Toyota Goes Electric

Toyota Goes Electric: Two Strategies for Alternative Powerplants

Toyota's Prius may be the perennial hybrid favorite, but lately the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid and Nissan Leaf electric car have gotten most of the attention. Toyota hopes to take back the limelight with plans to release vehicles in both segments as well as many other alternative vehicles by 2012.


Toyota Hybrid Electric Cars: Plug-in Prius and More Hybrid Options

Recently Toyota announced that it would bring six new hybrid models to market by 2012. It’s expected that two of these models will be sold under the Lexus brand and four as Toyotas. Three of these cars will be all-new models while the other three will be based on gasoline vehicles. Specifics on these cars have not been released.

The big news is Toyota's plan to offer a plug-in version of the current Prius. This model is expected to sell for just $3,000-5,000 more than the current version. This is nearly $10,000 less than the Chevy Volt yet should be eligible for the same tax credits. However, all-electric range will be thirteen miles, far less than the Volt's forty mile range. Toyota plans on selling about 20,000 of these plug-in cars per year in North America.

There is currently a test fleet of these vehicles being operated in America. Early drivers have said the driving experience is nearly indistinguishable from the regular Prius. The only indications of the electric mode is the "EV" indicator on the dash display and improved gas mileage. The additional battery pack adds 220lbs to the weight of the vehicle and raises the trunk floor two inches. Charging through a household 110v outlet takes just three hours.


Toyota Electric Cars: RAV-4 EV and FT-EV City Car

Last year Toyota announced the FT-EV, a small city car based on the iQ with a range of about fifty miles. While there are plans to bring the iQ to America as a Scion it is unclear whether or not the FT-EV will reach our shores. However, we will be getting a new RAV4 EV co-developed by Toyota and Tesla Motors.

This is not the first time the crossover has been offered with electric power. The original RAV4 EV, put in production back in 1997, had a 27.4 kWh battery pack with a range of around eighty miles. The new EV is expected to match or exceed the Tesla Roadster's 56 kWh battery capacity and two hundred mile range.

Production for this vehicle will probably take place at California's NUMMI plant. This plant was once run as a partnership between Toyota and GM, most recently manufacturing the Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. GM backed out of the partnership when they went into bankruptcy and the plant was closed.

This new electric vehicle was debuted at the L.A. Auto Show last November and information about range and cost should be announced. Production will start in 2012.

Satellite Radio Keep Entertainment Quality High On The Road

Keep entertainment quality high on the road with Satellite radio. Sirius and XM radio provide you with commercial free radio in your car, your home or office and on your mobile devices.

(NC)—With Canadians spending more time on the road commuting to and from work, having easy access to great in-car entertainment is a necessity. Many drivers are tired of the commercials on traditional AM/FM radio and have turned to subscription-based satellite radio as their top choice for entertainment when they are behind the wheel. In fact, upwards of two million Canadians now subscribe to satellite radio and enjoy more than 120 channels of commercial-free music plus sports, news and entertainment programming.

Here are answers to some of the most popular questions about satellite radio.

How Does It All Work?

Programming originates from studios in Vancouver, Toronto, New York and Washington and is beamed via satellite across North America. Subscribers can access programming from satellite radios installed in their vehicles, homes or offices or mobile devices.

Where Can I Listen?

Most new vehicles come equipped with satellite radio already integrated in the sound system. For other makes and models of vehicles, there are a variety of radios that are easy to install. Many also offer speaker dock accessories that let you listen at home. Subscribers can also stream Sirius or XM programming online or on their smartphone.

Is It Good For Road Trips?

Satellite radio was made for road trips and with a Sirius or XM radio in your vehicle you can drive from Victoria to Charlottetown or Winnipeg to Miami without having to worry about losing reception.

What About Programming?

Satellite radio subscribers can access more than 120 channels of unbeatable live sports, comedy, entertainment and news in addition to a huge variety of commercial free music programming from every genre. Music programming is constantly updated so playlists never get boring.

What About Sound Quality?

Satellite radio offers unbeatable reception and crystal clear sound.

Who's Listening?

Since the technology first launched in Canada six years ago, more than two million Canadians have subscribed to satellite radio.

What Does It Cost?

Sirius or XM satellite radio is $15 per month, which gives you unlimited access to more than 120 channels of sports, news, entertainment and commercial-free music.

What To Do In The Event Of An Accident

What to do in the event of an accident provides some great information just in case you do have a collison while driving your car. It's always best to know what to do at the scene of an accident or collision before one actually happens.

Of course, no one wants to be involved in an auto collision, but it is certainly better to know what to do before hand so you can be prepared, just in case...Here's a time when the motto, "Always Be Prepared", comes in handy!


