It looks like there’s been another significant industry breakthrough for Toyota: The company recently announced it has become the first full-line brand to offer a standard complimentary maintenance program for all new vehicles in its entire lineup, in addition to now providing the same service for new products from its Scion division.
“The two complimentary maintenance plans were developed to help improve overall cost of ownership and provide invaluable peace of mind for our customers,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “The new programs were inspired by owner feedback and once again reflect how Toyota listens to its customers.”
Toyota had already offered complimentary service as part of its early-year sales promotions, and the results were very impressive. In fact, some 73 percent of Toyota buyers said that it improved their confidence in the company’s products. It’s a demonstration of good will that improves customer relations, Huntington Toyota says.
The two new service plans, which have been integrated into the pre-existing Toyota Care and Scion Service Boost programs, mean that customers can benefit from normal, factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance, all at no charge, for either two years or 25,000 miles (whichever comes first). This includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, lubrication of key chassis parts and components, and regular 19-point vehicle inspections, along with lockout protection, flat-tire service, towing, jump starts and more. It’s the kind of service normally offered by luxury brands, Toyota Huntington says.
This customer-satisfying service is already available on the new Scion and Toyota products at Scion Dealer MD today.
(Note that only retail vehicles will qualify for the complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance programs. Vehicles that are part of rental, commercial, livery or taxi fleets are excluded.)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Driver Error Caused Sudden Acceleration
Toyota is a name that you’ve certainly heard in the news over the past year thanks to endless counts of people coming forward to report issues with their Toyota Vehicles. Last year, the recalls were the hot topic- accidents and reports of sudden acceleration on certain Toyota models had consumers in an uproar.
On Tuesday, February 8th, there was a report released by NHTSA-NASA on the electronic throttle system that contained the results of an extensive 10 month study they conducted.
It seems the incidents were caused by “user error”, the pedal sticking or the floor mat bunching up. Toyota has released an official statement in regards to this report, saying that they welcome the findings and appreciate the thoroughness of the review.
So what will this do for the reputation? It’s already been starting to restore the positive brand image for Toyota that once was — with the stock price rising and positive sentiment across social media channels and automotive sites.
For more information on the findings of the report, please check out the official NHTSA-NASA study of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.
On Tuesday, February 8th, there was a report released by NHTSA-NASA on the electronic throttle system that contained the results of an extensive 10 month study they conducted.
It seems the incidents were caused by “user error”, the pedal sticking or the floor mat bunching up. Toyota has released an official statement in regards to this report, saying that they welcome the findings and appreciate the thoroughness of the review.
So what will this do for the reputation? It’s already been starting to restore the positive brand image for Toyota that once was — with the stock price rising and positive sentiment across social media channels and automotive sites.
For more information on the findings of the report, please check out the official NHTSA-NASA study of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Toyota and Lexus Dominate '2011 Best Overall Value of the Year Awards' from IntelliChoice
• Toyota Leads All Brands With Seven Awards
• Lexus Leads All Luxury Makes Taking Four Trophies
• Lexus Leads All Luxury Makes Taking Four Trophies
SAN FRANCISCO, February 5, 2011 - - Seven Toyota vehicles and four Lexus models today took the top spot in IntelliChoice’s “2011 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) Awards” at the 2011 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention here. With 21 total awards handed out, Toyota and Lexus combined garnered over half of the trophies presented with 11 top honors.
“Dominating the IntelliChoice’s 2011 Best Overall Value Awards is another example of how Toyota and Lexus continue to produce vehicles that retain their outstanding value,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of Automotive Operations for Toyota Motor Sales, USA. “In a tough economy, finding a dependable vehicle that also holds its value over an extended period is one of the most important aspects of buying a new car.”
IntelliChoice determines the winners of the BOVY Awards based on the top vehicles in 21 categories that represent the best overall value. Each winner is determined by analysis of ownership costs, including depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.
Toyota Segment Winners
Passenger Car – Prius
Premium Passenger Car – Avalon
Compact Crossover/Wagon – RAV4 four-cylinder
Minivan – Sienna
SUV – 4Runner
Compact Pickup – Tacoma
Full-Size Pickup – Tundra
Lexus Segment Winners
Premium Compact Passenger Car – IS 250
Premium Convertible – IS 250C
Premium Crossover/Wagon – RX 350
Premium Full-Size SUV – GX 460
Passenger Car – Prius
Premium Passenger Car – Avalon
Compact Crossover/Wagon – RAV4 four-cylinder
Minivan – Sienna
SUV – 4Runner
Compact Pickup – Tacoma
Full-Size Pickup – Tundra
Lexus Segment Winners
Premium Compact Passenger Car – IS 250
Premium Convertible – IS 250C
Premium Crossover/Wagon – RX 350
Premium Full-Size SUV – GX 460
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Happy Belated 60th Birthday to the Land Cruiser!!
In 1951 Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser, a vehicle designed with go-anywhere capabilities. The Land Cruiser quickly earned a reputation for its reliability and for its ruggedness, having been the first vehicle to be driven to Mt. Fuji’s sixth hill station, a climb rising 2,500 meters. Since its introduction, it has conquered the Arctic (and Antarctic) wastes, traversed deserts, ploughed its way through tropical rain forests and generally taken the worst the world can throw at it in its stride. The Land Cruiser has also became a favorite among police fleets and militaries around the world andAfter sixty years on the market, the Land Cruiser has evolved substantially. While it remains one of the toughest machines on four wheels, it has become increasingly sophisticated, mating strong off-road performance with unparalleled levels of luxury.
To celebrate this major milestone, Toyota will introduce two 60th anniversary models of the 2011 Land Cruiser. Unfortunately, both models are built for the UK only. But Land Cruiser fans can rest assured that the model available here in U.S. lives up to its safari-conquering spirit.
Powering this luxurious brute is a 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine which produces 381 horsepower 401 lb-ft of torque. Ninety percent of peak torque is available at just 2,200 rpm, helping make the Land Cruiser an outstanding tow vehicle. This unit is also equipped with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, which optimizes power, fuel efficiency and emissions.
The 2011 Land Cruiser is features a range of systems designed to maximize ruggedness and durability in extreme driving conditions. This includes Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which enhances both on-road handling response and off-highway capability. Unlike more car-like crossovers, the Land Cruiser is equipped with a lightweight, compact transfer case which provides full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range for traversing challenging driving surfaces, such as steep inclines. Traction control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and make helps make traversing difficult terrain easier, and safer.
Inside, the latest generation Land Cruiser comes luxuriously equipped, with standard features that include rear privacy glass, a JBL premium audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and 14 speakers; Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start that allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle by carrying the key; anti-theft security system; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink®; steering wheel-mounted audio; heated, power front seats with driver’s memory; and power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory. Other features include Toyota’s advanced Safety Connect telematics system, which dispatches emergency responders in the event of a collision and provides a range of other useful features.
The Toyota Land Cruiser continues to be a unique package backed by an iconic history. The latest model retains the characteristics that have made it a legend, but it also boasts the comfort and technology that will ensure its everlasting popularity.
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