Toyota Avalon in Running to Replace Lincoln Town Car

2013 Toyota Avalon

As the limousine industry bids farewell to the Lincoln Town Car, many other cars, including the Toyota Avalon, are in line to get a piece of the livery market.

Gary Kessler, CEO of Cary International, the world’s largest livery company, recently addressed the issue with the Detroit News. “We’re clearly at a watershed event. There isn’t a clear replacement for the Town Car. But the more people who are in this space, the more that is going to raise the bar on the vehicles from which we can choose.”

Carey said that more than 85% of his fleet is still represented by the Town Car, but as older models are phased out, a new option will have to be available to take their place. Carey has done much research into what should come next, and Toyota believes the 2013 Avalon has what it takes.

While the Toyota Avalon has never entered the livery market in the United States, it has long been a leader of the class in Japan. In an effort to secure a spot in the emerging American market, Toyota has developed a new livery edition of the Avalon. The all-black Avalon has leather interior, rear climate controls, and heated rear seats, among other amenities.

Bill Fay, head of Toyota Motor Sales USA, said, “The vehicle seems to really fit in with what the livery people want and need. It’s kind of a new opportunity for us. We’re kind of almost sticking our toe in the water here.”

Check out the luxury of the new Toyota Avalon for yourself at Toyota of Concord near Charlotte. Our sales team is ready to answer any questions you have about the Avalon and its many features, as well as pricing and availability. We invite you to browse our inventory online, visit our Charlotte area Toyota dealership in person, or call 704-979-7700 for assistance.

Thank you for a great 2012, and we look forward to serving you in 2013!

Toyota Prius Among Most-Searched Cars of 2012

2012 Toyota Prius

Car buyers walk into dealerships equipped with more knowledge and information than ever before, thanks to online reviews and resources. This is especially true for Toyota Prius buyers, since the car was number 2 in the most-searched vehicles of 2012 on Autoweek.com.

Autoweek.com editors said the Toyota Prius “continues to be one of the best hybrids on the market, thanks to the automaker’s experience and continuous improvements to the car.”  They also praised its spacious interior, unexpected in a car of such small stature.

The 2012 Prius has a 1.8L engine and an electric motor that work together to produce excellent fuel economy, at 51/48 city/highway mpg. The hybrid powertrain is paired with an automatic continuously variable transmission.

Other standout features of the Toyota Prius include a digital information center with an energy monitor, distance-to-empty estimate, and current fuel economy. There is also an available navigation package that includes DVD navigation, backup camera, XM satellite radio with NavTraffic, and an eight-speaker audio system. The 2013 Toyota Prius is also a Top Safety Pick of the IIHS.

Continue to research the Toyota Prius on the Toyota of Concord web site, or call our Charlotte area dealership at 704-979-7700 with any questions for our knowledgeable sales team. We also invite you to visit us for a test drive to experience everything the Prius family has to offer.

Toyota of Concord Customers Say It All!

We were very pleased with everyone we worked with at the dealership.  Caviness was especially helpful and great to work with.- Emily

Scion FR-S Among Car and Driver 10 Best Cars of 2013

2013 Scion FR-S

Scion continues to be a little car brand with a big reputation, most recently earning a spot on the 10Best cars of 2013 from Car and Driver magazine.

Car and Driver editors drove more than 15,000 total miles in every new 2013 model that would be available for under $80,000 in January 2013. The sporty little Scion FR-S is proud to take its place among the top 10, which also includes industry icons like the Audi A6, BMW 3-Series, and Porsche Boxster.

Scion Vice President Doug Murtha  said, “Making the Car and Driver 10Best list in its first year is another example of the energy and enthusiasm building around the FR-S and the fun driving experience it offers. The success of the FR-S reflects the Scion mission to give drivers vehicles that fit their lifestyles and express their individuality.”

The Scion FR-S is a lightweight two-door coupe powered by a 16-valve, 2.0-liter flat boxer engine that produces 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The FR-S is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode. Car and Driver compared the communicative steering and chassis balance in the the FR-S to the Porsche Boxster, which makes the FR-S base price of $24,995-$26,265 an incredible bargain, at roughly half the price of the Porsche.

The Scion FR-S has won rave reviews since it debuted, including this one from Car and Driver: “Entertainment, value, and execution of the intended purpose are the 10Best commandments: This one … nails 'em all.” 

Toyota Scion of Concord invites you to judge for yourself if it is the best by taking one for a test drive today near Charlotte, NC. Stop by our dealership inConcord today, or call 740-979-7700 for more information.

Toyota FJ Cruiser, Tacoma on Best Off-Road List

Toyota FJ Cruiser among best off-road vehicles of 2012

Every car wants to be the best on the road, but the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Toyota Tacoma are proud to make the list of Edmunds.com Best Off-Roaders of 2012.

The FJ Cruiser is a standout in the Toyota lineup, breaking the mold of sensible and predictable with its unique style and character. This mid-sized SUV combines a quirky appearance and off-road capabilities to make it unlike any other vehicle in its class, while still offering the dependability drivers expect in a Toyota.

The FJ Cruiser is as fun to drive as it is to look at, with its powerful 4.0L V6 engine and easy handling. The strong chassis and available locking rear differential take it off-road as smoothly as it drives the city streets.

The Base FJ Cruiser is equipped with an automatic transmission, four-wheel drive, stability control, and traction control to help keep the handling in check even on rough terrain. Tech features like Bluetooth, iPod integration, and satellite radio combine modern convenience with the rugged utility.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma takes versatility off-road with its wide variety of body, cab, and powertrain configurations.

Available in various combinations, the Tacoma offers a five- or six-foot bed, and three different cab styles. In addition to the Regular Cab, the Access Cab features rear-hinged doors on an extended cab, and the Double Crew Cab offers four front-hinged, full-sized doors on a crew cab.

Standard features of the Toyota Tacoma include a 2.7L four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. Stability and traction control help drivers navigate rough terrain, while side curtain airbags provide extra safety assurance.

Toyota of Concord has the FJ Cruiser and the Tacoma in stock for test drive near Charlotte today, though we recommend keeping them strictly on the road for the trial run. If you have any questions about these models or any other new Toyota, feel free to contact us online or call our Toyota dealership in Concord at 740-979-7700

Check Out Our Testimonial This Week

Thomas Hopewell provides us that extra care that we've grown to truly appreciate.-Mickey

The sales person (Chad Pfeiffer) was exceptional to work with during the process.  He was not forceful or pushy about the sale, but made sure I was well informed about the vehicle.  I would refer a friend to the dealership and to him personally.- Patsy

Our salesman was excellent.  He listened to our needs and helped us to decide on what we wanted in a car and not what the dealership wanted.  It is nice when this happens.- Kenneth

Very pleased with the service received from Caviness Brown.  This is my second vehicle from him in 9 months.  Will recommend to friends and family.- Dariusz