Fuel Efficient Autos

Taking a ride in a hybrid taxi in New York may cost you extra these days, but it’s worth it for helping the environment.

The idea to raise the price of cab fares for hybrid taxis was a part of the Bloomberg administration as a way to entice taxi owners to make the switch. Some cab owners did not want to trade in their old gas-guzzling cabs because of the cost of new hybrids, but the permission to charge customers more may do the trick.

The new rules for these hybrid taxis will take effect on May 1. In addition to allowing hybrid taxi owners to charge more, the new rules also penalize the ones who lease less efficient cabs by making them charge less.

“Taxi fleet owners will have more reason to purchase cleaner vehicles,” said Mr. Bloomberg following the vote to pass the new laws. “The result will be more clean taxis on city streets.” As for the extra cost, it seems like a small price to pay to be a better steward with the environment.

Currently, about 2,000 of the 13,200 cabs in New York are hybrids and many of them are Toyota hybrids.

When I woke up this morning to check my email, there happened to be an article on the front page of Yahoo about the new 2010 Prius, one of the most anticipated Toyota hybrids ever. Here are some of the highlights from that article in case you missed it.

• Dennis Simanaitis, the article’s author, said that hybrids are “getting closer to mainstream” and as they continue to do so, they are “just going to embarrass what we once considered conventional cars.” It’s true. Hybrids are becoming more like the norm and making many of us wonder why we still stick with the car we have.
• Although the new Prius generation is “a skosh heavier” than previous units, the 2010 models have a better fuel economy. Officially, the 2010 Prius gets 51 mpg on the highway and 48 mpg through the city.
• Engineers improved upon the Hybrid Synergy Driver system for this generation. Both of the electric motors are “more compact.”
• The previous generation Prius had an impressive drag coefficient of 0.26. However, engineers were even able to improve upon that to bring it down to an even more impressive 0.25.

These are just a few of the great things about the new Prius. Check one out today at your Pennsylvania Toyota dealer and see why so many people are turning to hybrids for their everyday cars.

With all of the new hybrids on the market, it might be difficult to discern between them. But since Toyota introduced the first mass-produced hybrid to the North American market, it’s safe to assume that the automaker is the leader in hybrid technology. Here is a brief description of the lineup of Toyota hybrids currently available in the United States today.

Toyota Camry Hybrid
This popular bestseller recently received its hybrid counterpart. The 2009 model has an MSRP of about $26,000 and gets up to 34 miles to the gallon. It also has new features like a Smart Key system and a state-of-the-art voice-activated DVD navigation system.

Highlander Hybrid
This hybrid SUV starts at about $40,000 and gets up to 27 miles to the gallon on the highways. It offers the convenience that we’ve come to love about SUVs without the gas-guzzling annoyance.

Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius really needs no explanation. It’s currently the best-selling hybrid on the market and there was even a waiting list for this brand when gas prices skyrocketed last summer. Toyota is currently releasing a third generation of this popular model that will arrive at dealer lots later this summer.

Visit your Philadelphia area Toyota dealer today and see what you’ve been missing in the hybrid lineup!

Cities all over the United States have been replacing their big yellow taxis with more fuel-efficient Toyota hybrids.

The Denver Metro Taxi company now has 40 Toyota hybrid vehicles in its fleet of 400 cabs. In Phoenix, the Discount Cab service has 75 Toyota Prius hybrids. Other cities are switching to greener cars to help reduce costs and be a good steward of the environment at the same time.

One of the only things holding some cab companies back from making the switch is the room in many hybrids. When compared with the current larger cars, the hybrids tend to be more compact and offer less leg room for passengers. But that seems to be a small price to pay for reducing a company’s carbon footprint by 65 percent, which is what Metro Taxi in Denver has done since making the switch.

Some cab companies are taking their eco-consciousness even further than just the cars they drive. Metro Taxi uses used motor oil from its vehicles to power its furnaces. It also uses energy-efficient light bulbs. That’s probably why it has been referred to as “one of the greenest cab companies” in the United States.

Why not follow the trend of the cab companies and get a Toyota hybrid near Royersford for your daily use? You’ll be surprised what a difference they can make!

The 2009 Toyota Prius is one of the most anticipated hybrid vehicles to hit Toyota dealers. While the hybrid marketplace is becoming increasingly crowded, so is demand for quality, fuel efficient vehicles. The 2009 Toyota Prius is ready to tackle the competition, including the 2009 Honda Insight which has been dubbed as the “Prius Killer” by some in the industry.

The good news for Toyota is that the Prius has a loyal fan base that it can continue to draw from. While the Honda Insight may come in with a lower price tag than the Prius, Honda hasn’t yet proven that the Insight Hybrid will have the same kind of reliability or fuel economy that the Prius will have. A lower price tag can’t make up for that kind of reputation.

The 2009 Prius will run on a four cylinder engine that can produce 100 hp overall. It is expected that the 2009 Prius will get 48 miles per gallon in the city and 45 miles per gallon on the highway. There will be plenty of options for the 2009 Prius as well, offering buyers everything from Bluetooth capability to a rearview backup camera.

For the most reliable hybrid with the best reputation and the most loyal fans, Look to the 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid.

With gas prices as high as they are, it’s no surprise that so many people are looking into buying a Toyota Hybrid. Toyota has been the top name in Hybrid vehicles, and the Toyota Prius is known to be one of the best in the world.

