Cloud Computing

This is a phrase that has different meanings in the business and IT world.  For the basis of an auto, it will take into account the infotainment and other communication systems that are already a part of, or will be part of upcoming models.  Currently, Microsoft has a cloud computing platform called Windows Azure.

Windows Azure works by allowing the user the opportunity to build, host, and manage applications.  Users only pay for the information they actually use. Currently, many large corporations are taking advantage of Azure to get the results they want.

Toyota, who also manufactures the Toyota Corolla, Danville drivers can find today at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana, has teamed up with Microsoft to use the Azure platform, as well as other information from Microsoft.  They launched the project with a transaction of $12 million to bring “cloud computing to the road”.

Overall, what cloud computing will do is turn the autos into information centers that utilize the car’s entertainment, navigation, and other systems.  It can also work by bringing safety and traffic information to the driver. 

Now, which models?

Which models are we likely to see get the cloud computing program?  With the new electric and plug-in models coming out, such as the RAV4 EV or a plug-in Prius, these might be very viable options.  A progressive car or SUV should have the technology to boot after all.   It’ll be interesting to see which ones get it when they arrive at your Champaign Toyota dealer.

The complexity of these in car systems might be getting the best of you, between this information and the Entune system.  They will most likely play off of each other to give the driver the most information at the touch of a finger or sound of a voice. 

For more information, talk to the staff here at the dealership!

What the country needs now is plenty of aid to help bring residents back to some sense of normalcy. This is a large task and will take many years, and every little bit of monetary donations will be put to various uses.  This is an area where Toyota is stepping up and doing its part.

Recent figures are reporting that Toyota’s contributions toward relief in Japan have reached the $8.6 million mark.  This is truly amazing and shows that the staff and other individuals associated with the company are willing to help others who are in extreme need during this stressful time.  Let’s see where many of these contributions have come from within the Toyota divisions.

• $3.86 million has come from Toyota of North America- including contributions from team members, suppliers, dealers, business partners, friends, and more.
• Toyota Motor Corporation has brought to the table another $3.75 million
• Lastly, Toyota Industries Corporation has come through with $1.2 million

Other Toyota affiliates such as TMS, TFS, TMA and TEMA are fortunate enough to have employees that have pledged $498,000 and each of these companies will be matching the donations of their staff.

In addition, staff from Toyota dealerships all over the country, including your Champaign Toyota dealer, have been making donations as well.  Even drivers of Toyota models can visit the “Hope for Japan” website and make a donation to the Red Cross relief efforts, in addition to adding a message of hope.

It is a great feeling to be able to give back to those suffering after a catastrophe.  If you would like to donate, or have questions about Toyota’s role in the relief efforts, contact the staff here at your favorite stop for Urbana used cars and more!

A list of very reliable autos that is a mix of trucks, cars, vans and more was released based on a reliability survey conducted by Consumer Reports.  The study was done in October of 2010 for all new models on sale in the United States, including those sold at your favorite Champaign Toyota dealer, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana.  The Top 10 autos across many classes was chosen and several Toyota models were included in this, such as the Tundra and Sienna.

2011 Sienna

It is predicted that for all new models of this spacious minivan, reliability will be 45 percent above the average.  This is only an estimate and is based on survey information gathered from drivers who have owned or leased this model over the past few years.  There are many reasons why driving a minivan is a wise choice, especially if you have a family to get from place to place and/or need cargo space for all the things we need for daily living.  This model is noted for having an overall smooth and comfortable ride, even for a large vehicle.  The steering is also noted for being a positive point in owning this auto.

2011 Tundra

The Tundra was chosen as a top reliability model for the pick-up class, again based on scores from owners of this model over the past few years.  These scores predict an above-average reliability percentage for new models on the market.  The Tundra is available now and there are many trims to choose from, including models that offer a double cab and the top CrewMax cab option.  The engine choices include V8′s that are either 4.6 L or 5.7L, depending on the power you want.  With the larger cab choices you get more passenger space and the cargo space on all trims cannot be matched by vehicles in other classes.

Head to a dealer for all models Toyota Danville area minivan and truck lovers can easily take a trip to.  The Tundra and Sienna models are waiting for you!

The Motorist Choice Awards are a funny thing. You can look at it like the Oscars. My girlfriend has a big party with people who come for the free food and then cheer for their actors and movies like it’s the most important thing in the world. People get incredibly excited for awards.

