participate?

 

A: Organizations will apply through submission of an application on the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Facebook page.  Applications will be accepted beginning March 7, 2011 and will remain open until March 21, 2011, or until 5,000 applications have been received.

 

The application will require such information as:

-       Name of organization

-       Mission of organization

-       How they would use the vehicle to enhance their good works

-       Vehicle selection (Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna, Sienna Ramp Van)

-       A brief statement explaining why they should be considered.

-       Category in which their charity work should be included (e.g. environment, education, safety, etc.)

 

 

Q: Which vehicles will be available for winners to choose?

 

A: Winners can choose from one of the following six Toyota vehicles:

-       Prius

-       Highlander Hybrid

-       Tacoma

-       Tundra

-       Sienna

-       Sienna Ramp Van

 

These vehicles were selected by Toyota based on our experience with donating vehicles to charitable organizations.

 

Q: How will the 500 finalists be selected?

 

A: Finalists will be selected by an independent, 3rd party panel of experts in the areas of Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility.

 

Q: What criteria will the panel use in selecting the 500 finalists?

A: Consideration will be given to applicants’ needs, potential impact of vehicle use, geographic diversity, diversity of populations served, and diversity of organizations’ missions.

Q: Who is eligible to vote?

 

A: Members of the general public with a Facebook account will be eligible to vote on a daily basis.

Q: How many times per day can a person vote?

 

A: Participants will be able to submit one vote per day for the 100 day contest period.

 

Q: When will voting begin?  How long will it last?

 

A: Voting is scheduled to begin May 9, 2011.  Each day for 100 days, 5 organizations will be eligible for voting.  At the end of each day, a winner will be determined and a car awarded.  The following day, 5 new organizations will compete for votes.  This process will continue for a period of 100 consecutive days (including all weekends and national holidays).

 

Q: Can the general public nominate a charity for participation?

 

A: The general public cannot directly nominate a charity for consideration.  However, they can alert their charity about the program and the organization can then apply directly by submitting a form on the Toyota Facebook page.

 

 

Q: When will the winners receive their vehicles?

 

A: Once notified, winners will receive their vehicle within 90-120 days.

 

Q: What will winners have to do to take delivery of the vehicle?

 

A: Vehicle winners must pay for vehicle registration and provide proof of insurance before vehicle delivery.  Winners may also be asked to participate in a vehicle delivery ceremony at a Toyota dealer in their local area.

 

Q: Can winners add options and accessories to their vehicles prior to taking delivery?

 

A: No.  In order to facilitate the vehicle ordering process, award vehicles will be of a predetermined color, spec, and content level.

 

Q: What if I don’t have a Facebook account?

 

A: At this time, votes will only be submitted via Facebook. You can easily open a Facebook account by going to www.facebook.com.  All you need is an email address to get started.

 

Q: What if a charitable organization does not have a Facebook account?  Will they still be able to participate?

 

A: Either the charitable organization, or an individual acting on behalf of the charitable organization, must have a Facebook account in order to submit an application through the Toyota USA Facebook page.    Toyota will provide all finalists with a ‘Social Media’ kit to help them enhance their social media presence during the contest period.

 

 

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The Only Minivan On The 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick List: Toyota Sienna

February 24, 2011 Leave a comment

With minivans once again growing in popularity, there are a lot of new choices on the market today—but only one earned a place among the 2011 Top Safety Picks chosen by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): That was the all-new Toyota Sienna. Only vehicles that offer electronic stability control and score the highest possible marks in the IIHS’ front, side, rear and rollover crash evaluations earn the award, so this is no small honor for Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon.”But it is further evidence of Toyota’s renewed dedication to customer safety, which also includes making the company’s Star Safety System a standard feature on the Sienna. This comprehensive suite of safety technologies includes anti-lock brakes, brake-force distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control and traction control. Seven airbags are standard as well, ranging from dual-stage front and seat-mounted airbags for the front seats to a new driver’s-side knee airbag and side-curtain airbags that extend the length of the cabin to offer protection to passengers in all rows.
The 2011 Sienna stands apart from the crowd for other reasons, too. Completely redesigned for the new model year, Toyota’s minivan offers a choice of both four- and six-cylinder engines, front- or all-wheel drive, a sporty SE model that delivers a surprisingly dynamic driving experience, aggressive sheet metal, a roomier and more versatile interior than the 2010 model, and much more. In fact, thanks to these kinds of advantages, sales of the Sienna were up nearly 20 percent through November of this year.
Impressively, seven other Toyota products also were named to the 2011 list of IIHS Top Safety Picks:

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Venza

Toyota Highlander

Toyota Avalon

Lexus RX

Scion tC

Scion xB

“Toyota is pleased to have received eight IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2011, which we believe is reflective of our ongoing commitment to developing safe and reliable vehicles for our customers,” said a company representative.