Once you’ve made the decision to buy a Toyota Hybrid, you need to figure out which one it is that you want. In many cases, your inclination may be to go with the Prius. The Prius is a solid vehicle, but it’s not for everyone.

If, for example, you are a family with three children, a Prius will probably get a bit crowded. You might instead want to look at a Toyota Hybrid like the Camry. No, the Camry won’t get the same mileage that the Prius gets, but it’s a compromise vehicle. It gives you enough room for your family and belongings, and lets you take the family where you need to go in comfort.

In some cases, you might need even more space than the Camry Hybrid. The Toyota Highlander may be for you. The Highlander Hybrid is a midsized SUV, and it’s got more room than the Camry.

Whichever Toyota hybrid you choose, know that you’re going with the best around.

If you’ve paid attention to any of the talk about alternative fuels, hybrids, electric cars, and energy in general, you’ve probably heard about biodiesel. While biodiesel isn’t commonly used in the United States, it may indeed be one of the newer types of technology that we rely on in order to get away from using so much of our fossil fuel reserves.

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a type of alternative fuel that is made from renewable resources. It is easy to use, biodegradable, free of sulfur and scent, and nontoxic. It does not contain petroleum, but it may be mixed with diesel fuel made from petroleum to form a biodiesel blend. Biodiesel can be used in most diesel engines without having to make much in the way of modifications to the engine.

How is biodiesel made?

Manufacturers make biodiesel using a process known as “transesterification.” This process separates glycerin from vegetable oil or fat. When that happens, there are two elements left. One is the glycerin, which can be sold to soap makers and other companies, and the other is methyl esters. Methyl esters is the chemical title for biodiesel.

Biodiesel and the environment

Biodiesel is produced in line with very specific requirements. Of all the fuel options available today, Biodiesel is the only one that meets the health effects test requirements put forth in the Clean Air Act of 1990. It is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel.

Advocates of biodiesel suggest that the fuel is better for the environment on several levels. First of all, it is made from renewable resources rather than fossil fuels. Petroleum based fuels aren’t renewable. Biodiesel is also nontoxic, and it biodegrades quickly. Use of biodiesel helps to decrease dependence on foreign sources of energy.

If you want to begin helping the environment and save some money on gas today, come check out a Toyota hybrid at your local Pennsylvania auto dealers today.

When you think about Toyota fuel economy, you typically think about the flagship Toyota Hybrid, the Toyota Prius. To be sure, the Prius has been the best selling hybrid on the market since its release, and it continues to please buyers with its amazing fuel economy.

Still, overall, Toyota actually offers several vehicles that are excellent when it comes to fuel economy. There are seven Toyota models that have an EPA-rated highway fuel economy greater than 30 miles per gallon of gas.

These include:

• The 4 Cylinder Camry at 31 mpg,
• The Camry Hybrid at 34 mpg,
• The Solara at 31 mpg,
• The Corolla at 35 to 37 mpg,
• The Matrix at 31 to 33 mpg,
• The Yaris at 35 to 36 mpg,
• The Prius at 45 mpg, and
• The Scion xD at 32 to 33 mpg.

How did Toyota get such a fuel effecient fleet? They’ve made great strides, over time, in engine design as well as hybrid technology.Among the technological advances contributing to Toyota’s fuel economy
numbers are Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), improvements in fuel injection technology, Toyota’s drive by wire system, transmission enhancements and lighter weight vehicle materials.

If you want to save money at the pump in these times of high gasoline prices, come see your local Toyota dealer today.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which you can find ay your Pennsylvania automotive dealer, is one of the best-ranking midsize SUVs. It is at the top of its class for all of its features, from its smooth ride to its spacious interior. backed by a refined hybrid powertrain, the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid is an excellent choice all around.

The 2008 model is larger than previous incarnations of the Highlander. It also has an electric-only mode, which allows the driver to get even better fuel economy. Make no mistake, this hybrid SUV is truly on the cutting edge.

The Highlander has plenty of power, which is something that you don’t typically associate with a hybrid. There is no more lag in this vehicle than there is in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The interior of the Highlander Hybrid is roomy, and seats are comfortable.

In terms of safety, the Highlander Hybrid scored five stars for the driver safety category, and on passenger safety frontal crash tests it got four stars. Side crash tests got five stars, as well.

If you need a large family vehicle but want to save some money at the pump, consider making a visit today to your Pennsylvania automotive dealer to check out the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

If you’re in the market for a new Toyota hybrid, your local Toyota automotive dealer wants you to have an easy time of it. They also encourage you to shop smart, so you can get the most for your money:

Here are some things you can do in order to shop smart at your Toyota automotive dealers:

Buy with cash

If you can get pre-approved for a loan, or if you can buy with cash, this gives you an advantage in that it keeps you in the price range you can afford. In addition, there’s no pressure at the dealer to finance. Still, if the dealer or manufacturer is offering attractive financing, don’t rule it out altogether.

Shop alone

Bringing your family or your friends with you when you go shopping for a new car can be distracting. In addition, you could find yourself in a situation where someone with you is trying to talk you into a particular car you don’t really need or want. Bring someone with you if you wish to help negotiate or to help you determine the quality of the vehicle, but don’t be pressured.

Remember you can leave

If you don’t like a vehicle, feel like a salesperson is too pushy, or can’t find the right car, you can leave. Don’t feel as though you must buy a car right then and there. If the problem is with an employee, report the problem to the sales manager at another time or on the telephone.

If you’re shopping smart, come down to our local Toyota dealer and see what we’ve got to offer you today.