Scion Shows Energy at 2016 North American International Auto Show

New models, hot concept and powerful specialty vehicles make appearance in exhibit

Following a year of launching two new models with a sales flourish and showing a hot new concept, Scion enters 2016 as one of the auto industry’s most energized brands. The Scion exhibit at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) puts this excitement on full display with its lineup of youth-oriented models.
 
Among the 11 vehicles on display including the iM, iA and tC, Scion will show the C-HR concept for the first time since its world debut last November. The C-HR concept features an iconic design that incorporates functionality and sporty performance. The model targets young urban creatives, or “yuccies,” who desire vehicles that are distinctive, sophisticated, passionate and clean. The production version is expected to be shown later this year.
 
The FR-S Release Series 2.0, the most stylish version of the sports car ever offered, makes an appearance in Detroit. The FR-S Release Series 2.0 and is the most exclusive Scion Release Series yet. The exterior is painted in Lunar Storm color with 17-inch forged alloy wheels. The interior is distinguished by camel-colored accents on the black Alcantara and leather seats. The color combination is carried to the doors and steering wheel for a premium look. Production of the Release Series 2.0 is limited to just 1,000 vehicles available.
 
The Scion exhibit also features two specialty vehicles that show the power and capability of Scion models. The FR-S that competed in Colorado’s legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this past June will be on display. The vehicle was designed by Mackin Industries as a special project build in 2013 for the SEMA show. It has been modified with a larger turbo charger, improved engine/drivetrain cooling systems, a stand-alone ECU, an E85 fuel system and a more aggressive aero package.
 
The Pikes Peak FR-S will be joined by another FR-S that was one of only nine vehicles on the North American leg of Toyota’s Ever-Better Expedition. The Expedition was a 110-day transcontinental journey last summer for Toyota’s team members to feel the road, experience vehicle performance, connect with customers and gather new insights to inspire the design and development of future vehicles.
 

Super Bowl Commercial Sneak Peak: 2016 Toyota Prius

Unfortunately, the Seahawks fell short of making it to the big game, the Super Bowl, this year, but that doesn't mean we have to tune in just to watch the Broncos hopefully tromp the Panthers.

We still have the commercials to look forward to, too! That, and the food.

Be sure to look out for this 2016 Toyota Prius Spot during the Super Bowl because, as we all know, the 2016 Toyota Prius America's favorite hybrid.

Be sure to stop by Burien for all your Prius and hybrid vehicle needs because we are the hybrid headquarters of the Puget Sound!

Here's what we get to look forward to during the Super Bowl:

In III, a cocky young gunslinger guaranteed and then delivered a victory to bring an unlikely trophy to Broadway.
 
In XVIII, a shifty running back in silver and black reversed field to stun Washington and to raid a title for L.A. 
 
In XLII, a previously unheralded wide receiver’s helmet catch ruined a perfect season.
 
And in 50, the 2016 Toyota Prius will make a play of its own, starring in a 90-second ad that will air Feb. 7 during America’s biggest sporting event.
 
Those guys up there, they didn’t deliver the biggest plays on the biggest stage by accident. No, they worked at it, bled for it. They practiced and practiced until it just came naturally. They had swagger, sure, but how could they not? When you do what you do for so long, great performances just become second nature.
 
And we’re not saying Prius is going to outshine those other performances – actually, maybe we are. But with 50-plus miles per gallon and a sleek new design, Toyota has a little extra swagger with this icon.
 
So let’s talk about the Prius. Toyota brought it to market in Japan in 1997, and to the United States in 2000. And since then, it’s been improvement after improvement. Now comes the fourth generation with a longer, sleeker exterior, a low center of gravity, and world-changing technology that will toss everything you thought you knew about Prius driving out the window.
 
You see, this is big. And the only stage big enough to handle this Prius is 50, the game so big roman numerals can’t do it justice anymore.
 
“We can’t wait to show off this Prius on the world’s biggest stage,” said Jack Hollis, Toyota’s group vice president of marketing.
 
So what did you expect? You don’t run ads for a car like this as some late night infomercial. No, you go to the biggest stage, where more than 100 million people can gather round, wide-eyed and drop-jawed in between scoops of guacamole dip.

Toyota Camry Hybrid Enforces More Law Per Gallon

On the surface, it’s just an environmental thing: A gas/electric hybrid is going to emit less pollutants than a gasoline-only power train. But it’s also going to use less fuel and get more mpg and at low speeds, it’s quieter than a gasoline engine.  Think of it as a “stealth mode” when running only on electric power.  For a cop car, that makes it easier to sneak up on the bad guys.  These are just a few of the advantages discovered by the Arkadelphia, Arkansas Police Department when they replaced 10 of their aging Crown Victorias with Toyota Camry Hybrids.

