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Toyota and Amazon Web Services Collaborate on Toyota’s Mobility Services Platform

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com company, are expanding their global collaboration, applying AWS’s vast portfolio of services to expand Toyota’s Mobility Services Platform (MSPF), an ecosystem to help Toyota engineers develop, deploy, and manage the next generation of data-driven mobility services for driver and passenger safety, security, comfort, and convenience in Toyota’s cloud-connected vehicles. Toyota’s MSPF leverages the reliability and scalability of AWS’s global infrastructure, as well as development expertise from AWS Professional Services, to meet the challenge of processing and analyzing data from operations within Toyota’s worldwide fleet of connected vehicles. The MSPF and its application programming interfaces (API) will enable Toyota to collect data from connected vehicles and apply it towards vehicle design and development, new contextual services such as car share, rideshare, full-service lease, and new corporate and consumer services such as proactive vehicle maintenance notifications and driving behavior-based insurance. more The collaboration between Toyota and AWS extends to Toyota’s entire enterprise, and will help build a foundation for streamlined and secure data sharing throughout the company and accelerate its move toward CASE (Connected, Autonomous/Automated, Shared and Electric) mobility technologies. In expanding Toyota’s relationship with AWS, Shigeki Tomoyama, Chief Information & Security Officer and Chief Production Officer at Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “Connectivity drives all of the processes of development, production, sales and service in the automotive business. Expanding our agreement with AWS to strengthen our vehicle data platform will be a major advantage for CASE activities within Toyota.” “Toyota is leveraging the unmatched breadth and depth of AWS services to transform how it develops and manages new mobility services across its entire ecosystem of connected vehicles around the world,” said Andy Jassy, CEO of AWS. “By running on AWS, with its high performance, functionality, and security, Toyota is able to innovate quickly across its enterprise and continue to lead the automotive industry in delivering the quality of experiences that customers expect.”

Sequoia Marches Ahead with Pricing and All-New Special Edition for 2021 Model Year

Named for California’s massive, majestic redwood trees, the Toyota Sequoia has always been about family adventure. With its robust body-on-frame construction, four-wheel independent suspension, generous ground clearance and 381-horsepower 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 engine, the Sequoia is one of the most capable full-size SUVs on the market. With seating for up to eight (seven in TRD Sport, TRD Pro and Platinum and new Nightshade Special edition), the Toyota Sequoia makes a solid candidate for the ultimate family vehicle. It’s all there: roominess, luxury, off-road dexterity, high towing capacity, packaged in rugged yet elegant Toyota SUV design. Moving into 2021, the Sequoia will showcase a new ‘out of this world’ color on the TRD Pro model and takes on the night with the new Nightshade Special Edition. more TRD Pro Receives Cosmic New Color With a striking new debut, the Sequoia TRD Pro model will carry on the new color tradition with the introduction of Lunar Rock for 2021. Replacing Army Green in the TRD Pro color pallet, Lunar Rock will turn heads as customers enjoy all the on and off-road features offered in the lineup. Other available colors on the TRD Pro include: Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic. 2021 Sequoia Nightshade Edition: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark With the close of summer comes shorter days and earlier sunsets – the perfect time for the Sequoia Nightshade Edition to make its arrival. While most Toyota Nightshade models are based on SE grade versions, the 2021 Nightshade Sequoia is built on the more luxurious Limited grade model with black leather-trim seating and slightly sinister looking black exterior trim. Sequoia Nightshade uniquely features darkened chrome ‘Sequoia’ badging, body moldings, and lower grille and fog light surrounds. The Sequoia Nightshade Edition will also offer the choice of 2WD or 4WD and will look particularly wicked in Midnight Black Metallic or Magnetic Gray Metallic. For more customization, the Special Edition will also be available in Blizzard Pearl. Sequoia: Also Big on Safety Features Sequoia is an SUV large enough to fit the whole family (and then some), and it’s also big on safety. Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) comes standard on every grade of Sequoia, and this active safety system includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Sway Warning System (SWS), Automatic High Beams (AHB) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). It also includes Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The standard rearview camera on Sequoia helps when parking or positioning a trailer. The backup camera is displayed on the 7-in. high-resolution touchscreen display. The 2021 Sequoia is also equipped with Toyota’s STAR Safety System, which includes: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake override. On 4WD models, TRAC is replaced by A-TRAC (Active-Traction Control). All models have a direct tire pressure monitoring system.

