Happy 5th Birthday to the iPhone! The iPhone not only changed the way we communicate but also revolutionized the driving experience. How does your phone connect you and your vehicle?

Its Summer time and that means its sports tournament time for the kids! Pack them and all the gear in 2013 Sienna "Swagger Wagon."

Check out this great offer from Toyota Certified Center of Santee! The offer wont last long so take advantage of it now!

As Driverless Cars Inch Closer to Reality, Researchers Mull Impact

As automobile development moves closer and closer to automated or semi-automated vehicles, manufacturers and the Transportation Research Board are exploring the ramifications of these "intelligent" cars and the effects on the public.

A TRB workshop on the future of automated cars and driving is scheduled for July 24-26 at the Beckman Center in Irvine. The full title of the event is "Future of Road Vehicle Automation and PreConference Workshop on Early Automation Deployment Opportunities in Managed Lane Operations."

Meanwhile, there is general acknowledgement in the industry that, while new technologies may enhance safety and take over some of the tasks drivers now have to perform manually, there will be problems inherent in the use of this new technology.

Innovations already available on some cars, such Ford's automated parallel-parking function, are not so much at issue as are systems that monitor traffic situations and either provide warning prompts or make decisions about the operation of the vehicle. In addition to the fail-safe nature of such systems, there is the human element to consider.

Internet giant Google is vigorously pursuing the concept of fully automated vehicles, winning a U.S. patent late last year for "Transitioning a mixed-mode vehicle to autonomous mode." Prompted in part by a Google lobbying effort, Nevada passed legislation in July 2011 regulating "driverless" cars.

Advanced vehicle automation is anticipated to make its way to the marketplace within the decade, but an equivalent of aviation's autopilot, to all but completely take over the duties of operating the vehicle, is not in the foreseeable future.

That doesn't mean that drivers won't expect more of the technology than it is capable of delivering.

General Motors is conducting studies on how driver behavior will be influenced by emerging technologies. The upshot of their research is summed up by GM Research Program manager Jeremy Salinger, who said, "The focus was on how people might change their behaviors from what they normally do when they drive cars."

GM researchers have observed how when drivers multitask, they make relatively frequent but brief glances away from their primary function of driving. The dangers of such distraction will not be erased by the driver aids coming in the next 10 years, Salinger said.

Referring to the operation of a "smart" vehicle, he said, "This is not a time that you can start reading a book."

Inside Line says: The good news is that early research shows that the driver's attention is more sharply focused when technology such as Forward Collision Alert is operative. The bad news is that such heightened attention may not be sustained as drivers become accustomed to technological aids and allow themselves to become more dependent upon them.

Courtesy of Inside Line

All-New 2013 Toyota Avalon Features Both Gasoline and Hybrid Powertrains

When the all-new, North American designed and engineered 2013 Avalon goes on sale later this year, consumers can choose between a powerful V6 gasoline powertrain and Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive. The efficiency offered by the new hybrid model will help the all-new premium mid-size sedan achieve excellent fuel economy with an EPA-rating of 40 mpg combined.

In addition to offering a hybrid powertrain, the new Avalon features a stunning design, improved dynamic performance, a greater degree of refinement, and a highly spacious, comfortable interior experience with an abundance of outstanding convenience technologies.

Powerful, Efficient V6 Engine
The 2013 Avalon will feature a proven 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle, which has been enhanced to offer more responsive and efficient performance. The all-aluminum six-cylinder engine will produce 268 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft. of torque, which will propel the new sedan to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Compared to the previous-generation Avalon, this 2013 powertrain combination offers improved fuel economy, performance, superior shift feel and response, with upgraded drivability and quietness.

This enhanced powertrain’s programming has been updated to offer ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT Modes. The ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by reducing power application at lower speeds and reducing energy consumed by the air-conditioning system. The SPORT Mode provides increased acceleration responses though altered engine control unit (ECU) programming, and it offers a more direct and responsive EPS programming to enhance steering feel.

In addition, the new transaxle is equipped with a numerically lower differential gear drive ratio (3.23), designed to help improve fuel economy. The V6-powered 2013 Avalon achieves an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (21 city/ 31 hwy).

The transmission operation has been made more efficient and responsive with the adoption of a flex-start control feature lock-up clutch. With lock-up control, the transmission’s torque converter fully engages at a lower RPM during standing starts to improve acceleration response and help suppress unnecessary engine revolutions. The new transmission is also kept at an optimal temperature with an automatic-transmission fluid warmer, helping enhance efficiency.

The multi-mode automatic transmission console shifter offers a D range and can be moved into an S-mode gate, which allows manually operated sequential shifting using the console shifter or available (Touring and Limited models) steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The gear can be selected by moving the shifter up to (+) position or lower using the (-) position to experience highly responsive shifts. By using the paddles or in S-range, the transmission uses a quick responding shift-logic that includes throttle blipping for downshifts. The gear changes and range-of-gear selections are displayed in the color multi-information display.

Avalon Adds Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive
For consumers seeking a premium mid-size sedan with excellent fuel economy ratings and an environmental message, the new Avalon features a full power-split hybrid system. Coupled with reductions in vehicle weight and improvements in aerodynamics, the Avalon Hybrid is expects to achieve impressive fuel economy ratings. The 2013 Avalon incorporates the latest advances in Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, building upon Toyota’s 14 years of hybrid-development experience. The Avalon Hybrid features a 2.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle. A power-control unit located in the engine compartment houses an inverter, a DC-DC converter, a step-up converter (raises voltage to a maximum of 650 volts) and the hybrid-drive ECU, which governs the seamless operation of electric-motor power application and regenerative braking. The power control unit relies on liquid cooling to maintain an efficient temperature.

The Avalon Hybrid achieves a total system output of 200 horsepower and offers three unique modes of operation: EV, ECO and SPORT. The Avalon Hybrid models achieve an EPA-rated 40 mpg in the city, and a 39 mpg on the highway for a combined 40 mpg EPA-rating.

The 2013 Avalon Hybrid offers an EV mode that, under certain conditions, allows the vehicle to operate solely on electric propulsion. EV mode can be engaged, provided other conditions are correct, for up to one mile at speeds up to 25 mph, providing an all-electric option that is convenient in residential areas or parking garages.

The ECO drive mode engages the gasoline motor, but reduces throttle response and HVAC output to help improve overall efficiency. The SPORT Mode takes full advantage of the new Avalon’s dynamic character, improved chassis, and enhanced suspension by altering the engine’s throttle response and enhancing steering feel.

The Avalon’s hybrid’s battery pack is comprised of 204 cells and is located in the vehicle trunk behind the rear seats, while still providing ample trunk space. The scroll casing for the battery cooling system’s blower fan has been designed to produce extremely quiet and efficient airflow, helping reduce interior noise and elevating refinement. The power-control unit, located in the engine bay, houses the inverter, DC-DC converter.

The efficient hybrid transaxle in the new Avalon contains two high-output electric motor/generators, a power-split device, an open differential and the final drive ratio. Motor/Generator 1 (MG1) is used to start the gasoline engine and generate the energy that is returned to the battery to power the system. Motor/Generator 2 (MG2) is primarily responsible for electric drivetrain propulsion and regenerative braking. The hybrid vehicle transaxle also incorporates a flywheel-damper design that helps reduce noise and vibration during engine engagement.

Captivating Styling with a Spacious, Luxurious Interior Experience
The new 2013 Avalon is the product of a North American-focused design and engineering effort. The new sedan’s striking exterior and luxurious interior design was conceived by a youthful, talented team at the Calty Design Research Inc., facilities in Southern California and Michigan.

The car’s engineering development was led by a passionate and dedicated group based at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. Continuing a North American focus, the 2013 Avalon will be assembled at the award-winning Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) facility in Georgetown, Ky.

True to the future product mission set forth by Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda, the new Avalon’s more stylish, bold, sporty exterior design and luxurious interior styling are matched by an enhanced dynamic package, a combination that foreshadows the more compelling and passionate nature of future Toyota products.

Courtesy of Toyota Media Newsroom

Grab your leash and get out the door! Did you know today is the 14th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day? Did anyone bring their furry friend into the office?

Get out and live more with the Toyota Venza! You won't be disappointed!

Ray, thank you for writing this amazing review! Great job Scott!

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

• Great service. They will let you know all the things that your vehicle needs, but no high pressure sales. Ask for Scott Miller. He's the man! Very honest individual. -Ray S.

Once again, Toyota Motor Corporation outperforms the industry in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study! Way to go!

Click Here to Read the Full Article!

Did you know today is the first day of summer? A great day for car shopping and test driving! So come stop by Toyota Certified Center of Santee and check out the great selection of cars we have!

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

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 Toyota Media Newsroom

Thank you Tamra, for sharing your wonderful experience with us! Great job team!

Toyota Certified Center of Santee - (4) Star Review on Yelp

• Drive up and park your car outside...walk in and talk to a customer service representative.  Hand over your car keys and then relax in their huge, clean and comfortable waiting room.  Large screen tv with remote to change the channel!...free wifi...fancy vending machines...table and chairs for you to get some work done while the work on your car.  I have NEVER been talked down too or talked into any unnecessary repairs.  The price is a little higher but the quality and attention to detail is there.  I was very relieved that my part was under warranty! -Tamara S.

Can a Toyota Prius power a house?

V2H, or vehicle-to-home, systems could turn the car in your driveway into a backup generator.

Future cars will be getting most of their energy from wall sockets, which means that more electricity will be drawn from the grid. However, that does not mean that tomorrow’s car will be just another energy-sucking appliance. Toyota is testing a system that will allow its Prius plug-in hybrid to power a house.

The Prius plug-in can recharge its batteries through an outlet, like a fully electric car, but it still has a gasoline engine for backup power. Toyota reckons that this engine can also generate electricity for a Prius owner’s house during power outages or periods of peak load.

An inverter converts the DC used by the Prius’ electric motor into AC for household use. Software allows the car, house, and charging stand to monitor the flow of current back and forth. The company estimates that a Prius with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas can power the average Japanese house for four days.

Toyota says this new system will produce greener electricity by drawing it from the grid (or gas tank) at the best times. “With this new method, low-carbon electricity generated from regional or home solar generators, or low-cost late-night electricity, can be stored in a vehicle’s drive battery and then used to supply power to the household during peak consumption times,” the company said in a statement.

Toyota also said that V2H (vehicle-to-home) systems like the one being developed for the Prius could power emergency shelters during a disaster.

The company will begin testing the Prius V2H system in 10 Japanese homes by the end of 2012. If the test is successful, Toyota could move on to developing apps that would allow homeowners to control the flow of power between their cars and houses with smart phones.

Courtesy of DigitalTrends.com

How do I connect my iPhone to Entune Pandora? Follow the link below to find out!

Take a look at this stylish Toyota Corolla! It can be all yours, so stop by Toyota Certified Center of Santee today!

Click Here for Details!

Toyota and Lexus Enters Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with EVs

oyota 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.

Courtesy of NitroBahn.com

First 25 Winners Announced for Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program

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.

 

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Toyota Leads the Way in Green Buildings

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc’s. (TMS) recently completed Kansas City Regional Technical Training Center in Kansas City, Mo. has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The technical training center is located at the region sales office and provides offices, classrooms and training bays for Toyota dealer technicians. A total of 11 Toyota/Lexus U.S. facilities and 18 Toyota/Lexus dealerships have achieved LEED certification, leading the automotive industry in green building efforts.

