4 Sep 2012

U.S. testing "talking" cars to avoid crashes, congestion

Toyota

Michael Knight in the television series "Knight Rider" had one. Pixar made a movie about them. Now the U.S. government is testing a fleet of so-called "talking" cars that may help American drivers avoid crashes and traffic jams.

Over the next year, U.S. officials and the University of Michigan will fit nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses with wireless devices that track other vehicles' speed and location, alert drivers to congestion or change a traffic light to green.

Granted, these cars will not be as chatty as actor David Hasselhoff's talking car KITT  or the cast of Pixar's animated movie "Cars." But they will warn about potential crashes through loud beeps, flashes or vibrations in the driver's seat.

In fact, "vehicle-to-vehicle" communication might help avoid or reduce the severity of four out of five crashes that occur when the driver is not impaired, U.S. safety regulators said.

"This is a big deal and I think everybody here believes this has a lot of promise," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told reporters on Tuesday at an Ann Arbor, Michigan, event.

"But until we see the data, until the study is complete, we won't know with certainty what promise it really has. A year from now I think we will."

The results of the experiment will help the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decide if the technology should be mandatory. A decision on such a rule would not be made until the test ends in August 2013, LaHood added.

The road test underway now is the largest of its kind. The vehicles will be driven in Ann Arbor, a college town of nearly 28 square miles with a population of nearly 115,000.

Eight major automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp, supplied the cars. The test will cost $25 million, with 80 percent of the money coming from the Transportation Department.

'SEEING EVERYBODY'

The vehicles will also be able to communicate with roadside devices in 29 areas in Ann Arbor. If conditions are safe, the vehicles can change the traffic light to green or let the driver know if a light is about to change.

Connected vehicle systems use a technology similar to Wifi called dedicated short range communication, which is unlikely to be vulnerable to interference, U.S. officials said.

The cars can track other cars' location and speed. They can also determine if a driver is braking or turning the wheel. Details such as the license number or VIN number are not shared.

Automakers currently use radars or cameras to spot problems. Ford Motor Co's cross-traffic alert system uses two rear radars to detect passing vehicles within 45 feet when a driver pulls out of a parking spot.

Radar systems that alert drivers to a possible head-on collision have a reach of up to 200 meters, said John Scally, manager of electric safety and driver assist systems for Honda Motor Co Ltd's U.S. development arm.

The wireless system, however, can detect cars up to 300 meters away. This system can also alert drivers if a nearby but unseen car brakes suddenly. Radar systems cannot detect vehicles around a corner and out of view.

"We've done things with cameras and radars to look for vehicles around you and on the side. But those are just using proximity sensors," Scally said. "This will allow us to see everybody around us," he said of the wireless system.

BEEPS AND BUZZING

The road test represents the second phase of the Department of Transportation's connected vehicle safety program. In a study conducted in 2011 and early 2012, the department found that nine out of 10 drivers had a "highly favorable" opinion of vehicle-to-vehicle technology.

Each automaker has found a different way of alerting drivers to potential crashes. Many automakers use loud beeps or sounds or a certain message on the digital instrument cluster. Others use more discreet haptic systems, which vibrate the driver's seat or steering wheel.

Some use all three. Ford uses beeps, red LED lights and a vibrating seat to tell the driver to slow down, said Ford's technical leader for vehicle communications Michael Shulman.

Executives said it is crucial that vehicles' safety alerts are not overly sensitive. Too many warnings would likely annoy drivers who might turn them off or ignore them outright.

"We want people to get warnings when they need warnings," Shulman said. "But we don't want them to get alerts when there's a car in another lane that's not really a threat."

-Courtesy of Yahoo News

30 Aug 2012

Toyota Camry: The Fortes' Story

28 Aug 2012

Vroom Girls name Toyota Yaris as a Top Inexpensive Ride

Yaris

The Vroom Girls named the 2012 Yaris as a top inexpensive vehicle! Here's what they had to say about this Toyota model:

"There are a lot of things we like about the 2012 Toyota Yaris, chief among them its easy-to-handle size, cute styling, and unbeatable build quality. Standard equipment includes air conditioning and an iPod compatible stereo, though there are a few signs of cost-cutting, like the old-tech 4-speed automatic transmission  and a few interior pieces here and there. The Yaris is expensive compared to other cars on this list, but strong resale values and epic reliability improve the its value equation."

The Yaris offers great value. Test drive it at Toyota World of Newton today!

27 Aug 2012

Monday Maintenance Tip: Keep Your Paint Looking Good As New

Here's a Monday Maintenance Tip: If you find a bird has pooped on your car, wash it off as quick as you can. There are compounds in bird waste that can damage most car paint jobs. If you leave it in the sun and it bakes on, you could end up with a dull spot in the paint.

-Courtesy of CarBibles.com

23 Aug 2012

2008 Toyota A-BAT Concept: A Concept Car that Should've Made it

Newton

Trucks keep getting bigger. Fuel prices remain high. What truck lovers the world over need is a capable, small pickup—something akin to the mini trucks of the 1970s and '80s.

Toyota created just such a concept with the 2008 Toyota A-BAT concept truck. It's difficult to judge the size of the A-BAT from a photo, but with an overall length of just 181.3 inches, it measured a foot shorter than a typical midsize sedan. The lightweight, compact truck used the gas–electric hybrid drive system from the Toyota Prius.

To give such a small vehicle good hauling capacity (and let it carry items longer than 90 inches), the A-BAT had a deep pickup-style box and a midgate that opened a clear passageway between the cab's interior and the exterior bed (a la the Chevrolet Avalanche).

This is one of those "What are you waiting for" ideas.

-Courtesy of Popular Mechanics

21 Aug 2012

No Longer the FR-S, but my FR-S

Frs

My decision to buy the FR-S was made the second I drove it, and thanks to Scion’s simple ordering process, it didn’t get much harder than that.

Sold as a ‘mono-spec’, there is only one trim for the FR-S, plus a few additional options. In many ways this is Scion’s way of saying it’s perfect just the way it is. And I agreed, choosing not to add anything.

The next major option was the transmission, though again, there was nothing to consider. The automatic was out of the question. Having lived with an automatic all my life I now want to experience what a manual transmission is like, day-in, day out.

About the only thing I did have to debate was the choice of color, and I ticked off the classy Ultramarine Blue.

 

After signing the papers, I had to wait an agonizing two weeks to get my new ride. In the larger scope of new car buying that isn’t bad, but I’m not talking about a new Chevy Cruze or Honda CR-V here. This is my new sports car. The days couldn’t go by any slower.

On delivery day, I arrived at the dealer 30 minutes earlier out of pure anticipation. Like a kid hunting for that last present hidden behind the Christmas tree, I looked all around to see if I could catch a glimpse of the FR-S… my FR-S.

My sales associate explained the break-in procedure, which sounded like a mean joke. Not taking the car over 4000 rpm for 1,000 miles? The 7400 rpm redline suddenly became a cruel tease.

Finally she brought me into the service bay and I saw it immediately, my gorgeous dark blue (Ultramarine)  FR-S. My hands started to shake, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Those words might sound cliché, but you’ll have to trust me, they’re genuine. The FR-S was absolutely stunning, and it was going to be mine.

The rest of my time in the service bay was a blur. I think my sales associate showed me the spare rubber mats in the back, and put some security stickers on the car. My mind was elsewhere, not registering anything other than the low, blue car in front of me.

A Toyota mechanic broke my trance. “That’s a beautiful color,” he said. “We don’t see very many of those here, only black, white and silver. All boring colors. That blue is really classy.” I nodded. “You’re going to love it,” he said as he patted me on the shoulder.

And then I took the keys to my car.

Driving out of service bay, I could hear the distinct noise of the Subaru sourced flat-four engine, something far more aggressive than what I was used to.

My body was still in shock. My foot shaking on the clutch, my right hand sliding through the gates slowly. I felt disconnected from the car, something that wasn’t an issue when I test drove it.

Driving through the city, the reflection of the car in building windows caught my eye, as did my own reflection, and the goofy smile I couldn’t shake.

Paused at a light I overheard a couple of bar patrons having a brew on the patio.

“Whoa! It’s that car!” said the one.

“Wow, that’s nice looking. What is it?” said the other.

“It’s a Scion, and has to be one of the nicest looking cars around. I can’t believe I’m seeing one so soon,” came the reply.

They were excited just to see the car. But I was driving it. It was both a humbling and flattering experience and it didn’t take long for me to realize this was something I was going to have to get used to.

Courtesy of AutoGuide.com

20 Aug 2012

We Proudly Support Newton High School Football

It's football season, and Toyota World of Newton is proud to support Newton High School Football!

Right now we are offering some great incentives, including 10% off service and parts and $250 off the purchase of ANY new or pre-owned vehicle in stock.

Download the coupons below and visit us online at newtontoyota.com, and cheer on the Newton High School Pride this season!

Click here to download:
ToyotaNewton.pdf (1.58 MB)
(download)

17 Aug 2012

Start Your Career with World Auto Group

Worldautogroup

Are you a hardworking, motivated professional who is seeking a rewarding career?

Are you passionate about automobiles and the automotive industry?

World Auto Group is the place for you!

We are currently seeking Business Development representatives and Sales representatives to join our organization as we build our internet, digital marketing, and ecommerce strategy.​ 

As a Business Development representative for our BDC Department you will utilize your selling ability, computer skills, phone skills, and positive attitude to attract customers to our businesses.​ ​ Your role will be to engage the customer and successfully schedule an appointment for the sales and service departments, as well as following up with previous customers and fostering long term relationships. 

