Toyota Taps Sustainable Design Firm Corgan for New North American Headquarters

It’s official. Dallas-based Corgan will be Toyota’s lead architect for its new North American headquarters campus in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

“After a search that included some of the finest architectural firms in the world, we are thrilled to welcome Corgan as designers of our North American headquarters in Plano, Texas,” said Doug Beebe, corporate manager of Administrative Services at Toyota.  “Corgan is a world-class firm that has designed many beautiful corporate campuses and other projects, both here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and around the world.  We are looking forward to seeing the design elements of this campus that Corgan will deliver to provide a collaborative and innovative workspace.”

Corgan President and CEO Bob Morris said, “We are inspired by the challenge to create a facility that will bring Toyota team members and associates from across the U.S. together in one building for the first time. It will be an honor for us at Corgan to help welcome Toyota to north Texas by creating a home for them where they will immediately feel comfortable and empowered to do their best work.”

The firm is already designing the temporary office space Toyota will occupy in Plano until the permanent campus is built.

Corgan has delivered impressive results working on corporate headquarters for State Farm, Southwest Airlines, Bulova, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Fossil, among others. The international firm has also been recognized for its design leadership of major hospitals, airports, schools, performance venues and a wide range of other project types. In addition, ninety of its projects are LEED registered and 47 are LEED certified.

Toyota recently purchased the land for the new headquarters site and expects to begin occupying the campus in late 2016 or early 2017.  Last month, Toyota selected Dallas-based KDC Real Estate Development & Investments, one of America’s leading commercial real estate development and investment firms, as lead developer for the project.

Once completed, the headquarters will be home to about 4,000 Toyota employees.

Five Travel Tips to Make Your Next Vacation a Summer Breeze

1. Search for hotels and flights online in private browsing or incognito. Booking websites will sometimes raise the prices if you've visited the website before.

2. Roll your clothes instead of folding. This will save huge amounts of space. 

 

3. If you have your phone's USB cord but not the adapter, use the one of the USB slots on the back of almost all modern TVs. 

 

4.  Place a dryer sheet at the bottom of your suitcase to keep clothes smelling fresh!

 

5.  Use this neat little trick to remove unsightly tourists from your photos.

Let us know if you have any travel tips of your own!

Toyota Reveals Exterior of Fuel Cell Sedan

Toyota Motor Corporation has revealed the exterior design and Japan pricing of its hydrogen fuel cell sedan, first unveiled as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.

The car will launch in Japan before April 2015, and preparations are underway for launches in the U.S. and European markets in the summer of 2015.

Four Signs That It's Time For A New Car

1.    You have perform a sacred ritual every time you try to start the car

 











2.   Your paint job looks like this.

 

      3.     Your bumper is comprised of more duct tape than actual plastic. (Unless you're going for the hillbilly chrome look.)

 











4.   Your exhaust emits enough smoke to rival a Bon Jovi concert. 

If your car is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it's time to check out our inventory.

En garde! April Fools Pranks for Car Lovers

Each year it seems that April 1st pranks just get more outrageous. Seriously, maybe you shouldn't even leave the house. And don't even think about getting on Facebook. 

Perhaps the best way to avoid falling victim to the shenanigans this year is to administer the deception. After all, they do say that the best defense is a good offense.

Here are a few ideas for pranks involving cars. 

*Disclaimer: People take their cars very seriously so choose your victim wisely.

1. Cellophane wrapping. This one needs no explanation.

2. Accessory Overload. If you have access to your victim's keys, this one can be really great! Turn on the radio, wipers, A/C, hazards, parking brake and whatever else you can think of so that the next time they get in the car, well...

3. Balancing Act. Using tape or a similar adhesive utility, secure an empty coffee cup or mug to the top of your car. Watch the bewildered stares as you maneuver around the city with seemingly super driving powers.

4. Hit and run. Leave a note that will make your victim think that somebody hit their car!

5. A smashing success. Obtain an old car window from a scrap yard. Smash it to pieces, roll your victim's car windows down and place the broken glass on their seat and on the ground. All that's left is to break the news.

Let us know if you have any auto related pranks of your own!

4Runner Q & A

Hop in the 4Runner with Rutledge Wood and stunt driver Andy Bell, as they answer some of your questions about the Toyota 4Runner's off-road capabilities. 

Toyota 4Runner Is Fun, Fun, Fun Because Daddy Took the Unibody Away

Body-on-frame construction makes 2014 4Runner the only “true SUV” in The Fast Lane Car’s Top 10 Most Fun to Drive Car Awards

 

Wind whips through your hair and sparkling ocean waters whiz by as you cruise up the coast – that’s how movies portray the fun driving experience. This year The Fast Lane Car rolls over that notion. The 2014 Toyota 4Runner, with its rugged good looks and adventurous off-roading capabilities, has been named to tflcar.com’s fifth annual Top 10 Most Fun to Drive Car Awards.

