Tag: Abilene

Categories
Toyota News

Thriving at 50 – Toyota Celebrates North American Manufacturing Milestone

LONG BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2022) – It all started in 1972 when Toyota announced its first manufacturing investment in North America. Today the automaker’s Long Beach, California, operation, TABC, Inc., celebrated 50 years of paving the way for Toyota to become a gold standard in advanced manufacturing.

Building on five decades of quality, TABC is a primary supplier of parts for Tacoma trucks and produces past model service body parts for all North American produced Toyota vehicles.

“For 50 years, the team at TABC has played an integral role in our company’s success, providing parts and components for our vehicles,” said Chris Nielsen, executive vice president, Product Support, and chief quality officer, Toyota North America. “So, it is great to celebrate all they have accomplished, and we look forward to their continuing leadership in providing quality products for our customers.”

Celebrating with the Community

As part of its anniversary celebration, Toyota officials announced $200,000 in community investments to be split among seven partner organizations, including:

  • American Red Cross
  • Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach
  • California State University of Long Beach
  • California Conference for Equality and Justice
  • Children Today
  • Long Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • U.S. Vets

In addition to the community investments, Toyota donated two vehicles to Rancho Los Alamitos and the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House.

“Toyota cares deeply about being a responsible member of society and improving our local communities,” said TABC president Jim Zehmer. “It is fitting for us to mark our 50th anniversary by celebrating our employees that make all of this possible and by reaffirming our ties to the community with these contributions.”

Growing with Toyota

TABC, originally known as Atlas Fabricators, contracted with Toyota in 1972 to assemble truck beds for vehicles destined for the U.S. Two years later, Toyota purchased the operation and ultimately renamed it “TABC, Inc.,” making it Toyota’s first manufacturing investment in the U.S.

In March 2022, the operation announced an investment of $27 million to support an increase in production capabilities. Currently, the plant employs approximately 350 people and represents a $485 million investment.

Toyota continues to grow its presence in North America. Today, it directly employs nearly 48,000 people, with $40.78 billion invested in its North American operations. The company’s newest plant, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, is scheduled to begin production of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles beginning in 2025.

RELATED MEDIA

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com

Categories
Toyota News

Toyota Announces $2.5 Billion Expansion of North Carolina Plant with 350 Additional Jobs and BEV Battery Capacity

Toyota NC Logo

Toyota’s global investment climbs up to $5.6 billion, supporting electrification efforts

LIBERTY, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2022) – Toyota announced an additional investment of $2.5 billion in its newest North American facility, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). This investment adds capacity to support battery electric vehicle (BEV) battery production and adds 350 jobs, bringing the total employment to approximately 2,100. Scheduled to begin production in 2025, the facility will produce batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and BEVs.

Last year, Toyota Motor Corporation announced a global investment of approximately $70 billion (8 trillion JPY*) for electrification efforts. Today, as part of this aspirational goal, TMC announced a future battery production commitment of up to $5.6 billion (730 billion JPY), which includes the new North Carolina investment.  

“This marks another significant milestone for our company,” said Norm Bafunno, senior vice president, Unit Manufacturing and Engineering at Toyota Motor North America. “This plant will serve a central role in Toyota’s leadership toward a fully electrified future and will help us meet our goal of carbon neutrality in our vehicles and global operations by 2035.” 

In 2021, Toyota, in partnership with Toyota Tsusho, announced the new Liberty location with an initial investment of $1.29 billion for battery production and the creation of 1,750 new jobs. With today’s announcement, TBMNC’s total investment is $3.8 billion. 

“This is an exciting time for Toyota, the region and the many North Carolinians we will soon employ,” said Sean Suggs, TBMNC president. “This incremental investment reflects our continued commitment to ensuring jobs and future economic growth for the Triad region.”  

Join the Team
Toyota North Carolina is seeking motivated individuals to join its leadership team. To view and apply for open positions, visit www.toyota.com/careers. Production and maintenance employee positions will be available in early 2023. 

* Based on December 2021 Yen-Dollar exchange rate 

About Toyota  

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.   

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants.  By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.  With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified. 

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom

Categories
Texas Toyota

4 Tips to Keep Your Car Looking Great

Keep your car clean with these 4 tips

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply a daily driver, keeping your car clean is always a must. While it may seem like a daunting task to keep your car clean, it truly isn’t, especially with our Toyota of Abilene helpful car cleaning tips.

As with any chore, the more you keep up with cleaning your car, the easier it is to maintain. That is why we recommend regularly cleaning out your car, vacuuming it and keeping it free of trash and debris.

When it comes to keeping the exterior of your car looking great, regular washes and waxes will go a long way. Maintaining your car’s paint is a great way to ensure your vehicle won’t have rust or peeling problems. The best part is that it keeps your car looking great too.

With this list of helpful tips, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge you need to keep your car looking just as great as it did the day you bought it.

Clear it Out

The first step to cleaning your car like the pros is pretty simple — clear it out! Trash, debris, last week’s hamburger wrapper, you’ll want to get rid of it all. Clearing out the clutter from the interior of your car instantly makes it look better and a lot less “lived in”. Plus, if you had enough stuff in there, you could consider it as fuel savings to clean it all out.

Not only is interior clutter unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re ever in an accident, every item you have on the interior will be tossed around becoming a hazard to you. Plus, who wants to be coated in a two-day-old soda after getting in an accident?

Cleaning out the interior of your car is the easiest step, all you need are some trash bags and you’ll be clutter-free in no time. Once you’ve cleaned out the interior of your car, you can move on to our next step detailed below.

Scrub it Out

Just like the carpet and flooring in our homes, the floor mats in our cars can get pretty dirty. That’s why it’s important for you to pull them out of the car and give them a good scrubbing. Getting your floor mats nice and clean doesn’t just look good, it also will help cut down on airborne bacteria and irritants too.

Before you get to scrubbing, you may also want to give your floor mats thorough vacuuming. This will get the dirt and debris that has found its way into your car and been compacted down. Once you’re done vacuuming you can get to scrubbing.

You’ll want a good brush with semi-firm bristles to attack carpet floor mats, and a good cleaning agent as well. If you have rubber or “all-weather” floor mats, you can skip the vacuum step and just give them a good spray down with your chosen cleaning agent.

Vacuum it Out

If you have been following our steps thus far, you should have your vacuum out still, so why not tackle the rest of the interior with it? Thoroughly vacuum all carpeted surfaces in your car, including the passenger and rear-seat floorboards, especially if they see high traffic.

While you have the vacuum out, it’s probably a good idea to run it over any non-carpeted surfaces that accumulate dust and debris like the dashboard. You can even hit the vents as dust accumulates there and can cause allergies or irritation.

A solid vacuum job should leave your car’s interior looking fresh and smelling even better — so why not take the time and do your car a favor?

Wipe it Out

A final step to cleaning your car like a pro is wiping it out. Pick up some interior cleaning and detailing wipes and get to work! We recommend starting from the driver’s seat, hitting all the instrumentation and surfaces you touch most.

From there, we say no amount of attention to detail is too much. Dig into those cracks and crevices, don’t be afraid to really get in there. You can use things like Q-Tips to get into tight spaces like between the air vents or radio controls. Work your way throughout the front first, then make a move to the back of the car — don’t forget the cupholders!

Get to Cleaning

Now that you have read our list of tips to keep your car clean like the pros, it’s time to grab your cleaning supplies and get to work. Whether you’re going for full interior and exterior detail or keeping it simple with a wash and wax, this list of tips is sure to get you started on the right path.

If you’re not feeling the whole DIY car detailing process, that’s okay too, we can always help you out at our reconditioning department. All you have to do is book an appointment online or by calling 325-550-2122 — stopping by works too.

Categories
New Toyota Vehicle

Electric Vehicles are More Practical Than You Think. Here’s Why

A woman and her child charging their electric vehicle at a charging station

As fuel prices soar and climate change becomes a larger public concern, the need for electric vehicles becomes clearer and clearer. Despite the growing need for electric vehicles, there is no shortage of negative rumors surrounding the vehicles. You’ll hear about “range anxiety” or how rare materials are used to build batteries for EVs. The thing is, you could say many of the same things about gas-powered vehicles — without all the benefits of an EV.

Whether you’re considering an electric vehicle or flat out refuse to adapt, this blog will show you just how practical electric vehicles are. By the time you finish this blog, you’ll be convinced that electric vehicles are the future of automobiles — and that future is now. Once you’re done reading, make sure to pay a visit to Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene to test drive an electric vehicle today.

They Require Less Maintenance

One of the biggest reasons electric vehicles are more practical than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is that they require less maintenance. With a gas-powered vehicle, you have to perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups — all of which are costly. Unlike gas-powered cars, electric vehicles require little to no routine maintenance and will only see a mechanic when it needs major repairs or servicing.

While electric vehicles will still need new tires, brakes and wiper blades throughout the year, you will still be performing less routine maintenance on them compared to a gas-powered vehicle. This means you’ll be able to save tons of money on oil changes, tune-ups, fluid changes and other routine maintenance that is associated with a gas-powered vehicle. With the money you save on both fuel and maintenance costs, owning an electric vehicle practically pays for itself!

