Toyota's College Graduate Programs Save Grads Money!

It is almost graduation season and Burien Toyota is celebrating all college graduates with it's College Graduate Rebate Program and College Graduate Finance Program!

The College Graduate Rebate program is a $500 rebate on all new and unlicensed Toyota vehicles. It CAN be combined with other special offers!

The College Graduate Finance Program provides competitive terms and APRs just for grads on new and certified-used Toyotas and Scions.

What do you have to do to get these special deals for college grads? Just show proof that you graduated from college in the past 2 calendar years or will graduate in the next 6 months, plus proof of employment.

Who knew that graduating would pay off so quickly?! Stop in to Toyota of Burien today to take your future Toyota or Certified Pre-owned vehicle for a test drive!

The Call of the Wild: Visually Impaired Students Gain Access to Nature Through Sound

Nature is noisy. A happy and healthy outdoors squawks and sings, warbles and wooshes, clatters and creaks. Those same sounds also keep humans happy and healthy, and this is especially true for the visually impaired.

Nature in Surround Sound

In an innovative new collaboration with the Atlantic Center for the Arts, the Young Sound Seekers program hosts students from the Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired in Daytona Beach on monthly visits to Canaveral National Seashore and surrounding national parks. There, blind or partially blind young learners are guided through the park by sighted professors and students from Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. In a series of listening and field recording activities that teach the value of conserving the natural soundscape, the students, already experts in using their sense of hearing to interpret their world, are given an enhanced listening experience, creating “audio postcards” and other broadcast materials to help share their perception for the benefit of everyone.

“The water is calming and peaceful,” says one student. “One of my favorite sounds was the bubbling of the mangroves,” says another. Thanks to a submersible hydrophone, the students can listen to one of the 4,000 local species living below the surface in under four feet of water. “It was nice to hear the popping shrimp, just popping, moving their tails,” says one of the Sound Seekers of the hydrophone experience. “It sounds like a crab snapping its claws.” Chirping birds, dashing fish, and plants swaying in the wind are just a few pieces of the marine soundscape at Canaveral.

Access for All

Public lands serve the public good and increasing accessibility to them is the focus of the awardees of a 2022 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands Grant. Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) is making a $250 donation to National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) for each 2022 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition sold, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000.

Eight programs each received up to $20,000 for mobility and accessibility projects that follow the principles of Inclusive Universal Design and go beyond the minimum guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Other projects include physical mobility solutions to access beaches, parks and recreation areas, as well as assessment projects on public lands of historic significance, such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Manteo, North Carolina. For over 25 years, NEEF and Toyota have partnered to support NEEF’s goal to form more meaningful connections between the environment and the public.

“The Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands Grant expands the  longstanding partnership between Toyota and NEEF that has been supporting projects that make our public lands and waters more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for people of all abilities,” says Sara Espinoza, Vice President, Programs, NEEF.

From September through May, 30 students from Conklin Davis and between 5-10 adults combined from Stetson University, Atlantic Center for the Arts and Conklin Davis visit the Canaveral National Seashore each month. In June, for a seven-day camp session, 30 total sighted and non-visual students will participate in the Young Sound Seekers Lab with three trips to Canaveral. The resulting audio productions with field recordings and narrative will be posted online, available to a global audience.

The Sound of Science

For a group often excluded from participating in traditional conservation efforts, such as site cleanups, Young Sound Seekers invites the Conklin students into the effort to preserve the sounds of nature, also known as “soundscape ecology.” As the world learned when human sound was hushed during the lockdowns of the pandemic, for many species to thrive, nature’s “speech” must be heard clearly.

Critical to the program’s success is its inclusive approach to learning. According to Andy Slater, president of the Society of Visually Impaired Sound Artists, and one of the instructors for the Young Sound Seekers Audio Lab summer camp, a key element is that the education provided isn’t wholly dependent on a sighted guide to make the experience, the way it would be with a museum visit. The lessons of nature’s soundscape are available to all.

“The opportunity for visually impaired people to learn alongside sighted students helps dispel stereotypes and misunderstanding. This inclusion is a first step in fighting Ableism and erasing the stigma of blindness and disability,” says Slater.

Access, though, can mean so much more than simply facilitating an encounter with nature. The Young Sound Seekers program is also a pathway for the blind or partially sighted to contribute to their communities. Eve Payor, Director of Community Programs at Atlantic Center for the Arts, explains that the platform, “advocates for artistic creativity and environmental stewardship. Science informs art, and art communicates science in such a way that the public can better understand its complexities. Giving young people an opportunity to learn creative thinking can lead to innovative solutions to environmental issues such as noise interference in the soundscape.” This direct link to STEAM education offers new possibilities to all students who participate, sighted and visually impaired.

Voices of the Future

To meet the world’s challenges, erasing traditional boundaries is essential. “By serving the whole person, the Young Sound Seekers program nurtures diverse talent and encourages the development of critical thinking needed to help society build its future,” says Sean Suggs, group vice president and chief social innovation officer, Toyota Motor North America. “Expanding what’s possible is a core belief at Toyota. Reducing the barriers that prevent movement, whether through education or mobility solutions, are central to the mission.” It’s in this connection to education through mobility and inclusion that the grants fulfill their true intent: to create limitless possibilities for all.