“At Toyota, we are committed to reducing environmental impacts throughout our operations,” said Doug Beebe, TMS corporate manager of administrative services. “LEED provides a framework for us to demonstrate that doing what is environmentally responsible can also be financially responsible.”

The Kansas City technical training center integrated the following LEED elements into construction to achieve Gold certification:

• 99 percent of construction waste (more than 953 tons) was diverted from landfill through salvage or recycling
• Extensive native vegetation rain gardens and swales treat 100 percent of parking lot and roof storm water runoff, removing 95 percent of pollutants
• Automatic lighting controls and use of natural light reduce electrical demand by 24.5 percent (12kw)
• High efficiency HVAC system consumes 50 percent less energy in cooling mode
• 100 percent of installed wood products carry Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, ensuring sustainable harvest practices
• Dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and efficient fixtures reduce water consumption by 66 percent, saving 49,800 gallons of water annually
• 100 percent of annual energy use (176 kwh/yr) is offset by investment in certified renewable energy development

In addition to the Kansas City Regional Technical Training Center, 10 Toyota/Lexus U.S. facilities have achieved various levels of LEED certification since 2003. Ranging from office space to vehicle distribution centers, these facilities represent Toyota’s continued efforts to improve the design and efficiency of all operations while reducing the overall environmental footprint. A complete listing of LEED certified facilities is found below.

Toyota sparked an industry trend in 2006, with construction of the first LEED certified automotive dealership in the country. Patt Lobb Toyota of McKinney, Texas, achieved Silver LEED certification and paved the way for additional dealers to follow. To date, 18 Toyota/Lexus dealerships have achieved LEED certification, including the nation's only Platinum LEED certified dealership, Kendall Toyota in Eugene, Ore. An additional nine dealerships are complete and awaiting final certification (see complete listing below).

“Toyota and Lexus dealers have truly seized the opportunity to ‘green’ their businesses,” said Ernest Bastien, TMS vice president of retail market development, “and by doing so are demonstrating environmental leadership in their communities. Dealers are also quickly re-couping their initial investments and realizing the long term financial benefits of building more efficient dealerships.”

LEED dealership construction was spurred by Toyota’s ECO Image U.S.A. II initiative which assists dealers with construction of facilities that emphasize efficiency and reduce overall environmental impacts. LEED certified dealers are seeing a 26 percent reduction in energy costs per square foot per year. In addition, quick return on investment for sustainable building materials, efficient lighting and other LEED elements are confirming the economic benefits of building green.

The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a third-party green building certification program designed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The U.S. Green Building Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to the expansion of green building practices and the LEED program. LEED projects accumulate points/credits in various environmental categories. Point totals determine the level of certification, ranging from ‘Certified’ to ‘Platinum.’

 

TOYOTA/LEXUS LEED CERTIFIED DEALERSHIPS

DEALER            LOCATION                LEED RATING             OPENING DATE
Toyota of            Santee, Calif.                   Gold                                 2009
El Cajon –
Service Center
  

Toyota of          El Cajon, Calif.                 Silver                                 2009
El Cajon
  

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Click here to set a title.Toyota Certified Center of Santee is proud to announce a donation to the 2012 Southern California 12-under State Champions, San Diego Power Surge Girls Fastpictch Softball Club. The girls have qualified for the ASA National champ

Wyland Foundation and Toyota Announce Grand Prize Winner of 2012 National Mayor's Water Conservation Challenge

The Wyland Foundation and Toyota today announced that Laguna Beach, Calif., resident Nika Shalala is the grand prize winner of the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, an online competition created by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota to encourage residents in all 50 states to conserve water, save energy and reduce pollution during Earth Month.  As the grand prize winner, Shalala will receive a brand new Toyota Prius c Hybrid.