See the video HERE.
 
At first, “I was dead set against it,” says veteran officer Don Cleek.  “To me, a police car’s supposed to be rear wheel drive, V8 and can go through ditches.” In short, he didn’t believe the hybrids would be up to the job.  But that didn’t stop city manager Jimmy Bolt from pushing Chief of Police Al Harris to give the Camry Hybrids a try.  After a few months in the field, it was pretty clear:  The hybrids were doing every bit as well on the job as the Crown Vics.  What’s more, they were getting about 27 mpg in all-city driving (compared to about 12 to 14 mpg on the Crown Vics) AND thanks to the fuel savings and much lower maintenance costs, the city of Arkadelphia was saving itself about 3% of its annual budget.  In short, even Officer Cleek now agrees it’s a lot easier to be an environmentalist when you’re catching the crooks and saving money to boot!
 
You can see the whole story for yourself in a new short documentary by filmmaker Peter Byck, director of 2011’s Carbon Nation. Click here to watch the film. To learn more about Toyota’s Hybrid Technology, visit the Toyota display this week at the Washington, DC Auto Show, January 22-31, 2016, at the Washington Convention Center.

Toyota Displays a Mirai-Based Research Vehicle with Satellite Communications Function

Accelerates Connected Technology Development through Collaboration with Kymeta

At the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Toyota is displaying a research vehicle based on the Mirai fuel cell vehicle which is equipped with satellite communications technology from Kymeta, a U.S.-based company that is the world’s leader in flat-panel antenna technology.
 
Toyota is working to enhance its connected technologies, including a plan to install a Data Communication Module into a broader range of its vehicles. The company is also considering using satellite communications in the future, including high capacity satellites that offer much higher data transfer rates than conventional satellite technologies.
 
While these satellites have historically required the use of a “dish” antenna on the ground, Kymeta’s satellite antennas remove the need for mechanical components by using software and liquid crystal technologies to electronically track and steer towards satellites. The lightweight, flat profile of the antenna also allows for seamless integration during vehicle assembly or easy aftermarket installation.
 
“For several years, Toyota met with emerging companies around the world to investigate new technologies,” said Shigeki Tomoyama, Senior Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation.  “We were very excited to learn about Kymeta, because their flat antennae technology could solve the challenge of vehicle-based satellite communications.”
 
Satellite communications offer several key benefits to meet automotive needs, including

1. the distribution of huge amounts of data to a vehicle,
2. broad coverage areas and the global deployment of connected vehicles that share common standards across national borders, and
3. more stable and secure communications, particularly in emergencies such as natural disasters.

“We’re excited to be working with Toyota on this next generation of vehicle connectivity,” said Dr. Nathan Kundtz, CEO of Kymeta. “Kymeta is the first company to successfully demonstrate this type of technology, and we have over 8,000 miles of road testing with cars connected to satellites.”
 
Since September 2013, Toyota and Kymeta have been jointly researching flat antennae, embedded in the car, to support satellite distribution of huge amounts of data to a vehicle. With an exclusive right for development and testing of the on-car antenna, Toyota lent the company research vehicles for test driving. The Mirai displayed at NAIAS represents the progress of these efforts.
 
Mirai Creation Investment Limited Partnership, a fund where Toyota participates as an investor, provided an investment of $5 million (US) to Kymeta this month to enhance future technology research and development. Toyota expects acceleration of the joint research with Kymeta through the investment.
 
Toyota continues to work to accelerate connected car development and introduction including use of satellite communications, to offer customers ever-better car experience.

Toyota Financial Services Honors Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy with 2nd Annual Donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

$60,000 Contribution Will Help Further Boost College Retention and Graduation Rates, Seen as Key to Ensuring the Fulfillment of Dr. King’s Dream for America

In honor of the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is continuing its support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their communities, by providing $60,000 to five HBCUs as well as the Tom Joyner Foundation.
 
"We're really excited to work with our new partner Toyota Financial Services," said Thomas Joyner, Jr., President and CEO of the Foundation.  "The support of these scholarships is a really important step in helping these students complete their college education and, in the long run, help sustain these HBCUs."
 
Bennett College in North Carolina, Tuskegee University in Alabama, and South Carolina State University will each receive a $10,000 contribution to support their scholarship funds. Additionally, TFS is donating two $10,000 scholarships to Wiley College in Texas and North Carolina Central, through the Tom Joyner Foundation.  TFS is donating an extra $10,000 to support the Tom Joyner Foundation, as well.  The foundation provides academic support, scholarships, and programming to over 80 HBCUs in the Southern and Eastern United States.  The overall goal of these contributions is to support educational opportunities within many of the communities in which TFS operates.
 
