The Hybrid-R Concept is Ready for Debut

If you've been waiting for a hybrid that can hold its own on the race track, the wait is almost over. Toyota is set to debut its new Hybrid-R concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

According to the New York Daily News, The Hybrid-R will have a 400 hp motor that is based on the technology used in the Toyota TS030, which competed in the latest Le Mans 24 Hours race.

While we don't have any race-ready Toyota concepts, we still have a number of great models available. Visit our Toyota website to learn more or stop by to take one for a test drive!

Getting to know the Avalon: Exterior

For today's blog entry, we're learning more about the new exterior of the 2013 Toyota Avalon. From its Quadrabeam halogen headlights to its slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, there's a lot to like about this sleek Toyota sedan.

The 2013 Avalon is taking Toyota in an exciting new direction. The automaker took a completely new approach to create the purest expression of driving possible.

If you haven't already, be sure to stop by Fred Anderson Toyota and take one of our new Avalons for a test drive! We have a number of great models available.

Maintenance Monday Tip: How to Fix Your Flat Tire

Mondays can be a bit rough. But spending a Monday dealing with a flat tire on your Toyota is down right dreadful. If you need help alleviating a bad case of the Mondays the next time your gets a flat tire, remember this Maintenance Monday tip.

If you think your tire may have an air leak, check to see if you find a screw, nail or any other kinds of debris sticking out of the tire. If you don't find anything, fill a squirt bottle with a vegetable base soap and water solution or tire manufacturer approved leak detector liquid. Then inflate the tire and spray the entire tire with your bottle full of cleaner.

As the cleaner runs down the tread of the tire, you should notice a small volcano-like eruption of bubbles right where your puncture lies. Once you've identified the leak, be sure to get the damaged tire replaced as soon as possible.

For tire repairs and other automotive service needs, don't forget to schedule your next service appointment online on our dealership website.

Toyota is Adding Some Fun to Your Sidewalk Commute

Toyota isn't just innovating your trips on the road. The automaker just announced that they're beginning testing on their Segway-like Winglet in Japan.

The Winglet is a two-wheeled vehicle that works similar to the popular Segway and is said to go six miles between charges.

To learn more about this new Toyota vehicle, head over to Autoblog. If four wheels are more your speed, take a look at the new Toyota models on our Toyota dealership website.

Your Favorite Organization Could Win a New Toyota!

Whether it's through volunteering at your local hospital or donating to your favorite charity, helping others in need is an excellent way to support your local community. There are many ways to become more philanthropic in your town, and Toyota is here to help.

In an effort to promote the importance of philanthropy, Toyota is beginning its third year of the 100 Cars for Good program. This philanthropic program invites the public to select 100 worthy organizations nationwide that will receive a Toyota vehicle.

If you know of a worthy organization, please encourage them to apply for this amazing program. Up to 2,500 applications will be accepted between 7/22/13 to 8/5/13, so apply as soon as possible.

To apply and learn more about 100 Cars for Good, visit www.100carsforgood.com.

SpongeBob SquarePants + 2014 Highlander = An Awesome Custom Toyota

Everyone loves SpongeBob SquarePants. Both children and adults alike spend countless hours huddled in front of the TV watching the adorable cartoon character. 

While he may live in a pineapple under the sea, SpongeBob can now also be found on your favorite Toyota SUV.

Nickelodeon and Toyota are making this the best summer ever for SpongeBob fans with the creation of the first SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired vehicle. 

To learn more about this custom 2014 Toyota Highlander, visit the Toyota Pressroom.

Worldwide Prius Sales Top 3-Million Mark

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that as of the end of June, worldwide cumulative sales of the iconic Prius gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle passed the 3-million mark.

In 1997, TMC launched the Prius, which was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger car. The second generation followed in 2003, and the third generation in 2009. From the first to third generation, TMC greatly reduced the cost of the hybrid system by two-thirds while improving the EPA-estimated ratings for combined driving by nearly 22 percent. In addition, TMC applied for 1,261 patents relating to the third-generation Prius, achieving progress worthy of the Prius name (derived from a Latin word meaning “to go before”).

Since the development of the first-generation Prius, TMC has positioned hybrid technology as a core technology required for the development of various types of environment-friendly vehicles and has placed emphasis on the development and production of core components such as motors, inverters, batteries and electronic control units (ECUs), giving rise to substantial investment in Japan.

TMC will continue to conduct R&D and invest in facilities in Japan for the development of hybrid and other cutting-edge technologies and achieve sustainable growth by deploying these Japan-developed technologies across the globe.

In the fiscal year ending March 2014, TMC expects to spend a consolidated 890 billion yen (790 billion yen unconsolidated) on environmental technology development, as well as on strengthening new platform and major component development.

In the same period, TMC also plans to make consolidated capital expenditure investments of 910 billion yen (up seven percent year-on-year), with 440 billion yen invested in Japan (up nine percent year-on-year).

Investments in R&D infrastructure include a new R&D facility (651 hectares) and the Powertrain Development and Production Engineering Building (a 12-story structure with a total floor area of 100,000 m²) in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, that will serve as a next-generation powertrain development base, as well as the Aerodynamics Laboratory (capable of producing winds of 250 km/h) located in the Honsha Technical Center.

Future capital investments by consolidated subsidiaries include an investment by Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE) for expanding battery production capacity at its Omori Plant in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom