As part of this demo program, five Prius PHVs are hitting the streets – two are being used by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and three are being used by the port authorities of New Jersey and New York. Throughout the program, real-world data will be collected to educate and promote the Prius PHV as sustainable transportation for the public. This data should be available in early 2011.

Yoshi Inaba, President and COO of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. says:

“Toyota and New York City share a commitment to building a more environmentally sustainable future for New York, making this Prius Plug-in Hybrid partnership a natural fit. … As we strive to bring advanced-technology and alternative-fuel vehicles to market that will not only benefit our customers but also the environment, these real-world partnerships are critical to the success of the program.”

New York City has a long standing history of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and green house gases. They currently have 2500 hybrids in use on their municipal fleet! There are also ten prototype hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in use at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for a demonstration program with the Port Authority.

As for Toyota, their commitment to green driving is unprecedented. Other city organizations that Toyota is involved with include MillionTrees NYC, Together Green, and the Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future (LEAF) program. Additionally, there are more than 160 Prius PHVs on demo across the US to promote more sustainable driving nationwide.

The Prius PHV will launch commercially in 2012 and is truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle. It will fully charge in three hours using a 110-volt outlet, or just ninety minutes using a 220-volt outlet. The PHV will run on electricity for up to thirteen miles at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. Beyond this range, it will switch to full hybrid mode, like the original Prius hybrid.

To learn more about the Prius PHV or any of the demonstration programs that are happening, come see us Hudson Toyota! We specialize in Weehawken new Toyota vehicles and would love to keep you up to date on everything going on with the brand. We hope you’ll stop in and see us today!

The Consumer Electronics Show is truly a one-of-a-kind event. This year’s Las Vegas event took place from January 6 through January 9 and more than 2,700 technology companies across global industries dazzled attendees. Your Weehawken new Toyota dealer is proud to review Toyota’s participation in this ground-breaking event that energized the technology world – the brand unveiled the all-new Toyota Entune multimedia system! This entertainment unit will change the in-vehicle experience in new and exciting ways and we can’t wait!

The Entune system is a feature that will work with the user’s mobile device to create a unique and rich in-vehicle experience. It offers a fully integrated and upgradeable entertainment, navigation, and information services.

Jon Bucci, vice president of the Advanced Technology Department at Toyota, says:

“Unlike other industry solutions, Entune allows the driver to interact with informative and entertaining mobile content without fumbling with their phone. We offer features that our customers demand and integrate them seamlessly in the vehicle.”

Check out this video to see just how quickly, easily, and effectively the Entune functions:

Three key features of the Entune are:

1. Mobile Apps – the Entune System offers the largest number of Mobile Apps available, making drivers’ lives easier than ever! Example Apps include Bing, Open Table, and MovieTickets.com. Entune can also deliver location-based services such as real time traffic, fuel prices, weather, stocks, and sports. All destinations can then easily be sent to the navigation system.
2. Music – the driver’s in-vehicle listening experience will never be the same thanks to Entune. The system brings you music through iheartradio, Pandora, XM satellite radio, HD Radio, and USB devices!
3. Voice Recognition – a best-in-class, advanced conversational system. This allows drivers to focus more on the road rather than on their dashboard.

Entune will be available as an option in select Weehawken new Toyota models this year and it will be compatible with most mobile devices including smartphones as long as they have a data plan and Bluetooth capability. To learn more, stop in to your local Jersey City new car dealer and talk to one of the many friendly and knowledgeable sales associates!

There are two things I look for in a vehicle. One, I must be able to enjoy my outdoor adventures, so I need a vehicle that can take me to those remote trailheads and beyond. Secondly, I need a vehicle that will get me to the 0ff-road part of my journey safely while on the pavement and keep me safe while working my way through terrain.

Fortunately for me and all those other outdoor adventurers, the new Toyota 4Runner fits this description. After test-driving one at my Staten Island new Toyota dealer, I was sold. The 2010 Toyota NJ 4Runner I test drove provided the same excellent high ground clearance the model has been known for, a must for an off-road vehicle.

The Trail Model is everything it promises and more, implementing its Adaptive Terrain Management System to keep footing sure on the most unsure ground. Below is a nice video explanation of the Multi-Terrain Selector, which keeps the 4Runner actively seeking the best settings for its current conditions:

And what about the safety side of things? The 4Runner includes 12 airbags as well as Toyota’s Safety Connect system, which offers emergency response, turn-by-turn directions, and more. It’s nice to know emergency response is just a button away within your vehicle when you’re far from civilization. And while I consider myself an expert navigator when off in the middle of nowhere, I’m sure the turn-by-turn directions would come in handy for me on the roads. The wilderness is just easier to navigate!

If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor experience or just need a luxury SUV that offers ultimate safety for you and your family, head over to your Staten Island and Weehawken new Toyota dealer, Hudson Toyota, for a test drive.