Toyota Offers Engineering Scholarship Program to Create "Win-Win" Situation

 A unique scholarship program was unveiled today that matches Toyota’s need for mechanical engineers with that of top incoming students at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. 
 
The Toyota Engineering Scholarship program – made possible via a five-year, $375,000 grant from the automaker – will tie in directly with its manufacturing operations in Georgetown, Ky., 21 miles from Frankfort.  Through this program, Toyota will develop a deeper and richer pipeline to employ students with engineering degrees.
 
“The auto industry in general has a shortage of talented engineers coming out of college,” saidWil James, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.  “Young engineers need to understand that our Georgetown plant, with its robotics, and cutting-edge technology, is the wave of the future.”
 
Kentucky State University, beginning next fall, will supply Toyota with up to five engineering candidates.  The incoming freshmen, picked from a pool of high-achieving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students, will receive full-ride scholarships – the first three years at Kentucky State on a pre-engineering curriculum, the last two at the University of Kentucky.  After the five-year period, the students will have an undergraduate degree from Kentucky State and an engineering degree from the University of Kentucky.
 
The Toyota program dovetails into an existing reciprocity agreement Kentucky State has with the University of Kentucky allowing it to send pre-engineering majors to Lexington to complete an engineering degree.  This is the first time a “specific” engineering major will be targeted (mechanical).
 
“I am very excited about this opportunity for those of our students who want to pursue a career in engineering, and I am excited about continuing our partnership with a company that’s respected the world over for its innovation.  Toyota has been an excellent partner over the years and has demonstrated a high interest in the success of Kentucky State University’s students,” said Mary Evans Sias, Ph.D., president of Kentucky State University.
 
In addition to the full scholarships, students in the program will receive other key benefits:
 

• Each will work with various Toyota mentors, helping the student in regard to career choices, etc.  Also, Kentucky State will provide mentoring on the academic/student side;

 

• Co-op employment opportunities/internships at the Georgetown plant where they will receive hands-on training/understanding of the auto-manufacturing process;

 

• Once engineering degree is completed, employment opportunities exist at Toyota’s Georgetown plant in advanced manufacturing roles such as stamping, plastics molding, engine machining, and vehicle-assembly operations, among many others.

 
Sias noted that the U.S. Department of Labor has projected that by 2018 the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million job openings in the science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.  “Increasingly, Kentucky State University is responding to the national need for more qualified graduates, especially qualified minority graduates, to fill those high-tech careers,” she said.
 
“Toyota and KSU both know that producing knowledgeable and skilled graduates means a more capable workforce, a richer economy and a stronger nation.  We appreciate Toyota’s continued support through the Toyota Engineering Scholarship program, and we expect more great things to come as a result of our work together.”  

About Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
Toyota’s largest plant in North America, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) started production in May 1988.  The Georgetown, Ky. plant employs about 7,000 full time team members and represents a $5.9 billion investment.  TMMK currently produces the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid and Venza as well as four-cylinder and V-6 engines and other engine components.  Current annual capacity is 500,000 vehicles and 600,000 engines.  Since 1987, TMMK has donated more than $45 million to non-profit organizations throughout Kentucky. www.toyotaky.com

Burien Toyota Offers Some of the Best, Most Affordable Used Vehicles on Market

2004 Toyota Prius

Consumer reports has named eleven members of the Toyota family to its list of best used vehicles. To help consumers in the pre-owned vehicle market, Consumer Reports divided the list up by price (under $10,000; $10,000-$15,000; $15,000-$20,000; and $20,000-$25,000) and by type of vehicle (small cars, sedans, and SUVs). Members of the Toyota family were present in all segments:

• Under $10,000:

• Small cars:
  Toyota Prius (2004-2007),
  Scion XB (2004-2006),
  Toyota Matrix (2005-2007)

• SUVs: Toyota Highlander V6 (2004)

• $10,000-$15,000

• SUVs:
  Toyota Rav4 (2006, 2008)

• $15,000-$20,000:

• Sedans: Toyota Camry (2011-12),
  Toyota Camry Hybrid (2010-11)

• SUVs: Lexus RX (2006-07)

• $20,000-$25,000

• Sedans:
  Toyota Avalon (2011),
  Lexus LS (2006)

• SUVs:
  Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2008-09)

Many of these vehicles are available at Burien Toyota!