Tundra Rolls out Pricing and Special Editions for 2021 Model Year

We all know the familiar mantra, “Work hard, play hard.” The Toyota Tundra, built in the heart of truck country in San Antonio, Texas, has mastered it. For the 2021 Tundra lineup, there’s added emphasis on play and style with the introduction of Trail and Nightshade Special Editions, along with a new exterior color for TRD Pro. Powered for 2021 exclusively by the 5.7L i-FORCE V8 engine that offers up to 10,200 pounds of towing capacity and a maximum payload of 1,730 pounds, Tundra is ready to tackle the jobsite, a weekend cruise to the lake, or a multi-state family road trip. Available in Double Cab and CrewMax four-door cab styles, Tundra is offered in a plethora of configurations to fit just about any need. TRD Pro Receives Cosmic New Color With a striking new debut, the Tundra TRD Pro model will carry on the new color tradition with the introduction of Lunar Rock for 2021. Replacing Army Green in the TRD Pro color pallet, Lunar Rock will turn heads as customers enjoy all the on and off-road features offered in the lineup. Other available colors on the TRD Pro include: Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic. more 2021 Trail Special Edition: Carry In, Carry Out…. In Style Toyota Tundra buyers love the great outdoors, and in fact, sit at the top of their segment for participation in outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hiking. To celebrate and support all that fresh-air fun, Toyota is introducing the 2021 Tundra Trail Special Edition with an emphasis on extra storage, convenience and unique styling. The Tundra Trail will be based on the SR5 Crew Max with SR5 Upgrade Package (larger fuel tank, front bucket seats with driver’s power lumbar support, front center console, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, three front cupholders, and an anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer) and will be available in both 2WD and 4WD powertrains. Available Trail color choices include Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black, and Super White. All Trails feature black exterior badging, plus black seating with tan stitching. In all versions, standard all-weather floor liners help catch the outdoor elements that come in on occupants’ feet. The Tundra Trail wears the bold chrome grille from the top-of-line Tundra 1794 Edition with color-keyed surround, plus special-edition wheels. Lockable bed storage includes insulation and drain plug on the driver side to function as a perfect on-the-go cooler. 2021 Tundra Nightshade Edition: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark With the close of summer comes shorter days and earlier sunsets – the perfect time for the Tundra Nightshade Editions to make their arrival. While most Toyota Nightshade models are based on SE grade versions, the 2021 Nightshade Tundra is built on the more luxurious Limited grade model with black leather-trim seating and slightly sinister looking black exterior trim. This is accompanied nicely by a darkened chrome grille, black mirror caps and black door handles. The Tundra Nightshade Edition will also offer the choice of 2WD or 4WD. To round out the bold styling package the Tundra Nightshade has black wheels and exhaust tip and will look particularly wicked in Midnight Black Metallic or Magnetic Gray Metallic. For more customization, the Special Edition will also be available in Windchill Pearl* and Super White. *Added Cost Color

The All-New 2021 Sienna is Already Winning Awards

Even though the 2021 Toyota Sienna has yet to go on sale, the innovative engineering work for the new minivan conducted at Toyota Motor North America’s Research & Development Center in Michigan is already garnering awards. Altair Engineering has presented Toyota Motor North America with its prestigious Enlighten award. The award recognizes Toyota’s work, with the support of supplier partner BASF, in substantial lightweighting of Sienna’s folding third-row seats. The lightweighting effort was lead by Toyota Senior Principal Engineer for Body Design, Todd Muck. Working with BASF, Todd and his team reduced the heavy, 15-piece steel seat frame to a new one-piece resin seatback. The industry-first seatback is lighter, easier to assemble, and less expensive to produce. While all of the improvements are important, it is the seat’s lower weight that provides the most direct benefit to the customer. more “Reducing the seatback’s mass (weight) provides the customer with several benefits,” Said Muck. He continued, “Less weight can improve fuel economy. Or, we can use that saved weight in other areas, such as adding new features like the built-in refrigerator.” However, Muck says the most apparent benefit is the reduced effort it takes for customers to raise folded third-row seats to their upright position. “Our new design has made lifting the seats much easier,” he said. “With the previous design, it would take more than 24-kilograms (53 pounds) of force to raise the seat. The new design requires less than 9-kiograms (19 pounds) of force.” The all-new Sienna was designed and engineered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is manufactured in Princeton, Indiana. It goes on sale later this year.