As a Sales representative for our stores you will utilize your selling ability, communication skills, and positive attitude to attract customers.​ ​ Your role will be to engage the customer, as well as follow up with previous customers and foster long term relationships. 

Applicants must have excellent communications skills and customer service skills.​ You must also be able to utilize all modern web technologies considered commonplace in today's competitive landscape such as: social media applications, office applications, etc.​ Experience is a plus, but we are willing to train the right people.

Benefits include:

  • Salary, commission and bonus
  • 401k retirement benefits
  • Flexible schedule
  • Great work environment
  • Ongoing training and development

 For inquiries and to apply, send your resume to Jeremiah Hupka at jhupka@wagauto.com or apply on online at http://www.newtontoyota.com/employment-application.aspx

15 Aug 2012

Camry sales rise as model draws younger buyers

Camry2

A revamped Camry sedan is selling briskly, and attracting a far younger buyer than Toyota ever expected, a top executive said Tuesday.

The top-selling car in the U.S. was reworked for the 2012 model year to make it more stylish, luxurious, and fun to drive, Bob Carter, Toyota's senior vice president of automotive operations in the U.S., told analysts and investors at the J.P. Morgan Auto Conference in New York. Sales are up almost 40 percent this year to nearly 244,000 cars. That's 60,000 more than the Camry's two closest competitors, the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

Before its remake, the Camry was reliable but boring. Handling was average and its looks were bland. As a result, it attracted mainly baby-boomers in their mid-50s who were looking for reliable transportation.

But the new version has pulled in younger buyers, knocking 10 years off the age of the average buyer, Carter said.

"We didn't anticipate that much movement in the demographics," he said.

One reason younger buyers are going for Camrys is a sportier version called the "SE," which has a firmer suspension, aluminum wheels and low-profile tires. It now makes up about 40 percent of Camry sales, Carter said.

The company also changed its marketing to focus more on the car's style and handling, Carter said.

Worldwide, Toyota overcame the recalls and natural disasters to retake the crown of top-selling automaker from General Motors during the first half of the year. Toyota sold 4.97 million vehicles globally, about 300,000 more than GM.

Courtesy of MercuryNews.com

13 Aug 2012

Toyota Considering Raising U.S. Production

Toyota

Did you know that Toyota currently manufactures around 70% of its models sold in North America in North America?

Jim Lentz, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Sales USA, states, "With the Yen where it is today, I think it's only a matter of time.", reffering to increasing North American production at an auto industry conference this past week.

The strength of the Yen has hit Toyota hard, upping the pressure for Toyota to stay lean and become innovative. 

Toyota is currently in the process of hiring 3,500 workers in North America while investing over 1.5 billion dollars in its factories in North America. A hedge bet againts the value of the Yen.

The company doesn't have firm plans to shift production of more models from Japan to North America, he said. But one model Toyota would consider building here is the Lexus ES series.

Toyota, like other manufacturers, would make changes to squeeze more production out of existing plants rather than building new buildings, he said. A new plant costs about $1 billion, Lentz said.

Toyota still thinks automakers can sell 14.3 million vehicles in U.S. this year, he said, even though sales have slowed the past two months, and some analysts have cut their forecasts. But Lentz said pent-up demand should prop up sales. The average vehicle in the U.S. is nearly 11 years old, and people have to replace their aging rides.

Toyota, he said, has fully recovered from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that hobbled its Japanese factories and caused model shortages worldwide. In the U.S., the company's dealer inventory dropped to around 120,000 vehicles last summer. Now it's back to 299,000, which is near the 300,000 that Toyota considers optimal.

Lentz also said discounts are starting to surface in the luxury market, which has dropped to around 10 percent of total U.S. sales this year. Normally it's around 12 percent, he said. But although discounts may rise, Lentz doesn't think an all-out price war will break out.

For current deals on Toyota, be sure to visit Toyota World of Newton, or find us online at http://www.newtontoyota.com/ 

Toyota World of Newton's Space

Newton Toyota is a company about pride, passion, achievement, respect, responsibility, family, discipline and courage. Newton Toyota believes that its strength, continued success and future growth depend on building trusting relationships with its employees, Newton Toyota customers and industry partners. There is always more to a dealership than the vehicles it carries, and we couldn’t agree more. We want to provide you with more than just inventory and an experience that will make you want to come back to us for future sales and service. We always welcome questions and concerns from all of our customers, and we encourage you to contact us when it’s convenient by using the method that’s most convenient for you, whether it’s through social media networks like Twitter or Facebook or by phone, email or the numerous contact forms on our website. Newton Toyota is conveniently located in Newton, New Jersey.

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Toyota World of Newton
66 Hampton House Road
Newton, NJ 07860
888-451-3256
http://www.newtontoyota.com