Filed under Toyota News

Toyota to launch home electric car chargers in 2012

February 20, 2011 Leave a comment

Toyota Motor Corp will launch home battery chargers for electric and plug-in hybrid cars next year as it starts selling new models of environmentally friendly cars, the Nikkei business daily reported on Sunday.

The chargers, which will be compatible with non-Toyota cars, will come in two types, the Nikkei reported, citing company sources. One would extend from the exterior wall of a home and the other would be for setting up in a garage.

The company expects to sell 20,000 to 30,000 units in the first year, with each costing about several tens of thousands of yen to 200,000 yen ($2,405) including installation costs, the Nikkei added.

Toyota, the world’s biggest automaker, has said it would begin selling a Prius-based plug-in hybrid by early 2012 mainly in Japan, the United States and Europe, targeting sales of more than 50,000 units a year.

The car, which unlike a conventional hybrid can be plugged in to enable longer-distance driving using only electricity, is expected to cost as little as 3 million yen in Japan, the company has said.

In the field of battery electric

Butler Toyota in Macon, GA

Coming to homes in 2010

vehicles, Toyota plans to begin selling in 2012 a model based on the tiny iQ in the United States, Japan and Europe.

Filed under Gas saving

Geico Employee Discount At Butler Toyota

February 15, 2011 Leave a comment

Geico Employee Discount At Butler Toyota in Macon

Feb 15, 2011 – G- Plan FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Geico Discount Program (G-Plan) is offered by Butler Toyota to the employees, spouses and other household members (driver’s license required for proof of residency) of Geico of Macon, GA.

Who is eligible to participate in the Gieco Discount Program?
Active hourly and salaried (full- and part-time) employees of Geico in Macon,GA. In household family members may also participate. (spouse and children)

What is the vehicle discount?
As an eligible Geico employee, you can get Preferred Pricing, a special discounted price that’s below the Invoice, when you purchase vehicles through the Geico Discount Program. Along with a unique quick delivery buying experience.

What vehicles are available with the program?
All in stock new Toyota vehicles are available.

Can I use a trade-in with this program?
Yes, your trade in is welcome under this program.  We optimize current auction values to maximize your trade in value

Does the purchase require a down payment?
Details on any down payment of your chosen vehicle will vary from individual to individual.

Are my family members eligible for the vehicle discount?
Yes. You can share your discount with any family member within your household. Typically this is a spouse or child.

Proof of eligibility
For employees of G

eico, you must provide a recent pay stub, company I.D., W-2 or company healthcare card. All are acceptable items to verify employment. (Note: business cards will not be accepted as proof of employment).  For residents in the same household as the eligible employee a driver’s licenses’ will be required for proof of residence.

G-PLAN HOTLINE – 888-646-7806

If you would like, we encourage you to shop other dealers.  It will make you very happy when we quote our price to you.

# # #

Butler Toyota is the Toyota Dealer serving Middle Georgia. Our commitment to customer service is second to none. Founded on the “Customer First” principle, we have served faithfully for over 40 years. Visit our community website@ www.ButlerToyota.org

GPLAN

 

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Toyota FT-86 Sports Coupe To Go By Scion FT-S