(NC)—Whether you're driving to work, running errands or heading up to the cottage, chances are that you will be in at least one minor collision during your lifetime.

So avoid becoming a nervous wreck by knowing what to do when a collision occurs. After you've been in an accident, experts agree that you should remember to:

• Move Your Vehicle Off The Road.

If the collision is minor, move your car into the nearest parking lot or driveway.

• Call 911.

Have your driver's license and proof of insurance ready when you make the call. Once the authorities have been notified, write down the other driver's name, insurance details and policy number, as well as all information related to their car.

• Do Not Discuss Accident Details.

Avoid conversations or disputes surrounding the accident by not recounting the details with the other drivers and passengers, and never admit fault.

• Keep Your Claim Number.

The officer onsite will assess the accident and determine who is at fault. They will then write a report and give you what is called an accident claim number. It is very important to keep this information handy and in a safe place for future reference.

• Call Your Insurance Company.

If the accident is your fault, call your insurance company as soon as possible. If it's not, use the other driver's policy information to avoid paying a deductible.

• Report To A Collision Centre.

By law, drivers involved in a collision must report into a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) within 24 hours.

“Even the most minor collision can be quite stressful but the process involved in getting back on the road is quite simple,” says Mauro Convertini, an insurance and claims expert for Aviva Canada. “Once you've visited your local CRC, your insurance company will actually handle the damage appraisal, give you a repair estimate and arrange for a rental car.”

More information is available from your insurance broker or online at avivacanada.com.

Cleaning Up The Mystery Of Vehicle Title Washing

Cleaning up the mystery of vehicle title washing so you can buy a used car knowing the truth about the condition of the car.

(ARA) - When you buy a used car, you're happy if the seller vacuums the interior and gives the exterior a good wash and wax before you take possession. But there's one kind of "cleanup" that you want to avoid when you're buying used: title washing.

Title - or "brand" - washing occurs when a seller takes steps to hide the damaged or totaled condition of a vehicle. When a vehicle is damaged or declared a total loss due to flood, fire, accident, natural disaster or other circumstance, the state in which it's titled will "brand" the title, noting the condition on the document. Unscrupulous sellers circumvent the branding by repairing or camouflaging the damage and then titling the vehicle in a different state.

"What title washing means for consumers is that they can end up paying far more for a salvaged or totaled vehicle than it's worth, thinking they're buying a used vehicle in good condition," says Joshua Steffan, director for Experian Automotive. "Often, a buyer will be unaware of the vehicle's true condition until they've completed the purchase, driven the vehicle and started to experience problems related to the hidden damage."

Bureau of Transportation statistics indicate that in any given year, the number of used car sales is about three times the number of new vehicle sales. With the recession driving demand for used vehicles over the past few years, incidences of title washing have also increased.

In fact, during the first six months of 2011, 257,245 vehicles were initially branded and then transferred or retitled in a second state with a clean title, according to the AutoCheck vehicle history report database. In 2008, that happened to just 185,000 vehicles. Most of the title washed vehicles in 2011 were branded as salvage (39 percent) or rebuildable (26 percent).

Title washing also tends to increase in regions that have experienced a natural disaster, like a hurricane. In such situations, flood waters will often leave many vehicles unusable and many states will brand a vehicle's title as flood damaged.

So how can you protect yourself from the risk of buying a title-washed vehicle? Steffan offers some advice:

* Check the vehicle's background by purchasing a vehicle history report. Most title-washed cars keep their original vehicle identification numbers (VIN), which is all you need to order an AutoCheck report. The report includes information on the status of the title (including if it's been branded), a check of possible problems, an odometer check, the history of how the vehicle was used (as a rental or private vehicle) and any events, such as accidents or flood damage that have been reported on the vehicle. You'll also get the ZIP code of where the vehicle has been registered, and you can use online resources to match that information to regions where the vehicle might have been exposed to floods or other natural disasters.

* Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. Some title washers, however, are pros and may have reconstructed a car so well that it's hard for even a professional to tell.

* When you first see the vehicle, look for discoloration on seats, seatbelts or door panels that might indicate mineral deposits left behind by flood waters. You may see moisture on the inside of the instrument panel. Do a sniff test. A water-damaged vehicle might smell moldy or musty. Or, it might smell strongly of potent cleansers that the seller has used to mask the odor of mold.

* Fresh paint on newer-model cars may indicate the vehicle has been in an accident and had bodywork done. Mismatched panels and extremely low mileage may also be red flags.

* Always check to ensure the VIN on the vehicle's paperwork matches the one on the vehicle. The location of the VIN varies from vehicle to vehicle, but you'll often find it on a small metal plate in the corner of the windshield nearest the driver. Other locations include on the engine or engine block, or the right front wheel well.

