Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Toyota Fuel Cell Concept Sedan Debuts at 2014 Consumer Electronics Show




Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., will debut the FCV, a sedan based fuel cell vehicle, at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.  

The reveal will feature the North America debut of the concept vehicle as well as an introduction to the fuel cell “test mule”, which logged thousands of miles during rigorous quality and durability testing on U.S. roadways.  

Toyota’s news conference will be held Monday, January 6 at 1:00 PM at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center.  

Friday, December 13, 2013

Toyota Plants an Entire Forest!




Leaves rustle and twigs snap under the scuffle of small shoes. A light wind blows; the air is crisp. And Hoosiers can breathe a bit easier, thanks to a 160-acre woods Toyota has planted near its Princeton, Ind., facility.

The afforestation project grew from an idea that began 16 years ago, when then plant president, Seizo Okamoto, had a vision of a nature trail adjacent to the childcare center. With the help of a local landscape architect, 10,000 saplings of 17 native species were planted along a one mile loop.

The program took on new life five years ago, and planting began in earnest. So far more than 90,000 trees have been planted; the final goal: 125,000 by the end of 2014.

To get the trees in the ground fast, Toyota used mechanical equipment to plant most of the forest, but it also asked associates for help. Team members and their families hand planted 1,000 trees in just a few hours. Their handiwork has created new habitats for native animals, such as white-tailed deer and red-tailed hawks, to live and prosper.

“The goal of sustainable growth that is in harmony with the environment is part of our Global Vision,” says Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) President Norm Bafunno. “TMMI is proud to support and enhance the communities where we live and work through environmental stewardship of our land, community service and environmental education programs we offer to our local school children each year.”

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Toyota: Focused on Plants, People and Planet

2013 North American Environmental Report Details Innovation and Improvements

 

Looking for a new vehicle? How about one that was assembled at a North American facility that helped save 61 million gallons of water last year? And you can buy that vehicle at one of the most environmentally advanced dealerships in the country. These examples of environmental leadership and more are highlighted in the recently published 2013 Toyota North American environmental report.

Noteworthy efforts for the year include:

1. Toyota and Lexus exceeded sales of 2 million hybrid vehicles in the U.S. and more than 5 million hybrids globally. Toyota estimates the use of 5 million hybrid vehicles has avoided 34 million tons of CO2 emissions.


2. Energy use has been reduced by22 percent per vehicle produced (since FY2002).


3. Ten Toyota North American plants achieved zero waste to landfill.


4. Since 2002, Toyota’s parts and accessories returnable container program has saved over 308 million pounds of wood and 185 million pounds of cardboard. Or 2.5 million trees worth.


5. Now in its sixth year, Toyota TogetherGreen has engaged nearly half a million participants in conservation action in all 50 states.



Browse our current selection on planet-friendly cars on the Day Toyota website.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Toyota Launches TeenDrive365 to Help Families Navigate One of the Most Dangerous Years of a Teen's Life



Inspiring Teens and Parents To Be Safer Drivers Together with Online Resources, Events, Social Media and More

 

The first year a teenager gets their driver’s license will be one of the most dangerous of their lives and while cars today are safer than ever, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers.

Today, Toyota launched TeenDrive365, a driving safety platform to help families navigate the critical first year of a teen’s independent driving. Designed to amplify the teen driving programs and resources Toyota has offered for over a decade, the initiative aims to help foster an ongoing dialogue between parents and teens through engaging online tools, expert advice and tips, local events and social media.


One of TeenDrive365’s goals is to inspire parents to model safer driving behaviors for their teens. This premise of bringing parents and teens together to encourage safe driving is based on scientific research from a national study Toyota conducted with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. The study found a significant correlation between how parents and their teens drive, suggesting that parents are the biggest influence on how a teen will behave behind the wheel.


The study was sponsored by Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC), which works with leading institutions on auto safety research, including projects designed to better understand teen drivers’ risks and behaviors and identify effective recommendations to help keep them safe.


“We like to say that driver’s education begins the day a parent turns their child’s car seat around to face forward,” said Dr. Tina Sayer, Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center Principal Engineer and teen safe driving expert. “It’s so important that parents understand that the actions they take and the expectations they set for young drivers each day are powerful factors in encouraging a lifetime of safe behavior behind the wheel.” 


Browse our current selection of vehicles by visiting the Day Toyota Scion website







Thursday, November 14, 2013

The HorseBikeCar: Toyota's Latest Concept


Toyota is always pushing the envelope when it comes to the integration of technology in our daily lives. Such is the case with their newest concept, the FV2.



