A few months ago we told you about some preparations Toyota is making for all-new plug in hybrid models that are rolling out for the 2012 car year. 

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A long list of Toyota models have been chosen as top safety picks by the IIHS, which conducts rigorous testing on all types of vehicles each year.  A list of smaller cars that rank high on safety was also released and one popular Toyota model is noted.

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The Toyota Prius is one hot car, a model you can certainly find a lot of information about in today’s popular media.  It recently celebrated its one-millionth sale here in the U.S.  In total, the world has seen three million Prius’ sold since its release over a decade ago.  Drivers all over are attracted to the Prius for many reasons such as fantastic gas mileage, driveability, and practical design.  This is true for car buyers who have purchased the model from their preferred Urbana Toyota dealer.

Links to Monopoly

Most of us have played the popular board game Monopoly at some point over the years.  It’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, and now the millions of Facebook users all over the world can access the game via this social media site.  Much more convenient than having to keep track of all those pieces you find in the board game box!

Toyota has teamed up with Electronic Arts to have the Prius featured in the digital version of the board game classic, which is called Monopoly Millionaires.  It launched in February, and already 6.2 million facebook users have enjoyed this fun new game.  That’s a lot of people who are getting a glimpse of the auto, possibly luring them into their local store to check it out in person.  The Prius is a “mover” in the game and players can also purchase an Eco-Greenhouse, that includes windmills and a Prius parked in the driveway.

Behind the Placement

Toyota putting the Prius in the on-line Monopoly version is no coincidence, as it’s one of several marketing techniques the automaker is using to reach out to car buyers all over.  In fact, placement of a product in a media game is a very effective way to create a large media following.  With so many people extremely focused on technology and social media sties, it certainly makes sense.

The Toyota Prius, Gibson City residents can find now at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana, is on the fast track to continued popularity with current drivers, as well as many new ones who might have been intrigued after playing a few rounds of Monopoly Millionaires.  Stop in now and take a test drive!

Between 2011 and 2020 many new drivers are set to become a part of local roadways, those being people born as part of Generation Y.  These individuals are a population especially concerned with finding autos that are environmentally friendly and include many technology features.  Currently a concept that’s set to become a reality most likely in 2012, the Toyota Prius C, may be a model Generation Y drivers, along with other Toyota and Prius fans, will enjoy.

Highlights of this model

The Prius C is still considered a concept car, but it already has drawn up buzz, especially amongst those who saw it on display at the Detroit International Auto Show last month.  It will offer some of these known features:

1. For the non-plug in hybrid class, it will be the most fuel efficient car. 
2. It will be lighter weight than the current Toyota Prius Gibson City commuters can find today at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana.
3. More modern and eye-catching exterior styling, such as distinctively styled headlights, to hopefully attract this new group of drivers anxious to get their first car.
4. Described as a city car, it may make traveling and parking around Urbana-Champaign much easier.
5. It will offer some of the most up to date technology features that Generation Y relies heavily on each day.  These will be announced in detail closer to production date.

Current Prius Models

If you are curious about driving a Prius now, stop by our store to take a test drive and find out more information.  We have a large selection of both new 2010 and 2011 models that would look great parked in your driveway.  Most of you know that the Prius gets unbeatable gas mileage of around 48 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway.  If you need something new or want a Champaign used car with the Prius name, and want to save money on gas, this car may just be what you need.

The Prius comes in several trims and exciting colors such as Barcelona Red Metallic, Classic Silver, and Winter Gray, to name a few.  You’ll also get the chance to enjoy a long list of convenience features, along with the assurance of a safe ride thanks to many safety features.

You may remember the time when driving as a teenager was the coolest thing to do.  It still is, but teen drivers also need to stay focused and knowledgeable while behind the wheel.  You go through the classes, driving hours, and the joy of having your permit to practice with mom, dad, or other guardian.  Now, you have your license and the really important part begins.

Toyota has teamed up with Discovery Education to launch a website where parents, teens, and educators can work together to keep teens driving with all the safety tools in mind.  The website has some very valuable resources that members of these groups can download and/ or read on line and work on together.  For example, there is a Mutual Driving Agreement that parents and their child(ren) can create to make sure everyone stays safe and responsible behind the wheel.  There’s even a space for parents to write out the amount of car related costs the teen will need to contribute to while driving their Gibson City Toyota Prius, for example.  These include cost of gas, registering the vehicle, any tickets, etc.

If it is time for your child to begin their hopefully long “career” of operating a vehicle, this is where we at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana come into play.  We have a large inventory of new and used Toyota models we are sure will make parents and teens very happy.  For example, 2011 Toyota models now come standard with the company’s Five Point Star Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist as standard features on all models.  As a parent or guardian, having these features in your child’s auto will give you the peace of mind you need when handing them the keys, especially the first few times.

There are plenty of models featured at your Champaign used car dealer for Toyota models that would be perfect solutions for a family full of drivers!  Come in and check out our inventory today.