“Education is truly the greatest equalizer and should be accessible to all. Toyota Financial Services’ donation to Historically Black Colleges and Universities is a much needed investment that will help support students attending our HBCUs,” said Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus. “As a former professor, administrator, and an alumnus of an HBCU, I’m always happy to see the philanthropic endeavors of a socially responsible company that shares my interests in scholarship, education, and helping underserved communities.”
 
“Toyota Financial Services is honored to echo the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., by supporting these fine institutions and advocating higher education in these communities,” said Al Smith, TFS Group Vice President, Service Operations and Corporate Planning.  “TFS has a deeply held commitment to diversity and inclusion, not only now, but year round as seen with our nationalMaking Life Easier Scholarship Program and with our 10th anniversary of supporting the CBS Baltimore Black History Month Oratory Contest.”
 
According to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, the college graduation rate for black students in the U.S stands at 42%, as opposed to 62% for their white counterpart.  It is also noted that the financial support of universities is key in black student retention, thereby producing high graduation rates.
 
"When speaking with each of the institution's officials, it's so inspirational to hear how this money impacts these HBCUs and the plans that they have for these scholarships,"  said John Ridgeway, TFS Corporate Manager of TFS’ Customer Service Center in Maryland. "HBCUs are challenged with lower student retention resulting from financial hardships. As a Toyota executive and an HBCU alumnus, I am proud that Toyota Financial Services is making a contribution to these HBCUs and the Tom Joyner Foundation to support their efforts.”
 
TFS has been named a DiversityInc Top 50 company for the past eight years in a row and has been consistently recognized by Black Enterprise, Hispanic Business, and the Human Rights Campaign as a Best Company for Diversity and one of the Best Places to Work.  TFS executives actively support and sponsor the company’s many diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information about Toyota's commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visitwww.toyota.com/diversity.

Burien Toyota Cheers on the Seahawks

As one of the biggest supporters and sponsors of the Seahawks, Toyota, specifically all of us at Burien Toyota, is excited to cheer on the Seahawks this weekend as they take on the North Carolina Panthers for the NFC Championship.

The game takes place at 12:05pm on Sunday.

There are plenty of local activities coming up to help the 12s get in the spirit.

We hope you'll join all of us at Burien Toyota as we cheer for the Seahawks and celebrate their victory this weekend!

More Than Two Million Toyotas Built in North America in 2015 for the First Time

Many Toyotas truly are "Made in America."

2015 marked record production for Toyota with 2,035,028 vehicles and 1,933,702 engines produced in North America. Key drivers for increased production include low fuel prices, a healthier economy and strong customer demand for Corolla, Camry, RAV4 and Tacoma.
 
“Our products are a direct reflection of our team members’ dedication and talent,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America.  “Each vehicle that rolls off the line is an example of our commitment to safety, quality, value and above all our relentless focus to exceed customers’ expectations.”  
 
2015 production location milestones:

• Kentucky: produced the first “U.S. built” Lexus. A $360 million investment, the introduction of the ES 350 generated 750 new jobs;
• Texas: began production of the all-new Tacoma in San Antonio;
• Indiana: produced its 4 millionth vehicle;
• Alabama: boosted V6 engine production and built its 4 millionth engine;
• Mississippi: rolled off its 500,000th Corolla;
• Mexico: Toyota’s full assembly plant in Baja California began a three crew/three shift operation to meet increased demand of the all-new Tacoma. In addition, Mazda began production of Scion iA and Yaris in Salamanca, Guanajuato.

 
2016 marks:

• Anniversaries for Ontario (Cambridge facility turns 30); Kentucky (30), Indiana (20); West Virginia (20), Alabama (15) and Mississippi (5);
• The groundbreaking of Toyota’s 15th state of the art manufacturing facility in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato which is scheduled to begin Corolla production in 2019.  

 
Toyota produces 14 models in North America including: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, RAV4, Scion iA, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Lexus RX 350, Lexus ES 350, Venza and Yaris; and directly employs nearly 40,000 in the region.

Burien Toyota is Open During Construction!

Burien Toyota is tearing down prices on new and used vehicles as it goes under construction!

Burien Toyota is more than open during construction, we are offering some great deals! So don't be afraid to stop by during this time and take advantage of some screaming good deals. See all our Specials HERE including on 2015 models of the Camry, hybrids, Tundra, Sienna, and more!