February 13, 2011 Leave a comment

**RUMOR**        **RUMOR**        **RUMOR**        **RUMOR**        **RUMOR**

Some time ago a rumor began circulation that stated the new Toyota FT-86 would get a Scion badge, which makes perfect sense considering what the auto brand was suppose to be when it was launched by Toyota, a youth oriented marquee.While that rumor appears to be fact at this stage, one is still left wondering if the sports coupe would actually go by the name FT-86, or if it would get some fancy and highly creative name like tC or xB. Well, according to Toyobaru, the new coupe from the Japanese automaker will be known as the Scion FT-S.The new Scion FT-S will make its debut at the New York Auto Show with, what many think will be a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, not the rumored 2.0-liter. Power will be sent to the rear wheels and Toyota is planning on marketing this vehicle to the drifting crowd, if there is one in the United States worth pursuing.The Scion FT-S’ brother, the Subaru sports coupe, will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show. Rumors are a fickle thing and it now seems that the Subaru will arrive in Geneva packing all-wheel drive, not the rear-wheel drive setup that was once suggested. This should help Subaru’s version differentiate itself from the Scion FT-S.If we are going to take the rumors one step further, there are some going around that suggest Subaru might be working on an STI version of, whatever it is their coupe is going to be called. Spy shots that have been taken of the car show a front-mounted intercooler and bulging hood, suggested that some sort of turbocharged boxer engine with 300 horsepower lives inside.The Scion FT-S – or Toyota FT-86 – will likely cost around $25,000 but it’s anybody’s guess as to the price of the Subaru. Both should arrive in dealerships around 2012.

Filed under Rumor !

The Plugged-In Prius

February 12, 2011 Leave a comment

 

Prius Plugin at Butler Toyota

 

Early in the Toyota Prius' history, U.S. owners noticed it lacked the EV mode switch included in the Japanese market car. Thus was born the first Prius hack, restoring that button's functionality in the U.S. cars. Then, in 2004, CalCars took Prius hacking even further, adding the capability of charging up the battery pack from the grid. CalCars boasts that this hacked Prius gets 100 mpg. That Toyota is now promising the public a plug-in Prius as a 2012 model should only beg the question of what took so long. As with most car companies, Toyota moves at a conservative pace, not wanting to risk a manufacturing line on a product that could turn out to be a dud. The launch of the official Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) began with concept vehicles shown at car shows, and now test vehicles being added to fleets. This launch program culminates in August 2012, when Toyota will make the Prius Plug-in available to the public.

As part of its roll-out, Toyota let CNET drive one of these Prius PHEV's for a week to assess the technology. Although this car offered essentially the same specifications as the model Toyota will release to the public, there will probably be a certain amount of refinement based on data from the fleet testing. Consider the current Prius PHEV a beta. Besides the stickers along the sides proclaiming this Prius' plug-in status, the exterior sports a charge port on the left front fender. Covered by a hatch similar to the fuel filler hatch toward the rear, the charge port uses the JA1772 standard plug for electric cars. Nobody should have a problem distinguishing the fuel and charge ports. Inside the Prius PHEV, the cargo area suffers a tiny bit from the conversion. The cargo floor is raised by about half an inch to make room for a stack of lithium ion batteries underneath. This battery pack replaces the nickel metal hydride pack used in the standard Prius. And although lithium ion has greater energy density than nickel metal hydride, the battery pack still takes up more space, as it has to store enough electricity to drive the car in EV mode.

This bigger battery pack not only knocks out the spare tire, but it feels like it makes the car heavier, as well. Toyota makes up for the spare with a patch kit. Where the Nissan Leaf has a row of colored lights that let you know its charge state when plugged in, the Prius PHEV has a single amber light set in the dashboard that turns on when it is charging. This light isn't designed into the general instrumentation of the car, and looks more like something an engineer knocked into place with a Dremel tool. Short rangeIt does not take long to charge up the Prius PHEV, maybe a couple of hours. But instead of any great charging efficiency on the part of Toyota, that charging time has more to do with the fact that the battery pack is not particularly robust, only capable of driving the car for 13 miles. That's right, only 13 miles. Once that less than copious amount of electric range gets depleted, the car switches to hybrid mode, where it operates very similar to a standard Prius. But while the car is in electric mode, indicated by a green EV icon in the eyebrow display, it feels much like a Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt. Push the accelerator and it jolts forward, making a turbinelike whirring sound. Acceleration continues with that linearity peculiar to electric cars. At least up to 62 mph, at which speed it automatically switches over to standard hybrid mode.