And while the Young Sound Seekers are given new ways to engage with nature, they have an important lesson of inclusivity for us too. Part of nature’s power is in something none of us can see—its sound.

To hear the Young Sound Seekers audio postcards, please visit here.

10 Ways Toyota’s Environmental Impact Is Driving Sustainability Forward

While April is Earth Month, environmental efforts at Toyota continue year-round. As part of its commitment to a more sustainable future, the company continues to make significant strides toward reducing its environmental footprint, year after year.

Toyota hopes to positively impact society, the planet and its business by focusing on four core areas: carbon, water, materials and biodiversity. Together, these initiatives and related outreach activities will lead to a better planet.

Sustainability practices aren’t just a noble cause. They are a vital responsibility prioritized by Toyota. With climate change being one of the most complex challenges facing the world, it’s imperative that eco-friendly strategies are implemented across all areas of  the business.

From expanding vehicle electrification to reducing carbon emissions, to encouraging conservation through water stewardship as part of reduce, reuse and recycle strategies, the company’s sustainability efforts are evident throughout the organization. Simply put, environmental innovation is an integral part of Toyota’s legacy and will continue to be important for the foreseeable future.

Here are a few highlights from the Toyota 2021 North American Environmental Report:

New Energy Deals

In addition to helping fight climate change, clean energy contributes to a healthier and safer environment for all. That’s why Toyota’s recent agreement with Clearway Energy Group to purchase electricity from the 115-megawatt Black Rock wind farm in West Virginia is a step in the right direction. This purchase of renewable electricity supports the company’s global goal to make its manufacturing plants carbon neutral by 2035. The system came online in February 2022 and is expected to produce enough electricity for Toyota to offset 166.6 million kilowatt-hours annually with renewable energy and eliminate 72,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Water Works

Water is the lifeblood that humans and other living beings depend on to survive. Therefore, conserving it is crucial to the well-being of infinite sources of life. As part of Toyota’s water conservation efforts, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) is saving an estimated 54 million gallons of fresh water per year by reusing wastewater during the paint pretreat process. This innovative technique is achieved through new microfiltration modules.

Purposeful Repurpose 

Eliminating waste has been a top priority for Toyota. In 2020, more than 93% of all waste, including materials needed to assemble the vehicles our customers know and love, were recycled, reused and composted. Only 1.5% was disposed of in landfills. With raw material consumption outpacing population growth, this is a triumph for all.

Breathe Easy 

It’s no secret that trees provide many benefits. These natural wonders are more than pretty leaves and strong branches. They can clean the air and provide shade, which helps conserve energy. That’s why Toyota planted 9,000 trees and shrubs to commemorate the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. When they reach maturity in about 10 years, they are expected to sequester 200,000 pounds of carbon, annually.

Charging Ahead

Ready to take charge? As Toyota drives forward on its electrification journey, the company has announced the Toyota bZ4X SUV, the first of a new global series of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) that will live under the “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella. The all-new SUV helps support the company’s commitment to increase U.S. sales of electrified vehicles to 70% by 2030.

Protecting Wildlife

Photo: WWF-US/Clay Bolt

A healthy ecosystem where all species flourish is essential for living in harmony with nature. To help make that possible, Toyota provided $150,000 to the World Wildlife Fund to construct 23 miles of fencing for the Wolakota Buffalo Range, which will establish a herd of more than 1,200 plains bison on 27,680 acres of native grassland and will result in it being North America’s largest bison herd owned and managed by Native Americans. By doing so, it helps ensure the survival of this important species, which is integral to the ecological community. Toyota is also providing another $150,000 in funding, totaling $300,000, to the World Wildlife Fund to conduct annual ecological monitoring to understand how bison restoration and management impact land, soil, water, vegetation and biodiversity health.

Powering Up

The sun is the largest star in the solar system and the brightest viewed from earth. It’s also our greatest source of power. Incorporating solar power systems is one of the most efficient and eco-friendly ways to generate energy. Thus, Toyota installed an 8.79-megawatt rooftop solar array at its corporate headquarters campus in Plano, Texas. The system provides approximately one-third of the annual power needs of the campus.

Working Smarter 

Continuous improvement is one of Toyota’s most notable pillars. That kaizen philosophy was exemplified at TMMI. Team members identified a smart and simple way to reduce the amount of PVC used on the underbody of Sienna minivans, which is a plastic spray to protect against corrosion and prevent fumes from entering the vehicle. By identifying areas that didn’t require the spray, it reduced the amount of PVC material used by 24,000 pounds. The small change makes a big environmental and material impact.

