Toyota and National Center for Family Literacy Launch $10 Million Initiative

Toyota and the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) are launching Toyota Family Learning, a six-year initiative that will create a new model for literacy by expanding it beyond the walls of the classroom and into homes and communities. This new initiative will engage families in learning together both online and offline, incorporating digital elements launching later this year, including a website, mobile app, social media and more. Today, the first phase of Toyota Family Learning goes live: a grant program for communities to fund new family mentor and service learning programs targeting vulnerable families.

Five organizations will be awarded a three-year, $175,000 grant, in addition to a wide range of NCFL training and communication support, learning items and materials. Fifteen grants will be awarded over the course of the six-year initiative. Schools, libraries and community-based organizations that provide services to families are eligible to apply. Submissions are being accepted now through June 24 at www.toyotafamilylearning.org. Submissions will be evaluated on a number of factors, including strength of existing services, commitment from community partners, and strength and innovation of proposal. Grant recipients will be notified in July.

“The vision for Toyota Family Learning is to become a modern-day movement for families learning together and this grant program launch is the first of many steps we’ll be taking in the coming months and years to make that vision a reality,” said Sharon Darling, president and founder, NCFL. “The components of this initiative are all rooted in increasing Parent and Child Together (PACT) Time® that is so critical to improving family literacy.”

“For over 20 years, we’ve been proud and humbled by our partnership with NCFL, which has helped more than one million families learn and grow together,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of National Philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation at Toyota Motor North America. “We’re excited to build on this with the new Toyota Family Learning initiative and look forward to seeing how local community organizations will help expand our work beyond the classroom and into homes and communities.”

This new initiative is the latest in Toyota’s long-standing support of NCFL’s mission to advance family learning and literacy. Since 1991, Toyota has been a strategic partner to NCFL, providing more than $36 million to fund 256 literacy programs nationwide and impacting more than 1 million families. Program highlights include:

• Toyota Family Literacy Program: brings parents and children from immigrant families together in a classroom to learn and engage with culturally relevant programming.

• Toyota Teacher of the Year award: annually recognizes individual educators for their efforts to improve literacy among learners of all ages. The winner receives a $20,000 grant to implement his or her classroom project.

• Toyota Families in Schools: establishes learning services in schools and engages parents and at-risk students aged 5 to 12 years old by providing academic and home-life support.

Courtesy of Toyota

1967 Toyota 2000GT Become Most Expensive Asian Car Ever Sold

 A 1967 Toyota 2000GT recently sold for $1.16 million at an auction in April making it the most expensive Toyota AND Asian car ever sold.

The 1967 Toyota 2000GT that was auctioned off was one of only 351 made and was completely restored.

According to this article, "The Toyota 2000GT is a limited-production, front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat, hardtop coupé grand tourer designed by Toyota in collaboration with Yamaha. It was first displayed to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965. The 2000GT was manufactured under contract by Yamaha between 1967 and 1970. The 2000GT is seen as the first seriously collectible Japanese car and the first Japanese supercar."

The 1967 Toyota 2000GT had been called "Toyota's E-Type"-"a reference to the gorgeous Jaguar sports car from the 1960s — and "the best car you've never heard of."

Here are some specs:

• The 1967 beauty has a 2,000 cc six-cylinder engine that produces 150 brake horsepower, good for a top speed over 135 mph. It has only has 62,000 miles on the odometer.
• The car has a dual overhead cam 2-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine and three Solex 2-barrel carburetors.
• Capable of producing 150 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, it reached top speed of 135 mph
• Toyota had matched the powerful engine with a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission.

Ready for some pictures?

 

 

2013 Toyota Avalon Appeals to Younger Buyers

2013 Toyota Avalon

Much has been said about the new 2013 Toyota Avalon, mostly along the lines of, "The Avalon is no longer a car just for older drivers."

The automobile writer of this article described previous Avalon models as "Geriatric, grizzled or perhaps even doddering might have all been apt descriptors, but nothing about previous Avalons were even remotely exciting or enticing."

Well, that seems a little bit harsh, but his review of the 2013 Toyota Avalon is a complete 180 as he found himself caught completely by surprise by the new luxurious, high-tech quality of the new model.

And we suspect you will be, too. Check out the inventory of the 2013 Toyota Avalon at Burien Toyota HERE and be sure to stop by to take one for a test drive!

This writer describes the upgraded 2013 as having its DNA completely revamped.

"The interior, for instance, is more (and I suspect Toyota’s bosses might not appreciate this compliment) Infiniti than Toyota. The cabin is more luxurious than ever with better quality leather, hedonistic wood grains and subtle aluminum trims."

He also notes something that has been noticed by other critics and consumers: the high tech navigation system and other dashboard technology is much easier to use compared to other systems.

While the backseat of the 2013 Toyota Avalon may not be as limousine-esque, it is still large and spacious enough for large adults to comfortably sit.

This Motorweek video review of the 2013 Toyota Avalon does a great job of showing off the luxurious and spacious interior and incredible drivability.

As the video points out the new Avalon is the perfect mix of high-tech and high-luxury that will make you forget the 'geriatric' history of the Toyota Avalon. It is a luxurious full-sized sedan built with Toyota quality and reliability for a non-luxurious price (starting at just more than $31,000). Stop by Burien Toyota today to see what all the buzz is about!

Toyota Marks 5 Million Hybrids: VIDEO

2013 Toyota Prius

As we previously reported, Honda recently reached a major milestone: five million Toyota hybrids have been sold and been getting people around in a more environmentally conscience way!

Toyota hybrids have far outsold any other auto maker (even Honda) and has truly been a trailblazer in the commercialization of hybrid engine technology. Even knowing this, we were struck by the sincerity and consistent message of Toyota Vice Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada. His message wasn't, "We were the first, we are the best." His message was "Please support us as we tackle global environmental issues."

See the entire "Toyota Marks 5 Million Hybrids" video HERE.

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid

In fact, over and over again, Uchiyamada states how the Toyota hybrid was developed as a "solution to air pollution and environmental depletion." For Toyota, hybrid development and commercialization was not simply jumping on board with a trend; Toyota was a trailblazer and, in fact, the first to put the time, money, and effort into developing vehicles that would "bring customers closer to environmental issues that face us all."

Uchiymada admits Toyota plays "a very important role in the next generation of vehicles to tackle environmental issues" and asks for continued to support from consumers.

Honda has come a long way from its first Toyota Prius. There are now four members of the Toyota Prius family: Toyota Prius V, Prius C, Prius Plug-in, and your standard Prius. Additionally, Toyota has integrated its hybrid technology into other models, so there is also a Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

2013 Toyota Highlander

Toyota is even planning on introducing an all-new RAV4 Electric Vehicle...with a completely electric engine designed in conjunction with engineers from Tesla Motors.

Here in Western Washington and the Seattle-Tacoma area, we have an incredible culture of preserving and protecting the environment. Toyota hybrids fit right into that culture. Support technology that helps "tackle global environmental issues" and stop by your "Hybrid Headquarters" at Burien Toyota. The professional staff at Burien Toyota will help you find the perfect hybrid, whether it's for a family or to fit the needs of a small commuter car. Stop by today!

Toyota Awards Scholarships to 20 Asian Pacific Islander Students from Southern California

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. awarded scholarships to 20 Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) students from the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines at its second annual awards dinner and reception at the Toyota Automotive Museum on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.  The scholarships were given in partnership with the Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF).

The scholarships provide recipients with $2,500 towards a degree in a STEM field. These 20 selected students trace their heritage to seven different countries in the Asia Pacific Island (API) region, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Cambodia, Korea and Pakistan.  Students were also awarded a proclamation from their respective local governmental officials.

The focus on Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) students originates from their need of resources to access higher education, which serves as a foundation for their future success and contributions to a stronger America.  The students heard about the program through APIASF, “the nation’s largest 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides college scholarships to” APIAs.  They were encouraged to apply to the program by school and college counselors.

With intended majors ranging from biomedical sciences to electrical engineering and school selections from UCLA to Cal Poly Pomona, students were thankful for the scholarships while already expressing desires to give back to their communities.

Scholarship recipient Jose Rabaino from Carson Senior High School said, “With the scholarship, it is very likely I will be able to go to” the college of my choice. “The [Toyota/APIASF] Scholarship will help me achieve my life goals and dreams. For that, I am extremely thankful.”  He plans to study computer science.

TMS Group Vice President and CFO Tracey Doi also attended the event.  Doi is an advocate of Toyota Asian American Society in Alliance (TAASiA), an employee resource group that represents the diverse Asian American cultures and heritages within Toyota and the community.

"Our twenty extraordinary scholars were selected from a pool of over 7,200 applicants,” said Doi.  “Toyota is proud to celebrate their outstanding academic achievements and community service.   Clearly these scholars demonstrate the drive, passion and courage to become our next generation of leaders."

In addition to Doi, Toyota Vice Presidents Karen Ideno, Wei Shi, and Alok Vaish participated in a panel reflecting upon “What I would tell my younger self?" These top executives are well-positioned to provide insight to the young scholars as TAASiA continuously leverages the strength of a growing population within Toyota to foster an environment and corporate culture of diversity and inclusion.

