Latest Articles by markclarkson

Toyota reaches the limit of 60,000 hybrids; buyers to expect lesser tax credit

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Florida’s Courtesy Toyota finally has the Prius on their lot and guess what? It’s now available for test drive. This is the first time actually in three years that the Toyota dealer has offered such promotion. According to Mike Hughes, Courtesy’s General Sales Manager, "Up until the last three or four weeks when Toyota has upped production on the Prius, we had a waiting list for a solid three years. At its longest point, the wait was nine months."

Meanwhile, the Montpelier-based Toyota dealership has all the supply that they need but it seems like the demand for Prius has dwindled caused probably by the declining gas prices, lower tax credits and well maybe people just don’t have the cash anymore.

Sales of hybrid cars like the Prius have experienced its peak when gas prices reached an unbelievable $3 a gallon. During that time there were about 32,000 hybrid cars sold and then plunge to 19,000 in November according to CNW Marketing Research when prices of gas has dropped. The never ending fluctuation of gas prices is seen by Kevin Bowie, General Manager of Shearer Honda in Rutland as an opportunity for the hybrid industry, "For people in general, I think their awareness has been raised that this can be a very big expense very quickly. People that are buying hybrids are aware that we could go right back to that again," he reportedly said.
It should be noted that the federal government has offered credit taxes to encourage people to purchase hybrid vehicles. Toyota was one of the companies that benefited from the tax credit incentive however new set rules on the credit taxes are now affecting the sales of Prius.

Before Oct. 1, 2006 buyers who chose to purchase one of Toyota’s Hybrid models like the Camry and Highlander received $2,600 credit for their tax returns while $3,150 tax return credit was provided for Prius buyers. However federal government new rules set a limit of 60,000 hybrids per carmaker to enable customers to receive the full tax credit. Unfortunately for Toyota since it has already reached the 60,000 hybrid car limit which means that its customers will no longer be entitled to the full tax credit. But there would still be tax credit to be given to Toyota hybrid customers but this time only 50%.

The quick turnover of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles was believed to be the result of high demand but limited supply. This explains why Toyota compared to other automaker has been able to quickly reach the 60,000 limit for hybrid cars. As matter of fact according to Mike Hughes, Courtesy’s general manager, "The Camry Hybrid has been on the market for five months, so there's really limited availability. Typically they're pre-sold before they come in."

Hybrid vehicles are the only ones affected by the new rules and would have no adverse effect on the sale of Toyota parts.

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Toyota To Name New U.S. Assembly Plant

Sat, 06 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

With the mounting auto demands, Toyota Motor Corp. is in need of a new assembly plant in the United States. In this regard, the automaker eyes a new facility in South to serve as its 8th assembly plant in America. Auto enthusiasts are expecting that Toyota would name the new plant soon.

Toyota is considering 3 to 5 locations, including Arkansas, Chattanooga, Marion and Tennessee. This information was reported by Wall Street Journal last Thursday. According to the paper, Alamo, and North Carolina also are possibilities. The automaker intends to add another US assembly plant to boost its production. With the new plant, Toyota anticipates to produce 200,000 vehicles. Said production is expected to begin in 2009. The new plant together with other Toyota plants would increase production to about 2.2 million vehicles annually, compared with the 1.5 million vehicles it is producing at present.

The new plant would also assemble Toyota Highlander parts accessories for the next-generation of said sport utility vehicle which is likened to Chrysler Pacifica. The wagon uses some of Toyota Solara parts.

Toyota has been contemplating on the plant purchase issue for months now. The new plant is expected to aid in taking more of the American market from Toyota's auto rivals. It was also reported by the paper that the plant would strengthen Toyota's hand if a backlash against non-U.S. brands arises from the increasing troubles of domestic automakers and their suppliers. Toyota will likely expand its existing engine-manufacturing facilities in the United States, most likely by beefing up its engine plant in Alabama.

Toyota posted over 12 percent increase in both December and full-year sales. Its December sales boosted its 2006 sales total to 2.54 million. According to analysts Toyota is poised to climb higher. "Toyota rising to third place is a warm-up for its rise to No. 2 during 2007 in the U.S. when it overtakes Ford, and also as it rises to No. 1 globally and overtakes GM,'' reported Glenn Reynolds, chief executive officer of New York-based research firm Creditsights Inc. "The Camry was yet again the best selling car in America, for the fifth consecutive year and for the ninth time in the past decade.''

