There’s been a great amount of buzz about the all-new Toyota Prius plug-in vehicle. Recently, everyone got a better look at just what the new PHV will look like and your favorite Staten Island new Toyota dealer is here with the details for you!

The Toyota Prius PHV is the car with no compromises. It will differ from the regular Prius on a few key points:

• The plug-in model will be capable of running up to 15 miles as a purely electric car, after which the Hybrid Synergy Drive takes over. This makes it the best of both worlds – superior fuel economy AND added EV capability!
• In EV Mode, Toyota’s estimates it delivers the equivalent of 89 miles per gallon. In hybrid mode, it still delivers an incredible 49 mpg average!
• Recharge time at 115V takes just 3 hours, less than that with the new Leviton Level II charger that will be available for a starting price of $999 installed.
• The PHV’s smaller 4.4 lithium battery pack qualifies for the minimum federal taxcredit of $2,500

A group of lucky individuals in California were invited to be the first to see and experience the first production version of the plug-in hybrid.

Check out this video of the unveiling by Division Group vice president and general manager Bob Carter:

Here at Hudson Toyota, we couldn’t be more excited for the Prius PHV! WE know it will made a great addition to what we already have here at your favorite Toyota dealers. NY drivers looking for a great deal on a high quality vehicle can always count on us! Whether you’re shopping for a car, truck, or SUV, this is the place for you. Here’s a taste of what we have in stock:

• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Sienna
• Toyota Sienna
• Toyota Tacoma

Stop in for a test drive today!

With automakers continually struggling to win and maintain consumer loyalty, Toyota has proven that a dedication to quality and constantly improving its product. This leaves us with a basic and essential question: how do they do it? The Toyota Production System has long been acclaimed for effectively engaging front-line workers in improving their work. Toyota is emphatic about creating an atmosphere where front line workers’ opinions and suggestions are respectfully listened to by management and given serious consideration. By creating an atmosphere of mutual respect where front line workers feel like contributing members of the organization rather than hired hands, Toyota management hears detailed ideas from proud workers who are very familiar with the design and intricacies of each vehicle. Toyota workers’ dedication to providing the highest quality of Staten Island auto parts for each line of vehicles.

When front-line workers spot a work problem, they have a clear way to suggest improvements. Each idea goes through a quality circle of pier workers, which must then be approved by the manager. The benefit of this system is that managers hear the most relevant and well formed suggestions because each idea is discussed and critiqued among peers so that weak ideas are weeded out and the company doesn’t waste its time. While these aspects of the corporate strategy are of great assistance, the foundation of the company’s success relies on its direct management of front line workers and of the thorough implementation of standard procedures. The supervisors check and confirm that the standard procedures have been put in place and that workers are following them exactly. To experience the Toyota difference firsthand, visit one of the many Toyota dealers NY.

Toyota made yet another charitable contribution to a worthy cause with their recent grants to nurture science in education. The company awarded $500,000 in 2011 TAPESTRY grants to 50 U.S. science teachers, furthering a 21-year-old program that to date has given out more than $10 million to almost 1,200 teachers in America. While announcing the grants, Toyota officials said that the program recognizes and provides support to teachers who make a difference by demonstrating excellence and creativity in science education. Excellence and creativity are essential components of all Toyota dealers. NY tied California for the highest number of grant recipients with 5 winners each.

 As a company whose success largely relies on creativity, innovation, and scientific breakthroughs, Toyota’s generous contribution to science education seems appropriate. The grants were awarded to teachers or teams of teachers based primarily on risk-taking, creativity, and originality. Each recipient of the grant will receive $10,000 with which to finance their research and experiments. Projects range from creating bio-fuel to further America’s go-green effort to increasing food production on farms in urban environments. Winners teach at the elementary, middle school and high school level. Many teachers have capitalized on the rare opportunity presented by the Toyota TAPESTRY program by using their research to win prestigious awards such as the Einstein Fellowship Award. In addition to the high level of excellence reached by teachers through the program, tens of thousands of students have benefited from the additional funding provided through the program.

 Along with simply enjoying the benefit provided by the grants, many teachers and students have found ways to use the additional funding as a gateway to procuring even more assistance from other sources. The money allows teachers to push their science-based projects beyond classrooms to positively affect their communities. Eventually, many experiments become such a showcase that the teachers and students are able to get additional money from other philanthropic sources because of the outstanding work displayed through the TAPESTRY program. New and used Toyota dealers are proud to be a part of a company committed to philanthropic service and supporting excellence in education.

I think everyone can agree that if there’s one thing the world needs more of, it’s social media outlets. Well, Toyota has answered the call with its newly released plans to develop a social networking service with the help of Salesforce.com (a U.S. internet company) and Microsoft.The service, which is named “Toyota Friend” will be a private social network available to Toyota owners and will allow drivers to interact with their car in a way similar to posting on Facebook or Twitter.

 In a demonstration at a Tokyo showroom, an owner of a plug-in Prius hybrid found out through a cell phone message from his Prius called “Pre-boy” that he should remember to recharge his car overnight. When the owner plugged in his car to recharge it, the car replied, “The charge will be completed by 2:15 a.m. Is that OK? See you tomorrow.”

 The easy communication that the service will offer could make the transition to driving a next-generation rechargeable vehicle more painless than expected. With these simple and clear exchanges between owner’s and their vehicles, many of the worry about how long the battery life will last and various warning lights coming on will be limited and hopefully eliminated in many instances. If your car is up for an inspection, for example, you will be notified through “Toyota Friend,” which will in turn automatically link to a dealer to set up an appointment with local Toyota dealers. NY drivers can look forward to the release of this technology in 2012.

 The three companies will be investing a total of $12.4 million into “Toyota Friend” and believe the service will transform drivers’ relationships with their vehicles. Toyota President Akio Toyoda, a racing fan, said he always “talks” with his car when he is zipping around on the circuit. With the popularity of social networking, cars and their makers should become part of that online interaction, he said. “I hope cars can become friends with their users, and customers will see Toyota as a friend,” he said. With the buzz about this innovative technology, this continues to be an exciting time to visit a new and used Toyota dealer.

Are you looking for ways to keep more money in your pocket? There are many areas you can cut back in and today your friends at Hudson Toyota would like to share a few tips with you on how you can smartly save on your car insurance.

The earliest step you can take is to buy a car that comes with a low rate. Car insurance costs vary based on a vehicle’s safety record, repair costs, likelihood of theft, and even price. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used Toyota, we recommend picking out a few vehicles that you like and then calling your insurance company to compare rates for each.

Next, you want to make sure you take advantage of every possible discount. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to see what you’re eligible for:

• Are you a student? If so, do you get good grades?
• Have you taken a defensive driving course?
• Do you have a clean driving record?
• Does your vehicle have extra anti-theft or safety features such as anti-lock brakes?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you can likely get lower rates!

These aren’t the only ways to save. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, choose one company that can bundle all of your policies and you will get an overall lower rate. You can also save by lowering your coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, if your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, it may make sense to drop collision and/or comprehensive insurance. Finally, you can request a higher deductible (as long as you’d be able to cover yourself in the event of an accident).

There are also things you should avoid in order to get the best rate. Here’s a few things to stay away from:

• Gaps in coverage
• Accidents
• Speeding tickets
• Poor credit

Many of these, like avoiding accidents or tickets, are obvious. Other things, like your credit score, might surprise you. But insurance companies have found a correlation between credit scores and insurance claims and they so they will charge more to individuals with poor credit.

To learn more money saving tips, come visit your favorite Toyota dealers. NY drivers will always find great deals among the diverse selection here at Hudson Toyota and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Toyota has demonstrated their commitment to sustainability with their 10^th year sponsoring the Environmental Media Awards. Much the same as Toyota has been recognized for their eco-friendly efforts by various automotive experts and associates, the 2010 Environmental Media Awards recognize films and television productions that convey an environmental message to audiences. The awards took place in October and recognized the initiatives of movies including Avatar and TV shows such as 30 Rock, The Simpsons and The Biggest Loser.

Toyota featured their hybrid lineup at the event and gave audience members a sneak peek of their much anticipated Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV). The Toyota dealers NY residents visit can expect the PHV to arrive in 2012 and will be the first Toyota model that is equipped with plug-in capability.  The PHV acquires power from a combination of a gasoline engine and a lithium ion battery and is capable of driving solely on electricity for 13 miles. With the use of two battery packs, the PHV is able to draw electrical power from one main battery pack until the supply has been exhausted and then revert to a secondary battery pack for additional electrical power.

Also displayed at the Environmental Media Awards was the third generation Prius Hybrid. Currently available at the Toyota dealers NY residents visit, the 2010 Prius symbolizes the car that started it all. First introduced 10 years ago, the Prius was the first ever mass-produced hybrid-electric vehicle and continues to play a pivotal role to the environment with its impressive fuel efficiency and super low emissions.

Whether considering new or used cars, NJ residents who opt for a Prius will be able to achieve stellar fuel efficiency. The first generation Prius attains a fuel economy rating of 41 mpg, while the second generation increased that rating to 46 mpg and the latest generation went even further by achieving 50 mpg.

With vehicles like the PHV and the Prius Hybrid, Toyota has done their part to influence drivers to engage in environmentally responsible behaviors and is proud to recognize those initiatives in others. Toyota’s encouragement of the media industry’s efforts to educate and promote environmentally responsible behavior is another indication of the automaker’s commitment to sustainability.

Complaints of sudden unintended acceleration with Toyota vehicles compelled the automaker to initiate a recall of over three million vehicles. But thanks to safety initiatives and the repair of five million recalled cars, consumer complaints have decreased as suddenly as the runaway cars took off. The Toyota dealers NY residents visit can expect to see more customers with the automaker reporting an 80% decrease in sudden acceleration complaints compared to those received in April 2010.

Safety enhancements that Toyota has executed include the expansion of their Swift Market Analysis Response Team (SMART) program. The SMART program was first assembled in April 2010 and entails responding to and investigating sudden acceleration complaints. The success of the program has influenced Toyota to broaden the scope of the SMART evaluation process, increase team members and to address complaints unrelated to sudden acceleration.

The repair of five million recalled cars is another contributing factor in the sharp decline of consumer complaints. 3.1 million vehicles have had their floor mat repaired or replaced due to potential interference, another 1.8 million vehicles have been serviced for stuck accelerator pedals and 128,000 cars have received updated anti-lock brake system software. These repaired vehicles represent 75% of the total number of recalled vehicles and is a quantum leap in a relatively short period of time.

Another possible factor of the 80% decrease in costumer complaints are the various investigations that have suggested driver error in sudden acceleration allegations. Studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) examined vehicles that had been in an accident claimed to be a result of sudden acceleration and found that throttles were wide open and brakes were not engaged at the time of the crash. These results suggest that drivers were mistakenly engaging the accelerator pedal when they meant to hit the brake pedal and may contribute to the decrease in complaints by preventing other drivers from making the same mistake.

The progress that Toyota has made thus far has resonated with consumers as evidenced by the Toyota dealers NY residents continue to frequent. With the purchase of new and used cars, NJ residents have contributed to a 50% sales increase for the automaker in March 2010. Toyota’s increased sales and the decrease in complaints indicates that the automaker is still a customer favorite.

After initiating a voluntary recall in 2010, Toyota is redeeming their reputation in a big way. In addition to launching safety programs and enhancing quality assurance processes which have contributed to an 80% decrease in consumer complaints, Toyota has repaired over five million of the recalled vehicles. 3.1 million vehicles have had their interfering floor mat repaired or replaced, another 1.8 million vehicles have been serviced for stuck accelerator pedals and 128,000 cars have received updated anti-lock brake system software.

Toyota’s safety initiatives are resonating with Jersey City residents as is demonstrated by the Toyota dealers NY residents continue to frequent. Consumer interest studies have recognized Toyota for the quality of their vehicles indicating that drivers everywhere have retained their trust in the automaker. Earning a top two spot for best car brand by Kelly Blue Book (KBB) and garnering nine Motorist Choice Awards, it’s safe to say that drivers have preserved their confidence in the Toyota brand.

Toyota has also seen a significant increase in sales, with increases as much as 50% earlier this year, and has received multiple awards for various models. American Automobile Association, Inc. (AAA) named the Toyota Venza one of the best cars for pet owners and Parents magazine named the RAV4 and the Prius two of the best family cars of 2010. For those one the market for used cars, NJ residents can’t go wrong with the Prius, which landed at the top of the list for best used cars by U.S. News and Report.

While the recent recognition and sales increases that Toyota has experienced are indications that the automaker has restored their reputation, they aren’t exactly sitting around eating bonbons. Toyota has opened new training facilities, made quality assurance enhancements and plans to install advanced safety features in all new cars. Smart Stop Technology is one of the safety features that Toyota will install in all new cars and is already integrated in the majority of used cars. NJ drivers can feel confident with the brake override system that reduces power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are employed simultaneously.

As consumer complaints continue to decrease and consumer interest continues to increase, Toyota continues to recover their reputation for building safe, reliable cars. At their local Toyota dealers, NY residents can be assured in their safety with whichever vehicle they opt for.

After a voluntary recall in 2009, Toyota Motor Corporation has made significant strides in rebuilding their reputation for manufacturing safe vehicles. Launching vehicle demonstration programs and new quality initiatives, the company has seen a sharp decrease in sudden acceleration claims, which have reduced by 80% since April 2010. Although there was speculation that some of the recalled vehicles were due to driver error, Toyota has put all blame aside and is determined to establish their commitment to safety.

To assure Jersey City drivers of the safety of Toyota vehicles, the automaker assembled Swift Market Analysis Response Team (SMART) in April of 2010 which is a process intended to respond to and investigate customer complaints concerning sudden acceleration within 24 hours of receiving it. The success of the SMART program has been demonstrated by the Toyota dealers NY drivers continue to visit and has compelled Toyota to expand the program to include investigations of complaints unrelated to sudden acceleration.

In addition to expanding their SMART program, Toyota announced that they will enhance the safety features in all of their new vehicles. Smart Stop Technology is a brake override system that reduces the engines power when the brakes are applied and will be installed in all new cars and is already integrated into 84% of used cars. NJ drivers will also feel confident with the incorporation of Enhanced Event Data Recorders into all new cars which provide pre-collision and post-collision data.

Additional steps Toyota is taking to ensure safety include the enhancement of supplier collaboration and quality controls. Toyota will work closely with their suppliers to review production procedures and quality assurance processes to enhance existing practices and enforce such practices across all suppliers. Toyota will also expand their quality control program to include training for suppliers to introduce new quality assurance requirements.

Toyota has endured extreme difficulty in the worst economic times and has managed to come out on top. In addition to the many Toyota dealers NY drivers continue to trust for their car purchases and the 80% decrease in consumer complaints, Toyota has been winning awards left and right. Toyota landed in the top two for best car brand out of the 37 brands that were considered by Kelly Blue Book’s (KBB) Market Intelligence Brand Watch study and was awarded nine Motorist Choice Awards. These consumer based studies confirm the faith that drivers have maintained in Toyota. Whether on the market for new or used cars, NJ drivers can be assured of their safety in a Toyota.

If a down economy and a seemingly endless year of high-profile recalls doesn’t stop Toyota, than nothing will. Toyota has managed to retain their reputation for manufacturing reliable, quality vehicles as evidenced by the results of the 2010 Motorist Choice Awards. The consumer-based study allocated 30 awards to vehicles chosen by the feedback collected from 42,000 car buyers. The nine of a possible 30 awards that Toyota and their luxury brand division, Lexus, received indicates the automaker’s reputation is still resonating with consumers.

The Motorist Choice Awards recognized two cars in 15 categories which can be related to consumers’ day-to-day lives.  With categories including ‘City Car’ and ‘Eco Friendly Car’, Jersey City residents and other urban dwellers are able to identify an ideal car for their particular lifestyle. The remaining 13 categories included ‘Country Club’, ‘Cute’, ‘Sexy Styling’, ‘High Tech’, ‘Youthful’, ‘People Mover’, ‘Fun to Drive’, ‘Kid Friendly’, ‘Active Lifestyle’, ‘Performance’, ‘Road Trip’, ‘Value Car’ and ‘Cargo Hauler’.

With the nine awards that Toyota received in seven categories, chances are, the Toyota dealers NY residents visit will likely have the vehicle that fits whatever their lifestyle may be. Along with the Lexus RX Hybrid, Toyota swept the ‘Eco Friendly Car’ category with the second award going to the Toyota Prius. Whether considering new or used cars, NJ residents can’t go wrong with the Toyota Prius which was named one of the best used cars by U.S. News and Report. The Prius is ideal for city drivers with its impressive fuel efficiency and is just as good for the environment as it is for your wallet.

NY and NJ residents will be glad to know that the other category that Toyota swept is of particular interest to city dwellers like themselves. When visiting their Lexus and Toyota dealers, NY residents can opt for the Toyota Yaris or the Lexus LS, both Motorist Choice Awards winners in the ‘City Car’ category. The compact body and agile handling of the Yaris come paired with a surprisingly spacious interior and its super low emissions are sure to please the most demanding urban motorist.

Toyota and Lexus models also snagged spots in the ‘High Tech’ and ‘Value Car’ categories with the Lexus RX Hybrid, the ‘Youthful’ category with the Lexus IS, the ‘Kid Friendly’ category with the Toyota Sequoia and the ‘Road Trip’ category with the Toyota Sienna. Whether considering a Lexus or Toyota, new cars or used cars, NJ drivers are sure to find a vehicle that fits their lifestyle from the nine Motorist Choice Award winners that other consumers have selected. Visit your local car dealer for more information or to test drive a vehicle.