Save on Fuel Costs

An obvious benefit to electric cars is the amount of money you will save by not purchasing fuel. If you own a fully-electric vehicle you won’t be hitting the local gas station to fuel up once a week. Instead, you’ll be able to “fuel” up at home as you can have a level 2 or 3 charger installed inside of your garage with relative ease. This means not only will you save money on fuel, but you’ll also save yourself some time as you won’t have to travel to the gas station.

Now, if you live in an apartment complex, charging your EV might be a bit more complicated if your complex doesn’t have on-site charging stations. In this case, you’ll have to figure out where the nearest charging station is and spend a bit of time charging up there. While the time spent charging may be a drawback, if you can combine it with other activities it is quite practical.

Whether you have the ability to charge at home will decide just how practical owning an EV is for you. However, as time goes on and EVs grow in popularity, more public charging options will become available and make owning an EV more practical than ever before. Even if you don’t have the ability to charge an EV at home, the amount of money you’ll save on fuel and maintenance is enough reason to make the switch.

Self-Driving Mode

A feature straight out of a sci-fi movie, self-driving technology is yet another reason owning an electric vehicle is more practical than you may think. We all know that driving is dangerous and combining human error with it only heightens the amount of risk — yet we all get behind the wheel each morning without a second thought.

With self-driving electric vehicles, that inherent risk of human error is eliminated, making the roads a safer place for everyone. Self-driving car technology allows you to commute completely hands-free as artificial intelligence makes driving decisions for you. You will have to remain alert at all times while using the self-driving mode just in case you need to take control of the vehicle at any time.

Not only do self-driving cars keep people and the roads safer, but they also make your daily commute easier than ever before.

Test Drive an EV Today at Toyota of Abilene

Now that you know just how practical owning an electric vehicle can be, it’s time for you to test drive one at Toyota of Abilene. At Toyota of Abilene, we offer the best deals on new and used Toyota vehicles — including the electrifying Prius. If you don’t want to overpay for your next car, you need to visit Toyota of Abilene today!

Categories
Texas Toyota

Toyota Supports Uvalde Community

Toyota_UvaldeTexasHeroImage_220601_ML_V02-1500x900

PLANO, Texas (June 2, 2022) – Toyota Motor North America together with Gulf States Toyota and GSFSGroup are donating $250,000 to support counseling and bereavement services for families and others impacted by the Uvalde, Texas, tragedy.

Family Services Association, San Antonio, which offers counseling and survivor assistance through a trauma-informed lens, and Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, which provides services for grieving youth and their families, are each receiving $75,000.

Gulf States Toyota and GSFSGroup are providing $50,000 to both Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas and The United with Uvalde Fund.

Toyota also is matching employee giving, encouraging donations to the following nonprofits:

  • The Onestar Foundation – Robb Elementary Memorial Fund: contributing to the relief fund for victims, families and others affected by the tragedy.
  • Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas: to deliver counseling services for children, caregivers and community members.
  • Family Services Association: to support survivor families to cover basic needs and mental health aid.
  • Communities in Schools San Antonio: to provide basic needs, education support and social services.
  • United with Uvalde Fund – United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County: to support mental health services for students, teachers and families.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.

 

Categories
New Toyota Vehicle

The Manual Transmission isn’t Dead; Introducing the 2023 Toyota Supra GR

2023 Toyota Supra GR Manual Transmission

The Manual Transmission isn’t Dead; Introducing the 2023 Toyota Supra GR

Toyota’s legendary Supra GR is returning yet again for 2023, and coming along with it is a new six-speed manual transmission. Long-known for its motorsport prowess, Toyota is a beloved by car enthusiasts and motorsports lovers alike.

This is why Toyota has decided to give its fans what they’ve long been craving — a new manual-transmission Supra. The 2023 Supra GR will also feature Enhanced Drive Dynamics in addition to the manual transmission and will be available at Toyota of Abilene later this year.

If you’d like to get your hands on the new Supra GR, Toyota of Abilene can make it happen. At Toyota of Abilene, we stock the largest selection of Toyota vehicles in Abilene. — including the 2023 Supra GR. Come on down and we’ll put you behind the wheel of your dream car today.

#savethemanual

Highly coveted by Toyota-lovers and car-enthusiasts alike, the Supra has long been an icon in automotive history. As has the manual transmission — with many calling it the essence of sports cars. With this in mind, Toyota has joined the #savethemanual campaign, introducing the 2023 Supra GR with a manual transmission.

Re-introduced in 2019, the Supra GR was a fresh take on the legendary Supra sports car. Its arrival was highly anticipated by enthusiasts, especially those looking to scratch their Fast and Furious itch. Much to their dismay, however, it was only available with an automatic transmission.

The 2019 Supra GR still sold well, but fans were left hoping for more from Toyota. Now in 2022, Toyota has heard its fans and is planning on delivering what they have always wanted — a six-speed manual transmission Supra GR.

Available as an option on the 2023 Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium, the six-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) will provide smooth shifting and ultimate control. The iMT was custom-engineered for the Supra GR by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Division. It will be paired with the Supra GR’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, delivering 382-horsepower.

An intelligent Manual Transmission

The iMT takes the efficiency of automatic transmissions and combines it flawlessly with everything we love about manual transmissions. Specially designed software allows the iMT to provide a sporty experience each and every time you get behind the wheel.

With this software, the iMT optimizes engine torque during upshifts for precision gear changes when the clutch is engaged. When downshifting, the iMT software fine-tunes engine revs for perfectly timed downshifts and reliable performance.

The best part about iMT? Owners of the Supra GR will be free turn it off in Sport Mode for a more visceral experience. This is perfect for when you really want to get your Brian Spillner act going in full effect.

A Connection Like No Other

If you’re wondering why manual transmissions are so sought after by car enthusiasts, its quite simple — they offer unparalleled control. The amount of control and feel you get out of a manual transmission is astounding and oodles of fun. Many car enthusiasts describe it as being “truly connected” to the vehicle and it makes sense.

A shifter acts as an extension of your arm as you row through the gears. As you pump the clutch, your leg feels as if it intertwines with the mechanical workings of the vehicle. All of this provides an unmatched feeling of connection with the vehicle — of being one.

Having trouble grasping just how connected you feel when driving a manual? Then there is only one solution — drive one! Luckily for you, Toyota of Abilene has the largest selection of Toyotas in Abilene, including the manual Supra GR. Come on down to Toyota of Abilene to experience the thrill of a manual Supra GR today!

GAZOO Racing

The first global racing division in Toyota, GAZOO Racing is one of Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s greatest achievements. GAZOO Racing is aimed at delivering cars that perfectly convey the joy of driving.

As the division has grown, they have introduced GR variations of popular models like the Yaris and the rear-wheel-drive GR86 coupe. These vehicles were built solely to show what GR is all about, an unbridled passion for driving and performance.

The GR division is inspired by the legendary TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, a championship-winning motorsport team known throughout the globe. It is this division that has worked tirelessly to deliver the Supra GR of every car and Toyota enthusiast’s dreams — the 2023 Supra GR.

Ready to Race?

Are you ready to be a part of the Gazoo Racing family? If so, you need to visit Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene. At Toyota of Abilene, we stock the largest selection of new and used Toyotas, including the new Supra GR. If you don’t want to overpay for your next Toyota, then you need to buy it here at Toyota of Abilene.

The best selection of Toyotas at the lowest prices are only at one place in Abilene — and that’s Toyota of Abilene. Stop by and test drive the thrilling 2023 Supra GR today!

 

Categories
New Toyota Vehicle

The Definitive Guide to EV Charging

A lady charging her electric vehicle at an EV charging station.
A lady charging her electric vehicle at an EV charging station.

The Definitive Guide to EV Charging

There are Levels to This

Ever since the first car was produced in 1886, internal combustion engines have been the driving force of vehicles. However, the search for an alternative has been underway for just as long and finally, we have an answer. Electric vehicles with electric motors.

Now, when most folks think of electric vehicles they imagine some futuristic-looking vehicle that will leave them stranded on the side of the highway with dead batteries — this couldn’t be more of a myth!

Electric vehicles, or EVs, have come a long way since the 1870s. They’re stylish, powerful, exciting to drive and most of all — reliable. Despite advances in EV technology, many people still doubt their practicality and cite range anxiety and lack of charging infrastructure.

This definitive guide to EV charging will teach you everything you need to know about EV charging, including how simple it is. Give this a quick read and then make sure to pay a visit to Toyota of Abilene to check out the electrifying bZ4X.

Level 1 Charging

The most accessible level of charging, Level 1 charging stations allow you to charge your EV by plugging it into your household 120V outlet. This means you’ll be able to use your vehicle’s charger on any outlet in your residence, making charging a breeze.

Commonly referred to as “trickle charging”, level 1 is the slowest charging method available for EVs albeit one of the most convenient. You will see around four miles of range added to the vehicle each hour when using level 1 charging.

With a slow charging time, Level 1 is best utilized when you’re able to let your EV charge up overnight. That being said, there are a few other methods of charging that are faster if you’re in a rush, keep Abilene to find out what they are.