Along with the green EV icon in the instrument cluster, the Prius PHEV also sports an extra graph among its various power use animations. This simple bar graph shows how much time the Prius PHEV has been driven in EV mode and how much in hybrid mode. When the Prius PHEV arrived in the CNET garage, it showed only 2 percent EV driving, and fuel economy down at 43 mpg. Over our testing period, EV time was boosted up to 15 percent, with final mileage about 58 mpg. Commuting within the confines of San Francisco, a city measuring only 7 by 7 miles, the car was able to make round trips under electric power the entire distance. For a commute as short as this, a driver might not use a drop of gas all week. When the battery became depleted, the Prius PHEV almost unnoticeably switched over to its hybrid mode. Toyota has always done a good job of making the engine kick in very smoothly in its hybrids. Where in a normal Prius, you might see the battery meter rise to full after a few downhill runs, the Prius PHEV takes much longer to fill, as the battery pack is bigger. And even when the battery meter showed a quarter full after some careful driving, it would not switch back into EV mode, still operating as a normal hybrid. There is little change to the handling feel with the Prius PHEV--the car still feels wobbly, as if it would much prefer to go in straight lines rather than bother turning. The suspension, though not rough, has more of an economy than luxury car feel. The steering feel is on the numb side, the electric power-steering unit giving off its characteristic whir when the wheel is turned. Toyota has not released full specifications on the Prius PHEV yet, but it feels heavier than a standard Prius. The addition of the bigger battery pack would account for the mass increase, and leads us to suspect that the Prius PHEV would get worse gas mileage than the standard Prius when driving in hybrid mode because of the extra weight. That loss of efficiency can be mitigated merely by charging it up and driving it in electric mode. Given the nature of its plug-in system, the phrase "your mileage may vary" applies to the Prius PHEV in a big way. Whatever numbers the EPA comes out with for the car's mileage will apply to few owners. Someone driving the car in EV mode 50 percent of the time will get much different mileage than another person only taking advantage of EV mode 20 percent of the time. As the electric range is not that great, few owners would likely go to the extra expense of installing a dedicated charging station at home. But the car recharges reasonably fast from a 110-volt outlet. One thing not offered in the Prius PHEV is the ability to schedule charging times, as in the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt

 


Filed under Gas saving

Toyota Prius – Still the Hybrid King

February 11, 2011 Leave a comment

 

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When the Toyota Prius was redesigned for the 2010 model year, it gained a larger gasoline engine and more power but didn’t make any sacrifices when it came to fuel economy. The Prius is motivated by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, which consists of a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that is coupled with two electric motors by way of a continuously-variable automatic transmission. Together, these three sources provide 134 horsepower and fuel economy that is rated at 51-mpg in city driving and 48-mpg on the highway.

This exceptional fuel mileage rating places the Prius ahead of vehicles like the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Honda Insight and the Lexus CT 200h, which shares a similar drivetrain. In fact, in order to beat the Prius at the fuel economy game, it is necessary to consider a pure electric vehicle like the Nissan Leaf, or a near-electric like the Chevrolet Volt.

At Butler Toyota in Macon, we have the staff to fully explain the details and all the options available on the Prius.

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Toyota Land Cruiser Turns 60

February 5, 2011 Leave a comment

In 1951 Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser, a vehicle designed with go-anywhere capabilities. The Land Cruiser quickly earned a reputation for its reliability and for its ruggedness, having been the first vehicle to be driven to Mt. Fuji’s sixth hill station, a climb rising 2,500 meters. Since its introduction, it has conquered the Arctic (and Antarctic) wastes, traversed deserts, ploughed its way through tropical rain forests and generally taken the worst the world can throw at it in its stride. The Land Cruiser has also became a favorite among police fleets and militaries around the world.

Butler Toyota SUV

Tried and True around the World

After sixty years on the market, the Land Cruiser has evolved substantially. While it remains one of the toughest machines on four wheels, it has become increasingly sophisticated, mating strong off-road performance with unparalleled levels of luxury.

To celebrate this major milestone, Toyota will introduce two 60th anniversary models of the 2011 Land Cruiser. Unfortunately, both models are built for the UK only. But Land Cruiser fans can rest assured that the model available here in U.S. lives up to its safari-conquering spirit.

Powering this luxurious brute is a 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine which produces 381 horsepower 401 lb-ft of torque. Ninety percent of peak torque is available at just 2,200 rpm, helping make the Land Cruiser an outstanding tow vehicle. This unit is also equipped with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, which optimizes power, fuel efficiency and emissions.

The 2011 Land Cruiser is features a range of systems designed to maximize ruggedness and durability in extreme driving conditions. This includes Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which enhances both on-road handling response and off-highway capability. Unlike more car-like crossovers, the Land Cruiser is equipped with a lightweight, compact transfer case which provides full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range for traversing challenging driving surfaces, such as steep inclines. Traction control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and make helps make traversing difficult terrain easier, and safer.

Toyota LandCruiser

WOW !

Inside, the latest generation Land Cruiser comes luxuriously equipped, with standard features that include rear privacy glass, a JBL premium audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and 14 speakers; Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start that allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle by carrying the key; anti-theft security system; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink®; steering wheel-mounted audio; heated, power front seats with driver’s memory; and power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory. Other features include Toyota’s advanced Safety Connect telematics system, which dispatches emergency responders in the event of a collision and provides a range of other useful features.

Landcruiser in Georgia

Comfort and room

The Toyota Land Cruiser continues to be a unique package backed by an iconic history. The latest model retains the characteristics that have made it a legend, but it also boasts the comfort and technology that will ensure its everlasting popularity.

Filed under Toyota News

2012 Plug-In Prius Now Travelling The Streets

February 2, 2011 Leave a comment

Commercial sales of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) aren’t slated to begin until 2012, but five of the high-efficiency vehicles are already in use in New York City as part of the automaker’s 600-vehicle-strong global demonstration fleet.

“New York City has one of the world’s most aggressive and comprehensive sustainability plans—PlaNYC, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030,” said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “Reaching our goal means having a more efficient vehicle fleet, and Toyota continues to be a great partner for City government, which has the world’s largest fleet of hybrid vehicles. I want to thank Toyota for making us a part of the Plug-in Hybrid vehicle program and generously providing these cars at no cost to the taxpayer.”

Prius in Macon,GA

READY TO GO

And you can be sure plenty of retail customers will be thanking the company too once they get their turn in the plug-in Prius. Building on the same foundation that helps the current Prius achieve stellar EPA ratings of its own, the Prius PHV packs new technology that will provide drivers with approximately 13 miles of all-electric driving range at speeds of up to 62 mph. But there’s no need for any range anxiety with the Prius PHV, because it operates just like a “regular” Prius once its batteries are depleted: That means it has the ability to travel hundreds of more miles while still turning up an EPA line of 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway/50 mpg combined.

Of course, when you do need to re-charge the Prius PHV, it takes just three hours using a standard 110-volt outlet or only 90 minutes with a 220-volt setup.

“Toyota and New York City share a commitment to building a more environmentally sustainable future for New York, making this Prius Plug-in Hybrid partnership a natural fit,” said Yoshi Inaba, president and COO of Toyota Motor North America, Inc.  “As we strive to bring advanced-technology and alternative-fuel vehicles to market that will not only benefit our customers but also the environment, these real-world partnerships are critical to the success of the program.”

 

Filed under Uncategorized

Toyota hints at bringing back the Celica

February 1, 2011 Leave a comment

Celica Sneek Peek

A hint of things to come

Toyota has released a preview of its concept sports car for the Geneva Motor Show – the Toyota FT-86 II.

This is the latest version of the Toyota FT-86 seen at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, and considered by many to be ‘the new Toyota Celica’.

Toyota is saying little about the latest iteration, but is purposefully hinting at an extra edge to the new car with a sneak preview of its front end look.

This shows a crisper, more defined front end look, with what appears to be a low bonnet line and ample engine air intakes. Headlights are also distinctive and detail-packed.

The original Toyota FT-86 was first shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and is a rear-drive sports car co-developed with Subaru.

It is rumoured to use a 2.0-litre Subaru ‘boxer’ engine, with four horizontally opposed cylinders that are a Subaru trademark. The platform is also said to be derived from the Subaru Impreza.

Toyota is said to be planning a launch of the car in late 2011 – perhaps meaning the production version will be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show later in the year? We’ll find out more at Geneva and be the first to tell you.

And why FT-86? It’s in reference to the original Toyota AE86, a rear-drive compact sports coupe .

Indeed, Toyota says in the news release that the FT-86 II ‘embodies the company’s reborn passion for sports car driving’ – meaning we have a real driver’s car in waiting? Here’s hoping!

Filed under Rumor ! Tagged with

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