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Senior Citizens Choose Toyota Avalon As Top Car

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

So you have gone totally car and automobile crazy. You may think that you may be too old for that kind of stuff, but who cares, right? You have bought your car your favorite Toyota Tacoma parts but did you know that senior citizens have chosen yet another Toyota vehicle as the favorite and best car for their group? You may want to buy yet another vehicle, a Toyota Avalon this time, along with some Toyota Avalon parts to match.

According to a reviewer from Edmunds.com, one of the leading sources of information on automobiles and cars, senior citizens have chosen the 2006 Toyota Avalon as their top choice for the best car for seniors for the year 2006. Primarily, this is because the Toyota Avalon model for 2006 is much recognized for being a full sized sedan and for the kind of space and room it can provide to its passengers. Being cramped inside a really looker is not enough for the senior citizens group so they chose the Toyota Avalon. The seniors also do say that with the Toyota Avalon’s keyless ignition, those who suffer from arthritis would really be able to work it out well with the mentioned vehicle.

Toyota seems to be the brand that these senior citizens choose to be the best for 2006. Joining the ranks of the Toyota Avalon is the Toyota Prius. According to Edmunds’ reviewer, the Toyota Prius has been one of the chosen few for being the best when it comes to fuel efficiency. Plus, it can be purchased with the optional voice-control system which could be very much helpful for those aging ones.

Another Toyota vehicle joining the ranks is the Toyota Sienna minivan. This one has the capacity to take in eight people inside. So, as a senior citizen, you can take in all your family members, and even all your grand kids for a ride around the block. This vehicle also offers a rear backup camera so there is no need for you to twist and turn to take a look what’s happening at your vehicle’s back.

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Toyota Solicits Testimonials From Hybrid Owners

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Toyota Motor Corp. is soliciting written and video testimonials from 10,000 hybrid owners. Though hybrid owners only represent less than 2 percent of the overall automobile sales market, Toyota is passionate about them. The automaker believes that customer testimonials can draw more customers.

One of the customers who have given Toyota hybrid testimonial is Craig, a Los Angeles-based Prius owner. Along with other hybrid owners who have given their testimonials, Craig is now on toyota.com/hybrids site. Other customer testimonials will make their way into broadcast spots.

Peter Kang, creative director of emerging technology at Saatchi & Saatchi, Los Angeles, Toyota's primary agency, said he is now editing such footage for future ad campaigns. "These spots will be literally the same content as on the site, only in a different format. It's easy to find people who are passionate for their hybrids, and these people will list their reasons for owning or being interested in hybrid technology. These people will be part of 15-second spots and they give very honest answers about what life is about and how this car is important to them," Kang said.

Auto analysts are warning the automaker about the consequences of the move. Chevrolet had ventured in similar effort with its Tahoe unfortunately; it stumbled on the way. "It makes the people nervous to allow the consumer to get into this, but we monitor and filter the blogs," said Gregg Benkendorfer, Toyota's national manager of interactive marketing. "We don't edit, but we filter; the last thing we need is a video by some guy with his girlfriend draped across a Prius."

Toyota is the finest when it comes to hybrid car manufacture. To maintain this standing, the automaker intends to unveil a hybrid-only model in 2009. Asahi Shumbun, a Japanese newspaper, earlier reported that the model will be a midsize sedan with a 2.5- to 3-liter-engine, larger than that of the 1.5-liter Prius hatchback. The latter is Toyota's first hybrid car. It is known for its cutting-edge Toyota parts for Prius. The model will be offered to the American hybrid market that prefers bigger auto engines.

Asahi Shumbun also reported that Toyota will also be considering other hybrid-only models like the minivan and the station wagon. In this regard, the automaker is developing a new hybrid system that is more affordable. It will be installed on Prius and other hybrid sedans.

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Toyota Delivers One-of-a-kind Tundra Launch

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Toyota unleashed a one-of-a-kind launch that features its redesigned Tundra pickup truck. The launching of its second generation Tundra in Charlotte, N.C. was graced by various species of automotive press from farming, towing, aftermarket trades, construction, and hunting and fishing, RV, and motorcycle magazines all at the same ride and drive.