Supporting Outreach 

When it comes to biodiversity, Toyota supports many initiatives to help preserve and restore habitats across the world. In partnership with NEEF, a nonprofit whose mission is to make the environment more accessible, relatable, relevant and connected to the daily lives of all Americans — the organization administers the Biodiversity Conservation Grant program, which is designed to support biodiversity conservation projects on America’s public lands. With major funding from Toyota in 2021, the nonprofit group was able to award $225,000 in grant funding to four organizations that will support biodiversity conservation projects on public lands within the California Floristic Province. This area spans approximately 113,438 square miles and is designated as a biodiversity hotspot, which makes it one of 36 recognized areas that have the highest diversity of plants and animals found anywhere in the world.

Filtering to Conserve

Water might seem infinite, but it’s far from it. In fact, up to 3 billion people may live in areas with severe water shortages by 2050, as global water demand is expected to be 30% higher than today. Conserving this natural resource is crucial. Toyota’s assembly plant in Baja California, Mexico, is located in an area identified as being at high risk for water availability. To help combat this issue, the plant uses a membrane bio reactor to remove solids from water that has already been used in the manufacturing process. This filtered water is then run through a reverse-osmosis system to eliminate any dissolved solids. As a result, the facility has the ability to reuse water over and over again, which saves an estimated 23 million gallons a year.

National Car Care Month: Six Reasons Why Proper Vehicle Maintenance Is Important

Keeping your vehicle well maintained is one of the best things that can be done to help keep it on the road for years to come. Many drivers might not realize the impact regular maintenance can make on the longevity and performance of their vehicles.

Outside of oil changes and checking tire tread, there are a lot of things a trained mechanic (especially a Toyota service pro) will know to look for that could otherwise go unnoticed. So, this National Car Care Month, drivers should schedule that service appointment they may have been putting off.

The manager of Service Operations at Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) corporate headquarters — and self-proclaimed “gear head” — Joe Clarke has been working on vehicles since he was 13 years old. And after 25 years in TMNA’s service department, he’s seen a lot. Here are some of his top tips for showing your vehicle some love:

Minimize time between service appointments

Drivers are likely familiar with the little stickers they find on their windshield after service. But most drivers don’t recognize that the dates scribbled on them are the absolute longest they should wait for their next check-up. Ideally, drivers would take their vehicles in for service well ahead of that date. How often depends on the vehicle, the driving conditions (see more about that below) and many other factors. Drivers should consult their maintenance guides — usually provided in their vehicle manuals — for the best estimate. Toyota owners can find their manuals and warranties on the Toyota website.

Don’t ignore the little things

A squeaky noise coming from under the hood, a small puddle of liquid left in a parking spot or a less than totally cool air conditioner are all examples of little things a driver might notice and not think twice about. However, these small signals can be an initial indicator that something isn’t right. Oftentimes, catching small repairs early can prevent a much costlier repair in the future.

Big things matter too

If the little things can be costly down the road, it should be obvious that the big things can too. If a driver ever notices any lack of basic functionality — like an accelerator that isn’t working just right, or abnormal loud sounds — they need to immediately have the vehicle checked by a service professional. If an untrained eye, ear or nose can tell something is wrong, take it to the pros for a look as soon as possible.

Vehicles with adventurous drivers might need a little extra love

It’s no secret that different drivers have different driving habits — and some like to live life on the adventurous side. Drivers who take their 4Runners off-road or hit the track with their GR86, for example, may need maintenance more often than those who only drive their Sienna to work and after-school activities. There are a lot of factors that will impact what maintenance needs look like and how often it’s needed. It is best to consult the vehicle manual’s excessive use section and discuss driving habits with a service professional during regular maintenance appointments to allow them to know what items to inspect more closely.

Other driving conditions that qualify as excessive and extreme are frequently towing a trailer and driving on rough or mountainous roads. Clarke mentioned that even taking short trips like to and from the grocery store or around the corner could be considered extreme driving conditions due to vehicle engines needing longer time to get up to the optimal operating temperature, especially in cold climate areas. If drivers are familiar with these conditions, they may need to care for their vehicle more frequently than the average driver.

Monitor tire inflation for savings at the pump

Maintenance often comes with some built-in savings down the road, but there is one way you might see savings right away: improved gas mileage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, maintenance (like making sure tires are properly inflated) can improve fuel economy by 6%. For drivers who travel long distances, that can mean savings of hundreds of dollars (or more!) per year. That’s just one example of how proper and regular maintenance can help save some money.

Maintain your vehicle to appeal to others later

When drivers are finally ready to move on from their current vehicle, they’ll want to make sure to get the best possible resale price. Proper maintenance plays a big part in that. Vehicles that are regularly maintained — in some cases — can be in even better condition than a vehicle with fewer miles. Whether selling to a dealership through programs like the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle program or just to the neighbor’s son, the difference between a well-maintained vehicle and one that’s been poorly cared for can reveal itself after a simple test drive around the block.

Routine Vehicle Care Tips 

• Test exterior lights monthly 
• Check for adequate tire pressure and tread depth 
• Change oil and oil filter on schedule 
• Check for battery corrosion 
• Replace windshield wipers 
• Keep fluids at proper levels 
• Wash vehicle regularly and apply wax 
• Listen for unusual brake noise and inspect regularly