The vehicle is somewhere in between a car, a bike and a horse. 

Scheduled to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, the FV2 will offer an entirely new operating experience. When parked, it looks fairly similar to a motorcycle. But power her up, and the canopy sweeps open exposing the cabin which consists of a simple standing platform. Imagine standing up on an ATV, except you won't find a steering-wheel or pedal anywhere. Instead, the operator will have to rely on some fancy technology to make it go. 

The idea behind the concept is to seamlessly connect driver and machine. Essentially, the FV2 will just be an extension of the human body. Simply lean in the direction you want the vehicle to travel, and it will swiftly oblige. The functionality has been likened to that of a Segway. While that sounds like it may be dangerous at high-speeds, Toyota has a solution. Adhering to their concept of seamless integration, the FV2 will have 'Driver Assist Mode' capabilities. The highly-advanced HUD (Heads Up Display) projected onto the windscreen will provide traffic and weather conditions, warn of potential collisions and even maintain driving logs so that it can better adapt to your operational style. 

Perhaps the craziest feature about the FV2 is its ability to detect your mood and use that information to protect you and other motorists. For example, if you start to get angry at the guy tailgating you, the FV2 will use its voice and visual sensors to immediately determine your mood. It will then use lights on the outside of the car to indicate to the inconsiderate driver behind you that you're getting upset. 

All in all, the FV2 makes use of some serious innovations and should be fun to finally see when the Tokyo Motor Show kicks off on November 22. 

What do you think about the concept? Let us know!

Friday, November 1, 2013

The All-New Toyota Corolla: Elevate Your Style




We all know about the Toyota Corolla, it has been an extremely popular model since its inception in 1966. [See photo] It is getting our attention today because Toyota has released the all-new 2014 model, and you’re in for a treat.

  • All-new exterior styling – Toyota has been spending some quality time with its design team to come up with drastically sportier, classier, and more fun Corolla. If you are a new Corolla owner, you will happy to have Standard LED Headlights, making it a great deal safer to drive at night. Once you get used to night-driving with these, you just won’t want regular halogen lights again.
  • Newly designed interior - We all have spilled drinks on a car seat, and so Toyota developed a solution for us humans. The Corolla comes with available SofTex® seats, Toyota says it is a true blend of “science and luxury.” SofTex® seats are water- and stain-resistant, and supportive for long road trips. New Piano black accents are now used in the dashboard, taking the interior quality to a whole new level. Available moonroof, for you to enjoy on those beautiful sunny Sunday afternoons. Lastly, the available gated shifter will give you incredible feel during your manual shifts.
  • Technologic – The Corolla can now be had with a backup camera, standard Bluetooth, available Entune entertainment system (welcoming navigation and third-party apps), an advanced voice recognition module, steering wheel controls and a standard USB port.
  • Safety first – The 2014 Corolla has 8 airbags and every Corolla has our Star Safety System which is packed with technologies to keep you safe and sound at all times.

Visit the Day Toyota Scion website to see what we currently have in stock. Toyota of York will be happy to take you on a test drive and get you in that new Corolla.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Toyota and Discovery Education Are Calling All Teen Filmmakers


2014 Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge Invites Teens to Make Original Videos to Inspire Their Peers to Become Safer Drivers

Do you think you know a teen who could be the next Spielberg, Scorsese, or Soderbergh? Then steer them to the 2014 Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge, which invites burgeoning filmmakers and YouTubers to create original videos to inspire their peers to be safer drivers  for the chance to win $15,000.
 

While cars today are safer than ever, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens and according to the National Safety Council, the year a teenager gets their license will be one of the most dangerous of their life.


“Safety is at the heart of everything Toyota does, which is why we are so excited about the Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge,” said Latondra Newton, Toyota chief corporate social responsibility officer. “What could be more inspiring and impactful than harnessing the passion, creativity and talent of teens across the country to join us in making our roads safer for everyone?”


“That is why ToyotaTeenDriver.com is one of the most important educational resources we can provide high school students, educators and parents. The engaging multimedia resources on the site use interactivity to show students first-hand why distracted or impaired driving is such a dangerous activity and can help them to make positive decisions that will keep them safe behind the wheel.” 


So head on over to http://toyotateendriver.com to learn how to enter for an opportunity to win some huge prizes!

Visit the Day Toyota Scion Website to get more Toyota and automotive related updates. 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Toyota Corolla Nominated for Green Car of the Year

Named one of Green Car Journal’s ‘Top 5 Green Cars for 2014’

 

The 2014 Toyota Corolla has been elevated to “green heights.”  The Green Car Journal has named the eleventh-generation sedan a finalist for the 2014 Green Car of the Year award and one of its top 5 Green Cars for 2014. The Corolla also earned the magazine’s ‘Green Car Product of Excellence’ distinction.

Finalists were selected for “their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance.”  One selection factor is the model’s availability to the mass market, giving it the potential to make a real environmental impact.

”The Corolla has been the world’s most popular name plate with over 40 million sold since 1966.  The Corolla’s environmental sensitivity has evolved with the market.  The new 11th generation of Corolla, and the new LE Eco model in particular, offer increased levels of capability and fuel economy,” said Bob Carter, Senior Vice President, Automotive Operations, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

The Green Car of the Year will be announced during media days at the L.A. Auto Show, Nov. 20-21, 2013. 
Get more Toyota related updates and automotive content by connecting with the Day Toyota Facebook page. 

Thursday, October 10, 2013

When It Gets Crisp in the Fall: 5 Superb Scenic Autumn Drives




"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall." 
With Fall now in full-swing, it's a great opportunity to get out of town and enjoy all the beauty that is the Autumn season. Soon enough, most parts of the East coast will be buried in with snow. If you don't get out now, you may end up with a mild case of cabin fever by Spring. For your convenience, we have compiled a handy list of some of the best Fall drives east of the Mississippi. 



1. Northampton to Dover




2. Beverly Farms to Holderness




 

 




3.  Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina


 

 







 
4. North Conway to Mt. Washington, New Hampshire













5. Lewiston to Rangeley, Maine 











We hope these ideas give you some inspiration as to where to go this Fall. Don't miss out! Soon enough, the landscape will be mostly devoid of life.  

Share some of your favorite scenic routes with us on the Day Toyota Facebook page!  

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

100 Cars for Good: How You Can Make a Difference With Just a Click of the Mouse





Each year since 2011, Toyota has donated 100 cars to much-deserving non-profit organizations. They're at it again this year and it's up to you to decide which NPO's receive the cars.

This is how the program works: First, thousands of organizations around the country submit applications to be candidates for the program. Then, by August 5th, a panel of judges review the applications and select 250 finalists. The last step is where you come in. Toyota is relying on you to pick the most worthy finalists to receive their Car for Good. Each day, five finalists compete for your votes. At the end of the day, the two finalists with the most votes win a car. 

Winning organizations have the opportunity to choose from five different models: Highlander, Prius, Sienna, Sienna Mobility or Tundra. Each one has its specialized abilities and advantages.

The program has proven to impact thousands of lives in a positive manner. Just take one of last years winners, Family Promise of Grand Rapids, for example. This organization helps assist struggling families in Michigan. With the Tundra that was provided to them through the 100 Cars for Good program, they were able to help 30 needy families settle into their new homes. Without the Tundra, these families would never have been able to receive donated furniture and other housewares.

Voting has already started! Head over to the 100 Cars for Good Facebook App to learn more.

Friday, September 27, 2013

How To Prepare Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit

Nowadays, we're almost always a screen-tap away from contacting someone, should we need assistance. We have been conditioned to take that ability for granted. Most major highways provide cell-phone service. However, would you be prepared for an emergency roadside situation if you were not plugged-in to the rest of civilization?

Even in the age-of-information it is important to prepare a roadside emergency kit. 




What should you put in your emergency kit, you ask? Let us break it down for you.

  • Jumper Cables. This one's pretty obvious and allows you to be the roadside hero too! 
  • Flares. If your car is disabled on a major roadway, you'll want to signal to oncoming traffic. 
  • Extra oil. Usually two quarts will be sufficient to get you to the nearest service station.
  • Antifreeze. Never push your car's engine if it is overheating. This could lead to serious (expensive) damage.
  • First aid kit. You can never have a too-well-stocked first aid kit. Basic items include bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic/burn cream, aspirin.
  • Blanket. This can serve various purposes but the most obvious is to stay warm when stranded in the cold.
  • Fuses. Fuse failure is hard to anticipate. This can be a major problem if you don't have extra. Be sure to stock fuses of varied amperage. 
  • Flashlight and extra batteries. Without this, being stranded in the dark is a much worse situation.
  • Basic, versatile tools. Including: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, pliers, vice-grips, adjustable wrench, tire-pressure gauge, and pocketknife (multi-tools are ideal).
  • Tire inflator. Such as Fix-A-Flat
  • Rags and paper towels.
  • Duct tape. Need we explain further?
  • Ice scraper.
  • Pen and paper.
  • Help sign. This will make flagging passing drivers much more effective.
  • Energy bars. Or some form of emergency food that will last for awhile in the car.
  • Bottled water.
  • Heavy-duty bag to store the kit in.     
Obviously, this list is not exclusive. There are many other useful items that you may want to bring as well. For more car tips and such, head on over to the Day Toyota Scion Facebook Page.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Weekly Car Tip: Music Can Improve (Or Worsen) Your Driving



Most of us listen to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects on your driving abilities? This study shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves to moderate your heart rate. 

So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones? 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Is ethanol-based fuel actually bad for your car?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) originally determined that E15 fuel was suitable for vehicles manufactured after 2007. However, automakers then filed a lawsuit against the EPA and its motion to endorse the renewable fuel, making it illegal. E15 is essentially gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol. The auto industry determined that the fuel was unsuitable because many older vehicles were vulnerable to some of its effects. So with ethanol based fuels basically outlawed, consumers had to continue to be reliant on ruthless oil companies. 




Some believe that the oil companies are taking advantage of consumers on this basis.

“We are writing to express concerns that oil companies are engaging in anti-competitive practices aimed at blocking market access for renewable fuels,” says Grassley, an Iowa government state representative.


New research has emerged suggesting that the fuel is indeed safe for all models built in 2001 or later, which verifies E15 proponents' claims that consumers were being misled. Ultimately, the EPA endorsed the ethanol-based fuel and now it is up to businesses and the consumer to adopt E15.

There are many advantages to producing and using E15 fuel. Ethanol is produced domestically which will create jobs, not to mention lessen our staggering reliance on foreign oil. It will also effectively lower greenhouse gas emissions by 59%. Another benefit to consuming E15 rather than standard gasoline is the reduced risk of oil spills, considering that much less oil will have to be transported across the ocean. The fuel is also 100% renewable. 

Along with all the pros listed above, there is one last thing to consider. E15 is cheap. It's relatively inexpensive to produce compared to gasoline, and that translates to lower prices at the gas pump. 

What are your thoughts on E15? Comment below or connect with us on Facebook.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Weekly Car Tip: Stuck Lug Nuts?


Hello there, fans! It's time again for our #WeeklyCarTip

This week we'll keep it short and simple. It's the kind of preventative maintenance that you will take for granted 364 days out of the year, but that ONE day when you do get a flat tire, you will be glad that you took action. So without further ado, we present: 







It's safe to assume that just about everyone has had to deal with a stubborn flat tire. You know the one, where you put every ounce of your body weight into loosening one of those forsaken lug nuts to no avail?





Use some anti-seize compound to keep those lug nuts from sticking. You will thank yourself the next time you're on your way to an important meeting and the worst happens.
Keep a can of anti-seize lubricant in the car, as well. That way you'll never have to worry about stubborn lug nuts again. 

Until next time!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

The Harsh Truth About Taking Road Trips As an Adult



It's the season for road trips—that perfect time of the year for putting those hard-earned PTO hours to good use. If you happen to be single or married but without children, forget this article. There are no rules or suggestions for you. Well, except one: Enjoy it while you can. 

For the rest of us, the whimsical nature of road trips is a thing of the past. We have to painstakingly plan every moment. What used to be a capricious expedition into the unknown is now more of a NASA flight plan, with each miniscule detail calculated to the second. First, we establish a rough itinerary. Then, to be safe, we develop a contingency plan. We take stock of food provisions and medical supplies. Then, we plan some more.

What's originally intended to be an escape, quickly becomes the same old routine. Worse actually, because the stress levels are much higher when you're somewhere unfamiliar. So how can you prepare well enough for such an event, that you still have the capacity to appreciate the spirit of exploration? Here are some things to keep in mind:


  • The obvious way to get a kid to shut up is to fill his/her mouth with something. Snacks are very important when hitting the road with children in tow. Portable and non-messy foods are ideal here. Some good items to bring: Boxes of raisins, string cheese, crackers, grapes, apple slices, juice boxes.
  • To maintain a good schedule, you'll want to limit the number of bathroom breaks by limiting the amount of fluid intake. Make a game out of it. Like, "You can't take a drink until you see a blue car."
  • Too few breaks can be equally as damaging to you sanity. Think realistically how often you'll need to stop to keep the kids from bouncing off the walls of the mini-van. Plan your schedule accordingly to this. 
  • Messes are inevitable. Be prepared for this. Items like zip-lock bags, paper towels, easy-wipes and spill-proof cups are just a few examples. 
  • The dollar store is your friend. There are so many great, affordable options available that will provide entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, here are some ideas:
    1. Electronic Games
    2. Have the kids trace your progress on a map. Buy an extra so they can draw on it with water soluble utensils. (This will also somewhat mitigate the "Are We There Yet?" cliche.)
    3. Portable DVD players are your savior!
    4. Bribe them with toys! Also, bring along some toy catalogs. This will keep them entertained for hours. Bring some glue sticks and construction paper so they can create a "Toy Wish List".
    5. Don't underestimate the power of music. Perhaps some classical music will YOU in the mood while putting THEM to sleep?
    6. Of course, there are the old fashioned ways to keep entertained. Games like I Spy, the License Plate Game and Slug Bug are always effective.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Weekly Car Tip: Car Tire Maintenance





While car tire maintenance may seem like a no-brainer to most people, many basic tasks are overlooked. You may also be surprised to learn about some benefits of making sure that your car tires are in tip-top condition.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that underinflated tires cause more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries every year. So while you may not normally put much thought into where "the rubber meets the road", but it's obviously very crucial to do so. 

So before we go over ways to ensure that your tires are properly maintained, let's highlight the advantages that it will provide you.

First, as already stated, is safety. Even if you manage to escape a blowout situation personally unscathed, there is a good chance that your car (or another car) will suffer damage in an accident. Another benefit is the better fuel economy you get as a result of well-maintained tires. Tires that are in good shape and properly inflated will create less surface area coming in contact with the road, leading to reduced friction and improved fuel economy. Lastly, taking care of your tires will prolong the lifespan of those tires and your car in general. 

So really you can break these benefits up into two categories: health/safety and money saved.

It really is a no-brainer!

So, here are the steps you can take to ensure that your tires are up to par.


  1. Check pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Remember to check your tires when they are cool to the touch, to get an accurate measurement of air pressure.
  2. To determine the correct air pressure for your tires (measured in pounds per square inch or PSI) check the sticker on the inside of your driver's side doorframe. You can also check the owner's manual or consult your local tire dealer for the proper inflation information.
  3. After you remove the valve cap, firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
  4. Read the gauge to determine if your tires have the correct amount of inflation. If not, add air to achieve the recommended air pressure.
  5. If your tire is above the recommended tire pressure or you accidentally overfill it, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with the tire gauge tool, a fingernail, or the tip of a pen. Recheck the pressure until its right.
  6. Replace the valve cap when you’re done.
  7. Repeat with each tire, and don’t forget the spare. You’ll be glad you checked the spare if you get a flat tire.
  8. While you’re checking the pressure, take a moment to give your tires a good inspection. Listen for leaks, check tread wear, check for nails or other objects embedded in the tires, look for cuts or gouges, uneven wear, bulges, tread separation, and other irregularities. These could be signs of potential danger, so contact your local car care professional.
  9. Check your tire tread by inserting a penny upside down. If you can see the top of President Lincoln's head, your tire tread is too low.
  10. Rotate Your Tires Regularly. Rotating your tires helps achieve a more uniform wear for all tires on your vehicle. Tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 – 8,000 miles or sooner if signs of irregular or uneven tire wear appear.
  11. Balance Your Tires. An unbalanced wheel and tire assembly may create an annoying vibration when you drive on a smooth road and may result in irregular tread wear.
  12. Keep Your Tires Aligned. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear, bent wheels, worn bushings, and other mechanical problems cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a qualified mechanic. 

Be sure to like us on Day Toyota Scion's Facebook and follow us at Day Toyota Scion's Twitter for more great tips and also exclusive offers!


Thursday, July 25, 2013

Allen Samuels: Car Care Tip of the Week

There are so many simple things that can be done to prolong the life of your car's mechanical features. As the summer heats up, you may not use your heater much if at all! That can lead to overall degradation of the working parts of the heating system. As mechanical parts just sit there joints lose their lubrication, seals weaken and things just tend to freeze up.

Now, the heater was just one example. The same is true for say, your windshield wipers if it hasn't rained in awhile; your all-wheel drive if you haven't taken it off the pavement lately; and just about any set of moving parts your vehicle may have. It's important to use those features, even when they're not necessarily needed, to keep everything running smoothly.

So that's it for our weekly car tip! Simple but crucial — and something that the average person might not think about. 

Check in regularly for updates and be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!



You don't want to have to resort to this come winter time!