"Ultimately, a title check from a vehicle history report is the optimum way to know as much as possible about a vehicle you're considering buying," Steffan says. "A modest investment can help you avoid making a costly mistake."

How To Keep Your Car Running For Years Longer Than Most

Find out how to keep your car running for years longer than most vehicles on the road with these helpful car care tips. Drive smart, drive less, keep your vehicle in a garage and always keep your car in tip top shape with scheduled maintenance!

(ARA) - If you've been in an auto dealer's showroom recently, you won't be surprised to learn that the average price of a new car is approaching $30,000. While there's no getting around the price you have to pay for a new automobile, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure you won't have to make the same investment again anytime soon.

By doing the little things to maintain your car on a day-to-day basis, you can do everything in your power to make your car last long past the day you make your final payment on that car loan.

"Time and miles are the two forces fighting to destroy every car," says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com. "Giving the car an occasional wash and wax is nice but really not as important as regular maintenance. Driving and maintaining your car as if it needs to last for at least 200,000 miles or 20 years is a smart way to preserve the value of an expensive asset."

Storage

If you have a garage, make it your car's permanent home. Reserving a garage space for your car instead of household items that could be stored elsewhere will help you avoid the accelerated wear and tear caused by prolonged exposure to the elements.

If you store your car in a partially protected carport or use a car cover, regularly inspect underneath your hood for signs of vermin. "I recently needed to replace a fuel injector connector that a rat gnawed off our 20-year-old family van after it was left unattended in a carport for just a few days," says Taylor. "Rats and mice like a nice warm engine bay and they chew constantly to wear down their ever-growing teeth."

Scheduled Maintenance

Your car's maintenance, engine oil, radiator antifreeze and other components might differ significantly from your last car. Following the maintenance schedule laid out in your owner's manual is important to protect your vehicle. The photos in the RockAuto.com online auto parts catalog can help you become familiar with the maintenance parts for your specific car. Making sure items like filters, struts and brake pads are replaced when needed will help protect other components, saving you money and unnecessary wear.

Drive Smart

Occasionally kicking up your heels is fine, but consistently accelerating too fast can put unnecessary strain on your engine and other moving parts. Stopping or cornering too quickly can prematurely wear out your brakes and suspension. If you're starting your car in the cold, take it easy at first - letting your car idle won't help protect your car, but driving a little more methodically than usual while your car warms up will.

Drive Less

You don't need to cut out the annual family road trip - highway miles are among the easiest miles you can put on your car. But eliminating unnecessary trips in everyday life can have noticeable results since the starting and stopping associated with short trips can be tough on your car. Take care of all your errands in one trip, walk with your kids to school if it's close to home or ride the bus to and from work. If you can cut down on driving by 5 miles per day for 10 years, you'll save 18,000 miles of driving. Taylor estimates that those miles are worth $4,000 in parts, depreciation and gas. Not only will you save money, but you'll also put less stress on your vehicle, which should extend its lifespan.

When shopping for a new car, you might be able to save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping and finding the best price. But good maintenance and driving practices can save you thousands if it means you won't have to buy another car for 20 years.

Driving A Bargain

You could be driving a bargain. When you are buying a new car you can find out what the car you want to buy will be worth in two, three or even four years from now. Use this important information when you decide which type of car you want to purchase.


(NAPSI)—Some new-car buyers are getting a glimpse into the future—and not just at the high-tech capabilities of the vehicle.

In addition, they get a look at what that car will be worth when they’re done with it. After all, purchasing a new vehicle can be one of life’s big events. You want to know everything you can about the true value of your options, including the future trade-in value of the vehicle you’re considering.

How It Works

That’s where a new program that futureproofs the value of your new car comes in. The dealers provide a written guarantee that says exactly how much the car will be worth two, three or four years from date of purchase.

If you go back to the dealer at any time during months 24 through 48 of ownership, you can trade in your qualifying vehicle toward the purchase of a new one. The vehicle is assessed to determine the current market value, which is then compared to the guaranteed value. The higher of either the guaranteed value or the current market value, less any applicable mileage charges or damage costs, can be applied to the purchase of a new Hyundai. The guarantee, dealers say, is possible because Hyundai’s residual values are among the highest in the industry.

What Else You Get

In addition, all the company’s vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by a complimentary Assurance program, which includes a five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new-vehicle warranty, a 10-year/ 100,000-mile power train warranty and five years of complimentary roadside assistance as well as the trade-in value guarantee.

Further Futures

Meanwhile, the company’s engineers and designers have a few more ideas in mind when it comes to forward-thinking technology. These include:

• A fuel-cell electric vehicle that doesn’t need heavy batteries, can go up to 400 miles between refueling and never needs to be recharged.

• Location sharing, which sends your vehicle location to your friends and followers on social networking sites so they can keep track of your urban adventures.