Courtesy of Toyota

Best Toyotas for Mothers

We have gleaned from the all-knowing interwebs the best Toyotas for moms...you know, in case you want to give your mom or wife a new vehicle for Mother's Day. Or maybe you want to get yourself one, too (hey, there's nothing wrong with shopping for your own Mother's Day gift). And we're not just talking minivans. Read on to find the perfect car for any kind of mom!

Here's what the LA Times said:

"Toyota Sienna: 30-year-old mom and founder of MotherProof.com, Kristin Varela takes us through this year's favorite minivan and other top mom-mobiles. "This minivan actually treats mom like a bona fide grown-up, with a fit and finish that anyone would be proud to drive," says Varela

"Toyota Highlander Hybrid: It's not too big and still meets all of mom's needs. Varela says: "For an SUV that doesn’t look or feel big, this baby can pack a lot in (including hybrid technology). We have an ongoing quandary because we don'’t love huge cars, but a teeny car just doesn'’t cut it anymore.""

In case you didn't, know the Scion xB is a great "mom" and family car. This isn't just coming from us, it's according to Cars.com and Forbes.

Here's what Cars.com said about the Scion xB as one of the Top 10 Best Cars for Moms: "The boxy Scion xB started life as a look-at-me boxmobile for young male extroverts, but after the car proved to be inexplicably popular with 36-year-old women, Toyota wisely decided to scale up the xB to proper family size. The current xB has more back seat and cargo space than many small SUVs, plus it's strong on safety with six airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control, all standard. It's also a good value: $16,520 including air conditioning, while strong resale values and last-forever build quality make it a safe buy."

Cars.com also picked the Scion xB as one of the Top 10 Family Cars under $20,000.

Forbes picked the Scion xB as one of Top 10 Best Cars for New Parents: "With a boxy and muscular
shape that affords a high roofline, the xB four-door wagon is one of the most spacious compact models on the market, with generous rear-seat room that makes buckling kids into car seats a breeze. There’s also plenty of cargo space in the back to stow a weekend's worth of baby gear. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers lively acceleration and can be mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. A long list of standard features includes a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface with audio streaming. The xB’s handling is lively while otherwise maintaining a fairly smooth ride. In addition, the car can be spiffed up with myriad appearance accessories that can otherwise mask its mission as a kid-mobile. MPG: 22/28; MSRP: $16,300."

Consumer Reports listed the best cars for different kinds of moms. We've selected the best Toyotas for different kinds of moms:

"Best cars for Environmental Moms: If you're looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, it's hard to top the Toyota Prius. It has an average fuel economy of 44 mpg overall, roomy interior, and excellent reliability. However, if you need something a little larger, the Prius V wagon adds even more second-row and cargo space, while delivering a still-excellent 41 mpg overall.

"Best car for new moms: All mothers naturally place a priority on safety, but new moms also need plenty of cargo room to fit all the baby gear. A small SUV can be the ideal choice for carting around your new bundle of joy. Their elevated height means easy-on-your-back installation of the baby seat. The...Toyota RAV4 scored well in Consumer Reports tests and have excellent safety scores and reliability. Plus, they deliver relatively decent fuel economy.

"Empty Nesters: If the mom in your life now has time for herself, a sedan a good choice for everyday outings, vacations, and trips to see the grandkids. The Toyota Camry is comfortable and refined, with a nice interior. Fuel economy is excellent at 27 mpg for the four-cylinder. For more space, consider the roomy Toyota Avalon.

"Big Family Moms: Large families need a vehicle with plenty of room for seating, gear, and entertainment to keep kids occupied and mom sane while driving. The Toyota Sienna minivan offers generous cabin storage that includes large bins, pockets, and open trays. The optional in-vehicle entertainment system includes a large fold-down screen can show videos from two sources at the same time, including the DVD player up front."

We've given you the best Toyotas for moms (all kinds of moms) and families, now stop by Burien Toyota to pick the best one for the mom in your life...or yourself!

Thank you for this outstanding review!

"Going to a dealer, you are always leery about how the sales reps are going to be. But not with Burien Toyota! We cannot speak more highly of this place. Their service was outstanding, from start to finish. We truly felt taken care of and that every measure was being taken to ensure we were getting the best possible deal and meeting our every request. Best car buying experience EVER! When it's time to buy another Toyota, we will be driving the 2 hour and 15 minute drive back to Burien to do business with them. Everybody is exceptional!" -M Mitchell