Level 2 Charging

One of the most common forms of EV charging, Level 2 charging can be found in both residential and public areas. It provides a much quicker charge than Level 1 chargers, adding up to 12-30 miles of range per hour. A full charge can be completed in 6-12 hours — depending on battery size — when using a Level 2 charger.

If you want a Level 2 charger at your home, it is plenty doable as long as you have an available 240V outlet. In the event you don’t have a 240V outlet, you must have one professionally installed before you are able to take advantage of Level 2 charging.

While most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charging cable included, Level 2 chargers come at an extra cost. Simply ask your sales professional for pricing on a Level 2 charging cable and they should be able to provide you with one at delivery.

Looking to have a Level 2 charger installed at your house? Companies like ChargePoint and QMerit can help! Having a Level 2 charger installed at home will not only save you time but some money as well. In some cases, you may even be able to claim tax benefits for owning an EV and investing in a charger, refer to your local tax code for more info.

Level 3 Charging

Often referred to as DC Fast Charging, high-powered Level 3 chargers are only found at public charging stations across the country. They are the fastest and most-efficient way to charge your EV, as they add around 3-15 miles every minute!

Level 3 charging uses powerful direct current (DC) power, which is not found in residential areas as they use alternating current (AC). This means you won’t be able to have a Level 3 charging station at home, but if you do some Googling you may find one nearby.

The best benefit of Level 3 charging stations is their ability to charge your EV battery up to 80% capacity in a matter of minutes. This makes charging up during lunch break or while running errands a breeze and allows you to live a range-anxiety-free life.

As the popularity of EV’s continues to grow, you’ll start to see more and more Level 3 public charging stations popping up across the country. If you already own an EV, chances are you know all of your local charging stations — but if you don’t — check out Plugshare.

Stations Near You

Looking for somewhere to charge near you? No sweat, we took the time and did the research for you. If you’re in the Abilene area and need to charge your EV, we’ve put together a shortlist of available public charging stations. Check out what we found:

While this list doesn’t have every charging station in Abilene on it, it’s a great starting point for EV owners in Abilene. As time goes on and more people adopt electric vehicles, charging infrastructure should start to increase — so keep an eye out!

Charged Up and Ready to Go

Now that you know all there is to know about charging an EV, making the switch doesn’t seem so scary now, does it? Despite what your octane-loving, mechanic cousin may say, electric vehicles truly are the future. With more home-charging options available and increasing public charging infrastructure, range anxiety is nothing more than a myth.

Whether you opt for a home charging station or you rely on public infrastructure, switching to an EV is the best option for the planet and your wallet. Owning an EV not only saves you at the pump it also saves you on repair bills too, as they require less maintenance than traditional cars.

Are you ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle? Then Toyota of Abilene can help! At Toyota of Abilene, we have Abilene’s best selection of Toyota vehicles, including the new bZ4X. Whether you’re switching to an EV or sticking with a traditional engine — if you want the best prices on Toyota vehicles — shop at Toyota of Abilene.

Categories
New Toyota Vehicle

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider an Electric Vehicle

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider an Electric Vehicle

As gas prices continue to rise with no end in sight, the appeal of electric vehicles is growing stronger with each passing day. Whether you have a short drive to work or an hourslong commute, chances are you are feeling the squeeze of surging fuel prices. Fret not, as there is a solution — an electric vehicle! That’s right, electric vehicles are the best alternative to skyrocketing gas prices and they’re environmentally friendly too.

While there are a number of reasons to purchase an electric vehicle in 2022, in this blog we’re going to list the five best reasons you should. Whether you’re budget conscious and looking for an alternative to these growing gas prices or you’re environmentally aware and looking for a way to benefit the earth, switching to an electric vehicle is one of the best decisions you stand to make. Gas prices aren’t going down any time soon, so don’t wait another minute, make the switch to an EV today.

Tax Incentives

One of the many reasons you may want to make the switch to an EV are the potential tax incentives you may qualify for from federal, local or state government. In attempts to draw the public away from fossil-fueled engines, the U.S. government has begun to offer tax incentives to help subsidize the cost of electric vehicles. Aiming for a population fully reliant on EVs, the U.S. government is offering a fairly large tax credit ranging from $2,500-7,500 for owners of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Some states and local governments may also offer tax incentives or programs for EV owners, such as California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP). This program gives rebate savings directly to owners/lessees of qualifying electric vehicles, making them far more attractive to buy as opposed to a traditional internal combustion engine. If you want to find out more about your local and state government rebates and incentives for electric vehicles, all you have to do is visit their website for more info.