The editorial staff at tflcar.com reviews vehicles year-round, experiencing them in a variety of settings and climates. At the end of each year, 10 vehicles are awarded “most fun to drive.” These vehicles put smiles on faces and impart a Joie de Vivre. The 4Runner is one of these vehicles, noted for how it is, “pretty serious off-road, a lot of fun to drive” and “one of the last true SUVs.”

The 4Runner is the only body-on-frame sport utility vehicle (SUV) to make this year’s 10 list, which includes luxury brands, performance vehicles and consumer favorites. To qualify, vehicles had to be a 2014 model year and driven/tested by tflcar.com’s staff within the 2013 calendar year.

“These automobiles may or may not be the fastest, the most powerful, or the most expensive, but they are certainly the most interesting cars that we’ve driven in the past year, and that’s why we’re proud to announce they made our list,” said Roman Mica, tflcar.com publisher.

Five Less Obvious Signs That Your Car Is In Need of Service

While most of the time your car will be intelligent enough to let you know when it's time for service, there are instances when you may need to identify signs a little less obvious than a blinking orange light on the dashboard.

Here are five more subtle indications that your car needs a trip to the doctor.

1. You notice a sudden drop in gas mileage. This could be a direct cause of a bad fuel injector, dirty fuel filter or a problem with the spark plugs.

2. Strange sounds. There are many different noises that cars make; some natural while others not so much. Knocking, thudding, squealing, droning: these are some common indicators that something is wrong. 

3.  Leaks. Automobiles require a litany of fluids to properly function. Not all leaks will indicate a problem. For example, in the summer when the A/C is running, water may condense and drip on the ground. The same is true for exhaust pipes. Oil is one particular fluid that you do not want to see accumulating on your driveway. A good way to test if it is just water, or perhaps something else, is to dab a bit of the fluid on your finger and smell it. 

4. Spongy Brakes. Are you having to apply more pressure when braking your vehicle? It may be time for a brake inspection. 

5. Smells. Use all of your senses when operating your vehicle. Burning or metallic scents coming from the vehicle are good signs of overheating, or brake issues.

If you think your car is in need of service, schedule an appointment with us online!

Disney's 'Muppets Most Wanted' and Terry Crews Take Toyota on a Super Bowl Joyride

2014 Highlander Spot Highlights Muppets’ Mission to ‘Unborify’ Crews on Game Day

 

 

The Muppets gang is in for a wild ride when they join forces with Toyota this year, blending Toyota’s exciting ‘Let’s Go Places’ spirit with Muppets mayhem. The collaboration celebrates the upcoming Toyota Highlander launch and the Muppets’ all-new big-screen adventure “Muppets Most Wanted,” in theaters March 21, 2014.

Disney’s Muppets will hit the road with Terry Crews, star of the Golden Globe®-winning FOX series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” in Toyota’s new commercial for the all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander. The 60-second spot, entitled “Joyride,” will make its broadcast debut during Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday, February 2.

“Our game-day spot shows how Toyota Highlander puts the 'fun' in function,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of Toyota Division Marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Toyota vehicles are built to last and can even endure the most boisterous Muppets, a former NFL player as well as a center console full of chickens.”

With their over-the-top personalities, the Muppets teach Crews’ character a thing or two about “unborifying” his lifestyle as they “borrow” his sweet ride, the Toyota Highlander. The spot features humorous hijinks, dancing and surprises—and no Muppet caper would be complete without an original song. Viewers will see that with seating for up to eight human passengers or more than a dozen Muppets, the all-new Toyota Highlander has plenty of room for everything—everything except boring.

“We’re always game for a wild ride,” said Kermit the Frog, who makes a special appearance in the campaign, “as long as Animal’s not driving. He doesn’t quite get the whole concept of brakes.”

Crews, who played six years in the NFL as a defensive end/linebacker, is known for his roles and appearances on television shows such as “Arrested Development” and “The Newsroom,” and films “The Expendables” franchise, “Bridesmaids” and “The Longest Yard.”

“It’s truly an honor to be a part of this wild ride with Toyota and the Muppets,” said Crews. “The Toyota Highlander is the perfect vehicle to teach my character how to loosen up and have some fun. Be prepared for some laughs on game day.”

In addition to the commercial, the Muppets gang will provide real-time updates as they travel to the big game in their Toyota Highlander on February 2. Fans and customers are invited to chat live with the Muppets on game day by tweeting @Toyota or using #NoRoomForBoring.

The broadcast spot and social media activities were developed in partnership with Saatchi & Saatchi LA, Conill and 360i. “Joyride” will air during the second quarter of the game.