• A roof made of a translucent composite covered by a glass skin for a major weight savings.

• Composite body panels and an elastic front safety system that reduces the chance of pedestrian injury.

New Garage Door Technology Makes Your Life Safer And Secure

New garage door technology makes your life safer and secure. LiftMaster, the garage door experts explain high tech security features like electronic eyes, garage door openers and closers, battery backup in case of power failures and exterior light options.

(ARA) - As the American home has continued to evolve with the speed of new technology, so has the garage. In order to keep up with the everyday busy lives of homeowners and the need for these homeowners to spread out and utilize all the space within their homes, garages have become a new frontier for functioning space within the home.

The majority of homeowners use the garage as the main entrance way into their homes, making the garage door and its opener imperative to the security of the home, protecting the people and property behind it.

Before, garage doors only opened and closed to let your car in and out of the garage, and you had to be there to do it. But garage doors and openers have improved dramatically in the last decade to do more. If you're interested in upgrading your home's security and curb appeal, don't forget to check out some of the newest high-tech features:

* Control From Anywhere Around The World:

Garage door openers are high tech now, and the LiftMaster openers with MyQ Technology allow you to control your garage door - as well as other household items - from inside your house, while at the office or even from halfway across the world by using your computer or smartphone. This technology lets you monitor if the garage door is opened or closed and allows you the freedom to operate it from a remote location, perhaps to grant access to a family member or allow a delivery.

* Electronic Eyes

- New garage door openers come with safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if something were to be underneath. If an object breaks the beam of infrared light spanning the width of the door, the garage door won't close - and if something were to cross the sensor as the door is closing, it would cause the door to reverse direction and open up again. This can help protect small children and pets from being struck by the closing door.

* Timers For Closing

- You've probably forgotten to close your garage door after pulling out of the driveway at least once in your life, leaving your home and property wide open to anyone passing by. New garage door openers allow you to customize the settings on your garage door opener to ensure that the door will close after one minute, five minutes or even 10 minutes of being open.

* Power Out? Not A Problem

- The harsh winter weather can leave many homes without power for extended periods of time. LiftMaster openers are equipped with battery backup, which is very useful during a power failure in severe weather conditions, providing your family with reliable, uninterrupted access to your home and automobiles in the garage.

* Shed Light On Safety

- Exterior lights also have seen technology upgrades, and when placed next to your garage, can deter unwanted visitors. Save money with solar powered lights, or lights that are motion-activated to brightly shine when something approaches the garage. In addition to discouraging unwanted visitors, lights also give your family members a safer environment when arriving home after dark.

Using new technology in and around your garage helps you maintain security and safety and can improve your life in so many different ways. Learn more about how the LiftMaster garage door openers with MyQ Technology can benefit your home and your family at www.LiftMaster.com.

Drive Carefully-And Let A Computer Prove It To Your Insurer

Drive carefully—and let a computer prove it to your insurer so you can get lower auto insurance rates. Save money on your car insurance with telematics.

(NAPSI)—Welcome to the world of telematics, bringing you minicomputers connected to your vehicle.

Telematics technology is the integration of telecommunications and computers-in other words, the collection and transmission of data in a seamless flow. Many drivers and others have a great interest in telematics because of what it can do, such as accurately record speed, location, number of miles, amount of time, time of day, braking and other data.

Some auto insurers already offer their customers discounts based on such information. In the future, insurers may use telematics data instead of more traditional rating variables, such as age. The voluntary use of telematics offers the opportunity to reduce premiums and promote safety through improved driving behaviors.

“Telematics devices can save lives because they tend to make people more aware of their driving tendencies, known as the halo effect,” said Christopher Sirota, CPCU, of Verisk Analytics (Nasdaq:VRSK) and its ISO business unit, a leading source of information about property and casualty insurance risk. “Truck fleet managers have already noticed the reduction of unsafe driving behaviors by 10 to 50 percent and the same results will probably apply to teenagers. One insurer saw a 30 percent reduction in claims for youthful drivers who opted in to a driving behavior program that applied a surcharge for after-midnight driving.” Insurers’ programs may differ because they will design around the information they collect.

He added that “a recent government study with volunteers using telematics connected to cameras showed that drivers took their eyes off the road for greater than two seconds preceding a crash or near-crash event. People take their eyes off the road for about four seconds while texting. At 55 mph, you’ll travel the length of a football field!”

Drivers need to learn more about the trade-offs that telematics offers on auto insurance rates. One key source of such information is an agent or broker with the letters CPCU after his or her name. That’s proof of advanced insurance education, industry experience and a commitment to a tough and enforced professional ethics code. To find a CPCU, visit www.cpcusociety.org, click “Consumers,” then click “Find an Agent/Broker.”