Because Camry has been on the road for the past 30 years, we think it's been part of more long-distance drives, job interviews, tailgate parties than almost any other car in America.

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Toyota releases new FT-Bh teasers ahead of Geneva

Toyota has let slip a few additional teasers for the company's FT-Bh concept headed to the Geneva Motor Show in March. As you may recall, the vehicle is an engineering study designed to evaluate what kind of emission reductions can be accomplished in the city car segment without resorting to exotic materials or science-fiction drivetrains. Toyota says the concept emits around 50 percent less CO2 than your run-of-the-mill supermini thanks in part to the fact that it tips the scales at a feathery 1,763 pounds.

The hybrid's aerodynamic shape and efficient powertrain also contribute to the reduction. While the FT-Bh isn't headed to production any time soon, there's a good chance some of the vehicle's tricks may show up on consumer models in the near future. 

Courtesy of AutoBlog

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On this day in 1959, Lee Petty defeats Johnny Beauchamp in a photo finish at the just-opened Daytona International Speedway in Florida to win the first-ever Daytona 500. Don't miss the legendary race this Sunday fans!

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Toyota Motor Corporation Vehicles Dominate J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study

Eight Lexus, Toyota, and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, a performance equal to all other vehicle brands combined and more than twice as many as the runner-up nameplate.

The study also found:

• Lexus is the number one nameplate improving by 23 fewer problems/100;
• Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate and tied for third place overall, improving by 18 fewer problems/100; and
• Scion achieves its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping up 17 positions and improving by 55 fewer problems/100.

“We are extremely pleased that not only did we win awards in eight of the 14 model segments, but that in two segments we finished one-two and made the podium in 12 segments overall”, said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 

 

2012 Vehicle Dependability Study performers by segment

Segment	Ranking	Model	Problems/100
Sub-Compact Car	1	Toyota Yaris	97
	2	Scion xD	113
Compact Car	1	Toyota Prius	80
	2	Toyota Corolla	93
Compact Crossover SUV	3	Toyota RAV4	121
Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle	1	Scion xB	100
Compact Sporty Car	1	Scion tC	123
Entry Premium Car	1	Lexus ES350	81
Midsize Car	3	Toyota Camry	105
Midsize Crossover SUV	3	Toyota Highlander	111
Midsize Van	1	Toyota Sienna	123
Midsize Premium Crossover SUV	1	Lexus RX350	85
Large Premium Car*	1	Lexus LS460	72
Large Car	2	Toyota Avalon	100
Large Pick Up	1	Toyota Tundra	108
Lexus Nameplate	1		86
Toyota Nameplate	3 (tie)		104
Scion	5		111
Premium Brands Industry Average			129
Non-Premium Brands Industry Average			144

Additional examples of Toyota’s commitment to the highest standards for quality, safety, reliability and retained value include:

 

• Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study and earned more segment awards than any other premium brand.
• The Lexus IS won the entry premium car segment in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
• Toyota and Lexus won 11 awards – more than half the 21 total awards – in IntelliChoice.com’s Best Overall Values of the Year.
• Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than any other automaker. The 2012 models are: Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Prius v, Sienna, Tundra Crew Cab, Venza, and Yaris; Lexus CT 200h and RX, and Scion tC, xB, and xD.
• The 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Scion tC earned five stars for Overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible.

*The Premium Car segment is not represented in the 2012 VDS due to the small sample size for the segment.

 

Courtesy of ToyotaUSANewsroom

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Toyota teases FT-Bh concept hybrid city car ahead of Geneva

Most concepts you'll see on the show stands of the Geneva Motor Show will come packing some manner of sci-fi powertrain and ultra-expensive chassis and body materials. That's where the Toyota FT-Bh concept stands apart.

Toyota is calling it a "full hybrid city car study," so the FT-Bh isn't destined for production. However, Toyota's goal was to create an inexpensive, fuel efficient urban runabout that doesn't rely on expensive materials or complex manufacturing, but rather uses existing technology to make an affordable hybrid for the masses – something that would be perfect for Europe.

Thing is, Toyota is bringing just that to Geneva in mass-market form.

Joining the FT-Bh on stage is the production version of the Yaris Hybrid, which for all intents and purposes is exactly what the FT-Bh is: an inexpensive, small hybrid based off an existing platform and using tried-and-true technology. Packing a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated with an electric motor, the Yaris Hybrid outputs 98 horsepower and is some 20% lighter than the Auris Hybrid. Toyota is calling it "Europe's first full hybrid supermini," which begs the question: Where's the line between a "supermini" and a "city car?" We'll find out when we're on the floor in Switzerland next month.

Courtesy of AutoBlog

Toyota Announces Pricing for 2012 Prius c

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2012 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2012 Prius c which extends Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to the subcompact segment. This dynamically styled, five-door hatchback will arrive at Toyota dealerships in March 2012.

Designed to function as a city-friendly vehicle with an engaging driving experience, hatchback utility, and an EPA-estimated city fuel economy rating of 53 mpg, *Prius c offers the highest city mpg rating of any vehicle without a plug. The all-new Prius c joins the Prius Family, which includes the third generation Prius Liftback, the versatile new Prius v and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which will be available in early 2012.

Unique Place in the Prius Family
A gateway into the Prius Family, the new Prius c will find favor with younger shoppers seeking a smartly designed, fuel-sipping subcompact car packing advanced drivetrain and in-car technology. The SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) rated Prius c will offer engaging driving dynamics and superior urban maneuverability. When the 2012 Prius c arrives in showrooms in March 2012, this all-new hatchback will offer:

• The highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug*; 53 mpg in the city, and 46 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg
• A starting MSRP of $18,950 with a proven hybrid powertrain and premium technology
• A premium hybrid experience thanks to a wide array of convenience and advanced in-car electronics features, including a standard 3.5-inch full color TFT multi-information display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability, USB port with iPod® connectivity, and available Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune™

Prius c: Four Grades
The Prius c will be available in four grades, offering desirable features, equipment, and enhanced capability providing consumers compelling value. All Prius c models will be equipped with a Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.5-liter DOHC, 16-valve engine with VVT-i, a 60 hp permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery which generates 25.9 hp of electric propulsion for a total hybrid system net output of 99 horsepower. The Prius c will be equipped with 9 standard airbags, driver and front passenger Advanced Whiplash-Injury-Lessening seats and Toyota’s Star Safety System ™ that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The Prius c One base grade will offer many standard features such as automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, multi-information display and Bluetooth® hands free phone controls; and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry.

The Prius c Two grade offers a 6-speaker audio system, variable intermittent windshield wipers, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, cruise control, engine immobilizer, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a cargo area tonneau cover.

The Prius c Three grade enhances the technology in the vehicle with improved audio and connectivity. The Prius c Three includes a Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune™ that adds a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability (includes 3 month trial subscription to XM Select Package), HD Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, and advanced voice recognition. Toyota Entune™ includes Bing™ and Pandora®; real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks. Apps available spring 2012 at no charge include iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable®. Access to Entune™ services is complimentary for three years. In addition, the Prius c Three grade includes color-keyed outside door handles with touch- sensor lock/unlock feature, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-information Display, Bluetooth® hands free phone and voice command controls, a Touch Tracer Display, and a Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. The Prius c Three allows buyers to add 15-inch alloy wheels and a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade as optional equipment.

The Prius c Four grade is distinguished by its 15-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels, Softex-trimmed heated front seats, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and integrated fog lamps. Optional equipment for the Prius c Four includes 16-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tires and power tilt telescopic moonroof with sunshade.

2012MY Prius c Pricing Sheet

MODEL CODE	SERIES	DESCRIPTION	12MY MSRP
1201	PRIUS c ONE	5-DOOR HATCHBACK	$        18,950
1203	PRIUS c TWO	5-DOOR HATCHBACK	$        19,900
1205	PRIUS c THREE	5-DOOR HATCHBACK	$        21,635
1207	PRIUS c FOUR	5-DOOR HATCHBACK	$        23,230

2012 Prius c Options and Packages

Available for Prius c Three:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
• 15-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P175/65R15 tires- MSRP $390

Available for Prius c Four:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
• 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires – MSRP $300
• 16-inch Alloy Wheel Package: combines 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires and power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $1,150

Available Exterior Colors:

• Habanero
• Blue Streak Metallic
• Summer Rain Metallic
• Absolutely Red
• Black Sand Pearl
• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Classic Silver Metallic
• Moonglow
• Super White

The MSRPs for the 2012 Prius c do not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee, which is $760. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

* 2012 EPA-estimated 53/46/50 city/highway/combined mpg. Actual mileage may vary.

Article courtesy of Toyota's USA Newsroom.

Don't forget, the Camry Effect is still going on now. We'd love to hear your stories!

Toyota Certified Center of Santee is honored to receive the Better Business Bureau's illustrious torch award! Keep up the great work team!

If James Bond drove a Toyota, like this 2000GT Roadster for example, what techy spy features do you think he would add?

Thank you to Leslie for sharing this review of her recent experience with us! Keep up the great work Bill!

Toyota Certified Service Center Santee - (5) Star Review on Yelp

• I recently had my car serviced at Toyota Certified Service Center in Santee...Bill Halsey took our call and was very friendly and helped us arrange an overnight drop off so we didn't have to miss work to bring the car in...The crew was fast and efficient and I had it back by the next afternoon...Staff is very friendly. We would definitely come back!!!  Thank you Bill!! -Leslie H

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Toyota Certified Of Santee - (5) Star Review on YellowPages

• Go to Toyota Certified of Santee. It's a brand new, clean facility with a welcoming atmosphere. It is less crowded or busy than going to other shops. The service staff will help you get the best price for the work you need done on the car. The price is always what was expected and the work is done on time or sooner. They have a courtesy van. The location is perfect: right off the 125 freeway near the 52 for easy in/out access. -Phyllis4100

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