Here's a preview of the commercial:

Toyota Thanks Its 4 Millionth Certified Pre-Owned Customer

Michigan man presented with check; Toyota donates matching amount to local Ann Arbor non-profit

When Jose Ortiz of Ypsilanti, Mich. bought his 2010 Toyota Matrix at Dunning Toyota in December 2013, he didn’t realize the historical implication of his purchase. Ortiz’s decision enabled Toyota to become the first brand to sell 4 million certified pre-owned vehicles in automotive history.

The record-breaking sale was part of a banner year for Toyota, which sold more than 370,000 certified pre-owned vehicles in 2013.

To commemorate the milestone, Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division at Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., presented Ortiz with a check equal to the total cost of his Matrix. The ceremony took place at Dunning Toyota in Ann Arbor, Mich., the dealership where he bought his vehicle.

Toyota also marked occasion with a check presentation of the same amount to Alpha House Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), a local non-profit that Dunning Toyota has sponsored for many years.

Located in Washtenaw County, IHN is an emergency shelter for children and their families experiencing homelessness. Through IHN’s ongoing support and advocacy, families remain securely housed, better able to cope with ongoing challenges and more connected to community resources.

“Driven by great teamwork, Toyota’s certified used vehicle program has been a tremendous success not only in terms of units sold, but also in building customer loyalty,” said Fay. “Toyota was the first manufacturer to have a certified used vehicle program and there is no better way to celebrate this milestone than to buy a Toyota certified for our 4 millionth customer. On behalf of Toyota, I’d like to thank Jose Ortiz for being part of the Toyota family.”

'Toyota Car of the Future' On Sale Next Year

Reasonably priced hydrogen fuel cell electric targets 300-mile range, 3-5 minute fill-up 

 

“We aren’t trying to re-invent the wheel; just everything necessary to make them turn,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. Inc., at the opening of CES, the world’s largest trade show. “Fuel cell electric vehicles will be in our future sooner than many people believe, and in much greater numbers than anyone expected.”

Two vehicles shared the stage at the Toyota press conference: The FCV concept, showing what the four-door mid-size sedan will look like in Radiant Blue; and the camouflage-taped engineering prototype used for extensive and extreme on-road testing in North America for more than a year. The prototype has consistently delivered a driving range of about 300 miles, zero-to-sixty acceleration of about 10 seconds, with no emissions, other than water vapor. Refueling of its hydrogen tanks takes three to five minutes.

“Hydrogen works beautifully with oxygen to create water and electricity and nothing more,” said Carter. “For years, the use of hydrogen gas to power an electric vehicle has been seen by many smart people as a foolish quest. Yes, there are significant challenges. The first is building the vehicle at a reasonable price for many people. The second is doing what WE can to help kick-start the construction of convenient hydrogen refueling infrastructure. We’re doing a good job with both and we will launch in 2015.”

For the last 20 years, Toyota’s investment in fuel cell R&D has been massive. Since 2002, Toyota has been testing and developing a series of prototypes in North America. In those 11 years – and more than a million miles – it has dramatically reduced the cost of building a fuel cell powertrain. In fact, Toyota estimates a 95-percent cost reduction in the powertrain and fuel tanks of the vehicle it will launch in 2015, compared to what it cost to build the original prototype in 2002.

The FCV represents a major engineering achievement, where the size and weight of its powertrain system was significantly reduced while maintaining an impressive total power output of more than 100kW. A fully-fueled vehicle will be capable of supplying enough energy to power a house for a week in an emergency. Engineers are currently looking to develop an external power supply device that could be used in this manner.

“There’s no doubt, that the success of this technology will depend less on the genius of the car, than on the ownership experience,” said Carter. “Cost is one thing, but convenience is another.”

Focusing on California, where the vehicle will be launched initially, Toyota has partnered with the University of California Irvine’s Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) to help map out potential locations for new hydrogen fueling stations.

The APEP spatial model considers a variety of data including R.L. Polk ownership of hybrid and electric vehicles, traffic patterns, population density, and so on. The model is based on the assumption that owners want to reach a refueling station within 6-minutes.

What the model produced was an initial cluster map that requires only 68 station sites in the San Francisco Bay area and Silicon Valley, as well as Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. If implemented, the mapped system could handle a fuel cell population conservatively estimated by APEP at about 10,000 vehicles.

“Stay tuned,” added Carter, “because this infrastructure thing is going to happen.”

While specific sales volumes will be announced closer to launch, Carter said that Toyota has revised initial market plans and requested additional vehicles. More information will be announced in the weeks and months ahead, including U.S. sales volume targets, the name of the vehicle and comprehensive specifications and performance data. Consumers interested in learning more about the Toyota Car of the Future can visit www.toyota.com/fuelcell. 

Let us know what you think about this exciting, new technology and be sure to visit the Day Toyota Scion website.