Thursday, June 28, 2012

DC SCORES Receives New Toyota Sienna Minivan to Expand After-School Program in Nation's Capital

Washington, DC – (June 28, 2012) – DC SCORES, which provides award-winning after-school programs for low-income youth in Washington, DC today received a brand new Toyota Sienna as part of the automaker’s100 Cars for Good program. The Toyota 100 Cars for Good is a national philanthropic initiative which awards 100 cars to deserving nonprofit organizations with winners selected daily on Facebook for 100 days through August 21.

Joined by dozens of DC SCORES participants, Toyota Vice President Michael Rouse presented the keys to the new vehicle to DC SCORES Executive Director Amy Nakamoto at a press conference at the Marie Reed Elementary School in Washington, DC.

“There is a lack of after-school programs in the DC area and DC SCORES has stepped in to fill that need – offering kids the chance to participate in organized sports and arts programs,” said Rouse. “Toyota is committed to being a community partner and is focused on supporting programs in ways that achieve long-term sustainable results. We hope this vehicle helps DC SCORES build upon the amazing work already established here in Washington.”

Amy Nakamoto said, “We are extremely excited to be receiving a van from Toyota through the 100 Cars for Good program. Thanks to Toyota's generosity and service to our community, we will be able to provide and transport much-needed soccer and writing equipment to over 40 DC public schools who host a DC SCORES after-school program. This will increase our efficiency in using time, money and people to directly impact hundreds of DC students in the coming years. We are very grateful to be part of such a large and effective philanthropic initiative by Toyota.”

DC SCORES was selected as a finalist out of thousands of applicants nationwide and chosen by online voters as this year’s first winner. Their programs benefit more than 800 children at 27 schools across Washington, DC. The new Sienna minivan will support DC SCORES activities that promote physical activity and creativity throughout the city and will help facilitate the organization’s expansion to 20 new schools in the District. DC SCORES detailed how they will use their new Toyota Sienna in a video, found here: http://www.youtube.com/v/ToOq2XrJ-Yc.>

Toyota will profile five finalists each day at www.100carsforgood.com, where individual members of the public are invited to vote for the nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The nonprofit with the most votes at the end of each day wins one of six Toyota models. Runners-up each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

Courtesy of media.gm.com
Dc

DC SCORES Receives New Toyota Sienna Minivan to Expand After-School Program in Nation's Capital

Washington, DC – (June 28, 2012) – DC SCORES, which provides award-winning after-school programs for low-income youth in Washington, DC today received a brand new Toyota Sienna as part of the automaker’s100 Cars for Good program. The Toyota 100 Cars for Good is a national philanthropic initiative which awards 100 cars to deserving nonprofit organizations with winners selected daily on Facebook for 100 days through August 21.

Joined by dozens of DC SCORES participants, Toyota Vice President Michael Rouse presented the keys to the new vehicle to DC SCORES Executive Director Amy Nakamoto at a press conference at the Marie Reed Elementary School in Washington, DC.

“There is a lack of after-school programs in the DC area and DC SCORES has stepped in to fill that need – offering kids the chance to participate in organized sports and arts programs,” said Rouse. “Toyota is committed to being a community partner and is focused on supporting programs in ways that achieve long-term sustainable results. We hope this vehicle helps DC SCORES build upon the amazing work already established here in Washington.”

Amy Nakamoto said, “We are extremely excited to be receiving a van from Toyota through the 100 Cars for Good program. Thanks to Toyota's generosity and service to our community, we will be able to provide and transport much-needed soccer and writing equipment to over 40 DC public schools who host a DC SCORES after-school program. This will increase our efficiency in using time, money and people to directly impact hundreds of DC students in the coming years. We are very grateful to be part of such a large and effective philanthropic initiative by Toyota.”

DC SCORES was selected as a finalist out of thousands of applicants nationwide and chosen by online voters as this year’s first winner. Their programs benefit more than 800 children at 27 schools across Washington, DC. The new Sienna minivan will support DC SCORES activities that promote physical activity and creativity throughout the city and will help facilitate the organization’s expansion to 20 new schools in the District. DC SCORES detailed how they will use their new Toyota Sienna in a video, found here: http://www.youtube.com/v/ToOq2XrJ-Yc.>

Toyota will profile five finalists each day at www.100carsforgood.com, where individual members of the public are invited to vote for the nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The nonprofit with the most votes at the end of each day wins one of six Toyota models. Runners-up each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Avalon to Get First-Ever Hybrid

Toyota’s big new Avalon will be getting a hybrid drivetrain for the first time, the remake of the full-size sedan to share the powertrain line-up offered in the Japanese maker’s smaller Camry model.

The move underscores Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda’s goal of offering a gas-electric alternative in virtually all products sold for the Japanese giant.

Beyond the addition of a first-ever hybrid, the new Avalon is a significant departure for Toyota.  First shown at this year’s New York Auto Show, the 2013 Avalon was developed entirely in the U.S. and features a striking new shape that’s a distinctive new look that’s a striking shift away from Toyota’s traditionally plain vanilla approach to styling.

Set to go on sale late this year, the Avalon will be one of six new models or variants to get a hybrid.  The maker earlier this year unveiled the compact Prius C, as well as a plug-in version of the original Prius hatchback.

The gas-electric drivetrain in the new Avalon will be shared with the current Toyota Camry.  That means a 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with two electric motors.  In combination they will produce 200 horsepower and the maker claims the Avalon Hybrid will be able to launch from 0 to 60 in just 8.5 seconds, reasonably quick for its class and one of the faster hybrids, in general.

Fuel economy is expected to come in at 40 City, 39 Highway and 40 Combined, though the EPA isn’t expected to make that official until closer to the launch of the 2013 Toyota Avalon line.  Like other Toyota hybrids the full-size sedan will be able to creep along in electric vehicle mode at speeds up to about 25 mph for a maximum of approximately 1 mile.

Toyota is sticking with its familiar nickel-metal hydride battery chemistry, rather than migrating to more advanced lithium-ion, as many of its competitors have been doing.  According to Avalon Chief Engineer Randy Stephens, NiMH batteries have proven their reliability and have a lower cost than lithium technology.  But they also store less energy – limiting battery-only range, for one thing – and take up more space.  In a vehicle as big as Avalon, however, space shouldn’t be much of an issue.

The Avalon Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy also reflects efforts to improve the sedans aerodynamics while also reducing its weight.  The basic sedan is about 120 pounds later than the 2012 Avalon, despite plenty of added content.  Even the Hybrid weighs about 23 pounds less than last year’s model.

The full-size sedan market has been undergoing some radical and unexpected changes in recent months.  Hyundai kicked things off with a more lavish and stylish remake of its Azera.  Chevrolet will follow for early in the 2014 model-year with an all-new Impala.  And Ford is making some notable improvements in the big Taurus sedan.

The Avalon will, however, be the only hybrid in the segment, at least for now.  That will get it a significant mileage advantage.  The closest any competitor comes in terms of space and fuel economy is the Volkswagen Passat.  Though officially designated a midsize it offers virtually as much interior space as the 2013 Toyota Avalon and, with its TDI diesel and a manual gearbox, yields 31 mpg City, 43 Highway.

Camry’s non-Hybrid XLS with a 2.5-liter I-4 will deliver 21 mpg City, 31 Highway and 25 Combined.  The bigger 3.5-liter V-6, rated at 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, is expected to get 21/31/24 mpg – while yielding 0 to 60 times of around 7 seconds.

Toyota won’t release pricing until closer to the launch of the 2013 Avalon.

Courtesy of the Detroit Bureau

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Toyota Names Julie A. Hamp as New Chief Communications Officer for North America

NEW YORK, N.Y., (June 14, 2012) – Toyota today announced that Julie A. Hamp will join the company as chief communications officer for North America, effective June 25. In this role, Hamp will have primary responsibility for coordinating Toyota’s public relations efforts in the region while leading the company’s cross-affiliate communications team including members from Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMA), Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, Inc. (TMS) and Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, North America, Inc. (TEMA).

She will report to Jim Lentz, president and CEO of TMS and senior vice president of TMA, and will be based at Toyota’s campus in Torrance, California.

  “Julie is a proven communications leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience both inside and outside the automotive industry,” said Lentz. “We are thrilled to have her leading our communications and public relations efforts to enhance and promote Toyota as we continue to gain momentum in the marketplace.”

Hamp joins Toyota from PepsiCo, where she served in a global role as chief communications officer and senior vice president of consumer relations.  Prior to joining PepsiCo, Hamp held several leadership positions at General Motors with primary responsibility for marketing/brand communications and public relations for North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

“I am looking forward to joining the talented communications team at Toyota, a company known for high quality products, best in class manufacturing and innovation,” said Hamp. “Toyota has a significant presence in North America, employing more than 37,000 people and operating 14 manufacturing plants in the region; and I am excited to take on this role to help contribute to the success of this great company.”

Hamp will succeed Jim Wiseman, who had previously announced his retirement effective at the end of June. Wiseman, who has had a 23-year career at the automaker, served as Toyota’s first CCO for North America, named to the position at the beginning of 2010.

  A native of Queens, NY, Hamp received a B.S. in Communications from Ferris State University. Her post-graduate studies include participation in the GM-Harvard Business School Executive Development program with an emphasis on Asian studies.

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com
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Thursday, June 14, 2012

Toyota and Lexus Enters Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with EVs

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Toyota and Lexus are all set to debut in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, by introducing electric vehicles that signify the current culture surrounding the two Japanese auto giants. Toyota announced that it enters the race with the TMG EV P002, an all electric and high performance electric vehicle set with two electric motors, which generates 469 horsepower alongside 664 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 149 mph. Piloted by Japanese rally driver Fumio Nutahara, the TMG EV P002 will be competing against other cars including an EV conversion E36 BMW M3, a modified Mitsubishi i-MiEV and another EV being run by storied driver Monster Tajima. To prove its efficiency, Toyota tested the vehicle in May at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France.

Besides, Lexus introduces a stripped racecar version of the IS-F, which has not been altered.  Despite racing exhaust system, there are no powertrain upgrades included in this model.  By adding additional coolers for the engine and transmission oil, the car has been converted to compete at the Pikes Peak race. Other upgrades include changeable race suspension and a smaller steering wheel. Apart from these changes, the new IS-F is weightless compared to its predecessor and it lost almost 700 pounds, bringing the curb weight to 3087. The car enthusiasts are weighting to know how both cars finish the race at Pikes Peak.

via Egmcartech

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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Maintenance Tip: Reduced Visibility Conditions

Tips For Driving Safely in Reduced Visibility Conditions Such as Twilight,Darkness,Rain,Snow,Fog,Smoke and Bright Sunshine.

Driving is always more difficult in reduced-visibility conditions.It’s hard to see your route clear.Reduced visibility conditions include twilight, darkness, rain, snow, fog, smoke, and bright sunshine.

  • Use moderation in judging a safe speed. Drive slow enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
  • Don’t slow down so much that you become a risk to other drivers.
  • Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them.
  • If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
  • Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle in case of bright sunlight.

Courtesy of Car-Use.net

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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

First 25 Winners Announced for Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program

TORRANCE, CALIF. (June 11, 2012) – Toyota today announced the first 25 winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program, a national philanthropic program that is awarding 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 consecutive days. Winners are selected each day through public voting on Facebook at www.100carsforgood.com.
Each day through August 21, five nonprofit organizations will be profiled on the 100 Cars for Good Facebook page. Registered Facebook users are able to vote once daily for the nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The organization with the most votes at the end of the day wins a new Toyota vehicle. The four runners-up each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.
“We are delighted to announce the first 25 winners of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Toyota created the 100 Cars for Good program because we appreciate what a big difference a new car or truck can make for organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities across America. It’s been very gratifying to put the public in the ‘driver’s seat’ to select the winning organizations. 100 Cars for Good has also allowed Toyota to build on more than half a billion dollars of support the company has provided to nonprofits throughout the United States. We wish all of this year’s finalists the best of luck.”
The first 25 100 Cars for Good winners represent a cross-section of important local causes, including providing nutritious meals to kids, helping communities struck by natural disaster and alleviating the suffering of abandoned, abused or injured animals.

The first 25 winners in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program are:

DC Scores

Washington, DC
May 14, 2012
Cincinnati Zoo

Cincinnati, Ohio
May 15, 2012
Lehmi County Humane Society

Salmon, Idaho
May 16, 2012
Pibbles & More Animal Rescue

Ridgewood, New York
May 17, 2012
Recycled Doggies, Inc.

Cincinnati, Ohio
May 18, 2012
Hope for Paws Animal Rescue

Los Angeles, California
May 19, 2012
The Dream Center

Los Angeles, California
May 20, 2012
SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups

New York, New York
May 21, 2012
Petfinder Foundation

Tucson, Arizona
May 22, 2012
Together We Rise

Chino, California
May 23, 2012
The Children’s Lunchbox

Anchorage, Alaska
May 24, 2012
All Hands Volunteers

Carlisle, Massachusetts
May 25, 2012
Detroit Dog Rescue
Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan
May 26, 2012
Fences for Fido

Portland, Oregon
May 27, 2012
Central Vermont Humane Society

East Montpelier, Vermont
May 28, 2012
Operation Blankets of Love

Granada Hills, California
May 29, 2012
Kristie’s Foundation

Anaheim, California
May 30, 2012
K9 Services German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.

Middleburg, Florida
May 31, 2012
Animal Aid, Inc.

Oakland Park, Florida
June 1, 2012
Clark County Community Services

Winchester, Kentucky
June 2, 2012
Shore Hearts Golden Retriever

Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey
June 3, 2012
Special Olympics Illinois

Normal, Illinois
June 4, 2012
Last Chance Ranch

Quakertown, Pennsylvania
June 5, 2012
Rikki’s Refuge

Rapidan, Virginia
June 6, 2012
Feed My Sheep

Gulfport, Mississippi
June 7, 2012


Winning organizations can choose from the following vehicles: Camry Hybrid, Highlander SUV, Prius v Hybrid, Sienna minivan, Sienna Mobility or Tundra full-sized pickup. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.


The 500 finalists, from which the 100 winners are ultimately selected, were certified by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.

Follow 100 Cars for Good on Facebook at www.100carsforgood.com and on Twitter at #100cars.

Courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com
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