"Here are Burien Toyota, we take great pride in offering some of the best and highest quality used vehicles available," said Ted Klarich, general sales manager at Burien Toyota. "This Consumer Reports list independently states that Toyotas make quality vehicles that turn into quality used vehicles. In addition to that Burien Toyota's quality assurance and checks makes sure we only sell used vehicles that we should be proud to sell to our neighbors and friends."

Stop by Burien Toyota today to check out our inventory of quality used vehicles!

Consumers to Test Ultra-compact ‘i-Road’ EV in Tokyo

March 20, 2014

Tokyo, Japan, March 20, 2014 --Toyota Motor Corporation announces the start of consumer trials of the “i-Road” personal mobility vehicle in the Greater Tokyo Area. The limited trials, which aim to gauge the effectiveness of the electric vehicle in everyday situations in urban areas, will run from March 24 through early June.

The i-Road offers a novel riding experience, combining the convenience of a motorcycle with the comfort and stability of a car. The i-Road to be used in the consumer trial in Tokyo is based on the model shown as a concept at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013, but is now available in five colors and features improved visibility, ease-of-use and maneuverability.

Toyota will provide ten vehicles to approximately 20 test participants, ranging from members of the general public to trend and industry experts. Feedback will be collected concerning driving feel, user satisfaction, ease-of-use in urban areas, and impact on destination choices. 

Follow this link for more details: http://toyota.us/1hiFELJ

Courtesy of Toyota Media Online

Toyota's Response to "Sticking Petals" Judgement

Recently, the U.S. Attorney's Office and Toyota came to an agreement regarding recalls in 2009-2010 that involved acceleration petals "sticking." We have not made any comment as the issue has been ongoing, but with that recent agreement, we thought we'd be remiss if we didn't.

Here are Burien Toyota, we are proud of and confident in all Toyota vehicles. We drive them and we love to find the perfect Toyota for our neighbors because we believe Toyotas are some of the safest on the market.

Of course, the corporate offices of Toyota have prepared a thorough response to this situation, taking full responsibility for it. Below is the official press release from Toyota.

NEW YORK, NY, March 19, 2014 – Today, Toyota announced that it reached an agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York to resolve its investigation initiated in February 2010 into the communications and decision-making processes related to the company’s 2009-2010 recalls to address potential “sticking” accelerator pedals and floor mat entrapment.  As part of the agreement, Toyota will make a payment totaling $1.2 billion.
 
“At the time of these recalls, we took full responsibility for any concerns our actions may have caused customers, and we rededicated ourselves to earning their trust,” said Christopher P. Reynolds, chief legal officer, Toyota Motor North America.  “In the more than four years since these recalls, we have gone back to basics at Toyota to put our customers first.”
 
Reynolds continued:  “We have made fundamental changes across our global operations to become a more responsive company – listening better to our customers’ needs and proactively taking action to serve them. 
 
“Specifically, we have taken a number of steps that have enabled us to enhance quality control, respond more quickly to customer concerns, strengthen regional autonomy and speed decision-making.  And, we’re committed to continued improvement in everything we do to keep building trust in our company, our people and our products.  Importantly, Toyota addressed the sticky pedal and floor mat entrapment issues with effective and durable solutions, and we stand behind the safety and quality of our vehicles.
 
“Entering this agreement, while difficult, is a major step toward putting this unfortunate chapter behind us.  We remain extremely grateful to our customers who have continued to stand by Toyota.  Moving forward, they can be confident that we continue to take our responsibilities to them seriously,” Reynolds concluded.
 
Among the substantive actions the company has voluntarily taken since the recalls are:
 
• Launching rapid-response teams to investigate customer concerns quickly;
 
• Committing $50 million in 2011 to launch Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan to partner with more than 16 universities and institutions across North America on safety advances that will be shared to benefit the entire auto industry and society;
 
• Expanding its network of field quality offices to improve customer responsiveness;
 
• Enhancing regional autonomy, including naming the first American CEO of Toyota’s North American Region as well as Chief Quality Officers for North America and other principal regions – all of whom have direct lines to President Akio Toyoda;
 
• Improving its quality control process; and
 
• Extending the new vehicle development cycle by four weeks to help ensure reliability and safety.
 
