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!

2013 Toyota Rav4 Revealed at LA Auto Show

2012 Toyota Rav4,
available near Charlotte at Toyota of Concord

Toyota of Concord near Charlotte is excited to release details of the 2013 Toyota Rav4, recently unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Since its release in 1995, the Rav4 has been a staple of the Toyota line, constantly pushing the envelope and making advancements to the market segment they helped create. And for 2013, they have pulled out all the stops, adding a wide variety of features and enhancements to make the 2013 Rav4 the best and brightest model they have ever introduced.

The new 2013 model is the most visually appealing Rav4 Toyota has released. Toyota has also made a large variety of design changes to improve the vehicle’s performance as well, including moving the spare tire under the cargo gate, allowing for a rear liftgate, as opposed to the previous side mounted door. This allows for a more aerodynamic design, a feature displayed in the overall design, reducing drag and helping increase fuel economy.

While making changes to the design, Toyota is still sure to keep the features that made the Rav4 one of a kind, including the All-Wheel Drive capability and Dynamic Torque Control, which shifts the car from Rear-Wheel Drive to All-Wheel Drive when the vehicle detects wheel slippage, providing better traction for a better drive.

While the 2013 Rav4 is not yet available, Toyota of Concord is pleased to offer the 2012 Rav4 with a wide variety of financing options to ensure you can drive away happy in your brand new Toyota. The 2012 Toyota Rav4 was rated one of 2012’s the Best Cars for the Money by U.S. News, as well as achieving an overall ranking of 2 out of 20 on their list of Affordable Compact SUVs. Stop by our Toyota dealership near Charlotte or call 704-979-7700 for information or to schedule a test drive.

2013 Toyota Yaris Offers New Audio and Safety Options

Toyota recently released the 2013 Toyota Yaris, available again in three-door or five-door hatchback models. However, the Tech Audio Package is now standard on all 2013 Yaris models. 

The 2013 Yaris keeps all the fun, dynamic, fuel-efficient qualities that made previous model years so successful. However, the Tech Audio Package adds upgraded music and connectivity that are sure to appeal to the latest generation of drivers. 

The six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo plays MP3/WMA CDs. The system provides sound enhancement for MP3s and the auxiliary jack allows connection of other musice devices. A USB port with iPod connectivity is also included with the package, as well as SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities. Bluetooth connectivity allows for phonebook access, music streaming, and hands-free phone options.

The 2013 Toyota Yaris is available in three trim levels, all equipped with a 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder DOHC engine offering 106 hp and 103 lb.-ft. of torque. All models are offered with a four-speed electronic automatic transmission, with a five-speed manual transmission available on L and SE models.

As always, safety is a top Toyota priority. The 2013 Yaris is equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and brake assist. In addition, the Yaris also makes its 2013 debut with Smart Stop Technology, the new brake override system, and Whiplash Injury-Lessening. WIL is the Toyota front seat structure that supports the spine to reduce neck injuries in rear-end collisions. Nine standard airbags increase passenger safety.

To see the 2013 Toyota Yaris, visit Toyota of Concord near Charlotte. We have several different models available for test drive. Browse our inventory online, or call 740-979-7700 to speak to our sales team. We are happy to answer any questions about the new Yaris or any other vehicle of interest. With our excellent selection of new Scion and Toyota vehicles, as well as a huge inventory of quality used cars, we are sure you’ll find a car you love at Toyota of Concord.

2013 Toyota Sienna Receives More Powerful Engine, Other Updates

2012 Toyota Sienna

Toyota has announced exciting new changes for the brand’s minivan offering in the 2013 Toyota Sienna.

The most notable upgrade to the new Sienna is the new standard 3.5L V6 engine, replacing the old 2.7L four-cylinder. The new engine boosts the horsepower from 187 to 266, while increasing the highway fuel economy by 1 mpg. It is also rated with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

Another standout feature of the 2013 Sienna is the available all-wheel drive option, not found on any other minivan. The Sienna offers seating for up to eight people, depending upon the chosen configuration of the second row of seats.

The 2013 Toyota Sienna is available in five trim levels, starting with the base Sienna and moving up to LE, SE, XLE, and Limited trims. Standard to all Sienna models is cruise control, CD stereo, and safety features like antilock brakes, stability and traction control, side impact or side curtain airbags for all seating areas, and active front head restraints.

Trim-specific optional features for the new Sienna include heated leather seats, backup camera, moonroof, power liftgate, smart key, power sliding doors, and navigation.

To learn more about the 2013 Toyota Sienna or to take one for a test drive, visit Toyota of Concord near Charlotte, NC. We offer a full inventory of new Toyota vehicles and are happy to answer any questions to help you find the perfect one for you. You can also follow us on Facebook for new product updates.

2013 Toyota Sequoia to Offer Industry Firsts

2012 Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia has always been unique in its class, but details just released about upcoming changes for the 2013 Sequoia set it even further apart.

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia will be available in three trim levels, the SR5, Limited and Platinum. The standard engine for all three trims is upgraded to the iForce 5.7L V8, which produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. All are also equipped with a standard six-speed electronic automatic transmission and the choice of two- or four-wheel drive.

The 2013 Sequoia is the first model year to feature the Toyta Entune system, which integrates the driver’s smartphone with the vehicle infotainment and navigation systems and a host of mobile apps. There is also an option for the industry-first rear seat Blu-Ray system, which allows offers a separate audio system complete with dual wireless headphones, paired with a 9” LCD screen.

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia offers a long list of trim-specific features, but standards included on all models include keyless entry, cruise control, automatic tri-zone air conditioning, tire pressure monitoring, and a standard towing package. Upgrades include power moonroof, power liftgate, leather trim options, wheel upgrades, audio system upgrades, and additional technology features.

Standard safety features of every Toyota Sequoia include the Toyota STAR Safety System (stability control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control, and start-stop technology).  The 2013 Sequoia is also equipped with dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, rear side curtain airbags, and front knee airbags.

For more information about the Toyota Sequoia or any other new Toyota vehicle, visit Toyota of Concord online or in person at our dealership near Charlotte, NC. We are always happy to help you in your search for the perfect vehicle. You can also follow on Facebook for the latest dealership news.

Scion FR-S One of Summer’s Hottest Cars

2013 Scion FR-S

In the years of the economic decline between 2008 and 2010, sales of small sports cars dropped by an average of 50% across the board. The Scion FR-S is staging a comeback for the segment as it becomes one of the fastest-selling cars of the season.

Marketed to buyers in the 20-30 age bracket, the Scion FR-S strives to deliver a fun driving experience, and was inspired by the Porsche Cayman. Both cars use “boxer” engines that achieve a lower center of gravity by orienting the pistons horizontally. At about half the price of the Cayman, the FR-S pushes 200 horsepower compared to the Cayman’s 265, and has a top speed of 137 mph and a zero-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds compared to the Caymans’ 5.5 seconds.

Many automakers are using flashy new sports cars as ways to bring attention to the rest of a model lineup, but sales of the FR-S indicate it is more than just an attention-getter. According to Edmunds.com, the Scion FR-S sits on dealer lots for only 11 days before sale, where the industry average is 57 days. This makes it one of the two fastest-selling cars that have been on the market for more than 2 months, and honor shared with the Subaru BRZ, which was developed on the same platform.

The Scion FR-S is described by Motor Trend reviewers as having “driving dynamics that are some of the best we’ve experienced, combined with an affordable price”, and Autoweek gave a simple endorsement of “Yes, you want it.” To decide for yourself, visit Toyota Scion of Concord for a test drive today. We have a full Toyota and Scion inventory, as well as many other quality used cars to choose from, conveniently located near Charlotte, NC.