Have you ever wondered "What makes a Toyota Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, certified?

Why Buy Toyota Certified Toyota Certified The best new cars make the best used cars! It stands to reason that the better a product is made the longer it will last, which makes getting a high-quality, low mileage Toyota at a great price a very savvy move. Toyota's timeless commitment to quality, innovation and durability is the foundation upon which the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) program launched in 1996. With each passing year the TCUV program has gained momentum - totaling over three million sales and counting. more Along with industry-leading heritage comes another advantage; an exceptional coverage policy. With a 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Comprehensive Warranty1 a 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty2 plus one full year of Roadside Assistance3, honored at more that 1,400 Toyota dealers in the U.S. and Canada, we've got you covered. Certification Our certification process keeps you in mind every step of the way. The TCUV standards apply from the time a Toyota dealer acquires the vehicle through to the final sale. Each candidate for certification can be a current model year vehicle, up to and including six year old models, with 85,000 miles or less on the odometer. Prior to the rigorous 160-point inspection every certified Toyota goes through, a CARFAX® vehicle history report is reviewed to ensure that only the best of the best vehicles receive the Toyota Certified Seal of approval. Click here to view our certified pre-owned inventory.

Engineering an Accessible Sienna: How Toyota Collaborates with BraunAbility and VMI to Support the Disability Community

It’s well-known that the Toyota Sienna is one of America’s most beloved vehicles. But for consumers with disabilities, the Accessible Sienna, equipped with modifications such as ramps and wheelchair lifts, has become a lifeline. The vehicle has provided over 20,000 people with the freedom to move, granting them greater independence and the ability to accomplish their goals. First introduced in 1998 as a family-friendly vehicle, the Sienna’s shape and size made it well-suited for conversion to provide individuals with disabilities solutions to meet their various mobility needs. But how is a Sienna converted and tailored? Since 2005 and 2012 respectively, BraunAbility and Vantage Mobility International (VMI), have been modifying Siennas for the disability community and adding accessible features tailored to each customer’s needs. In addition to being the only two companies that work with Toyota to convert the Sienna, they share Toyota’s mission and vision of “mobility for all” and equality of access through mobility. more Toyota provides BraunAbility and VMI early access to new model designs, specs and vehicle prototypes and opportunities to ask Toyota engineers about the Sienna’s design. This behind-the-curtain peek allows VMI and BraunAbility engineers to understand the structure and dimensions of the vehicle as they begin to plan the design for modifications. The access to the vehicles allows BraunAbility and VMI to make more thorough and comprehensive design changes and accelerates the availability of the modified Siennas to shortly after Toyota launches the new model year. These Toyota Siennas offer many of the same top-of-the-line, advanced technologies, multimedia and connected tech and state-of-the-art exterior designs as the models seen at traditional dealership showrooms. The modified Siennas offer features like wheelchair accessibility via side-entry fold out or in-floor ramps or rear-entry ramps – with each option customizable to meet the needs of each individual or family. Both companies have engineered solutions to increase space within the cabin and allow many of the largest power chairs plenty of room to maneuver in the interior of the Sienna, which allows wheelchair-bound passengers the ability to rotate their chair 360 degrees without obstruction. The modifications available are designed in part through feedback from the community. For instance, BraunAbility and VMI both conduct clinics to solicit input as part of its design process and sends out surveys to request suggestions and comments about potential modifications, as well as about barriers the disability community faces in society. VMI invites customers to test the vehicles at events and trade shows and takes into account their suggestions on improvements. As July marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Toyota is extremely proud of the role of the Sienna to help advance the mobility of people with disabilities. Toyota thanks the great teams at VMI and BraunAbility for their work and commitment to the community. What began nearly two decades ago has grown into a robust program dedicated to converting the Sienna for wheelchair accessibility. Just as the Sienna continues to improve with each new model offering, we look forward to the new ideas that BraunAbility and VMI bring in order to provide the most advanced and reliable vehicles to the disability community for years to come.

Finance Your Toyota Repair at Passport Toyota

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What's New in the Latest Corolla?

Rutledge Wood gives us a first look at the new Corolla. Contact Passport Toyota to see how you can brighten up your future by upgrading to the latest Toyota Corolla and its next level features. Click here to browse our Corolla inventory.

First-Ever All-Wheel Drive and XSE Nightshade Edition Highlight Changes for 2021 Toyota Avalon

What would a premium midsize sedan look like if it covered an incredibly wide gamut of customer choices, from the silken yet spirited character of a 301-horsepower V6 to the manufacturer-projected EPA-estimated range rating of 44 miles per gallon fuel efficiency of a hybrid version, and from the traction of available new all-wheel drive to the track-tuned handling of a model developed by the motorsports division? It would look exactly like the 2021 Toyota Avalon. The Avalon line offers all of those variants in a striking, coupe-inspired design with cavernous interior room, coddling luxury, and Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist technology with automatic emergency braking. Toyota introduced the fifth-generation Avalon for 2019 and continues pushing the boundaries on this flagship sedan. The first-ever Avalon TRD performance model debuted for 2020 for drivers who want more aggressive road grip and arresting style. Now, for 2021, Avalon’s first-ever all-wheel drive option arrives for drivers who want more grip and driving confidence in slippery driving conditions. more In the Avalon Hybrid, which recently accounts for about a third of Avalon sales, a new Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack replaces the previous Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery. In addition, a new Vehicle Approach Noise system helps to alert pedestrians of the car’s presence at low speeds. The Avalon Hybrid achieves a remarkable manufacturer-projected EPA-estimated range rating of 44 combined MPG. The 2021 Avalon also joins a growing list of Toyota models that offer a Nightshade Edition, a kind of factory custom without the custom price. No other sedan in Avalon’s class offers such a wide range of choices. The 10 Avalon variations for 2021 include: V6 gas engine: XLE, XSE Nightshade, Limited, Touring and TRD grades Hybrid: XLE, XSE and Limited grades All-Wheel Drive: XLE and Limited grades Since the model was launched 26 years ago, the Toyota Avalon deftly balances premium midsize value with genuine luxury. The current Avalon mixes a bevy of Toyota-firsts such as available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals and aluminum and authentic Yamaha wood cabin accents. Athletic handling imbues the Avalon with a sporty demeanor while preserving its luxury feel. This combination is made especially vivid with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), standard on the Touring grade model. Going for A Custom Look For the Avalon’s fifth generation design, Toyota steered its flagship sedan down a more emotional road, with taut lines and a sleek, coupe-like silhouette made possible by the low-slung TNGA platform architecture. Compelling colors bring out the design’s natural yet sophisticated drama. For the Avalon TRD performance model, a two-tone paint option features a black roof paired with either the Windchill Pearl or new Ice Edge body colors. Ice Edge replaces Supersonic Red, which now becomes available for the other Avalon grades. Midnight Black Metallic continues as a third choice for the 2021 Avalon TRD. Elsewhere in the Avalon line, the new Blueprint color replaces Parisian Night Pearl. Colors continuing for 2021 include Opulent Amber, Harbor Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl. New interior colors include Cognac with Black in the XSE Hybrid and Touring, and, in the Limited, Black replaces Beige. Avalon drivers seeking a more extroverted look will find it in the new-for-2021 XSE Nightshade Edition based on the sporty 2020 XSE grade. To the XSE black grille, mirror caps, rear spoiler and name badges, the 2021 XSE Nightshade Edition adds black-painted 19-inch alloy wheels, black window trim and door handles and a black shark fin antenna. The Avalon XSE Nightshade is available in conjunction with the Midnight Black Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl and Celestial Silver Metallic exterior colors. Click here to read the full article.

What makes a Toyota Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, certified?

THE BEST NEW CARS MAKE THE BEST USED CARS It stands to reason that the better a product is made the longer it will last, which makes getting a high-quality, low mileage Toyota at a great price a very savvy move. Toyota's timeless commitment to quality, innovation and durability is the foundation upon which the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) program launched in 1996. With each passing year the TCUV program has gained momentum – totaling over five million sales and counting. Along with industry-leading heritage comes another advantage; an exceptional coverage policy. With a 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Comprehensive Warranty1 a 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty plus one full year of Roadside Assistance3, honored at more that 1,400 Toyota dealers in the U.S. and Canada, we've got you covered. Certification ProcessOur certification process keeps you in mind every step of the way. The TCUV standards apply from the time a Toyota dealer acquires the vehicle through to the final sale. Each candidate for certification can be a current model year vehicle, up to and including six year old models, with 85,000 miles or less on the odometer. Prior to the 160-point inspection every certified Toyota goes through, a CARFAX vehicle history report is reviewed to ensure that only the best of the best vehicles receive the Toyota Certified Seal of approval. more Can all Toyotas be Certified? No. A Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) must be a current model year Toyota, up to and including six year old models, and have 85,000 miles or less on the odometer. Each Toyota dealer is required to order a full CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ with results showing NO ineligible requirements. Then, each vehicle is subject to an intensive 160-point minimum Quality Assurance Inspection, which includes mechanical, detailing, and appearance standards. These strict standards ensure that only the best of the best vehicles receive the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Seal of Approval. NOW HOW’S THAT FOR PEACE OF MIND? 1. 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty. 2. 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty. 3. 1 year of Roadside Assistance. 4. 160-Point minimum Quality Assurance Inspection. 5. Free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™. 6. Standard New-Car Financing Rates Available. 7. Extended Warranty Coverage (items 1, 2, 3 and 4 above) transferable at no cost for added resale value. 8. Reconditioned to Toyota's exacting standards by Toyota-trained technicians. 9. Warranty honored at over 1,400 Toyota dealers in the U.S. and Canada. 10. Trade-ins accepted. 11. Trouble-free handling of your transaction, including DMV paper work. 12. All important information clearly spelled out in your contract. Click here to browse our inventory.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime will break ground as the most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime will break ground as the most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever, hitting dealerships this summer with a starting MSRP of $38,100. The RAV4’s first-ever plug-in model has up to 302 horsepower with an ability to do 0-60 mph in a projected 5.7 seconds, which makes it the quickest four-door model in the Toyota lineup. But, it doesn’t end there. The RAV4 Prime also has up to a manufacturer-estimated 42 miles on battery alone on a single charge, making it the highest EV range of any PHEV SUV on the market. The RAV4 Prime also has up to a manufacturer-estimated 94 combined MPGe. Even more, what sets RAV4 Prime apart is the standard Electronic On-Demand AWD. How Does It Do That? Toyota hybrids have for years demonstrated high performance with low fuel consumption, and now the 2021 RAV4 Prime makes one of the strongest cases yet. The RAV4 Prime uses a differently tuned version of the RAV4 Hybrid’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gas engine. It produces the same projected 176 hp as in the hybrid, but paired with the electric motors, total system output equals 302 horsepower. The RAV4 Prime’s passenger space isn’t compromised by the larger Lithium-Ion battery, as it is mounted under the floor. The mounting position also gives the RAV4 Prime a low center of gravity and enhanced driving stability. The RAV4 Prime’s enhanced heat pump HVAC system, based on Prius Prime’s and tailored to fit RAV4 Prime, contributes to an increasing EV range, as energy consumption for cabin temperature control can significantly decrease EV driving range. more Versatility + Street-Smart The RAV4 Prime employs the same version of Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as the RAV4 Hybrid. In both models, a separate rear-mounted electric motor powers the rear wheels when needed, including proactively on acceleration startup and also in reduced-traction conditions. The AWD system also reduces understeer during cornering for enhanced steering stability. Off-pavement, AWD enhances hill-climbing performance. A driver-selectable Trail mode makes it possible to get unstuck by braking a spinning wheel and sending torque to the grounding wheel. With available paddle shifters, the driver can “downshift” to increase the regenerative braking in steps, which fosters greater control when driving in hilly areas, for example. As on the RAV4 Hybrid, the innovative Predictive Efficient Drive feature acts like an invisible “hyper-miler” co-driver. Using the available navigation system, Predictive Efficient Drive essentially reads the road and learns driver patterns to optimize hybrid battery charging and discharging operations based on driving conditions. The system accumulates data as the vehicle is driven and “remembers” road features such as hills and stoplights and adjusts the hybrid powertrain operation to maximize efficiency. Sporty and Sportier Toyota engineered the 2021 RAV4 Prime for the performance-oriented driver and is therefore offering it in the sporty SE and XSE grades. The SE grade is new for the RAV4 Prime, and the XSE is currently exclusive to the RAV4 Hybrid. Click here for more information.

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