Shalala became eligible for the grand prize drawing after Laguna Beach was named among the 12 winning cities for the 2012 National Mayor’s Challenge.  Nearly 20,000 people from 1,000 cities in all 50 states made online pledges at www.mywaterpledge.com in the second annual National Mayor’s Challenge to save a total of 4.7 billion gallons of water over the next year, with a potential cost savings of $11.6 million.  Residents further pledged to reduce their use of single-use plastic water bottles by 1.1 million bottles and eliminate 60,000 pounds of hazardous waste from entering watersheds.  The Challenge ran from March 30 to April 30 to honor the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, and 50 mayors signed on with “official” signed declarations in cities that included Atlanta; San Francisco; Houston; Tucson, Ariz.; Honolulu; Miami Beach, Fla.; Torrance, Calif.; and Denver.

“We congratulate Nika for being this year’s grand prize winner,” said artist and environmentalist Wyland, who spearheaded the initiative.  “To have participants from more than 1,000 cities, especially in every state, is outstanding and a testament to how simple, everyday actions can promote environmental change.”

In addition to the Grand Prize of a Toyota Prius c Hybrid, participants in the winning cities were eligible for prizes that included custom-designed sprinkler systems from Rain Bird, Eco-Flow Showerheads from WaterPik, water-saving toilets from STERLING Plumbing, and 1,000 gift cards for Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores.  More than $50,000 in prizes was awarded.

“Toyota commends all Challenge participants, including the mayors who showed great enthusiasm for rallying their residents to make an environmental impact,” said Michael Rouse, vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.  “The Challenge was a great example of people working together to support and enact environmental change, and we look forward to continuing this significant program with the Wyland Foundation.”

Organizations also involved in spearheading the Challenge included the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, U.S. Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, WaterPik, Rain Bird, Lowe’s, STERLING Plumbing, PADI and Project AWARE.

Toyota’s support of the Wyland Foundation is part of the automobile company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.  Toyota engages the public through a variety of environmental initiatives as part of the company’s commitment to impactful environmental stewardship. 

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Thank you Sandy, for your glowing review! Great job team!

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

• I love Toyota of Santee.  I've been coming here since they opened they never mislead me.  Scott has helped me for the past few years and he is like kin.  He knows my voice on the phone remembers me when I walk in.  THANK YOU Scott and Toyota for always making things right! -Sandy

Hello fans! Here is a Wednesday car care tip to extend the life of your car!

Don’t forget the timing belt. On many cars, it’s the belt you can’t see that is the most critical. If your manual says, as many do, that you should replace the timing belt at 50,000 miles, do it! A failed timing belt can, depending on engine type, cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your engine and in turn frustration!

Three Toyota Models Selected as Best Family Cars of 2012

Three Toyota models have been selected as among the Best Family Cars of 2012 by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com. This is their fifth annual list, which will appear online today and on newsstands June 12.

Toyota earned picks across three categories including Prius v in the high-mileage category; Camry in the sedan category and the Sienna minivan in the large vehicle category. Vehicles considered were evaluated on a number of criteria important to families including safety, fuel economy, and kid-friendly features, as well as ride comfort, styling and handling.
 
“We’re proud to have several Toyota models on the list of best family cars for the fifth year in a row,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Families know they can always depend on Toyota for safety, quality and durability, but they also recognize the importance of the convenience and technology features in our vehicles that help make their lives easier.”
 
In the high-mileage car category, the editors chose vehicles with more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway and offering safety features and modern conveniences. As a new member of the Prius family this year, the Prius v was cited for its stable ride and ample cargo space and was praised for its versatility and standard technology features including the Entune® mulitmedia system and a hands-free smart key, which unlocks the driver’s side door as you approach the door handle.
 
The 2012 Camry was highlighted as a best pick in the sedan category.  Completely redesigned for 2012, the all-new seventh generation Camry was chosen for its updated styling, convenient technology including Entune, excellent fuel economy, quiet ride and ample trunk space. The Camry is America’s best-selling car, and as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012 it is extremely popular with families.
 
