Several months ago we brought you some information about in car safety features that Toyota is hard at work developing and perfecting.  These include pop up hood, adaptive beam technology, and possibly even a steering wheel based system that is capable of reading vital signs to detect if the driver is at risk for any medical problems while behind the wheel.  Any and all of these may no doubt come in handy to drivers at just the right times.

Crash Avoidance System

This is next in line to be available in upcoming models sold at your Danville Toyota dealer is the Crash Avoidance System.  You might have heard about similar systems that other automakers have developed.  The basic premise behind the new technology is that is goes a step further than just applying the brakes automatically when a possible crash is detected, as other systems might. 

Toyota’s makes use of active steering.  If the system detects that another auto, or even a pedestrian, may come into your path and cause an accident, the system will kick in and steer your auto away from the source of mishap.  It works by use of radar and cameras that are located in the front of the car.  When an obstacle is picked up, it will override any maneuvering done by the driver to get the car on a safer path.

Toyota recognizes that auto fatalities have decreased overall in large part due to all the safety mechanisms found today.  However, we still need to be careful and it’s best to have all the back up we can while behind the wheel.   Another big thing to remember is that these systems should never be relied on in place of driving as defensively, alert, and attuned to the roads as possible.

Stay tuned for more details or contact your Urbana used cars store, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana, for any safety related auto questions.

The Toyota Camry, Danville drivers who own one might agree, has so many nice features and a wide range of trim options.  It is a sedan that’s not only fun to drive, especially if you opt for a sport package, but it’s size and functionality makes it a wise choice amongst drivers who need to transport just themselves, or maybe even a small family.  Toyota recognizes how significant of a vehicle the Camry is for the U.S. market, so they are excited about the 2012 Camry that will roll out to dealerships soon.

Advertising the model

To get consumers excited about the updated line up, the automaker recently held some media events in Los Angeles, Detroit, and New York where viewers were able to see video footage of Toyota’s president driving a brand new 2012 Camry off an assembly line at a U.S. plant.

The vehicle, which is set to arrive your Urbana Toyota dealership, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana, this fall, will be heavily advertised starting in October through the Super Bowl, where it will have a big presence.  Even more exciting is the announcement a few weeks ago that the Camry will serve as the official pace car at the Daytona 500 in February 2012.  This is a big event both here in the U.S. and around the world, so it’s great that the Camry will be in the spotlight to help attract new drivers who have never had the pleasure of test driving or owning one. 

What to Expect with the 2012 models

We’ll bring you some more in depth information on what the 2012 Camry will offer, but there are many updates and changes that drivers will find, both inside and outside the vehicle.  There will be notable changes in the technology offered, performance and much more.  Stay tuned for more information!

Redesigned Exterior

It is always nice to see a car with some new features that your neighbors can revel in as you drive by.  If you choose the 2012 Yaris, this is a scenario you just might encounter.  There are several exterior updates we’d like to tell you about:

• Longer wheelbase and it’s wider too
• Aggressive style that can be seen by looking at it from different angles and views.  What makes it stand out in particular is the front that sticks out a bit, along with wider headlights and turn signals that are integrated into the car
• Sloping roofline, along with plenty of curves
• Exciting, vibrant color choices such as Blazing Blue Pearl and Absolutely Red.  For more color choices, contact the staff here at your favorite stop for the Danville Toyota Camry and more, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana.

Standard Features Galore

Sometimes consumers feel that if a car is priced too affordably, that it’ll be lacking in the amount of features for that price.  With the upcoming Yaris, this is simply not the case.  Let’s check out a few that might be of use to you and your passengers.

1.  All 3 Yaris trims for 2012 come with USB connectivity, along with MP3 and WMA playback ability.
2. Electric Power Steering
3. Cold weather package
4. Single arm windshield wiper that is said to be more effective than the typical two wiper system found on other Urbana used car models.
5. More comfortable interior seating thanks to better upholstery quality and seats that offer more support.  Drivers and passengers traveling comfortably equal less stress for all involved!
6. Toyota’s Start Safety System that includes Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Traction Assist, Stability Control, and Anti lock brakes.
7. Nine airbags to provide ample support in cases when airbag usage is a must

Check the all new Yaris out when it arrives at your local Toyota dealership!

How things are changing

It’s no secret to anyone the drives that gas prices are just too high.  Cars with better fuel economy are good because they leave the driver filling up less, provided they drive the auto the way it is intended.  Not to mention, alternative fuel options reduce our dependency on foreign oil, which another hot topic today.

By 2025, the officials in Washington, D.C. plan to have fuel standards raised to 54.5 mpg, as well as reducing emissions to just 163 grams per mile.  Toyota knows these standards are setting the bar high, but are committed to doing all they can to help make sure this happens.

These standards are set in place to hopefully help everyone involved.  It will reduce fuel use from overseas sources by about 2.2 million barrels/day.  It is also being said that the 2025 standards will cut pollution from carbon in half.  Toyota is committed to doing their part in making this possible.

As a consumer, there are many different opinions and feelings on this matter.  Changing of standards will likely mean new technologies, changes in pricing, and more to help the government meet their numbers.  Those of us here at your Champaign used car dealership are here to help answer any questions you might have, as well as help you find the auto that you feel comfortable driving each day.

Current gas friendly models

Here at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana we carry a large inventory of models with great gas mileage readings.  Let’s check out some of them.  Take for instance a Preowned Prius.  Champaign fans of this model can test drive one today.  We also carry the Corolla, Yaris, Camry, and Camry Hybrid that have very favorable mpg readings.

Stay tuned for more information on this topic!

An organization that focuses on brand power and more rated some of the top companies that are noted for providing products that support a healthy environment and wise use of its materials.  It’s no secret that it takes a lot of resources to research, manufacture, and design a product that consumers will rely on each day.  The more these processes go easy on Mother Nature, the better for all of us.

The company that recently rated the top global green brands is called Interbrand.  They focus on helping others get the most they can out of their brand name through research, data analysis and more.  They have been around the mid-1970′s and have a global presence.  Their recent naming of the Top 50 Global Green brands is just a part of the work that they do.

Those of us who are a part of your favorite Champaign used car dealership, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana, are proud to announce that Toyota was named the 2011 Best Global Green Brand.  What a great accomplishment!  The number 1 ranking is a big boost from the 11th spot they took on the 2010 list.

The #1 rank is not just the result of the automaker producing environmentally friendly autos, but in other things that they do.  Toyota has adopted a number of environmentally friendly practices at the plants where they make their autos.  They also have created and maintained some processes that efficiently use energy, which lessens the impact on the world around us.

In terms of environmentally friendly autos produced by Toyota, there are many of them.  For starters a Preowned Prius, Champaign drivers can check out today, is definitely one that is noted in this area. There are others available now at our store such as the following:

• Toyota Camry
• Camry Hybrid
• Prius part of our new inventory
• Toyota Yaris
• Toyota Corolla

Stop by today and find out why these models are noted as being ones that are green!

The Toyota Tacoma has been around for many years with a great reputation as a reliable truck. People find it very useful for driving in many different situations, from a trip to Home Depot to driving to and from work everyday.  Since it’s smaller than other options on the market, you’ll find it easy to maneuver and it has a lot of handy features.

In addition to its versatility, the price range of the Tacoma is a feature that might draw some drivers to check it out now at their preferred Gibson City Toyota dealer, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana.  We currently have a nice selection of 2011 models that range in price from $17k to $33k, which will offer you a variety of features, depending on what you need for all your travels.  For example, the Tacoma comes with three different cab options:  double, access cab, and a regular car.  The double cab option is your best bet if you need second row seating for friends or family, or even to just haul extra items that you might need for a longer trip.

Speaking of extra space, some of the Tacoma options, such as the PreRunner, come with the option of a bedliner, which some drivers might find appealing.  It allows for some extra storage above and behind the wheels, as well as a deck rail system that is adjustable.  The rail system is also equipped with tie-down cleats, in case you need to secure items in the back with some sort of cover.

The Tacoma is a fabulous truck that we recommend test driving now.  Also, if you are interested in the Tacoma as a Champaign used car option, check with our store today to see what is available.

What is even better about many models on the roads today is that they contain systems that allow the car to sense if a crash is imminent and will apply the necessary precautions to try and prevent the crash before it even happens.  We all know that it only takes seconds for something to happen and these systems are designed to react extremely fast to protect those in the car.

Toyota’s New Technologies

As Toyota strives to be one of the leaders when it comes to in car safety, their engineers have been hard at work developing safety technologies that you’ll be able to find down the road in autos sold here at your Danville Toyota dealership, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana. 

1. Lane Departure Prevention System- combines use of radar, camera, and nighttime infrared detection.  It will work in conjuction with another pre-collision system that will work by taking over steering of the auto if it senses a mishap might come into play.
2. Adaptive Driving Beam System-  will allow Toyota models that have it installed the ability to adjust high beam use so that the bright lights do shut off to protect the driver’s night vision, but the brightness would be adjusted so that the oncoming traffic isn’t bothered by the lights
3. Pop up hood- this new technology would allow for pedestrians who may come into contact with the Toyota model to have fewer injuries. 
4. Emergency-response Technology- being tested and developed in response to aging drivers.  This might be the ultimate in in-car safety advancement.  Special sensors in the steering wheel help detect cardiovascular irregularities, possible loss of consciousness, or other health issues via vital sign readings.

It is not certain when all of these will make into future models, such as the Toyota Corolla, Danville residents can find here at our store.  Toyota will be testing and developing them for several months down the road!

Recently, a non for profit group called the Union of Concerned Scientists ranked some of the hybrid models on the market to see how they compare to a solely gasoline powered counterpart in several different areas.  This organization is made up of many different people such as scientists and citizens who use research data and other findings to help government, corporations, and more develop business practices and policies that are environmentally friendly.  The automotive world is just one area that they have done research for. 

The hybrid models were ranked based on the findings in areas such as fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions, and the list of options that consumers often have to purchase when they choose a hybrid over a solely gas powered auto.  Many of the models tested were placed against similarly styled autos in their class. 

The Toyota Prius, which is sold along with the Danville Toyota Camry here at our store, was chosen as one of the top hybrids in the non-luxury segment.  The Prius has a long standing reputation as a solid hybrid choice that offers drivers a lot of different options.  The Prius offers a serious reduction in the amount of greenhouse gasses that are emitted, versus other gasoline powered cars, possibly by as much as 40% or more.  That is a significant amount that is no doubt great on the environment around us. 

Another reason the science based organization chose the Prius is due to the fuel economy that it offers.  The 2011 models offer around 50 mpg combined gas mileage, making it the best in that category.  With the cost of fuel per gallon, it’s an auto you should definitely check out when you visit our store for new and Urbana used cars.

Lastly, the Prius comes at a good price with a lot of included safety, technology and other features that you cannot always find in other hybrid models.  All of these make for perfect reasons why the Prius might be the perfect car for you.

1. Many people think of off-road adventures when they hear about or see a 4Runner.  Yes, it can be used for those.  Mom and dad who enjoy camping, boating or other activities that require hauling large items will find this SUV very fitting.
2. Powerful V6 engine that makes hauling much easier
3. Allows for easier passing on the highway thanks to a five-speed automatic transmission.
4. Excellent steering and handling
5. Sound body structure and design

Safety

For parents or guardians who are towing children along with large items, you need and want something that is safe.  With the 2011 4Runner you’re going to get just that.  The IIHS gave it a top rating of ‘good’ in several of it’s crash tests including frontal offset, side impact, rear crash protection and head restraint testing.  The IIHS tests and rates hundreds of models each year and their testing is even more thorough and rigorous starting with 2011 models and beyond, bringing you the most up to date information to help choose the safest car for your family.

In addition, the 2011 4Runners for sale now at your Danville Toyota dealer, come with a long list of standard safety features on the base model such as the following:

• Stability and Traction Control
• Plenty of front, side and curtain airbags to protect all passengers
• Four-wheel ABS
• Tire pressure monitoring system- vital in any trip, especially longer ones you might take during hot summer months
• Daytime running lights
• Mirrors with a turn signal
• Fog lights
• First aid kit, Emergency kit, and anti-theft alarm, which you cannot find in all new and Urbana used car models in stock here

Stop by now and take the 2011 4Runner for a test drive and you might find it’s the perfect fit for you and your family.

Prius PHEV

This exciting option has been in the works for several years, after concept models debuted at various auto shows several years ago.  Before a vehicle like this can safely be released, thorough testing, both by trained engineers, and everyday drivers, is needed to make sure it operates the best it can.  Toyota has done that by allowing drivers in some larger U.S. cities the chance to drive it and offer feed back.

This particular Toyota Prius, Gibson City drivers should be able to purchase from our store, might be the ultimate choice for someone who primarily does local driving.  On a full battery charge, it has a battery-only range of 12 miles and after that it reverts to the normal hybrid system which is a mix of electric and gasoline power.  If you are someone that stays primarily within the city limits of Champaign-Urbana, for instance, you may not have to fill up quite a much if you decide to purchase this vehicle.

RAV4 EV

What if you crave an electric vehicle, but don’t want to sacrifice the SUV/Crossover type vehicle you’re used to driving?  Well, you are in luck- the RAV4 EV might be perfect solution for you.  Like other RAV4′s currently in stock at your preferred Champaign used car dealership, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana, the EV form will not sacrifice cargo space to accommodate a large battery pack.  This was achieved even with the addition of around 200 pounds. 

Moreover, the RAV4 EV will offer a 100 mile extended range capability, along with the excellent acceleration that RAV4 drivers have come to love. 

These availability of these vehicles can be found by contacting the store now.  If we don’t have the exact date or month of arrival, we can find that information out and get back to you as soon as possible.  In the meantime, you can watch this video for some more information about the RAV4 EV.