Under the agreement, the Government agrees to defer prosecution and then dismiss its case, as long as Toyota makes the required monetary payment, abides by the terms of the agreement and continues to cooperate with the Government.  The agreement also provides for an independent monitor to review policies and procedures relating to Toyota’s safety communications process, its process for internally sharing vehicle accident information and its process for preparing and sharing certain technical reports.
 
Toyota will record $1.2 billion in after-tax charges against earnings in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 for costs relating to the above agreement.

2014 Toyota Sienna Earns 5-Star Safety Rating

In February, the 2014 Toyota Sienna made headlines for being named one of Kelley Blue Blue Book's website, KBB.com, "12 Best Family Cars for 2014." Now the 2014 Toyota Sienna was named one of the safest vehicles on the road with the announcement that it has earned a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Safety Administration.

According to this article, "Standard safety features found on the 2014 Sienna includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control...Toyota's latest Sienna also comes equipped with seven airbags, like a driver's knee airbag, and side curtain airbags that cover three rows."

The 2014 Toyota Sienna also earned an overall "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, including the difficult to pass moderate overlap test that simulates a collision on the outer parts of the front of the vehicle.

"No doubt the Toyota Sienna is a family vehicle; it's a minivan," said Ted Klarich, general sales manager at Burien Toyota in Burien. "And, generally speaking, people who are looking at minivans want to keep their families, their children, as safe as possible. As you can see with these safety test results, the 2014 Toyota Sienna can do that. And more. It has enough power, space, and style to do almost anything you'd want a family vehicle to do."

The 2014 Toyota Sienna is also loaded with lots of features that aren't tested, including an available panorama camera to help you see what's behind you! "When Sienna is in Reverse, the area behind the vehicle that’s visible to the camera is displayed on the DVD navigation screen. Choose either a 180-degree wide-angle view or a regular view, and see the image in any of three modes: Projected Path, Parking Assist, or Distance Guide."

What other kind of cool features can you expect with the 2014 Toyota Sienna?

• Dual Moon Roof

• Dual View Entertainment Center

• Lounge Seating

• Power Split & Stow 3rd Row Seats

• Sliding Center Console

Stop by Burien Toyota today to check out one of the safest and best overall minivans on the market. Take the 2014 Toyota Sienna for a test drive today!

Scion FR-S Locks Down 'Cool' with KBB.com

Coolness has a name: the Scion FR-S. For the second year in a row, editors at Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com named the Scion FR-S to the top of their “10 Coolest New Cars Under $25,000 of 2014.”  The annual consumer resource list highlights affordable vehicles for drivers of all lifestyles, each that bring a subjective “cool factor.”

Kelley Blue Book praised the 2014 FR-S for its rear-wheel drive, lightweight design that allows the driver to feel fully in tune with the car. Even when compared to higher priced vehicles, editors called the FR-S a driver’s car with the style and modern updates to excite those behind the wheel.

“Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com again captures the full experience and affordability of the Scion FR-S with a top spot on its 10 Coolest New Cars Under $25,000 list,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “Drivers and industry experts continue to tell us the FR-S brings together the style, handling and elusive fun factor that’s needed in this segment and on the roads. We’re happy to deliver.”

The 2014 Scion FR-S is priced at $24,700 MSRP with a six-speed manual transmission or $25,800 MSRP with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. It comes standard with the Scion Display Audio System featuring a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen, AM/FM/CD/HD Radio™ technology, hands-free phone capability, music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology and AUX/USB port with iPod® connectivity.

For more on the 2014 winners, visit the article here.

Stop by Burien Toyota and Scion to take a look at the coolest car under $25,000 today!

There's Adventure with the Toyota RAV4

We have loved a lot of Toyota commercials, especially Toyota RAV4 commercials, but here are some from other countries that you probably haven't seen, including this one from New Zealand that maintains there's adventure with the RAV4.

Or this one from Canada that shows the Toyota RAV4 is all about playing how you want to play, whether you're big or small.

This commercial from CarJam isn't one we'd seen before and we've never seen the Toyota RAV4 look sexier.

Here's a commercial from the UK that shows us that the Toyota RAV4 helps us keep the spirit of youth and fun alive.

No matter where you are in the world, what language you speak, the Toyota RAV4 means the same thing: versatility, functionality, attractive design, efficiency, and performance. Stop by Burien Toyota today to take the new RAV4 for a test drive so you can see and feel exactly what each of these commercials portrays.

Cove to Clover Classic 2014!

 Join us this Sunday, March 16, at Cove to Clover!

Service Your Brakes for Only $99.95 at Burien Toyota!

Many of us know Burien Toyota for its impeccable reputation as a dealer of great new and quality used vehicles, community involvement, and more.

Did you know that Burien Toyota also has a high-quality mechanics shop with seasoned and trusted professionals to do repair and maintenance work? In fact, we would argue its one of the best in quality and price.

For example, right now you can take advantage of our service special to service your brakes for only $99.95...and we will mail you a $50 Visa Gift Card (if you purchase Genuine Toyota Brake pads). Print the coupon here and make your appointment today!

"Burien Toyota has a trusted reputation when it comes to maintenance and repair of any vehicle, whether you purchased it from us or not," said Ted Klarich, general sales manger at Burien Toyota. "Oftentimes you hear people say, 'Maintenance is more expensive at a dealership,' but don't always believe what you hear. Come check out Burien Toyota and see if how our quality and prices and the overall value compares to other places."

Maybe your brakes are fine, but you'd like to take advantage of some of our other current service specials, like:

• Free Quarterly Health Checks
• Free Tire Storage
• Mini-Detail Special
• Four Wheel Alignment
• Oil and Filter Change
• And general discount on any applicable service!

See all coupons here and make your appointment at Burien Toyota today!

5 Features You No Longer See in Cars

We thought this would be a fun blog post for the week. Tell us which feature you miss the most!

1. Bench Seats: Many sly males took advantage of the seat design while driving with a female companion; a quick, unexpected sharp turn made with his right arm resting on the seat back sent the lady sliding right into his embrace.

2. Full-Size Spare Tire: The advantage with a full-size spare was that you could put it on, stow the flat tire in your trunk, and go on your merry way with no particular urgency to get it repaired. Until one day you got another puncture, only to discover that the tire in your trunk was just as flat as the one on the axle.

3. Horn Rings: Horn rings were originally considered a safety feature as well as a convenience device. Previously, the driver had to completely remove one hand from the steering wheel to depress the button in the center to honk the horn. The horn ring was designed so that both hands could remain on the wheel and just a stretch of a finger or thumb would be able to beep a warning sound.

4. Vent Windows: Vent or “wing” windows were popular in the pre-air conditioning era of automotive manufacturing. But they were convenient for many purposes that are still valid today. For example, on those days when it’s temperate enough to open windows rather than run the A/C, the vent windows allowed air to circulate freely without blowing street grime in your face and messing your hair.

5. Tailfins: By the late 1950s, most folks had shrugged off the war and were fixated instead on all things space-age. Tailfins grew to enormous proportions, giving cars a futuristic look.

Courtesy of mentalfloss.com: http://bit.ly/1fdDMig

Twice as Nice: Scion FR-S Again U.S. News 'Best Sports Car for the Money'

Scion FR-S fans can take another victory lap. The national consumer publication U.S. News & World Report named the 2014 Scion FR-S its “Best Sports Car for the Money” for the second year in a row. The judges evaluated 225 cars across 21 categories to name the winners.

The annual awards help consumers find a good value, while considering industry praise, high safety and reliability scores. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently tested the 2014 FR-S, giving it an overall five-star rating.

“The 2014 FR-S ‘Best Sports Car for the Money’ award from U.S. News and World Reportunderscores what our drivers have already discovered – thrilling performance doesn’t have to break the budget,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “The FR-S continues to bring together affordability, experience and safety in a way that excites drivers and the industry alike.”

Enthusiasts call the FR-S one of the best-handling sports cars on the market with its lightweight design and low center of gravity. The 2014 FR-S costs $24,700 MSRP with a six-speed manual transmission or $25,800 MSRP with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology.

Enthusiasts call the FR-S one of the best-handling sports cars on the market with its lightweight design and low center of gravity. The 2014 FR-S costs $24,700 MSRP with a six-speed manual transmission or $25,800 MSRP with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology.


Edmunds.com also praises the 2014 Scion FR-S: "Let loose on a curvy road, the new Scion FR-S shows its engaging character. Acceleration is brisk enough provided you keep the revs up, while the communicative steering, agile-yet-forgiving handling and powerful brakes all contribute to an entertaining drive. For novice and expert drivers alike, this Scion is thoroughly rewarding to drive and proves that there's more to a true sports car than all-out power and speed."

What else are they saying? "Test drivers say the standard six-speed manual transmission is easy to shift, which adds to the FR-S’ fun driving dynamics. The available six-speed automatic is also quick to respond, especially in sport mode, reviewers note. According to the EPA, the FR-S gets up to 25/34 mpg city/highway, which is excellent for a sports car. Reviewers report that the Scion FR-S is especially nimble on a twisty road, and that its athletic reflexes are bolstered by accurate steering, responsive brakes and a low center of gravity."

Stop by Burien Toyota and Scion today to check out the Scion FR-S and bring a little (or a lot) of performance right to your driveway.

Lease a Toyota Corolla for $99 per Month at Burien Toyota!

Did you ever think you could drive a new car for $99 per month? Well you can!

At Burien Toyota you can lease a brand new 2014 Toyota Corolla LE for $99 for 36 months!

The 2014 Toyota Corolla is the perfect commuter car or for people who want a smaller car but don't want to sacrifice on other things, "The future is all about flexibility. That’s why the all-new interior of the 2014 Corolla has been designed to accommodate a lifestyle. One minute you’re hauling your friends, the next minute, enough gear to outfit your band. Got big plans and bigger cargo? Rear seats easily fold down to fit fewer friends and more stuff. Maybe you just want to count stars: Simply slide open the available moonroof. Corolla is designed to be the perfect partner no matter what you, or your friends, decide to do."

The Toyota Corolla is one of America's favorite compact cars because of its dependability, great gas mileage, and, now, its sleek new look.

"The 2014 Toyota Corolla is a great option for people looking for a smaller vehicle," said Ted Klarich, general sales manager at Burien Toyota. "It has the technology most modern drivers want, it gets 30 miles per gallon city driving and an impressive 42 miles per gallon on the freeway. These and other features make the 2014 Toyota Corolla an awesome choice for any driver."

Stop by Burien Toyota to take the 2014 Toyota Corolla for a test drive and find out how you can lease one for $99 per month!

Burien Toyota Sponsors Cove to Clover Classic Run

It's that time of year again! Time for the Cove to Clover!

The Cove to Clover is a race/run that raises money for local charities, including local school and activities organizations. And it's fun, too!

According to the Cove to Clover website, "The Cove to Clover even has evolved and is a truly grass-roots production. the race was originally organized by a group of friends with the mission of producing a professional and fun event that showcases the Highline community at its best. What's evolved has been an exercise in positive cooperation among many entities: government, business, non-profits, schools and neighbors."

The Cove to Clover consists of a 5k and/or Wee Race on March 16. The Wee Race is a great option for younger athletes since it's only one mile. The 5k starts in Normandy Park and winds down through Burien.

If you want to get the Cove to Clover party started early, perhaps you'd like to participate in the Cove to Clover Pub Crawl on March 14! Pre-register for the best price, but no matter when you register, all proceeds go to charity. For the Pub Crawl you get:

• Official Crawl Bib Number
• Drink and food specials at official crawl stops
• Post Crawl Bash Access
• Entered in door prize drawing at the Post Crawl Bash

Students have the opportunity to win a pizza party if their school has most number of participants and students at Highline High School can also get a discount registration for the Cove to Clover.

Corporate teams can also get in on the action.

Burien Toyota is proud to be a sponsor of the Cove to Clover race and give back to our community in such a fun, healthy way! Go to the Cove to Clover race website to register today!