With so many rebates and incentives available, it is no surprise that there has been a major shift to electric vehicles by both consumers and automakers alike. Are you ready to save cash while saving the environment? If so, its time to stop by Toyota of Abilene and make the switch to an electric vehicle today.

More Affordable to Drive

Yet another great reason to switch to electric vehicles — they are far more affordable to drive than your traditional internal combustion engine. The cost of owning an electric vehicle is largely reduced due to it not needing any fuel or the regular maintenance a traditional internal combustion engine requires. In addition to not needing fuel, electric motors have far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine and do not require any oil changes.

Another reason EVs are more affordable is their use of regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses the electric motor to slow down the vehicle, which lengthens the lifespan of your brake pads while also charging your EV batteries. This not only saves you from spending on brake pads, but it also keeps you from having to hit the charging station as well — saving you both time and money.

If you’re looking for a good reason to make the switch to an electric vehicle, all you have to do is look at your wallet. Whether it’s savings at the pump or at the mechanic, making the switch to an electric vehicle puts more money in your pocket while reducing your carbon footprint. Reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and the oil industry, make the switch to an electric vehicle — available here at Toyota of Abilene today.

Surprisingly Sporty Performance

Do you enjoy sporty performance each time you get behind the wheel? Then an electric vehicle is for you! Unlike regular engines, electric motors provide near-instantaneous torque when you step on the pedal. This allows you to experience the thrill of going 0 to 60 MPH in mere seconds, without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Electric vehicles also boast incredible handling capabilities thanks to their lower center of gravity and impeccable weight distribution. Most EVs are designed with a battery pack positioned in the center of the vehicle, which increases handling, stability and cornering while also minimizing the potential for rollovers.

You don’t need a car with four rings or a horse on the front to enjoy a sporty driving experience — all you need is an electric vehicle!

Better Safety

Driving a car down a public road comes with it’s own set of hazards — hazards we typically tend to accept without even a second thought. When you really think about it, hurling down the road in a few tons of metal filled with a flammable liquid probably is not the best idea and is frankly, a bit anxiety-inducing.

Electric vehicles may not be the perfect answer when it comes to safety. However, they are far safer than a traditional car, truck or SUV that uses an internal combustion engine. Wondering how that is possible? It’s simple — electric vehicles don’t use gas and contain fewer components than traditional vehicles.

Being that electric vehicles have fewer components than traditional vehicles, manufacturers are able to approach vehicle design in a new manner. This new approach has led to improved crumple zones, stronger body design and improved overall safety. Remember the mention of battery packs in EVs being located in the center of the vehicle? That also provides extra safety as it lowers the EVs center of gravity and removes the use of gas, a very flammable substance.

Are you ready for a phenomenal driving experience but want peace of mind, knowing you and your family are safe? Then you need to make the switch to an electric vehicle today! Electric vehicles aren’t just better for the environment, they’re safer to drive as well.

Great for the Environment

One of the more obvious reasons behind buying an electric vehicle is the impact — or lack thereof — that they have on the environment. While internal combustion engines are gas-powered and require regular oil changes to operate, electric vehicles feature an electric motor that doesn’t need fuel or oil to run. This means not only will you save money on fuel and oil changes, but you’ll also be helping out the environment too.

The rise of electric vehicles has also sparked a rise in the use of solar panels in homes throughout the United States. Solar panels are great, they allow you to harness the sun’s energy and use it in lieu of traditional fossil fuels that harm the environment. Many owners of EVs are now installing solar panels on their homes in order to reduce their electricity bill — and further reduce their carbon footprint.

If you want to do your part in helping the environment, buying an EV is a great way to do so. Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, don’t need gas and can even be charged up using solar power. Are you environmentally conscious? If so, then you need to switch to an electric vehicle as soon as possible.

Are You Ready?

Now that you’ve read through the top five reasons to purchase an electric vehicle, are you ready to make the switch? If so, then Toyota of Abilene is here to help. Here at Toyota of Abilene, we don’t just have Abilene’s best selection of new and used vehicles — we have the largest selection of electric vehicles too! If you want to eliminate your gas expense and reduce your carbon footprint then you need to stop by Toyota of Abilene and purchase your first EV today.

Categories
Texas Toyota

Is Buying a Car in 2022 Worth It?

iStock/deepblue4you
iStock/deepblue4you

With the COVID-19 Pandemic coming to a close, consumers are once again demanding a large supply of new vehicles. One that cannot yet be fulfilled by the world’s manufacturers due to a massive shortage of semiconductors with no end in sight.

This shortage has dealerships all over the country scrambling to find a way to put customers behind the wheel of a new vehicle. With the ongoing shortage and rising prices, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy a new vehicle at Toyota of Abilene, and this blog just may help you decide.