“People in construction, farming, mining, will help give us credibility," said Michael O'Brien, product planning manager. "Among other things, the commercial sales fleet has been charged with finding high-visibility operations, such as road construction and maintenance companies to sign up for fleet purchases of the truck."

The diversity of reporters made the campaign one of the biggest in over 45 years of Toyota's presence in the United States market. "Toyota is treating the launch of its Tundra full-size pickup as if it were launching an entirely new division, including reorganizing its marketing and product development teams," said Ernest Bastien, VP vehicle operations group. "We have co-located planning, advertising, PR, event planning, distribution, accounting, and the company's University of Toyota."

Five months before the launch of Tundra, Toyota opened its CAD files to SEMA member aftermarket companies to create a two-part dealer training program and launch a dealership design upgrade program. Said programs include the introduction of pickup Toyota Tundra truck parts to dealers. The redesigned 2007 Tundra was launched at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. It will go on sale in mid-January next year.

“The only dealer training immersion we have done that even comes close to that was for the Prius launch," said Bastien. "Toyota's dealership training road show in January is also much larger than before. "We will train some 24,000 salespeople. For the Camry launch we trained 18,000."

Aside from the diverse launch of Tundra, Toyota will also launch a road show with the Camry. Toyota Camry OEM parts are now made more sophisticated to improve quality and drive feel. According to Bastien, Toyota's "Prove It Tour," likened to Dodge's 2002 "Truckville" tour, will hit some 650 events in over 300 markets. It will also cover NASCAR and Daytona 500 auto events.

The automaker is also making its divisions more intensive than before. As with it Scion division, Toyota is doing a dealer sales-force training program which is beyond the ordinary. It is running a 4-day product and marketing immersion named "Truck Champions." It means that individual dealerships are chosen by the automaker to oversee sales and marketing for Tundra.

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an off-road enthusiast. Check out pickup Toyota Tundra truck parts and Toyota Camry OEM parts for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Toyota Goes To Extremes With RAV4 XT-R

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Toyota RAV4, Europe's best-selling sport utility vehicle, goes to the extremes by introducing a variant called XT-R. Said RAV4 variant will be introduced on the first day of January next year.

Toyota RAV4 small 4x4 introduces a new trim level XT-R to boost extremes in an SUV. It is designed to perfect quality without being expensive. The new trim level is equipped with additional luxury items to boost the ergonomics and comfy feel that the vehicle offers.

RAV$ XT-R is offered with the 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines, and in three- and five-door versions. RAV4 three-door XT-R with the 2.0-litre petrol engine is priced at £17,995. However, the XT-R equipped with stability and traction control, climate and cruise control, an electric sunroof and metallic paint will be valued up to £1500 on lower-spec cars. The diesel-powered version of the vehicle costs £1000 more compared to its petrol equivalent.

Toyota RAV4 accessories and equipment used in XT-R include dual-zone climate control, a cooled glovebox, electric sunroof, 6-disc CD autochanger, Toyota’s Integrated Active Drive system, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and electric heated and folding door Toyota mirrors.

RAV4 entertained a major redesign for the model year 2006. Toyota RAV4 parts accessories for said model were assembled using a new platform. The vehicle still uses the 2.4 L four-cylinder engine that is capable of generating 166 horsepower. In North America, RAV4 uses a 3.5 L V6 engine from Toyota Avalon Grande parts. Said engine produces 269 horsepower.

Compared to the previous generation of RAV4, the current version is equipped with a third row seat for two small children. This feature is available in the United States and Canada only. Options for the RAV4 include the two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive in the United States. However, in Canada and other countries, only the four-wheel version is available. In Asia and Europe, RAV4 is available in short-wheelbase while in Australia, the long- wheelbase version is offered.

Toyota parts RAV4 is assembled in the automaker's plant in Tahara, Aichi, Japan. However, in 2008, RAV4s to be sold in North America will be assembled in Toyota's Woodstock, Ontario, Canada plant.

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an off-road enthusiast. Check out Toyota RAV4 parts accessories and Toyota Avalon Grande parts for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

‘Tis The Season To Buy A New Car

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Perhaps you have gone tired of purchasing some Toyota Camry parts accessories just to make your old and ratty Camry look and work like new. If you would like to replace your old vehicle, then perhaps this is the right season to do so.

You see, the 1st of January is already coming in so soon so much so that most auto manufacturers and dealers are making sure that the products that they have on their hands for the model year 2006 would already be sold. And with that, these groups do try to make sure that they give consumers and prospective buyers the chance to take advantage of any promotions they have had in handy. After all, automotive clearance sales are already going at top speed.

Mark Perleberg is the lead auto expert at NADAGuides.com and he did mention that this season would perhaps be the best time for consumers and parties in the market for a new vehicle to actually start purchasing the vehicles they want. Or need. That is, if they are after 2006 vehicle makes and models. There are already tons of great deals available for them to grab and take advantage of. This surely is the holiday buying season and everybody just wants to make sure that their stocks are clear come the New Year.

Perleberg even does continue, “Because 2006 is coming to a close, people automatically assume the only deals they’ll get are on 2006 makes and models, but that’s incorrect. As dealers close out the calendar year and make room for 2008s – set to hit showrooms in the spring – buyers can get some excellent deals on both 2006 and 2007 models alike.” You can always refer to the various auto sites to actually catch a glimpse as per how much you would be saving and how much you would be getting if you would be taking part in the great auto deals ramping up in speed.

According to Perleberg, “For example, a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe 4dr 4WD 1500 LS features a $2000 purchase cash rebate or a 36-month, 3.9% purchase special financing offer. The 2007 version comes with exactly the same purchase cash-back rebate and an identical purchase finance offer.”

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

There's No Stopping, Toyota's Hot On Wheels

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Auto analysts predict that there is no stopping Toyota in making it as the no.1 automaker around the globe. In fact, they added that next year could serve as a historical milieu for Toyota and dethrone General Motors.

Inflation of gasoline prices resulted to the shift of the auto market to gas-saving Toyotas. Auto parts for Toyota Camry are especially designed to be fuel-efficient. Also, Toyota Corolla car parts, which made up the best-selling vehicle from the automaker, are also designed to boost reliability and fuel efficiency.

Overthrowing Ford Motor Corp. from its post as the second largest automaker seems to be easy for the Japanese automaker. With swift yet sure moves Toyota landed in the second most-coveted post. To boost its potentials, Toyota will open assembly plants in Russia, Thailand and China. "Everything is going right for Toyota in every way possible," said Yasuaki Iwamoto, auto analyst for Okasan Securities in Tokyo. "Toyota has carved out a reputation for reliability and quality."

Toyota intends to sell 8.85 million vehicles worldwide this year. Earlier, it said that aims to sell 9.8 million vehicles in 2008. With regards General Motors Corporation, it sold a total of 9.17 million vehicles in 2005. It is the second-largest volume in company history. "We're focused on remaking GM into a more competitive, leaner company that can generate profits on a sustained basis," said spokesman Brian Akre. "We won't alter our North America turnaround plan or sacrifice our profitability for the sake of one superlative."

In a recent J.D. Power and Associates vehicle dependability study, Toyota won top honors in eight of 19 categories. Also, its Lexus luxury brand was the top-ranked nameplate for the 12th consecutive year now. Toyota is also renewing enthusiasts' interests by releasing a powerful Prius hybrid. The hybrid is equipped with cutting-edge Toyota parts for Prius that are known for its high-quality. Said hybrid went on sale in 1997.

According to some Toyota officials dethroning GM is not on their minds. "Our goal is to become No. 1 with the customer," said Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco. "The increases we are experiencing in production and sales is simply a reflection of consumer demand." However, according to Bill Schwartz of TBM Consulting, a Durham, North Carolina-based company, "It (beating GM) is unavoidable it will happen soon, and it will very likely happen next year. Toyota's curves are all going in the right direction. And General Motors' are all going in the wrong direction."

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an off-road enthusiast. Check out Auto parts for Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla car parts for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Hybrid-vehicle Owners' Mounting Dilemma

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

As the price of gasoline drops, the sales of gas-electric hybrid vehicles plunge as well. Also, the federal tax credits given to several hybrid vehicles are now minimized for some auto brands. This is the mounting dilemma of hybrid-vehicles owners.

On the bright side of the issue on hybrid-vehicles, the best-selling hybrids – Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid – have been barely pushed by the deflation of gasoline prices. The mentioned best-selling hybrids recorded a total of 26,249 sales in August. Said month is when the average price of gasoline nationwide hit $3 per gallon. Since August, gasoline prices dropped by 24 percent to $2.28 per gallon unfortunately, hybrids sales also fell by 31 percent to 18,117 last month. This information was earlier divulged by Edmunds.com. By contrast, the total passenger vehicles sales in the United States also fell by 19.5 percent during said period.

Hybrid-vehicles account for about 1.52 percent of all vehicles sold last month. That figure, as further noted by Edmunds, is behind by 1.77 percent in August and up by 1.38 percent in November last year. The most striking drop occurred between September and October when the tax credit on both Toyota and Lexus reduced by 50 percent. Toyota and Lexus brands, which are owned by Toyota Motor Co., account for more than 75 percent of all hybrid sales. In this regard, Jim Press, president of Toyota North America, urged the Congress to extend the federal tax credit for hybrid vehicles to encourage consumers to buy more fuel-efficient cars.

It can be recalled that in the previous years, hybrid purchasers enjoy the privilege of having tax deductions by buying particular models. This year delivered a more rewarding tax credit. Moreover, taxpayers who are subject to the alternative minimum tax can avail the hybrid credit.

Unfortunately, on the second quarter, the credit begins to vanish. For instance, a purchaser of Toyota or Lexus hybrid in the fourth quarter of 2006 or the first quarter of 2007 can only avail only 50 percent of the original tax credit. In the subsequent quarters, the credit will fall to 25 percent of the original amount. After that, no credit is to be given.

So far, the biggest hybrid tax credit given amounts to $3,150 for the top-selling Toyota Prius. The latter is equipped with cutting-edge parts for Toyota Prius, which made it one of the most captivating hybrid vehicles in the present time. The tax credit of said hybrid was reduced to $1,575 on Oct 1. However, compared to other hybrid models' tax credit, said amount is still bigger.

"Toyota cleared out its pipeline to get interested buyers a Prius before the September deadline, said Martha Voss Toyota spokeswoman. She added that before the November election there was talk of some people on the House and Senate side wanting to introduce bills to lengthen the hybrid tax credit.

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast. Check out parts for Toyota Prius for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Camry, Motor Trend's 2007 Car of the Year

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600

2007 Toyota Camry, the redesigned version, won Motor Trend Magazine’s 2007 Car of the Year award. Said award went to all variations of the car including the hybrid. According to Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of the magazine, Camry is innovative yet has a broad appeal. This is the first year said vehicle has won the award.

"The Camry is the one car rival automakers all wish they could build. It offers something for nearly everyone — performance, efficiency and roominess — at a price point most Americans can afford," MacKenzie said.

According to the magazine, the version of Toyota Camry outshone 26 cars that are either totally new or redesigned before the year 2007. Japanese automakers had 10 cars, the US automakers has 6, 5 from Korea, 4 from Germany, 1 from Sweden, and also 1 from United Kingdom. MacKenzie said the redesigned Camry won in a very strong field. “There have never been more choices available to American car buyers. That is a fact of life in the 21st century,” MacKenzie added.

Motor Trend's staffers evaluated the entries according to their innovation in engineering, design, safety and technology; their performance and quality; and whether the vehicle delivers value to the consumer. In Motor Trend's search, Camry's competitors were Chrysler Sebring, Saturn Aura, Nissan Altima, Kia Rondo, Honda Fit, Mercedes-Benz S Class, Volvo C70 T5 and the Volkswagen Rabbit.

Through October this year, Toyota Motor Company reported 350,481 sales of Camry. So far, Camry is the hottest-selling car in the United States. Next to Camry is Toyota Corolla. The information was released by Autodata Corp.

Sixth generation of the vehicle uses redesigned auto parts for Toyota Camry<. These parts are assembled at the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky; Aichi, Japan; and Melbourne, Australia. Camry is competing against Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, Mazda6, Ford Fusion and the Chevrolet Malibu.

Corolla, on the other hand, is known for its low fuel consumption, reliability and distinct Toyota engineering. Corolla is manufactured in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, Taiwan, Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, China, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and India.

The tenth generation Corolla was introduced in Japan this year. In this generation, the automaker incorporated advanced equipment to Toyota Corolla car parts. Advanced equipment include rearview monitor display, one-touch double folding rear seats, and Pre-crash Safety System. Toyota Corolla will be offered in Australia and United States next year.

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Mark Clarkson is a 35 year old marketing consultant for a leading auto parts store. This native of Denver is also an offroad enthusiast.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com