With gas prices soaring, American drivers are looking for more affordable means of transportation. As a company, Toyota operates under a global-Earth charter that promotes environmental responsibility throughout the company. It leads the way in lowering emissions and improving fuel economy in gasoline-powered vehicles. Not only did Toyota create the world’s first mass-produced gas/electric hybrid car, it’s also at the forefront of developing tomorrow’s fuel cell vehicles. But its commitment to preserving the environment doesn’t stop with vehicles. For instance, two of its manufacturing plants have been designated as zero landfill-producing operations. And the “green” complex in California has one of the largest commercial solar-panel systems in North America.
Toyota currently offers three hybrid models: the Prius, Camry and Highlander. Buy any of these vehicles now, and you may be eligible for federal tax benefits.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is the first mass-produced and marketed hybrid automobile. Prius means “before” in Latin. The 2007 Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive is leading the industry in hybrid technology, offering a seamless integration of its gas engine and an emissions-free electric motor to achieve amazing fuel economy with an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 55 miles per gallon and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. The forward-thinking technology of the Prius doesn’t end there: features like Bluetooth wireless technology, Smart Key System, and backup camera are also available. And an optional auxiliary audio jack provides MP3/WMA playback capability so you can listen to your own soundtrack as you drive car—and the hybrid movement—forward.
Camry Hybrid
When a car becomes more, it surprises you at every turn. And with an EPA highway rating of 34 mpg, Camry’s surprise is a pleasant one. Even better, the Camry Hybrid has an EPA rating of 40 mpg in the city. So while Camry rejuvenates the senses, it does so sensibly. Every Camry—the race-inspired SE, the impeccable XLE and the ultra-efficient Camry Hybrid—is engineered to change not just the way you feel about cars, but the way you feel, period. Buy a Camry Hybrid now, and you may be eligible for federal tax benefits.
Highlander and Highlander Limited
The 2007 Highlander is as sophisticated as it is versatile. With its generous cargo space, 60/40 reclining, split, fold-flat second-row seat with slide-forward capability, and optional third-row seat with 4-step recline fold-flat-into-floor capability, this SUV will go wherever your activities take you. Its standard driver and front-passenger, front-seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags for the front and second row; Toyota’s Star Safety System; and optional Leather Seat Package, the 2007 Highlander is a sophisticated travel companion. With a standard, powerful 4-cylinder engine and optional V6, the Highlander rides so smoothly you’ll be reluctant to call it an SUV. There’s even a Highlander available with Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The Road Ahead
The Prius initially attracted U.S. buyers interested in the vehicle’s low particulate emissions, advanced technology, and high fuel economy. In 2006, demand for the Prius broadened for several reasons: the rising price of gasoline made the vehicle’s fuel economy more attractive; federal tax credits lowered the end-price to consumers; and some states introduced privileges for hybrid-vehicle drivers. California, Maryland and Virginia, for example, allowed single-occupant hybrid vehicles in HOV-lanes.
Toyota will be expanding its hybrid technology, and is currently developing a plug-in hybrid. The company is also preparing to supply more environmentally friendly options by producing vehicles powered by ethanol and other alternative fuels.
David Maus Toyota/Scion, 1160 Rinehart Rd., Sanford; 407.831.9788; davidmaustoyota.com
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