Kudos

Congratulations Rick on another raving fan!

“We had a great experience at Tri-County Toyota buying our new 2013 4-Runner. From the moment we stepped in the door Rick Newstein was extremely helpful and kind. We quickly saw the options they had, took a look at the inventory, took a quick test drive and narrowed down our selection to the 4-Runner or Highlander. Rick was very kind to our whole family as we had the kids with us and even brought the Highlander to our house the next day for a test drive after we ran out of time the day before. Great buying experience.” – kevinsouder

If you would like to see this review and others, click here: http://bit.ly/12h5TrY

Tech Thursday Thrills with Toyota Collaborator

Toyota and Google+ have teamed up to make car shopping a little more social with Collaborator. We are proud to share the Toyota Collaborator prototype at Google I/O, and look forward to releasing it to consumers in the future.  Check out this video:

Students Awarded Internships at Toyota

 — Cody Cunningham and Mayson Pine, both mobile robotics students at the Wyoming County Career and Technical Center, have been accepted into Toyota’s robotics internship program. They will work at the manufacturing plant in Putnam County while attending WVU Tech Bridgemont to continue their education.

They will be paid for their work at the plant and their schooling is free.

The two won gold medals during the recent West Virginia SkillsUSA competition in Putnam County and will compete in Kansas City in June for a national gold medal.

They were among the 14 selected from a pool of 70 finalists for the extremely competitive Toyota program. In addition to the gold medals, the two also went through an interview process at Toyota’s West Virginia location.

Pine moved from Chicago, Ill., to Pineville, W.Va., to take advantage of the chance to work in Toyota’s West Virginia manufacturing plant. He had an associate’s degree in science, but couldn’t find a job in Chicago. While visiting his grandmother in Wyoming County, he toured the career center and explored the new mobile robotics program.

He thought it was an unbelievable opportunity.



“I thought we had a good chance,” he said of the internship program.

Both young men lauded the professional atmosphere in the manufacturing plant.

“It was immaculate,” Pine said.

“We had to go through security,” Cunningham added.

“We knew they were serious,” he joked.

Despite going to college on Toyota’s money, the two are not obligated to work for the car manufacturer after completing the program.

“We can go wherever we want to work,” Cunningham explained.

In June, the two will have to build a mobile robot designed to place feed in an 18-inch high trough in order to feed a cow as part of the SkillsUSA competition.

The parts needed will be supplied at the competition, Cunningham explained.

“We’ll have five hours to build it and make everything work like it should,” Pine added.

The two have been practicing since the state competition and believe they also have a good chance at the national title.

- Courtesy of Mary Catherine Brooks Wyoming County Bureau Chief

All-New 2013 Toyota RAV4 SUV Scores Early Sales Surge Thanks to New Styling and In-Cabin Technologies

The arrival of the new 2013 next-generation Toyota RAV4 SUV has led to a sales surge for the original crossover SUV that began what is now the fastest growing segment in the auto industry.

RAV4 sales have increased since the new model began rolling into Toyota dealerships in January.  In February, its first full month in showrooms, RAV4 sales increased nearly 10 percent over the same period last year with the new model making up 65 percent of all RAV4 sales.  Due to strong demand, Toyota dealers expected new RAV4 sales to continue to climb as the vehicle ramps up to full production, raising dealer inventory levels.  This has proven true as RAV4 sales in April increased 17 percent over the same period last year and are up nearly nine percent for the year.

“When developing the new RAV4 we spent a lot of time talking to consumers to understand what they wanted and needed in a small SUV,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.  “We have met those needs and now, since its launch, the new RAV4 is one of the fastest selling vehicles in the Toyota line up.”

Early dealer reports have found buyers of the new RAV4 have been particularly attracted to its dynamic exterior design, perceiving it as contemporary and very stylish.  Buyers have also been impressed with the many in-cabin features like the available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, calling the new RAV4 technologically advanced.

“Sales of the new RAV4 have been tremendous,” said RJ Romero, chief executive officer of Tustin Toyota in Tustin, Calif.  “Our buyers really like the new styling, including the new rear liftgate and the removal of the spare tire from the rear door.  They also tell us they feel the new RAV4 is a great value as it is loaded with key standard equipment that is important to them.  Our only challenge has been keeping our inventory well-stocked to meet the heavy demand.”

The new RAV4 offers great value through balanced performance and capability, including improved fuel efficiency, increased cargo capacity, a dynamic design, eight standard airbags and a compelling array of standard features.

The new RAV4's design achieves strong proportions while conveying the agile and fun character.  The dynamic exterior features a progressive silhouette, with a sleek-sloping roofline and an aggressive character line.  In a significant break with its heritage, RAV4 has switched from its side-hinged rear door to a convenient roof-hinged liftgate with a space-saver spare tire stored under the cargo floor.

RAV4 is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited.  Among the many technologies and convenience features early buyers have been drawn to include standard Display Audio with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and an integrated backup camera, Eco and Sport modes and 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats.  Dual zone climate control is standard on XLE and Limited grades, while navigation with Toyota’s Entune™ multimedia system is available on both XLE and Limited.  Standard on the Limited is the new adjustable power liftgate, Premium SofTex seating, power driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats, and Smart Key system.

All RAV4’s are equipped with a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission. The all-new RAV4’s fuel efficiency is improved from the previous generation.  The new Eco mode also promotes more efficient driving for maximum mpg.  RAV4 front-wheel drive models receive EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models are EPA-estimated at 22 city/29 highway mpg.

The new RAV4 provides active owners a more dynamic drive, with new technologies like a Sport Mode with Dynamic Torque Control AWD, enhancements in suspension performance and optimized electric power steering. 

- Courtesy of Toyota News

Octane Overdose

"If some is good, more is better" thinking does not apply to octane. Here the rule is to supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done. Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits.

Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily repertoire.

- Courtesy of MSN Autos

Kudos

Thank you, Althea for your helpful review and great rating!

“service from the sales person was very helpful and he explained everything and answered all of our questions about our new vehicle. our new car was delivered clean and ready to go.” – Althea S.

If you would like to see this review and others, take a look: http://bit.ly/YsjzkL

Kudos

Congratulations Don for your outstanding recognition! 

“…We will highly recommend Don to all family and friends looking into a new car. Our whole car buying experience was super easy start to finish. 

I truly believe without a doubt that Don is there to HELP people navigate the car buying process. I do understand that this is his occupation but I will always fully believe that he is one of the GOOD guys. eally he is jut a big teddy bear!!

We will continue to buy our cars from Don as long as he is still selling Toyotas!” – lillyjay

If you would like to see this review and others, take a look: http://bit.ly/ZAb3fG