Rounding out the best family cars in the large vehicle category is the Sienna minivan, chosen for its flexible configurations to fit every type of trip, family and cargo combination. The Sienna was completely redesigned in 2010, catering to traditional family van needs while also meeting growing demands for more responsive driving characteristics, contemporary styling and onboard entertainment technology.  With state-of-the-art features and rewarding driving dynamics, the Sienna is a vehicle that families of any size will find satisfying to drive. 
 
The Sienna is manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. while the Camry is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
 
“Toyota has a long history of satisfying the automotive needs of American families,” said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief, Edmunds.com. “The Sienna minivan, the redesigned Camry and the all-new Prius v hybrid are leaders in their respective segments, offering America’s families the spacious, fun, fuel-efficient and reliable transportation they need.”

Courtesy of Toyota Newsroom

Toyota Develops Mutual Power Supply System for Electric Vehicles and Homes

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that it has developed a vehicle to home(1)(V2H) system for the mutual sharing of power between electric-powered vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), and homes. The V2H system is to start testing, using Prius PHVs, at the end of 2012 in approximately ten households as part of the Toyota City Low-Carbon Verification Project(2) (Toyota City Project) that began in April 2010.

The newly developed V2H two-way electric power supply system can supply power from home to vehicle as well as from vehicle to home. An AC100 V inverter onboard the Prius PHV converts stored power into AC suitable for home use, while power flow is controlled according to communication between vehicle, charging stand and the home. With this new method, low-carbon electricity ("green" electricity) generated from regional or home solar generators, or low-cost late night electricity, can be stored in a vehicle's drive battery and then used to supply power to the household during peak consumption times. This kind of optimal energy flow can be automatically controlled by a home energy management system (HEMS).

Vehicle batteries can also be used as a power source in times of emergency by manually setting the electricity flow to supply power from the vehicle's drive battery through the charging stand to a home's lights and power outlets. With a fully charged battery and full tank of gasoline, a Prius PHV can supply power for average Japanese household electricity use (approximately 10 kWh) for four days.

Interest in smart grid technology and expectations for the effective use of electric vehicle batteries has increased due to recent anticipated electricity shortages in Japan, the beginning of full-scale renewable energy introduction and an increased need for emergency power supplies.

Households participating in the verification tests in Toyota City will use Prius PHVs, which can use the V2H system to supply electric power to homes, as well as function as conventional gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles once onboard electricity supply depletes to a certain level.

TMC developed its V2H system while closely complying with existing charging and communications specifications defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), as well as with electrical safety standards and regulations. Going forward, TMC hopes to promote the widespread use of V2H systems while closely studying - conscious of standardization trends - system, hardware, power generation and other relevant specification standards.

In addition to the V2H system, TMC has also developed devices capable of supplying electricity from PHVs directly to home devices, for use at emergency shelters in the event of a disaster. The devices will be installed on the PHVs used in this round of the Toyota City Project tests.

The Toyota City Project awards eco-points to consumers who change their lifestyle habits to conserve electricity, and in 2011 there was an increasing trend toward households to use low-cost power to charge their vehicles. In light of the recent power supply shortages in Japan, the Toyota City Project is working to promote regional energy management that can respond to shifts in peak usage. In response to the increasing need to control peak electricity use, the Toyota City Project will test synchronized automatic control between HEMS and regional energy data management systems (EDMS) this year. Existing energy usage optimization technology using household storage batteries will be expanded to V2H systems, making green electricity use even more effective while promoting a shift away from electric power consumption during peak-demand times.

Through the development of the V2H system, TMC aims to contribute to low-carbon and energy-efficient electricity use and to support the Toyota City Project's goal of regional energy independence.

(1) Charging of PHV and EV batteries from household electricity and supplying electric power from onboard automobile storage batteries to the home

(2) Part of the Next-Generation Energy and Social System Demonstration project (a five-year project running from 2010 to 2014) of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) with the aim of optimizing energy on a regional and community level through citizen-led initiatives. Construction of test model homes was completed in June 2011, with the first group of residents taking residence in September. As of May 31, 2012, approximately 40 households are living on the premises.

Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal