Posts Tagged ‘Fuel Efficient Cars’

With so many politicians talking and so many households restructuring their budgets, you can’t help but notice the latest spike in gas prices. It’s affecting everything, even in Portland with all of our bike lanes and  sidewalks. Whenever gas station attendants adjust the numbers on their signage, it has a rippling effect on the rest of the economy. Retail managers see a dip in sales; neighbors start carpooling more; and according to Kelly Blue Book, hybrids like the Prius surge in resale value. Last month alone, the 2010 Toyota Prius gained over $1,000 in value—a number that’s just going to grow.

The reason is high school economics: everyone wants to save at the pumps, so the demand for fuel-efficient cars has risen. As prices continue to rise, so will the demand for hybrids along with their resale value. Kelly Blue Book says a used Prius may be worth 20% more by the time the gas crisis is over. Since cars notoriously lose value over time, the Prius has become just as much of an investment as a vehicle.

This isn’t to say that you should purchase three Prii and sit on them as a commodity investment. What this market trend reveals is simply the value of driving a hybrid. While gas prices continue to soar, Prius drivers see only a slight effect, which has made others jealous. They want that same financial immunity, so if you have a Prius, you’re among the lucky ones. And if you’re looking to buy a new car, you might consider a hybrid for their resale value, if nothing else.

Looking for your own Prius or other own fuel-efficient Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @greshamtoyota.com!

Toyota Motor Corp will be joining forces with Microsoft to develop internet-connected services to Toyota vehicles, Reuters reports. Both powerhouses in their respective fields, Microsoft and Toyota have had an ongoing business relationship for over a decade.

With this new project, Microsoft has devoted a $12 million investment in Toyota Media Services. Based on Microsoft’s Azure “cloud computing” platform, the new service will allow Toyota to reach customers in all 170 countries it does business in. This will allow the company to work off of one integrated network.

One service Toyota is planning will monitor and integrate a person’s power usage across the home and car to maximize efficiency. For example, electric cars will charge automatically when power rates are lowest. This team-up ensures Toyota’s position as a technological leader in the auto business going forward. The new services will be available by 2015.

Looking for your own innovative Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!

The Toyota Ideas For Good campaign has attracted thousands of entries, and now comes the hard part. A panel of independent judges will narrow down the submissions to 25 finalists, and all indications suggest they have their work cut out for them.

Toyota asked contestants to submit ideas for how they would use Prius technology to make a better world. Members of the public are encouraged by the advertising campaign to find new, non-automotive applications for five distinct Toyota technologies to ultimately benefit society. One winner in each of the five technology categories will witness their idea spring into reality. Winners will be determined by a formula based on input from the Toyota panel of gurus and the general public. Additionally, winners will receive their pick of a new Prius, Venza or Highlander Hybrid as a prize.

Check out one of the latest videos where engineers from Deeplocal build a solar-powered relief tent!

Looking for your own innovative Toyota vehicle? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!

Continuing with their focus on social responsibility, Toyota has launched a campaign to give 100 Toyota vehicles to deserving non-profit organizations in 100 days. All 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply by submitting a brief description of their organization’s mission and how they would use a new Toyota to continue doing good in the community through Facebook. The application deadline is March 21st, or until 5,000 applications are received.

Starting March 25th, an independent panel of six socially-conscious judges from the world of philanthropy and nonprofits will review the most compelling applications and 500 organizations will be announced as finalists around April 11th. The public with then vote using the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Facebook app.

Here is the official promotion video:

Looking for your own innovative Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!

While most of the cars that debuted at the recent Geneva Auto Show were diminutive in size in accordance with European tastes, Toyota offered innovation in a family-friendly size. As Motor Trend reports, the Prius+ is modeled after the American Prius V, which boasts nearly 50 percent more cargo room than the original Prius sedan.

One of the main differences in the Prius+ is the third row of seating that brings the passenger capacity to 7, surpassing that of the Prius V.  When not in use, the 50/50 split bench can be folded flat for additional load space. This is also the first Toyota vehicle in production to receive the new lithium-ion battery. The new battery’s smaller size allowed engineers to  place it beneath the center console- a move that could free up additional interior space.

The Toyota Prius+ just may ‘mind the gap’ between fuel-efficient innovation and family-friendly size in Europe.

Looking for your own innovative Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!