Toyota Scores Well In Total Quality Index

Strategic Vision announced today the results of its 2012 Total Quality Index (TQI) study.

With the industry best of only 17 percent of owners reporting problems, Toyota Motor Sales corporation had the lowest reported problems, resulting in Strategic Vision’s lowest “Problem Impact Measure” (PIM) score of 4.29, a Strategic Vision metric that examines the report of the problem, the nature (serious, moderate or minor) of the problem, and the nature of the problem unresolved by the dealer.

Although this is good for Toyota, PIM is only a subset of “Total Quality.” With near universal acceptance that manufacturers are running the tightest “quality race” ever, customers are increasingly defining “quality” holistically and using Total Quality in their decisions.

Total Quality measures how closely the experience of quality matches the explicit desires of the customer. According to Strategic Vision’s latest study, in terms of Total Quality, Volkswagen Group of America is the leader, followed by Ford Motor Company and then Chrysler Group.

“Full-line corporations like Toyota and American Honda Motor are as strong as ever in terms of percentages of people reporting problems. It’s just that others are doing such a great job also, and they have excelled in providing the kind of innovation that influences perceptions of quality,” says Strategic Vision Vice President Christopher Chaney. “Look at the Chevrolet Volt,” Chaney continues. “It may not be a sales leader, but those who purchased it were heavily influenced by a number of quality cues that made it a segment leader in Total Quality.”

 

The real message is that innovation is connected to perceptions of quality. If innovation is strong, especially such that customers can say they “love it,” when referring to the product, then perceptions of quality will be greatly (positively) influenced.

Strategic Vision research has proven that those who recognize and acknowledge innovation (most new car buyers) will purchase, and not just be driven by counting problems. With all manufacturers being in such close traditional quality proximity (counting problems only), there is little question that those auto manufacturers who offer rich and impactful, intuitive, motivationally designed cars will have the advantage going into the future.

Strategic Vision has presented Total Quality Awards annually since 1995. Based on Strategic Vision’s quantitative “ValueCentered®” NVES study, the Total Quality Index was calculated from 45,390 buyers who purchased 2012 models during September to December 2011.

 

Courtesy of HybridCars.com

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Driving with Pets

Did You Know...

84% of pet owners say they travel with their pet in automobiles

Source: American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2006 National Pet Owner Survey

If you're planning to take your pet with you on trips in the car, start early when the pet is young to get used to the routine. Short jaunts across town and back or easy day trips will get your pet used to the ride. A carsick pet can make the trip miserable for everyone.

A seat upholstery protector, such as a pet hammock or waterproof seat cover will make clean-ups easier in case your pet does get sick or has an accident.

Be sure to bring along cleaning supplies to avoid having to search out a place to purchase them at the last minute.

Make your pet travel experience fun and enjoyable by following these simple, common sense pet travel tips:

• Safely secure your pet while traveling. An unrestrained pet can become a deadly projectile in the event of a sudden stop or crash, causing serious injury (even death) to passengers. For example, an unsecured, 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle.
• Dogs should be restrained with either a seatbelt or harness designed for pet travel. Smaller dogs can be secured in pet car seats, which allow them to also see out, while being properly restrained.
• Never attach a restraining device to the pet's collar. Always use a harness to prevent injury.
• Cats should be contained in a crate, cage or pet car seat that is secured with a seat belt. Never allow a cat to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver's feet or get in the driver's sight of the road.
• Do not allow your pet to ride with its head outside of the window. An obstacle close to the vehicle could potentially strike your pet's head, causing injury or death, or dirt particles could get into your pet's ears, nose, eyes, or throat, causing health problems.
• It's a good idea to stop every couple of hours for your pet and you to stretch and walk around. Be sure to have your pet's leash handy to have control and so your pet doesn't run away in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Have your own supply of cold water, as fresh water is not always handy or convenient when you need to stop.
• Have your pet consume small amounts of food and water, but don't allow to overeat or drink if you still have more traveling to do. Reserve your pet's main meal for the end of the day.
• Leaving a pet in a parked car is never a good idea. Temperatures in confined spaces in the summer time can heat up fast, causing heatstroke — even death — to a pet. Extremely cold temperatures in the winter can be just as threatening, so be sure not to leave a pet in the car if the temperature is near the freezing mark.
• A pet first-aid kit is an essential item to pack when venturing out and should contain things such as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, tape, and the like. Phone numbers for your pet's vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435), and emergency pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to travel should be taken along.
• A travel tag on a pet's collar will help someone locate you should you and your pet become separated. The travel tag should contain information about where you are staying locally (while away from home), including addresses and phone numbers. A cell phone number is also a good idea since most people have one with them, especially when they travel.

