Toyota is proud to be able to boast being diverse in a wide variety of ways, whether it be within the workplace or with regards to its vehicles. Your friends at the local Staten Island new Toyota dealer are here today to share with you the many ways our company strives to remain diverse. 

DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Toyota strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace and has been recognized accordingly. In fact, our company was recently named among the “40 Best Companies for Diversity” by Black Enterprise. (Black Enterprise is a premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans.)

Here’s what Toyota has to say about diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as about the recognition we’ve received:

“At Toyota, diversity and inclusion have always been among our top priorities, and we are honored to be recognized by Black Enterprise. … We believe constant growth towards a more inclusive environment is imperative not only in developing and retaining a talented workforce, but in fostering a corporate environment that mirrors the communities in which we do business. As we remain committed to continuously improving, we will work closely with our senior managers and Diversity Advisory Board to enhance our efforts even further.”

- Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Toyota Motor North America.

Other recognition Toyota has received includes the following:

• Inclusion among DiversityInc.’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity for five years
• Inclusion in the Human Rights Campaign “Best Places to Work Corporate Equality Index” for the past four years
• Induction into the Billion Dollar Roundtable, in recognition of over $1 billion in annual spending with certified ethnic and women-owned suppliers
• “Corporation of the Year” award from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
• “Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award” from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

DIVERSE VEHICLES

We also have a diverse selection of vehicles, including a large selection of both new and used cars. NJ drivers can choose from two- or four-door vehicles; SUVs, vans or trucks; gas- or hybrid-powered.

Here are just a few examples from our diverse selection:

• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Highlander
• Toyota Sienna
• Toyota Tacoma

To learn more about these or any other models available at Hudson Toyota, stop in and talk to our friendly sales associates. We will assist you throughout the process of selecting your next vehicles and look forward to serving you soon!

We can all see the high price of gasoline as we drive past gas stations throughout the city. While we can’t control the fact that the price seems to keep going up, we can control how much gas we use. For some people, this means buying a hybrid or even an electric vehicle. For others, the idea of changing vehicles is unrealistic. We have good news for these people though! No matter if you drive a brand new Prius or a 2010 Toyota Corolla, New Jersey drivers can all save gas. Today your friends at Hudson Toyota are here with some gas saving tips for you to follow.

Avoid idling – it used to be argued that turning a vehicle on and off used more gas than letting it idle. But when vehicles starting employing fuel injection, this changed. Now it saves more gas to turn the car off if you’ll be idling for more than even 30 seconds. We’re not recommending you turn it off at stop lights, but if you have to run in a store for 10 minutes, turn it off!

Keep tires inflated properly – tire pressure is a huge way to save on gas. When you tires are at the proper inflation level, there will be less contact and resistance with the road, so you will use less gas. Be sure to keep an eye on this as the seasons change, because changes in temperature cause inflation to change.

Drive the speed limit – the faster you drive, the less economical you are. So stick with the speed limit!

Start slower – by avoiding rapid acceleration, you will save a surprising amount of gas. Pay attention to your RPMs, and get going at a more moderate pact and you’ll be happy you did.

Clean out your car – extra weight from the things in your trunk can really slow you down and impede your gas mileage. Keep only what you need in the car and you are sure to start seeing results!

Roll down the windows – when possible, keep the air conditioner off and roll down your windows. You’ll enjoy feeling the wind in your hair!

Keep your vehicle maintained – whether it’s with one of our new or our used cars, NJ drivers should always keep their vehicles well maintained. This includes clean air filters, regular oil changes, and tire rotations.

For more gas saving tips, stop in and talk with us at Hudson Toyota! Our customers are our top priority and we can’t wait to have you in the store!

• Cellular phone – an incredibly helpful resource if you encounter problems on the road. It’s great to have a charger on hand as well.
• First-aid kit – you never know when you’ll do to apply minor first-aid while on-the-go.
• Fire extinguisher – if it’s safe to do so, you can put out small flames with this tool.
• Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares – these will help ensure that you are seen by others on the road.
• Tire gauge – monthly pressure checks can help you avoid tire problems before they happen.
• Jack and lug wrench – in case you need to change a tire on the go.
• Foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit – to fix small tire punctures.
• Spare fuses – in case one of your fuses stops working.
• Jumper cables or a portable battery booster – if you or someone you know needs a jump, these are great to have!
• Flashlight – if you get stuck at night, you don’t want to be without this. (Make sure the batteries work!)
• Gloves, hand cleaner, and clean rags – even simple tasks can get your hands dirty.
• Auto-club card or roadside-assistance number – in case you can’t fix the problem yourself.
• Disposable flash camera – to take pictures of an accident scene.
• $20 in small bills and change – you never know when you might need some spare change.
• Pen and pad of paper – in case you need to exchange information (or keep your kids entertained!)

For you Moms out there, here’s a few extra things to keep on hand:

In all seriousness though, don’t go out unprepared! If you’d like more tips, head in to your Staten Island Toyota parts leader, Hudson Toyota. Their friendly sales staff would be happy to help you with any and all of your automotive needs. Stop in today!

IntelliChoice is on organization committed to helping consumers choose their cars wisely. They offer information on everything from safety to cost of ownership to gas mileage. You can find also automotive advice and top vehicle deals on their website.

One of the things IntelliChoice is most known for is their “Best Overall Value of the Year awards”, which are also known as BOVYs. The BOVYs recognize the best car in each class by analyzing their ownership costs, such as depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance. For the 2011 BOVYs, they identified the vehicles with the best total costs within the first five years of ownership.

Toyota led all the automotive brands and received a total of seven BOVYs! (Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus, also led the luxury segment with four trophies.) Here’s a look (by segment) at the seven Hoboken new Toyota models that won for 2011:

• Passenger Car – Prius
• Premium Passenger Car – Avalon
• Compact Crossover/Wagon – RAV4 four-cylinder
• Minivan – Sienna
• SUV – 4Runner
• Compact Pickup – Tacoma
• Full-Size Pickup – Tundra

“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. … 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.”

- Don Esmond, senior vice president of Automotive Operations for Toyota Motor Sales, USA.

Here at your local Hoboken new Toyota dealer, we are thrilled to lead IntelliChoice’s selections for 2011! If you would like to learn more about the seven winners, stop in and talk to our friendly sales associates. In addition to these new models, we also have some excellent used cars. NJ car shoppers can always find what they’re looking for at Hudson Toyota and we hope you’ll come in soon!

The Toyota Prius is one of the original and most recognizable hybrids on the roads today. First introduced worldwide in 2001, the Prius now accounts for 52% of all hybrid sales in the United States (according to J.D. Power and Associates). That’s a significant achievement!

What makes the Prius from Toyota so popular? For starters, it has EPA fuel economy ratings of 51 mpg in the city, 48 mpg on the highway, and 50 mpg combined. I don’t think you could ask for better figures if gas prices do reach $5.00/gallon. The hybrid is able to achieve these numbers thanks to its Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The system consists of a combination of a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission and makes for some of the most efficient power-splitting on the roads today!

Toyota isn’t stopping with just the Prius hybrid. They are also planning to release a plug-in hybrid variant (PHV) of the Prius which will be capable of driving for 13-14 miles on pure electricity thanks to a larger battery pack. After the Prius PHV, look for an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) to arrive as well! The future of green driving is looking bright at Toyota!

As much as I’m sure you hate thinking or talking about $5.00/gallon gasoline, I’m here to reassure you that Toyota has your back! Come see us at your favorite Hoboken new Toyota dealer to learn more about our fuel efficient options such as the 2011 Toyota Prius. When it comes to choosing new or used cars, NJ drivers can always trust Hudson Toyota! We hope to see you here soon!

1. Start by using a brush or ice scraper to take off snow and ice from the windshield, side mirrors, headlights, wheel wells, and tailpipe.
2. If the windshield wipers are frozen in place, don’t force them as this may cause damage to the wipers or their motors. Instead, try a de-icing fluid on the windshield. But don’t leave the de-icing fluid in your car over night, it might freeze! And don’t use hot water to remove ice from the glass—it will cause the glass to shatter.
3. Use a clean, soft-bristled broom to remove debris off the roof. Don’t use anything rougher than a soft broom, as that may scratch the paint.
4. If the vehicle is tall, like an SUV, van, or truck, try using a step stool to help access the roof.
5. It is helpful to start the car and put the front and rear defrosters on high while you clean off the exterior. However, you don’t want to start the car too early as you will waste gas. You also don’t want to idle in a closed garage.
6. And always exercise caution – dress warmly and be careful if your driveway is icy!

If you would like more tips on how to avoid New Jersey’s fines this winter, stop in and see your favorite Toyota dealers in NJ.  In addition to offering sound advice for the winter months, Hudson Toyota can help you find your next vehicle among their selection of both new and used cars. NJ drivers can trust Hudson Toyota with all their automotive needs so stop in today!

Toyota Teen Driver is a website and valuable online resource for teens, parents, and teachers. The project stemmed from Toyota’s recognition that, unfortunately, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among US teens. To counter these risks, Toyota teamed with Discovery Education to create a comprehensive program designed to help teens avoid distraction, help them stay safe behind the wheel, and help give parents a better peace of mind. The Toyota Teen Driver website offers everything from tips for parents on teaching your teen to drive to “Mutual Driving Agreements” that you can create with your teen driver.

Another component of the website is called “Heads Up!” It consists of an interactive road distraction challenge and gives participants the chance to practice their driving skills in a safe setting. Participants can also enter to win $50,000 in cash prizes from Toyota!

If you’re like me and have a child approaching their 16^th birthday, or if you have a teen that has already begun driving, I urge you to visit the Toyota Teen Driver website. While Toyota can never totally eliminate the worry that comes along with being a parent, I am confident that you will find the resources on this website extremely helpful.

And when you feel your teen is ready for a vehicle of their own, come visit us at Hudson Toyota! We would be more than happy to help you choose the perfect vehicle from our selection of new and used cars. NJ parents can trust Hudson Toyota for all of their car buying needs so stop in today!

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.