The bottom line is, it does not matter what some award says or what a group of critics says as long as you’re happy with what you have. Toyota has a stellar record for both sales and retention. In other words, once a consumer gets a Toyota, they keep it a long time.

If you’re looking for something flashy and need to show off and appease the ego a little bit, lucky for you Toyota makes Lexus. Problem solved! For those of you rocking it on a budget, Toyota has a long line of affordable vehicles for any cost or lifestyle.

Things have changed, but for several years now the quality and affordability that we have come to expect from Toyota has not. Toyota has found a welcome home here in the U.S. for their product and with any luck are here to stay. A Champaign Toyota dealer in Central Illinois might not be what you expect to succeed here in the heartland, but Toyota has a great place in these hearts as well.

If you’re looking for a used Corolla, Champaign owners are most likely not going to give up on theirs unless they’re trading up. Models like this are going to go faster than you can imagine, so you’d better be ready.

In the end, the best award a company could ask for is people continuing to buy their product. However, in the shorter scheme, I supposed a bunch of shiny trophies are cool too.

1) You should always be aware when driving your vehicle. Remember to look in your rear-view and side-view mirrors when you are stopped or parked. This can help you to notice approaching persons ahead of time.

2) Avoid stopping at a light or stop sign directly behind another car. Carjackers are waiting for this to happen so you don’t have any room to drive away. They may seize this opportunity to force you out of the car as the light turns green.

3) Alter your priorities. Instead of parking in a spot closest to the door, park in a spot that is well lit. A few extra steps won’t hurt anybody.

4) Make sure that you are constantly looking around as you enter and exit your car. Take notice of your surrounding. Once again, use those mirrors before exiting the car.

5) Always lock your doors. It is important to lock your doors as soon as you enter your car. Also, make sure that your car does not automatically unlock your doors when you park. If it does, you should have this setting turned off. Carjackers are familiar of this feature and will make sure to use it to their advantage. Carjackers may take advantage of child passengers as well. Therefore, it is especially important to have your child’s locks set to child-proof.

So the next time you are driving in your used corolla, Champaign drivers, please remember these tips.

The engine on the Toyota Avalon is a perfect fit for this model. This engine has enough power to work very well on the road but is quiet and smooth. The 2011 has a front wheel drive, 3.5 liter V6 engine with a 6 speed automatic transmission. The 2011 Avalon puts out 268 horsepower, the same as previous Avalon models. Drivers of the Avalon will never be disturbed or jerked by this engine, a trait widely admired by current Avalon owners.

The 2011 Avalon continues to target a mature audience with an updated interior featuring textured plastic and fake wood trim. It has an extremely large interior, roomy enough for five to fit comfortably. The seats are very comfortable and the 2011 Avalon sports large windows allowing for an airy outdoor feel. Your used Corolla Champaign driver confirms riding in the backseat of the 2011 Avalon is a real treat.

The 2011 Avalon has many safety features to keep both driver and passengers secure while going for a ride. This automobile has everything from antilock brakes to standard airbags. The 2011 also has traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. This Avalon also boasts other features including a power moonroof, a rear power sunshade and memory seats.

Toyota has gone to great lengths to make the 2011 Avalon an incredible, peaceful experience. The Avalon has additional packages available to add even more luxury to the original design. Drivers can add a GPS navigation system and an upgraded sound system for an additional price. The Avalon is designed to be easy to operate and easy to ride in. For more information on how to make the 2011 Avalon part of your family, visit your local Champaign Toyota dealer.

If anyone has seen the episode of NBC’s The Office episode “The Duel”, you would know that Dwight Schrute would most certainly appreciate the electronic humming device.  In the episode, eccentric Dwight and quirky Andy Bernard duel over Angela.  Andy tricks Dwight into going down to the parking lot where he falls victim to Andy’s Prius trap. Famously silent, Andy sneaks up behind Dwight in his Prius at 5mph and harmlessly pins him against the fence. Oscar Martinez, watching from above comments on the action, “Prius’ are silent under 5mph. Andy deserves to win.” The idiotic banter carries on between the two for a few minutes, and the whole episode is genuinely entertaining and the perfect example of why Dwight would pay the extremely reasonable $148 for the warning sound of an engine. If you want to check out a new and used Prius, head over to your Champaign Toyota dealer, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana.

People who are especially appreciative of Toyota’s effort are those in the blind community.  The electronic humming device may not seem like a big deal, but for them, it could make all the difference. Props to Toyota for looking out for the environment and the people that live in it.  Other car manufacturers are taking note of the Prius’ sound device and beginning to develop their own for their hybrid line of vehicles. Remember your Champaign Toyota dealer, O’Brien Toyota of Urbana will have more information about the sound device and other safety precautions Toyota has taken to ensure your safety.

New vehicles give you two options of watching your cars operational performance besides the horrific feeling you get when a warning light comes on. You can either trust the temperature gauge to tell you there is a slight problem, or the rollercoaster ride that is watching your rpm gauge.

Here is the problem with the latter. New vehicles, though computer driven, are still powered by the engine. Certain functions of the car can increase strain on the engine forcing it to work harder. It doesn’t hurt the car, but if you’re like me and try to use the rpm’s to tell yourself something is amuck, then it can play with your head a bit.

Everyone should know that when you kick on the air conditioner that your engine has to work harder to compensate. That little fact is no big deal. What most people don’t know, myself included until recently, is that functions like your power steering or lower speed gear function can also change or affect your engine’s function. I bought a used Corolla, Champaign was a great place to shop, and was back in a week asking questions. The Champaign Toyota dealer, O’Brien Toyota, was able to reassure me that my random increase in rpm’s was to be expected.

I am currently in the market for a new Toyota, because of their durability. My best friend has had her Corolla for over 7 years. She drove it back and forth to college and has racked up about 215,000 miles, but this car still purrs like a kitten.  We met for lunch a couple weeks ago, and I asked her if it was the same car.  She looked at me like I was crazy and said, “Yeah! You think I’m ever giving up this car…Too many memories and too few problems.”  Memories we definitely had.  The Corolla took us to spring breaks, tailgates, and everywhere in between. I can remember one year we were driving down to Florida, and we actually had to stop to pick up a car full of our friends whose car broke down. We just crammed in and pumped up the AC and Kenny Chesney. If you are looking for a great deal on a used Corolla, Champaign, Illinois’ O’Brien Toyota has a great selection.

Another Toyota vehicle that has helped to keep them in the elite top 5 is the Toyota Sienna and the “Swagger Wagon” campaign.  I cannot help but to laugh out loud at the diaper bag commercial when the mom thinks the two police are hitting on her, but there is actually just a diaper bag on the roof- hilarious! That is so something I would do. Minivans have such a bad reputation, and this campaign really positioned Toyota as the hip not-so-minivan minivan.  Please do yourself a favor and watch the rap video Toyota put on Youtube with both of the parents spitting rhymes in front of their “swagger wagon”.  One of my many favorite lines is “straight ownin’ bake sales with my cupcake skills.”

For cars with more swagger, head to your Champaign Toyota Dealer, O’Brien Toyota, and get your swag on.

Families need space, no doubt about it. The RAV-4 does a great job of making everyone feel like they have their own space within the constrained confines of an automobile. This car has a lot of space, second row seats that slide back and forth so parents can always reach the kids but kids still feel like they can run away. The second row seats also recline for nap time or time out. The RAV-4 is the only crossover with an optional third row of seating allowing a seating capacity of seven.

The RAV-4 also has incredible cargo space. Even with seven passengers the RAV-4 gives you plenty of room for luggage. This car will never get messy with all of the compartments located throughout. No more searching all over the floor while speeding down the highway, the RAV-4 will always stay organized with several places for cleaning supplies, wipes, tissues , toys or anything else parents and kids will ever need.

The RAV-4 is not just four wheels meant to move your family from A to B, although it will do that well. This automobile is also a blast to drive. Used Corolla Champaign drivers often see the RAV-4 on the road and admit it looks like a fun ride. This car has great performance and handling so the driver can have fun on the road while still keeping passengers safe. The RAV-4 also has a spare tire, something many SUVs omit, to guarantee a sure fix if a blow out were to occur.

Toyota has inspected the RAV-4 and is certain this automobile is performing well and safely. For a base price of only $21,675 and an astounding 28 miles per gallon highway fuel economy the RAV-4 is almost a steal. Visit your local Champaign Toyota dealer for more information on this great family vehicle.