Bus or Train

• State and local restrictions usually prohibit pets from riding on buses or trains unless they are assisting visually impaired or physically challenged persons. Always check in advance with these transportation providers to find out what regulations they may impose.

Courtesy of Pet Travel Center

2013 Toyota Camry-----The One and Only (Feat: Min-Ho Lee) : Ep1 (English Subtitled)

 

At one moment our hero, Joon, thought he had it all, but everything changed when he crossed paths with Kwon. Suddenly, his dreams of happiness with his love were crushed. But with the Camry, Joon is able to spend less time refueling and more time uncovering Kwon's hidden agenda. Will Joon find out what Kwon's secrets are before it's too late? Don't miss a minute of the Camry and the drama.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Engine Knock

What Is Engine Knocking?

Engine knocking refers to the metallic sound an engine can produce when pressure is applied to the gas pedal. The noise may be a hollow knocking sound or more of a rattling sound—in either case, it's not a sound you want to hear.

When an engine pings, it releases pollution into the environment in the form of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and raw, unburned hydrocarbons (HCs). These two chemicals are poisonous gases that show up as yellowish-brownish in a polluted sky. They can also cause respiratory problems like asthma and emphysema.

Common Reasons for Engine Knocking

Improper Combustion Process
An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). In a properly-firing cylinder, the spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture and a flame front starts on one side of the piston and burns across the top to the other side, which creates a rapid and evenly-expanding gas that pushes down on the top of the piston. When the air/fuel mixture is ignited prior to the spark plug firing, the two flame fronts collide, causing the pinging/knocking noise.

Engine Is Too Hot
An engine can ping because it is too hot. This is another uneven combustion scenario that is caused by the air-to-fuel mixture "lighting off" by itself. If the cooling system does not keep the engine's combustion chamber temperature in check, the air-to-fuel mixture will begin to spontaneously explode. This is also called "pre-ignition."

Improper Gasoline Octane
In addition to cooling system problems, pinging can be caused by improper gasoline octane, an overly lean air-to-fuel mixture, or a lack of proper exhaust gas recirculation. The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) was created to neutralize engine pinging by adding a small amount of exhaust gas to the air-to-fuel mixture going in to the combustion process, which limits the peak combustion chamber temperature.

Internal Mechanical Problems
Internal mechanical problems can also cause engine knocking. One such problem stems from excessive clearance inside the bearings in the connecting rods that transfer the downward movement of the pistons to crankshaft rotation. Each time the piston changes direction, there is a knock from the metal hitting metal. This is often referred to as a "rod knock." It is usually very rhythmic—it increases with engine speed and intensifies with engine load.

Other mechanical problems that lead to engine knocking are:

• Defective main crankshaft bearings
• A cracked or broken flywheel or flex-plate that attaches the engine to the transmission
• A worn water pump bearing
• A failed or loose timing belt tensioner can knock when the timing belt slaps against it 
• An air conditioning compressor can knock when it is failing or icing up
• An alternator with worn rotor bearings can knock when the pistons fire

Be sure to properly inspect and verify the root cause of the knocking sound, as it can be tricky to pinpoint. You don't want to replace the entire engine only to find out that the knocking was coming from a cracked hub on the transmission flywheel or flex-plate. Ouch!

 

Courtesy of Repair Pal

Toyota USA Foundation Announces $1.3 Million in New Grants

Foundation Continues to Support K-12 Education Programs with a Focus on Math, Science and Environmental Science

NEW YORK – August 8, 2012 - The Toyota USA Foundation today announced more than $1.3 million in new grants to support innovative K-12 math, science, engineering and environmental science education programs, with a focus on programs that serve diverse and underserved communities. These new grants, combined with the more than $3.8 million in multi-year commitments, total to more than $5 million that the Toyota Foundation has disbursed to nonprofit organizations this year.

Toyota USA Foundation grant decisions place a high priority on programs that value diversity, incorporate inter-disciplinary learning and are built around “real-world” classroom applications. In addition, the Foundation focuses on innovative and cost-effective programs that help students and educators develop their abilities.

The new 2012 grant recipients are:  

• American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Food for Thought- Feeding Young Minds with STEM Enrichment offers fun, interactive workshops to motivate and excite young students about science.

• American University, Lab2Class offers an accelerated training process for midcareer scientists who want to shift into the teaching profession.

• California State University Bakersfield Foundation, Families for STEM aims to increase the number of students from diverse backgrounds who are entering and successfully graduating from STEM fields.

• Colorado Seminary, University of Denver, Kids Play Math will expand the development, implementation, and teacher training for Kids Play Math, a bilingual, research-based computer game system designed to teach mathematics skills to children.

• Fremont Education Foundation, Education, Challenge, Inspire will build on the Foundation’s efforts to provide math and algebra teaching kits for California teachers, as well as calculators and science lab equipment for fourth- through eighth-grade students.

• Mills College, Lesson Study will train elementary school teachers through an innovative Japanese teaching strategy to improve mathematics instruction.

• Mobile Area Education Foundation, Engaging Youth through Engineering will train STEM educators in southwest Alabama to expand and reform STEM curricula to additional schools.

• O’Neill Sea Odyssey, Community Oceanography Program will provide 750 youth and 25 teachers with an ocean field trip, hands-on restoration projects and in-class curriculum to improve student understanding of ocean science and environmental conservation.

For additional information about these and other grants from the Toyota USA Foundation, please visit: http://bit.ly/O3etoy

“We are proud to support these organizations and educational institutions, and to help further the important work they are doing to help our country’s young people excel in mathematics, science, engineering and environmental science,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of national Philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation at Toyota Motor North America. “Toyota is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of America’s leaders in these critical fields, and we look forward to seeing each of these programs – and the students and teachers they serve – make an even bigger impact in the years ahead.”

“This grant from the Toyota USA Foundation provides the opportunity to advance our mission and dedication to high quality STEM education for students in Washington, DC” says Sarah Irvine Belson, Dean of American University’s School of Education, Teaching & Health. “Toyota’s support will help us increase the number of middle school and high school science teachers in diverse communities and encourage more students to pursue science-based careers.”

Over the past 20 years, Toyota and the Toyota USA Foundation have contributed nearly $600 million to nonprofits across the United States.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Drive in the City Like a Pro

Driving in the city is a very important skill that many need to have, especially if you happen to live there. Most city dwellers do take public transportation when available, but when you need to drive, we have the tips to help you become an expert. After this little crash course on city driving, you will learn to love the flow and bustle of city life and merge seamlessly with it, rather than going mad and pulling out your hair every time traffic gets heavy.

Smaller cars are the key to everyday travel through the city. Not only do you get the ease of parking in tiny spots, but you will also save a big of gas because of the stop and go traffic. Major cities are built to accommodate as many people in a small amount of space. Thus the city the streets and parking spaces are much narrower and smaller than others your use to.

Automatic transmissions are recommended for everyday travel to and within the city. The stress and fatigue will increase as you shift aimlessly with a manual transmission. Trust me on this one! During one of my trips to NYC, I shifted a manual transmission over 1000 times in an hour through heavy traffic. As many people swear by manual shifting, this is OK ( so do i) , it has its advantages, but it's just not well suited to city driving.

As parking spaces become harder to find, having that small car can get you in those tight spots. If you have the money, you can also invest in technology like back up cameras. These cameras will allow you to see how close you are to the car behind you through a pin hole camera on your trunk. Parking sensors work just as well, as you don't even need a visual, but only listen to a few beeps to know how close you are to the car behind you. Some luxury cars will have sensors in the front as well as the back.

Always drive inside your lane. Signal ten seconds before you lane change. Be cautious in hard driving conditions like snow and rain. Be careful of those huge pot holes ahead. So look give yourself some space between the car in front of your so that you have a better visual of the road ahead.

Avoid driving in the far right lane unless your turning. Metros, trucks, buses and other turning vehicles all enter the right lane. So to avoid any unnecessary backup time, drive in the middle lane if you are traveling straight for a while.

Now that you have a few tips. Try them out and you'll be on your way to being a pro at city driving.

Courtesy of EzineArticles

We appreciate the fantastic feedback, Tom! Thank you for the kind words.

"After I purchased my Prius Hybred, I needed to have a lisense plate holder installed on the front of my car. As soon as I pulled into Advantage Toyota, there was a minimum of 3 sales people greating me. All of them were so helpful and friendly. I went to the parts department and within 24 hours I had my license plate holder. The manager immediately took the license plate holder and mounted it for me at no charge. This is just one example of the excellent service that you will receive at Advantage Toyota. Everyone there is just so eager to assist you."

- Tom

200-millionth Toyota sets global milestone

MUSCAT — In 1935, the first Toyota — a G1 truck — was produced in the automotive department of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd. Seventy-six years later the automaker has manufactured 199,999,999 more vehicles, reaching the 200 million milestone.
Marking the achievement, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: “I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to our customers the world over who made it possible for us to reach this milestone. I also have the most profound respect and gratitude for the efforts of all persons who were involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing Toyota and Lexus vehicles over the years. We are determined to make our cars even better, to continue to give our customers the best possible product. This is the common goal of our 300,000 Toyota staff members worldwide.”
The most-produced Toyota model is the Corolla, with total global production just shy of the 40 million mark at 39.08 million units making it the best selling car of all time. The 2013 Corolla has recently been launched in Oman. In it, state-of-the-art technology and superb design comes together perfectly. Elegantly crafted and loaded with special touches ... “the stylishly new Corolla Exclusive puts all others in the shade,” say those who have seen the marvel from up close.
The stylishly new Corolla Exclusive is available in Oman with many attractions that include front and rear body-kit, alloy wheels, chrome side protection moulding, turn signal indicators on the outer mirrors, rear-lip spoiler, chrome garnish fog lamp, chrome muffler cutter and several redesigned features. New "exclusive" decals on both flanks add to its appeal.
An air of exclusivity is created by the rich woodgrain panelling that adorns the front console along with woodgrain steering wheel and gear shift knob. The bluetooth kit adds to the convenience. Generous head and legroom and superb fit and finish heighten the feel of relaxation.
Another star performer is the Toyota Camry — a model that has gone on to dominate the midsize family sedan segment for virtually all of the century, as consumers immediately embraced it for its high build quality, comfortable ride and impressive durability. Successive models of Camry have received top awards over the years and the consumers have always trusted the excellent quality, durability and reliability of this vehicle.
If we speak of the current Camry, we can conclude that it's the 'Best Camry Ever' on the basis of its bold, sophisticated design, an even spacious interior, improved driving characteristics and an even quieter ride.
With class-leading safety, fuel economy from its four-cylinder, 2.5-litre based power-train and multimedia technology, it is a truly 'a pride to own and a joy to drive'.
From Toyota's stable of triumphant thoroughbreds, the Land Cruiser rears its proud head higher. “There are a few vehicles that inspire my imagination,” says a Forbes magazine article, “Just say 'Land Cruiser' in my vicinity, and I’m off to the desert, or the jungle, or anywhere a million miles away from civilisation — at least in my mind,”
The object of Forbes' admiration, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a 'Totally Unchallenged' 4WD. With cutting-edge innovations to its exterior and interior, it delivers high performance, safety and luxury, whether on the road or off.
Among other achievers in the Toyota range are Aurion, Avalon, Prado, Fortuner, FJ Cruiser, Yaris, Sequoia, Hilux, Coaster, among others. Each a favourite in their segment.
In Oman, Toyota soars far above the rest — both in terms of market share as well as customer retention. Its pride of place made possible by an outstanding product and the ever-reliable support of Saud Bahwan Group.
Added privileges available to Toyota customers include 6-year unlimited mileage protection plan, 98 per cent parts availability and a vast sales, service and spares infrastructure/facility network spanning Oman.

 

Courtesy of Oman Observer

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Parking Techniques

ANGLE PARKING

 

There will be many times when you will see angled parking spaces in a parking lot. In this case, vehicles are designated to go one way.

Here are some safety tips:

• Stay at a safe distance from parked cars so that you can see and maneuver better once you have found an empty spot.
• Stay alert for cars backing out to leave their space.
• Always signal to show that you are ready to make a turn.

PERPENDICULAR PARKING

Perpendicular parking is similar to angle parking, but requires greater care in turning. You will find perpendicular parking in most parking lots, which normally provide spaces marked in a 90-degree angle to the curb or a building.

When parking bring your vehicle to a spot while keeping enough space from the row of parked cars. 

Always stop with your wheels straight and your car centered in the space.

PARALLEL PARKING

In general, you will use parallel parking next to a curb in the space between two parked cars. Sometimes parallel parking is your only option. You will need to choose a space that is at least five feet longer than your car. It requires practice to master this maneuver. 

Always signal first, and then position your vehicle parallel with the vehicle parked (rear bumpers of both vehicles are aligned) in front of the empty spot. Keep at least two feet away from this vehicle.

Check to make sure the way is clear behind you, and shift into reverse. Look over your shoulder and back slowly as you turn your wheel toward the curb.

Back up slowly so that the front of the vehicle is even with the front door of the vehicle beside you. Turn the wheel sharply to the right and back up slowly until your vehicle is at a 45-degree angle from the curb.

Turn the wheel sharply in the direction away from the curb and back slowly until your vehicle is parallel to the curb.
Put the car into a forward gear and slowly center your vehicle in the space.

PARKING ON A HILL

Uphill

When headed uphill at a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll backwards slowly until the rear part of the front wheel rests against the curb using it as a block.

 
Downhill

When you stop your car headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. Let your vehicle roll slowly until the front tire rests against the curb using it as a block.

No Curb

When headed uphill (or downhill) with no curb, always turn your front wheels to the right so that if your vehicle moves, it will roll off the highway, not into traffic.

ILLEGAL PARKING

Parking in the following areas is prohibited:

• On highways (unless indicated otherwise)
• In an intersection
• On pedestrian crosswalks or sidewalks
• In front of driveways
• In a fire lane or close to a fire hydrant
• In an underpass or bridge
• At a blue curb or for a spot reserved for disabled
• Beside another parked vehicle (double parking)

Consult your state's Drivers handbook for details.

VEHICLE SECURING PROCEDURES

Whenever you park your car, make sure you do the following:
1. Make sure that you are stopped within a legal and secure parking space.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Put the car gear in park for automatic transmission. For manual transmission put the car either in first or reverse gear.
4. Turn off any accessories used.
5. Turn off ignition switch and remove key.
6. Check for traffic prior to exiting vehicle. Open door safely and face traffic when getting out of the vehicle.
7. Secure doors and windows.
8. Lock your vehicle and take the keys with you.

SECURING VALUABLES
Safety Tips

• Always make sure your doors and windows are closed when you leave the vehicle, even for a short period of time. Do not leave a vehicle running unattended.
• Always park in well lit areas; avoid parking in isolated parking spaces or in bad neighborhoods.
• Never leave any valuables and equipment inside your vehicle. Place them in the trunk of the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• Install a vehicle alarm system if you store valuable items in your vehicle.
• Never leave a spare key inside the vehicle, especially if it can be seen from the outside.

 

Courtesy of DriversEd.com

Which Olympian would make the best spokesperson for the Toyota brand? Michael Phelps, Hope Solo or LeBron James?

With Toyota Care, we have you covered!

Save on parts or an oil change and tire rotation

This month Facebook likers and Twitter followers can save five percent off parts or 10 percent off an oil change and tire rotation. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity.

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/OErese

Twitter: http://bit.ly/M4h2rU