At Toyota of Abilene, the shortage isn’t stopping them from stocking the Abilene, TX area’s best selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, Toyota of Abilene has plenty of options for you to choose from. Don’t let the shortage hold you back, stop by and see why Toyota of Abilene is Abilene’s favorite Toyota dealer today!

Rising Prices, Dwindling Inventory

As the world slowly returns to form after the COVID-19 Pandemic, the global supply chain is struggling to keep up after such a long period of disruption. Back in 2020, with the world at the height of the pandemic, factories all over the world shut down to stop the spread, while subsequently stopping the production of goods.

During the global shutdown, inventory began to pile up on dealership lots all throughout the United States. With each passing day, the cost of insurance and interest on this sitting inventory totaled in the hundreds of thousands, causing dealership owners a slight panic. This time of uncertainty and panic was not here to stay long, as a bigger problem awaited dealership owners in the near future.

Fast forward a year to 2021, dealerships throughout the U.S. are struggling to keep up with demand for inventory as manufacturers struggle to produce new vehicles. This struggle is largely due to a semiconductor shortage that was sparked by the worldwide lockdowns that took place during the pandemic. With factories shut down and semiconductors not being made, new vehicles ceased to be produced and vehicle manufacturers found themselves struggling to fulfill dealership orders.

In response to the growing supply chain issue, dealerships began to turn their focus toward to used vehicle market, encouraging customers to sell their used vehicles or complete trade-ins. With used vehicles more desirable than ever and equipped government-backed stimulus checks, consumers throughout the United States flocked to dealerships to trade in their old vehicles in favor of new ones.

The rush by dealerships to find ways to supplement the shortage of new vehicles only further exacerbated that shortage, leaving dealerships in a pickle. Now dealerships have droves of customers clamoring to trade-in their vehicles, with no new vehicles to sell those customers, resulting in long waiting lists and disgruntled customers.

With this shortage, you may be wondering if now is the right time to start the search for a vehicle. The answer here at Toyota of Abilene is a resounding, YES! Despite the supply chain issues and a shortage of new vehicles, there has never been a better time to trade in your old vehicle in favor of purchasing a new one. Keep reading to find out why!

The Time Is Now

If you’re wondering if it’s a smart idea to buy a car in 2022, the answer is YES! Now, you may be doubting that because of what you just read above…but fear not! There truly has never been a better time to buy a new car, truck or SUV — and here are some reasons why.

Interest Rates

One of the biggest reasons you should be buying a car right now is because of the incredibly low-interest rates that are available. Right now, banks are loaning out money at record-setting rates in attempts to reinvigorate the struggling, post-pandemic economy. With rates as low as 0.99% APR available, it’s a no-brainer to buy a new vehicle right now as rates like this aren’t typically available.

If you want the best interest rates on the widest selection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles, stop by Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene today!

Your Car Is Worth More Than Ever Before

Yeah, you read that right…your old car is worth more than ever before thanks to the shortage of new inventory. Typically, all cars begin depreciating the moment they leave the dealership lot. However, in this whacky post-pandemic economy, some vehicles have actually gained value as they aged.

As dealerships all over the country make a push to purchase used vehicles and increase trade-ins, the value of used vehicles has increased astronomically. That means there has never been a better time to purchase a new vehicle, as your trade-in is worth more than its ever been. If you’ve been tossing around the idea of buying a new car, you’ll want to act now before the value of your used car plummets back to pre-pandemic prices and you lose out on thousands.

You can get the best value for your used car, truck or SUV at Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene, TX. At Toyota of Abilene, they have the Abilene area’s best selection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles, so stop by and check out their inventory today!

Customize Your New Vehicle

Due to the semiconductor shortage, chances are you will be waiting on a new vehicle to be built and shipped to the United States before you buy it. This wait may seem like nothing but a hassle when in reality it is the best thing that could happen. Wondering why it’s the best thing that could happen? Keep reading to find out why!

While it may not seem ideal to buy a car that hasn’t yet been built, there are some advantages to doing so. A car that hasn’t been built yet means you can tailor to fit your exact needs and specifications. That means you can forego features you won’t use and add features you may not have been able to find on a specific trim of that vehicle. With the added flexibility that comes with ordering a new Toyota vehicle, it truly makes right now better than ever to buy a new vehicle.

Stop by Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene to place an order for your new Toyota vehicle today!

Reasons You Should Avoid Buying a Car in 2022

This blog would not be complete without a good counterargument. So, let’s talk about a few reasons why you may want to avoid buying a new car, truck or SUV in 2022.

