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Thank you for being a customer at Passport Toyota. We look forward to serving you in 2016. We wish you peace, happiness, and an abundance in good health this new year.

To aid the safe implementation of automated driving, Toyota is developing a high-precision map generation system that will use data from on-board cameras and GPS devices installed in production vehicles. The new system will go on display at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2016 in Las Vegas, which will run from January 6 through 9. Toyota's new system uses camera-equipped production vehicles to gather road images and vehicle positional information. This information is sent to data centers, where it is automatically pieced together, corrected and updated to generate high precision road maps that cover a wide area. An understanding of road layouts and traffic rules (including speed limits and various road signs) is essential for the successful implementation of automated driving technologies. Additionally, high precision measurement of positional information requires the collection of information on dividing lines, curbs, and other road characteristics. Until now, map data for automated driving purposes has been generated using specially-built vehicles equipped with three-dimensional laser scanners. The vehicles are driven through urban areas and on highways, and data is collected and manually edited to incorporate information such as dividing lines and road signs. Due to the infrequent nature of data collection, maps generated in this manner are seldom updated, limiting their usefulness. Additionally, this represents a relatively cost-intensive method of gathering data, due to the need to manually input specific types of data. Toyota's newly developed system uses automated cloud-based spatial information generation technology (developed by Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc.) to generate high precision road image data from the databanks and GPS devices of designated user vehicles. While a system relying on cameras and GPS in this manner has a higher probability of error than a system using three-dimensional laser scanners, positional errors can be mitigated using image matching technologies that integrate and correct road image data collected from multiple vehicles, as well as high precision trajectory estimation technologies. This restricts the system's margin error to a maximum of 5 cm on straight roads. By utilizing production vehicles and existing infrastructure to collect information, this data can be updated in real time. Furthermore, the system can be implemented and scaled up at a relatively low cost. To support the spread of automated driving technologies, Toyota plans to include this system as a core element in automated driving vehicles that will be made available in production vehicles by around 2020. While initial use of the system is expected to be limited to expressways, future development goals include expanding functionality to cover ordinary roads and assist in hazard avoidance. Toyota will also seek to collaborate with mapmakers, with the goal of encouraging the use of high precision map data in services offered by both the public and private sectors. In October 2015, Toyota introduced the Mobility Teammate Concept, which is part of the company's approach to embracing automated driving technologies while keeping fun at the center of the driving experience. To that end, the Mobility Teammate Concept envisages a driver-car relationship based on a shared purpose?somewhat like a relationship between close friends who alternately watch over each other and help each other out. Toyota will continue to develop of technologies that aid the spread of automated driving technologies, with the aim of realizing a society where mobility is synonymous with safety, efficiency, and freedom.

Looking to have fun on the cheap in Washington, D.C.? In a city this big and diverse, you

May the holiday spirit be with you and your family today and throughout the New Year.

Living and working in Washington, D.C., can be expensive, so saving on gas is a priority for many car buyers. Plus, when you pick a fuel-efficient vehicle, you

In Washington, D.C., traffic is serious business. According to some studies, D.C. actually has the worst rush-hour congestion in the country, with commuters experiencing an average of 82 hours of traffic delays each year. With all that time spent in your vehicle, the last thing you want is to let traffic annoyances turn into full-blown road rage. D.C. drivers take note: these are the top tips for keeping your cool in even the worst traffic jams. Leave Extra Time This might seem like an obvious fix, but you Photo by Phil Roeder | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

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Toyota once again led the industry on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Photo by Beige Alert | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Having a car is a great investment. It gets you where you need to go and is a reflection of your personal style. However, it won't get you anywhere if it's not properly taken care of. Keeping your car clean, both inside and out, is very important to its longevity. Here are seven tips that will make sure your car stays clean longer. 1. Clean the Carpets It is hard to avoid getting your carpets dirty. Even if you forbid everyone to eat in the car, shoes are full of dirt that collects on the carpet. You can get them cleaned at a local car wash, or use carpet shampoo and do it yourself. Vacuum regularly to pick up any loose dirt. 2. Wipe Surfaces Down Your dashboard, steering wheel, and other hard surfaces pick up lots of germs and dirt from hands. Clean these surfaces to prevent the spread of bacteria and to keep the car clean and smelling fresh. To be chemical-free, use baby wipes rather than ones from an auto store. 3. Keep Your Seats in Good Condition Lots of people sit in your car, and over time those seats get worn out. Proper cleaning will help them look new again. Leather seats need a special conditioner to make them shine, while cloth seats should be vacuumed and scrubbed. 4. Clean Air Vents Dirt builds up over time. You don't want to turn on the air conditioner and have a blast of dirt hit your face. Vacuuming air vents consistently helps to prevent buildup and damage to your car and your health. 5. Maintenance Is Key You have to keep your car running smoothly, so don't forget to check under the hood. Change your oil as needed, and make sure to top off wiper, brake, and other fluids. Even changing the wiper blades when they wear out prevents problems. Proper maintenance helps your car run for tens of thousands of miles. 6. Use an Air Freshener Even after cleaning your car, sometimes a smell still lingers. Hang an air freshener on the rear-view mirror or clip it on the vent. It releases a pleasant scent for up to 30 days, so remember to change it monthly. 7. Keep a Trash Can in the Car You bring all kinds of items into your car, from receipts to food. Once you realize you need to get rid of them, either you look around for a garbage can or stick trash in the back seat. You forget about it until you don't know what that smell is. A trash receptacle in the car is useful; it can be as simple as a plastic bag. These seven tips are just the beginning to keeping your car running well and looking good for a long time. Proper care and cleaning helps your car last for a long time. You do invest in maintenance, but keeping your car free from trash and dirt is also a great long-term strategy. Photo by VintageBlue | Licensed under cc0 1.0

Purchase the New 2016 RAV4 and get $500 Cash Back from Passport Toyota. Going on now thru January 4th, 2016. Click here to view our inventory.

The Toyota Avalon went through a major change in its 2013 models, providing better interior space and a more sleek design. In 2016, the Avalon Hybrid XLE added features to rival competitor sedans. Here are five reasons you should consider this car. Improved Engine The Hybrid XLE has an engine that improves upon the Avalon. A standard Avalon has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that gets 268 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 6.7 seconds. The Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine. This combines with the transmission setup to give 200 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 in 8.2 seconds. While the speed seems lower, the Hybrid offers three different driving modes. For example, the EV mode runs on just battery and goes up to 25 mph, saving you gas when speeds are slower. Safety Features The Hybrid XLE takes safety a step further to protect the ones you care about. There are rear-side thorax air bags and front knee bags that received high crash-test safety ratings. The Hybrid XLE also has a Rear Cross Traffic Alert System, featuring sensors on the rear quarter panels to let you know when vehicles are approaching on the side or from behind. This safety feature prevents accidents as you're backing out the driveway or getting around tight spaces. The tire pressure monitoring system prevents underinflation, which leads to flat or blown tires. Low Price Compared to other luxury sedans on the market, the Hybrid XLE gives you more features for less money. The base MSRP price of $32,650 is lower than the competitor's $34,000. There is better back room than other sedans, providing comfort for up to four adults. The Hybrid's 14 cubic-feet trunk is a little smaller than Avalon's 16 cubic feet, but there is more than enough room for grocery bags or sports equipment. Fuel Economy The Hybrid XLE is great on fuel efficiency. It weighs about 3,600 pounds, less than other cars with heavier battery packs. The structure is lighter, stronger, and stiffer, providing the Hybrid with more fuel savings. You get 39 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, and the Sport Mode provides a power boost around corners without sacrificing gas. Features That Satisfy Everyone The Hybrid XLE has features that excite drivers and passengers alike. Drivers get a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and heated mirrors for the colder months. The premium package also includes wireless charging so you don't fumble with cords. Passengers will love the leather seats, as well as the Mp3 player and CD player. Acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows make the ride quiet. These five features on the Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE are just a small description of what this car offers. Toyota upgraded the car and received high safety ratings, better fuel efficiency, and comfort for everyone inside, and

Forty-three thousand energetic Toyota team members prove their efficiency efforts are no carbon copy. With a renewed focus on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects, Toyota has achieved a feat no other automaker can claim: 11 consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year