Seemingly Endless Waiting Lists

One good reason to avoid purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle in 2022 is the waiting game. Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a vehicle they have to spend months waiting for. However, the reality of this post-pandemic world is filled with long waiting lists for new vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

If you’re considering purchasing a new car, truck or SUV, make sure to inquire about the average waiting time at your dealership of choice. Another thing to keep in mind is delays do happen, especially with the rampant issues in the global supply chain. That being said, if you place an order for a new vehicle, be prepared to be patient.

Patience is a virtue they say, and if it’s a virtue that escapes you, perhaps its best to look into a pre-owned vehicle instead. If a pre-owned vehicle is something you would consider, Toyota of Abilene has plenty of them to choose from at their Abilene location — stop by today!

Record-High Prices

An unfortunate consequence of the vehicle shortage has been the steep rise in the prices of new vehicles. With incredibly high demand and constrained supply lines, the cost of new vehicles is rising to record highs in a staggeringly short amount of time. Many new vehicles are flying off of dealership lots, sometimes for prices above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

Although interest rates are at all-time lows, it still may be wise to refrain from purchasing a new car, truck or SUV in 2022 thanks to the rising cost of new vehicles. If you want to save money and can keep driving your current vehicle, it just may be best to wait out this influx of pricing on new vehicles.

Fewer Options

Yet another drawback to purchasing a new vehicle during this shortage is the lack of available options. Due to the semiconductor shortage, vehicle manufacturers are opting to only produce certain types and trims of vehicles, leaving less variety to choose from. This is being done in an effort to keep profits where they need to be while dealing with a constrained supply of vehicles and parts.

During this shortage, you run the chance of walking onto a dealership lot and not being able to find a vehicle to fit your wants or needs. Many vehicles that are being produced right now are coming loaded with options and features, which increases the cost and makes them less appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

If you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle in these times, keep in mind that you may not get exactly what you want in a vehicle. This can be prevented with a little patience, all you have to do is simply wait out this global semiconductor shortage which should be over soon. Getting the vehicle of your dreams is still possible despite the worldwide shortage of vehicles, so don’t lose hope!

The Answer Is

Now that both sides to the argument have been made, the answer to the question “Is Buying a Car in 2022 Worth It” still remains a resounding yes. This is because the power is still in the hands of the consumer, even with the reduced supply of new and pre-owned vehicles. Consumers are more powerful than ever in the post-pandemic world, and it’s because struggling companies need every dollar they can get. Keep this in mind when shopping for your next vehicle, whether it’s new or pre-owned.

If you’re still reading and have realized that now is better than ever to buy a new vehicle, then stop by Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene, TX today! At Toyota of Abilene, they stock the Abilene, TX area’s biggest selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles and sell them at the best prices. Get the best deal on your next Toyota vehicle by shopping at Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene today!

Categories
Toyota News

Two First-Production 2022 Toyota Tundras Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Help Raise More Than $1.2 Million for Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund

The First 2022 Toyota Tundra at the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction

PLANO, Texas (Jan. 31, 2022) – Toyota auctioned two of the first i-FORCE MAX Tundras at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, over the weekend, resulting in more than $1.2 million going to benefit the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund.

The Toyota Tundra Capstone with VIN 001 sold for $700,000. The Toyota TRD Pro with VIN 002 sold for $550,000.

The Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund is a first-of-its-kind program launched by the company in an effort to further support Team USA’s Paralympic athletes as they pursue their sport dreams. To date, more than 430 U.S. Paralympic athletes and hopefuls have received direct support from the Fund, with contributions from across the country, including from Toyota dealerships. With proceeds from the Toyota auctions at Barrett-Jackson, the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund has now raised more than $4.9 million.

U.S. Paralympian Kaitlyn Verfuerth, who received support from the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund, joined Toyota on the auction block both nights.

“I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would help Toyota auction off a Tundra for $550,000!” says Verfuerth. “These funds will go directly to help Paralympic athletes train, have proper equipment and have access to the best coaching. This type of support is life-changing, and I cannot thank Toyota enough for helping me go more places than I’ve ever imagined.”

Each winning bidder will also receive:

  • A Toyota-hosted trip for two to Park City, Utah, for an exclusive program to cheer on the Team USA athletes who will be competing at the Paralympic Winter Games.
  • A Tundra engine cover signed by chief engineer Mike Sweers.
  • An exclusive framed print of the original Tundra styling sketches from Calty (Toyota’s North American design studio), signed by Calty president, Kevin Hunter, and Tundra exterior designers, Adam Rabinowitz and Chung Lee.

Vehicle specs for each truck auctioned off can be found here.

*The auction-winning vehicles will not be immediately available and will be delivered in spring of 2022.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom