Demand for plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) is growing, though they still only claimed about 2% of the U.S. market share in 2018 (global market share is similar). That number includes battery-operated vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The thought on everyone’s mind: is this the future of driving?
The primary difference between the two types of vehicles is that a BEV runs solely off the energy from the vehicle’s battery, while a PHEV uses the battery alongside a fuel tank that kicks in at various intervals. There would be clear benefits to drivers and the environment if BEVs were to become mainstream. However, there are currently just too many drawbacks to know how successful the BEV market can become. While many proponents are hopeful that BEVs will eventually become commonplace, the future of these vehicles remains largely unknown due to a number of unanswered questions and issues yet to be resolved. For instance, how will drivers have access to charging their vehicles? Will there be convenient charging stations like there are gas stations? Also, can we expect improvements to be made with batteries in the future?
This article will explore the potential advantages of a BEV-driven world and the challenges that BEV drivers currently face, and we’ll take a look at some of the main questions and issues that are too prevalent to be ignored.
ADVANTAGES OF A BEV-HEAVY MARKET
Even though we are still in the early stages of developing electric vehicles, BEVs currently come with many benefits, and it’s not hard to see how these benefits could become even more impactful as technology improves.
Lower Operating Costs
For one, it’s much cheaper to charge a BEV than it is to run a traditional vehicle off of gas; it’s actually about one-third of the cost. Also, a BEV contains very few moving parts compared to a traditional vehicle, which means it’s less expensive to maintain. For instance, with a BEV you don’t have to worry about servicing a starter motor, fuel injection system, exhaust system, or radiator, among many other components. Though many improvements need to be made to these vehicles’ batteries, most BEV manufacturers provide an eight-year warranty on their batteries even now.
Environmental Benefits
Some of the most obvious advantages are those that benefit the environment. BEVs have virtually no exhaust emissions, which means they emit much less pollution than traditional vehicles do. And if you use renewable energy for charging, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced even lower. For example, rather than charging from the grid, you can use a polar PV system while there’s daylight. If you must use the grid, you can still minimize greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing green power from your electricity company.
Even the manufacturing of some of the top BEVs is eco-conscious. For instance, the Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf are largely made of recycled and bio-based materials, such as plastic bags, water bottles, and second-hand car parts and home appliances.
Health and Safety
Along with the financial and environmental benefits, BEVs can help improve our health and safety. Less pollution from exhaust means better air quality, which can reduce health problems caused by pollution, and BEVs create much less noise pollution than traditional vehicles. Also, since BEVs typically have a lower center of gravity, they are less likely to roll over. Furthermore, fires aren’t as much of a risk, and the body structure of BEVs can prove more durable in a collision.
DISADVANTAGES OF CURRENT BEV MARKET
Of course, there are also drawbacks to BEVs. While they have enjoyed success, it has been with a limited group of consumers.
Charging Times
Tesla has led innovation in the BEV market in many ways, including its Supercharger networks, which can charge vehicles in about 30 minutes. However, that’s still a lot more time than it takes to fill the gas tank of a traditional vehicle. What’s more, scientists behind the efforts of manufacturers like Tesla and Toyota have their doubts about the possibility of reducing charging times enough to satisfy mainstream consumers. And since Toyota has been in the electric vehicle game for over 20 years, that speaks to the magnitude of this problem.
Electricity Generated
Another prevalent issue with BEVs is that they require electricity, which must come from somewhere. In states like California, most of the electricity comes from natural gas supplies, but states like West Virginia use coal to generate up to 90% of its electricity. Overall, about 38% of electricity in the United States is generated by coal. This begs the question: just how clean and green are electric cars? In short, it depends on where in the country you are driving. Furthermore, the lithium-ion batteries used by manufacturers like Tesla contain components that can potentially harm the environment by way of ecological toxicity and contributing to global warming.
Limited Categories
Finally, you don’t see any BEVs that fall under the heavy-duty truck category. This is mainly because the technology isn’t workable for truck applications—and it won’t be anytime soon. This is a serious problem because there are 2 to 3 million heavy-duty trucks on the road in the U.S. Much of the American economy depends on Class 8 commercial trucks, which guzzle 30 times more gas than the average automobile (about 35 billion gallons each year).
It’s difficult to see how BEV technology could advance enough to accommodate the heavy-duty truck category in the foreseeable future. However, if such trucks were able to be produced in an electric format, it could drastically decrease oil dependence and significantly benefit the trucking industry financially.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARGING STATIONS
There are currently about 20,000 public charging stations and 57,000 outlets for plug-in electric vehicles in the U.S. Here’s the thing: 4,800 of those stations and 18,200 of those outlets are found in California. Not surprisingly, California has also accounted for almost half of all BEV sales in the country since 2011. If there is hope for the BEV market to experience continued growth—and especially if battery-operated cars are to become mainstream—there must be more charging stations created throughout the country.
In a sense, the future popularity of BEVs in any particular area of the country depends on the accessibility of charging stations in that area. However, it gets tricky because states that don’t sell a lot of BEVs are less inclined to invest in public charging stations, but if they never decide to invest, then their sales will probably not improve by much. Therefore, there must be a break in the cycle at some point if BEVs are to become commonplace in the future.
Sure, there are some people who could charge their BEV at home, but that’s a limited category of consumers. Without an adequate number of charging stations open to the public, much like gas stations are, BEVs will never reach the mainstream. To put it into perspective, there are approximately 168,000 public gas stations in the U.S.—more than eight times the number of charging stations. The majority of consumers will never make the jump to BEVs until that gap is dramatically closing.
THE ROLE OF BATTERIES
As essential as charging stations are for the future of BEVs, batteries may play an even more important role. And BEV batteries need to undergo a lot of development if electric vehicles are to become commonplace.
Battery Anxiety
The term “battery anxiety” is often used in reference to one running out of battery power on their smartphone. We’ve all seen the symptoms: a family member searching frantically for a charger cable; a co-worker turning their desk over, only to ask you if they can borrow a charger; even a stranger asking if they can PowerShare with your phone. Chances are you’ve experienced the symptoms yourself. In a study administered by electronics manufacturer LG, 9 out of 10 people showed signs of battery anxiety.
The same logic is behind the term “range anxiety” in reference to electric vehicles. If such a phenomenon has that kind of grip on people with smartphones, you can imagine the impact of this anxiety when it comes to driving a car. Range anxiety is one reason why many consumers won’t even consider going the BEV route.
Most BEVs allow drivers to go about 100 miles fully charged (the Tesla Model S is an exception, as it allows drivers around 250 miles). This is another reason why the scarcity of charging stations is such a severe problem. Nonetheless, many manufacturers have pledged to develop BEVs that will hit about 200 miles per charge. That would surely make a big difference, but it’s still a far cry from a conventional vehicle that can go 300 to 400 miles on a full tank of gas.
The Problem with Lithium-Ion Batteries
Most newer electric cars these days are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are not without their advantages, such as the fact that they are light-weight (as compared to lead-acid batteries), relatively low-maintenance and can last for 8-10 years. However, there are some serious issues to consider as well.
For example, lithium-ion batteries are expensive. While a high-end lead-acid battery—as used in most traditional vehicles—costs around $120, a typical lithium-ion car battery costs in the $1,700 range. Also, lithium is highly reactive. This means if they are damaged or installed incorrectly, they can explode.
Moreover, the cells used in lithium-ion batteries are made with rare-earth metals; the supply of these metals is limited, and they’re dangerous to mine. Most workers who are tasked with retrieving rare-earth metals are laboring in harsh conditions, to say the least (and in some cases this means illegal child laborers).
The Prospect of Flow Batteries
Enter a new hope for BEV proponents: the “flow battery.” Scientists are currently working on this new type of refillable battery that they hope will replace lithium-ion as the commonplace battery in BEVs. The strongest appeal of the flow battery is that it solves most of the biggest problems consumers have with BEVs.
Depending on the model of vehicle and the power source used, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 10 hours to fully charge a lithium-ion battery in a BEV. If the flow battery is a success, it will allow drivers to empty their battery liquid and pump in new liquid in minutes—roughly the same time it would take to fill a gas tank.
What’s more, since the basic infrastructure is already there, it would be easier for gas stations everywhere to be retrofitted to pump this battery liquid in place of gas. This means that the scarcity of charging stations would no longer be a problem—thus, no more range anxiety. There is still a lot of progress to be made in the development of flow batteries, but it’s possible we will see some form of them in the next three years.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It’s easy to see how drivers and the environment would benefit from a BEV-driven market. All things considered, they are a more eco-conscious alternative to traditional vehicles, they are cheaper to operate, and they offer health and safety benefits. That said, BEVs have their share of drawbacks as well.
If BEVs are ever to enter the mainstream, more charging stations and better batteries must be made available. It looks like the work is being done to solve these issues, but only time will tell whether or not BEVs are indeed the future.
In the early 1960s, the hatchback vehicle was introduced to America and we fell in love with it…at least for a time. Though it lost some of its luster throughout the years, the hatchback’s innovative design has been a major influence on what we see on the roads today. Maybe this is why we are currently experiencing a strong reemergence of the hatchback vehicle—is it time for a blast from the past? At Mount Airy Toyota, we like the prospect of seeing more hatchback vehicles on the road, and we have plenty on our lot to offer, so we thought a little history lesson on the cool-looking car could benefit us all.
Characteristics of the Hatchback
The original hatchbacks were simple cars fitted with a rear door, hinged to the roof, that opened upwards much like a—you guessed it—hatch. These vehicles were rather squatted with a two-box body style. “Two-box” means the trunk and passenger area can easily consist of one volume of space by folding seats down, while the engine is separated into its own volume that can only be accessed by popping the hood. Most vehicles today are designed to be either a two- or three-box system.
The original appeal of the hatchback car was not just its sleek, new (at least for its era) look. Car buyers simply loved the fact that you could fold the back seats down to create a massive trunk space, and that the vehicle often came with a removable rigid parcel shelf or a roll-up Tonneau Cover. These were features new to the car industry and they were quite impressive.
There is also what’s known as a liftback, which is a hatchback with a single slope from the roofline to the bumper (picture a 1969 Ford Mustang) that has a more horizontal angle than the standard hatchback.
Both versions were incredibly popular upon their arrival in the 1930s and 1940s, and the hatch-like door for which the vehicle gets its name can be seen in just about every SUV made today. Of course, nowadays we don’t even have to touch the hatch for it to open; just swing a leg under the back bumper and it magically rises on its own. Oh, how far we have come!
The Early Stages of the Hatchback
In 1938 Citroen produced the first hatchback, called the 11CV Commerciale. This large hunk of a machine possessed a tailgate that came in two pieces: a top door hinged from the roof, and a bottom door hinged from below. The car sold well enough for Citroen to continue marketing them, and soon after World War II they designed a version of the 11CV Commerciale that had one door hinged from the top only. Though this car was big and bulky and came with a massive rear hatch, it lead to later designs such as the 1949 Vagabond and Traveler vehicles that were more sleek and small, like a modern sedan. It is these models of the hatchback that have been described as the major influences for the hatchbacks manufactured in America sometime later.
America’s Version of the Hatchback
Just like our current obsession with crossover vehicles (a morphing of the modern sedan and SUV) when the hatchback hit the States, most Americans were quite impressed.
Once they noticed their popularity in Europe, big car companies like Chrysler, Ford, and GM immediately went to work on designing a model of our own. Though the first models of the hatchback in the 1960s did well, like the Ford Pinto and Ford Bobcat, it was the Dodge Omni and the Plymouth Horizon, both released in 1978, that set the standard for America’s version of the vehicle. Then later, in the 1980s, the Dodge Shadow and Dodge Lancer managed to keep America’s love affair with the hatchback alive.
Despite the decades of progress and popularity with the hatchback, its inclusion into modern life in the late 80s and into the 90s began to wane. We started to want bigger cars with more space and room to move around. Station wagons provided this, as did the entry of the Sport Utility Vehicle and, as fads always do, the American hatchback slowly lost its tracking.
But just as fads fade away, it only takes a handful of years before they reemerge into popular culture, often with a new take on an old idea. And if you have been paying much attention to what’s new in the world of vehicles, it seems the hatchback is on its way back into our lives.
A New Savior?
It’s tough to say why things come back into fashion. Have we run out of ideas? Is there really nothing new under the sun? Just look at the fashion industry and you can see just how circular trends can be. Despite the dubious nature of American trends, there could be an easy explanation for why the hatchback is reemerging. There’s no disputing the fact we see more SUVs and crossovers on the road than sedans these days, as the car industry has had a massive drop in sedan sales over the last decade. With this in mind, it could be said the arrival of modernized hatchbacks is an effort to popularize the sedan again (or at least a modernized version of it).
According to an article from USA Today, “In 2017, compact and subcompact car sales are down 25%.” Though this may not seem like much of a drop in number, even the smallest fluctuation in sales, either up or down, can have drastic repercussions. The article goes on to say that “Hatchbacks in those classes have risen 16%.” So with one (the sedan) going down, and the other (the hatchback) going up in sales, it’s safe to say the projected models of hatchbacks to come out in the next few years will test the market strength of this new style of sedan. Actually, that 16% figure already indicates an interest in the hatchback design by American car buyers, and the hope is this number will continue to rise. And judging from what we have seen in sales at Mount Airy Toyota, an increase does indeed seem probable.
The Modern Hatchback
So if you are in the market for a new car, and are considering a hatchback—as many car buyers these days are—there are a few things to consider. In fact, we’ve come up with a list of five tips to think about before you get too far along in the process. Here they are:
- Fun or Family? Today’s hatchbacks typically come in two styles: compact and midsize. The compact is closest in form to its ancestors, except that it has much more power and pizazz. These are sporty, fun-to-drive cars with two doors and the iconic scrunched rear. Though they’re small, they are the perfect weekend ride.
The midsize is a four-door wagon-like car that maintains the hatchback look (as it does have the hatch in the back), but it is considerably larger than the compact model. This car could actually serve as a nice family vehicle with plenty of room to stretch and store goods.
- A New Crossover? Not all, but some hatchbacks coming out are large enough to be considered a small SUV, or a large sedan. But unlike the sport utility vehicle and the sedan, new hatchbacks still allow for the rear seats to fold down in order to provide even more cargo space. This might seem like a minor detail, but once you actually lay eyes on the space created from losing the back seats, you’ll realize this is a big selling point.
- An Easier Drive. Since the hatchback integrates the trunk space into the rear of the car more so than any other, it is shorter in length. This means it is easier to park and maneuver around tight spaces. This is great for big cities and congested areas and can make your life so much better.
And the ease doesn’t stop there. Take any modern hatchback and compare its turning radius to that of a typical sedan of the same price range and you’ll notice a big difference. Hatchbacks make sharp turns simple, quick, and fun. And you can’t help but feel a little safer knowing that.
- Low Cost, Big Results. Because they are smaller in nature than a sedan (and definitely smaller than an SUV or crossover), hatchbacks don’t cost as much. Not only that, but they also do better on fuel, and that’s not even considering the hybrid and all-electric versions of the hatchback—yes, the modern hatchback can come as gas-powered, hybrid, or electric!
- Rise in Popularity. Don’t believe the naysayers who love to hate on the hatchback, whether old or new. The truth is, the American hatchback is on its way up! That 16% rise in sales mentioned earlier is just the tip of the iceberg. Hatchbacks are back and they’re here to win America’s hearts all over again.
Toyota’s New Hatchbacks
Currently, Toyota has some impressive hatchbacks to offer, two of which we find to be our favorites: one in the Corolla and another in the Prius. Let’s have a look at some of the specs for each.
Corolla Hatchback:
- Comes with a starting MSRP of $20,140
- Offers 30/38 estimated miles-per-gallon
- Has three trim levels—SE (L4 2.0L, 6MT); SE (L4 2.0L, CVT); and XSE (L4 2.0L, 6MT)
- Available with a dynamic force engine; optimized suspension; leather-trimmed sport seats; 6-speed intelligent manual transmission; rear window spoiler; and wearable connectivity
- It also comes with a chrome grille surround, LED taillights, LED fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and piano-black accents and soft-touch materials throughout
Prius C:
- Comes with a starting MSRP of $21,530
- Has an estimated 48/43 mpg
- Available in seven different colors—Tide Pool Pearl, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Absolutely Red, and Blue Streak Metallic
- Offered in an L or LE trim level
- Features the following: pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; lane departure alert; automatic high beams; a sporty exterior shape; 15-inch alloy wheels; versatile design; 60/40 split rear seating; and a premium interior
- And as far as technology goes, there is a standard backup camera, a smart key system with a push-bottom start, and a multi-information display
See to Believe
There are plenty more specs to both Toyota hatchbacks, but this is one type of vehicle you really have to see to believe. There’s just something about its performance, its comfortable-cool atmosphere that just can’t be explained.
Like it or not, the hatchback is about to experience its own renaissance and we couldn’t be more excited. Just take a look at what we have on our lot right now—
- 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback (SE CVT) in Blizzard Pearl for only $21,842
- 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback (XSE CVT) in Blizzard Pearl for only $26,681
- 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback (SE CVT) in Classic Silver Metallic for only $21,692
Come in today and test drive the all-new Toyota hatchbacks. Mount Airy Toyota is confident you will be impressed with this blast from the past and, as always, you simply won’t find better pricing anywhere else. See you soon!
-Andrae Bergeron
*Sources:
If you have not heard already, the Toyota Supra is back after two decades of absence in North America. Its arrival in mid-2019 has caused an uproar among major Supra fans and Toyota enthusiasts. Here at Mount Airy Toyota, we are so excited to tell you all about the 2020 Supra, what it means for long-time fans of the car, and how a new generation will be ready to fall in love this year with the Supra.
Witness the return of a legendary sports car this summer
The Toyota Supra is back for 2020. In terms of hype, it is similar to witnessing the end of Avengers or the final season of Game of Thrones; there are definitely cult followings and there are major fans out there who have awaited its return. After 20 years, this beloved sports car is back.
Revival does not even begin to cover it
The revival of this 1980s and early 1990s classic, two decades after it was discontinued, was unveiled at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. Every Supra shares the same core fundamentals with a smooth inline six up front, rear-wheel drive, and a modern chassis. The 2020 Supra will feature the classic long-hood, low-riding, two-door design, and short-deck proportion, as well. But, in line with Toyota’s mission to deliver the purest expression of performance, the 2020 Supra will redefine sports cars just as it has time and time again.
Take a step back in time to appreciate the present
The 1993 Supra Turbo was praised for its acceleration, skid pad performance, and antilock brakes that set records at a 70 mph stopping distance. The 3.0-liter engine did not rank well with American consumers, however, and with the $39,900 price tag, Toyota only sold 2,901 cars.
In 1996, Toyota was required to re-engineer the Supra to include the OBD II systems, inflating the model’s base cost to $38,600. This made the ’93 Supra Turbo model soar to $50,400 in 1996. As a result, Toyota only sold 852 Supras in ’96, and at that time, had not reached the point of selling 10,000 Supras in the United States.
By 1998, while Toyota sales were beginning to recover, the Supra just wasn’t selling as expected. Buyers simply were not willing to pay what the Supra costed, despite its incredible performance and advanced powertrain. This led to the development of racing enthusiasts who became cult followers of the Supra, as they understood that the Supra Turbo’s 2JZ-GTE had enormous amounts of power and boost.
A true cinematic vehicle
For the younger generations who are not long-time fans of the Supra, they just might get all the hype if they have watched one of the biggest film franchises of the past ten years, where the car was featured and gained a new reputation among the millennial audience.
The timeline definitely did not stop in the year ’98 for the Toyota Supra. In the year 2000, the National Import Racing Associate director, Craig Lieberman, had modified a Supra Turbo to 600 horsepower and was showing it off at an imported car show. It was at this point that he was approached by a man who asked him to consult on a film about racing. This film was called Redline, and it featured a character named Officer Brian O’Connor, and an all-too-familiar plotline that we all recognize now about street racing and big-rig heists.
The film we’re talking about here had a name change, from Redline to The Fast and the Furious. Before the script hit filming, the producers had to change a main character’s vehicle from a Nissan 240SX to, yes, you guessed it, the Supra. This was because the producers needed to pull a character off of a truck and through a car’s sunroof in the movie’s climactic scene, thus requiring a car with a Targa top and the credibility as a power-driven performance car.
As the highest grossing film of 2001, and a classic series reaching millions and millions of fans, The Fast and the Furious was a landmark film for car culture and the racing scene across America. It was also because of the film that the Supra went from being unable to sell in ten years what the Corvette sold in one year, to a nine-second drag car capable of holding its line with major racing names.
The launch of the 2020 Toyota Supra
The Supra is finally back after 20 years, and the newest model is only being offered as an automatic and sporting a BMW engine. The top-end model has an inline-six twin-turbo engine producing 335hp, similar to numbers of the Supra that debuted in 1993. Will it deliver on the hype though? Let’s dive into it.
Zero to (almost) 100, real fast
If you are interested in power, then you will fall in love with the Toyota Supra. In its advertisements, the Supra reported 335 horsepower and 365-lb of torque. Needless to say, this car can really move. Then, Car and Driver gave it a run and revealed that it can hit 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. Now that is fast.
This powerhouse is being co-developed with BMW and will share its architecture with the upcoming Z4, meaning the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine is shared with the Z4. It will boast a 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower, 365-lb-ft. of torque, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This means going from 0-60 miles an hour in an estimated 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 with a curb weight of 3397 pounds. The engine is as far back and as low as possible, which optimizes the center of gravity for a 50:50 front/rear weight distribution—making your drive, no matter the speed, as smooth as possible.
Toyota’s approach to the design was to create the best driver’s car, full stop. Drivers in the Supra can control the throttle with millimeter precision. The Supra is extremely well positioned in the market with its manageable and impressive performance.
Toyota never sells on just one feature
Toyota understands that one of the main selling points of the original supra was the incredible engine and powertrain, but they also know that the rest of the car has to measure up to consumer expectations. That is why Toyota invested so much time into engineering the rest of the car just as carefully as the engine itself.
This is not to mention, too, that Toyota has definitely learned from its longstanding history and fan base with the Supra. If the car performed so well, followed by years of low sales, then temporarily forgotten, then Toyota will only build a successor that will be remembered and revered.
So let us fully focus on what the Mk.5 has to offer.
Styling
The first thing you will notice about the 2020 Supra is that it is truly a work of art. The science behind the design is just as impressive and is what really makes the car a masterpiece. The wide grille is designed to channel cool air directly to the turbocharged engine, which in turn, helps optimize performance.
The “double-bubble” roof adds space inside the vehicle, while also reducing aerodynamic drive outside. Intakes and vents are everywhere. And, as with any expectation for a sports car, the rear spoiler reduces body life and keeps the Supra planted at high speeds.
The wheelbase is 97.2 inches and the length is 172.5. Unlike previous Supras, the 2020 only seats two, with more than sufficient space for someone over 6ft. The cargo area, albeit narrow, can more than handle your weekend getaway luggage.
The 2020 Supra has already received great reception on the look and feel of the vehicle, as it remained true to its highly regarded lineage.
Control
Toyota provided a rigid chassis, adaptive suspension, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires to ensure that the Supra drives as good as it looks. Long turns will have you feeling what the car can do, plus you can steer with the extremely responsive throttle. Slide into Sport mode, turn off traction control, and you can really enjoy the Supra’s suspension tuning, steering feel, and body rigidity. With the tightness in the center of the vehicle, the car turns in quickly and provides a comforting sense of confidence at high speeds. Even with high winds and broken pavement, the rigid chassis delivers a sensational ride quality.
Safety
The Supra is equipped with its active differential and Brembo front brakes, ensuring that the driver has ultimate control over the vehicle. This new model will, of course, come decked out with LED headlights, a 6.5” infotainment screen, forward collision warning, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a sports mode.
Trim levels
The Supra will be available in three trim levels: 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and Launch Edition. The standard 3.0 trims include a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, adaptive suspension, forward collision warning, launch control, and shift paddles. The 3.0 Premium trim upgrades the infotainment screen to an 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker sound system, wireless charging, a color head-up display, and heated, leather-upholstered seats.
The GR Supra Launch Edition will only be available to a lucky few. Why? Because the GR Supra Launch Edition is limited to only 1500 units. The Launch edition will include 19-inch, unique matte-black wheels, and a red leather interior, red mirror caps, and an individually numbered interior badge with Akio Toyoda’s signature. The Supra Launch edition is available in Renaissance Red 2.0, Nocturnal or Absolute Zero.
Fun fact: The very first globally produced all-new 2020 GR Supra was auctioned off for $2.1 million dollars this year. This all happened at the Barrett-Jackson Auction, where proceeds benefitted the American Heart Association and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which aids injured veterans and their families. The buyer’s identity hasn’t been released yet, but we do know that the first Supra was flat gray with red mirror caps, black wheels, and had red upholstery. The winner’s car was signed by Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda on the engine bay, and received a racing suit, driving gloves, shoes, and the helmet Akio wore when he personally tested the Supra during its development.
Price
The base price for this vehicle is $45,000. The Launch edition has a starting MSRP of $55,250. The 3.0 Premium has a starting MSRP of $53,990. The 3.0 has a starting MSRP of $49,990.
Additional Specs At A Glance
- 365lb.–ft. of torque
- 3397 pounds, total
- 155 mph top speed
- 24 city mpg
- 31 highway mpg
The Supra and Mount Airy Toyota
The 2020 Supra has had car fanatics awaiting its return for many years, and 2019 has unveiled the iconic sports car once and for all. With the incoming influx of driving impressions and personal reviews, it will be exciting to see how this light, agile, fun, and overall reasonable sports car will deliver to consumers. Mount Airy Toyota is excited to recommend the Supra to any eager sports car fan, and with the starting price at less than $50,000, you’re definitely getting the bang for your buck!
Electric vehicles are growing in demand each year, and creating more and more buzz as the technology continues to become better and more efficient. At Mount Airy Toyota, we’re interested not only in the overall automotive shift away from fossil fuels, but also in what that means for our dealership, our city, and way of life in Mount Airy. We wanted to know more about where Toyota fits into the electric vehicle market, when we might be seeing a full electric car release from Toyota, and what it means for Mount Airy Toyota in the future.
Electric cars are the future; it’s a statement we have heard before, that we have seen come into reality, and seems to become more and more standard, albeit at a slow pace, every year. With every global climate report delivering the same message about limited fossil fuels and negative climate impact, electric cars are gaining more traction and popularity.
If you’re 35 or younger, it’s inevitable that you will be driving an electric car in your lifetime. The face of the automotive industry is rapidly producing new technologies to fill the needs of an electric driven economy.
What is an electric vehicle?
Electric vehicles are battery charged, and run at least partially on electricity. There are a variety of options to consider when you think about electric cars. Electric vehicles can range from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles that use plug-in rechargeable batteries, and there are pure electric vehicles.
How do they work?
Instead of vehicles running on gasoline like in internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles run either partially or completely on electricity stored in a battery. Thus, electric vehicles don’t produce tailpipe pollution. They also minimize wasted energy by turning the car off when stopped and by charging the battery when braking. Electric vehicles are more energy- efficient than gasoline or diesel powered engines, which explains why they are in such high demand.
Are electric vehicles clean?
Producing electricity isn’t necessarily clean; electricity can produce heat-trapping gases, pollution at the source of the electricity generation, or in the extraction of fossil fuels. It’s definitely worth noting though that battery electric cars charged off of the dirtiest coal grid still produce lower pollution than their gasoline-powered counterparts. If electric vehicles are charged by wind or solar energy sources, they are virtually emission free!
How do they charge?
As mentioned before, they can charge when braking as you drive, but mainly they are charged at home. With a 240-volt outlet (a power similar to what it takes to run clothes in the dryer), most electric vehicles can charge fully overnight. Once fully charged, electric vehicles can typically drive between 70 to 100 miles per day (which is within the average range of what most Americans drive daily). Fast-charging stations can provide 60 to 80 miles of range for every 20 minutes of charging.
Battery technologies will change, as we realize things such as the fact silicon batteries provide 30% more range, and as we find less expensive batteries.
Battery technology is progressing so quickly, and it’s only going to get better. Between 2008 and 2014, the price of batteries dropped more than 70 percent. The development of larger and more powerful batteries means that batteries will also require larger charging systems and longer time requirements.
Manufacturers are now willing to put the money forward to develop more electric vehicles. But, the main issue manufacturers face is the cost-curve of having electric vehicles more competitive in the market place, versus demand actually pulling them out of the manufacturers. EV’s are less than 2% of vehicle sales in America. In 2017, electric cars reached a global sales record with 1 million cars sold.
What or who do you think of when you hear about electric vehicles?
Elon Musk probably comes to mind, and for good reason. As recently as January 2019, the American-made company, Tesla, released their goal to have 400,000 new electric vehicles on the road.
In March 2016, the Tesla Model 3 was released, and has, since then, reigned as the electric car to turn the electric vehicle market mainstream. Starting at $35,000, the Tesla Model 3 is reasonably affordable, and comes in with 220 miles of range and all the equipment to drive autonomously. With software updates that increase the mileage and efficiency of the vehicle without taking a trip to the dealership, the Model 3 has ruled in the electric vehicle domain, and we can see why.
Tesla has put more electric cars on the road than any other company, but across the automotive industry, everyone has electric cars in the works for the coming years.
What are the hurdles automotive industries are facing with electric vehicles?
As battery-electric vehicles and hybrids become more popular, infrastructure everywhere will have to adapt. Beyond city hubs in California, and select other cities, the reality is that of fall 2018, there were an estimated 22,000 public charging stations between the US and Canada. Therefore, before most consumers can consider, or much less, commit to an electric car, they would have to consider the distances they want to drive in their electric vehicle, and if there are charging stations within reasonable distances.
Of course, automotive manufacturers have to be concerned about the charging stations as well. Automakers can either build their own charging networks or rely on third-party networks. Tesla has 1,344 Supercharger stations worldwide, with around 580 of those in the US. While they have discussed the possibility of opening their network to other automakers, the stations only currently serves Tesla. Volkswagen plans to install 2,800 charging stations in 17 US cities by June 2019. Other automakers rely on third-party companies, which can be cheaper, but more uncertain with a lack of consistency for coverage.
For example, Electrify America is installing charging stations at more than 100 Walmarts in 34 states. ChargePoint is increasing their charging stations 50-fold by 2025, building up from 53,000 charging stations.
Building electric charging stations can be a bureaucratic situation with lots of red tape in the way, whether that’s finding real estate to build the station, or to negotiate with local utility companies. But the demand for charging stations is increasing, as more apartment and condo complexes are providing charging opportunities, and bus and trucking industries are also shifting towards electric power.
- Fun fact: Just as a comparison, there are about seven times more gas stations than charging stations in the US and Canada—about 168,000!
What are the cons of owning or leasing an electric vehicle?
It is not a surprise to the average American that electric vehicles are more expensive than the average car. The average price of an electric vehicle is about $30,000-$35000. But, the savings in gasoline can average about $1400 on gas, costing about $540 a year to charge an electric car, in comparison. To break even and offset the fuel savings, you would have to keep the car for around 11 years, which is actually the average time that most US drivers keep a car before trading in or selling.
What are the pros?
Although there is not a lot of data on what the exact savings are on electric car maintenance, there is a lesser chance of breaking down, the service packages are cheaper, and the vehicles themselves are much better than gasoline alternatives at converting energy to movement from a standing start. They don’t require oil changes or experience as much wear and tear on the brakes. Electric and hybrid vehicles can also enjoy discounts of up to 10% on car insurance, because they tend to be safer and less likely to break down. Some electric vehicles also receive tax breaks!
How do they drive?
For automotive enthusiasts, there’s something about the control over the vehicle, the roar of the engine, the power behind the wheel… and it’s enough to never consider making the switch to an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles do lack manual shifting, they are extremely quiet, and of course, there won’t really be a reason to stop at a gas station unless you’re needing snacks.
Any electric car you sit behind the wheel of is a totally different drive than any other car. They are quiet, smooth, and refined. They are high-quality and are equipped with the latest technology.
Why has Toyota not been seen in the electric car market yet?
Toyota does not offer any full-electric vehicle in the United States. Moreover, Toyota has almost conspicuously not been producing or teasing any line-up of full battery-electric cars to come, and the reason might surprise you. Basically, it comes down to Toyota believing that hybrids are a better option between internal-combustion vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell-vehicles.
There is a serious question about the range and capability of the electric car and what redesigns it will have to face in order to get adopted by the average American. Those challenges are being addressed with better batteries, larger range capabilities, and the implementation of charging stations.
In the mean time, Toyota has an astounding line up of hybrid options, and they’re available at Mount Airy Toyota. Ranging from full-size sedans to sporty crossovers, these Toyota vehicles are all incredibly fuel efficient, cool, and provide ample battery capacity.
$22,950 starting msrp
53/52 est. mpg
$27,770 starting msrp
54/50 est. mpg
$21,530 starting msrp
48/43 mpg
$27,350 starting msrp
54/133 est. mpg
$28,250 starting msrp
51/53 est. mpg
$36,550 starting msrp
43/44 est. mpg
$27,700 starting msrp
41/38 est. mpg
$37.320 starting msrp
30/28 est. mpg
What’s to come for Toyota?
Currently, Toyota is able to produce enough batteries for 28,000 electric vehicles each year, which equates to 1.5 million hybrid cars. The amount of gas-electric hybrid cars Toyota sells currently impacts the environment more positively than it would by selling far fewer electric vehicles due to the market.
Toyota has been more interested in hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, but as the market slowly evolves in the U.S., Toyota is opening some of its patents to help hybrid car production. In total, Toyota has sold more than 13 million hybrids, globally dominating more than 80% of the market for hybrid vehicles.
Mount Airy Toyota: The Future is Here
Due to economic feasibility, battery efficiency, and the increase of Americans finding fossil fuel alternatives, electric cars are here to stay. Mount Airy Toyota has some of the leading hybrid vehicles on our lot. If you have never driven an electric vehicle before, we encourage you to come test drive and experience the difference. Give us a call today at (336) 786-2118, visit us online at mountairytoyota.com, or stop by and see us at 508 N Andy Griffith Parkway in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
- Learn more: Charlotte Talks: WFAE with Mike Collins
If you’re interested in hearing more about this topic, check out the local broadcast, Charlotte Talks on WFAE with Mike Collins, where last month they discussed the future of electric cars with Brian Jenkins, Ezra Dyer, and Matt DeLorenzo.
Mount Airy Toyota is pleased to announce our participation with local community partners in upcoming fundraiser events around the Charlotte and Mount Airy regions. Check out the golf fundraisers that we are playing in and learn more about what special programs we are supporting around our community.
11th Annual Pfc. Adam Lee Marion Memorial Golf Tournament
On Thursday, April 25th, Mount Airy Toyota is participating in the 11th Annual Pfc. Adam Lee Marion Memorial Golf Tournament. This golf tournament has been held eleven years in a row in honor of Private First Class Adam Lee Marion.
Private First Class Adam Lee Marion was killed in Iraq on April 28, 2008 while serving in the military. Adam was 26 years old when a rocket attack outside of Sadr City, Iraq claimed his life. He was deployed as part of a North Carolina National Guard unit tasked with performing route-clearance missions.
Family friends of the Marion’s, John Lawson and Ralph Holt organized the golf benefit in Adam Marion’s names and had the idea to put the proceeds towards supporting the Children’s Center. The original mission was to raise about $10,000 a year for the center; this amount has gone above and beyond their expectations, growing each year.
4th Annual Destiny Lives On Golf Tournament
On Friday, May 10th, you can find us out at the Cramer Mountain Club participating in the 4th Annual Destiny Lives On Golf Tournament.
This event includes a day of golf (the tournament will be a Captain’s Choice format), followed by lunch and an awards ceremony with prizes and raffles.
The proceeds from the tournament go towards the Destiny Lives On Foundation. The tournament itself aims to honor and support families that have given or received an organ donation, and supports efforts to promote and educate people about the importance of organ donation.
Space to participate is limited, and we recommend that you register early to guarantee your spot. It costs $520 per foursome team, and this includes green fees, cart, swag bag, breakfast/lunch/beverages, and 4 mulligan packets per team. Cash prizes are awarded to the winning team. Player registration opens April 10th, 2019.
You can mail a donation or a sponsor payment to:
Destiny Lives On Foundation
4033 Avery Pl.
Gastonia, NC 28056
Or if you’re interested in learning more about the event or have any questions, you can contact Kelly Stafford at (704) 913-4270 or at destinyliveson@hotmail.com. Check out their website at https://destinyliveson.org/.
Spring Golf Classic 2019 Matthews Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber hosts a golf tournament each year as a way for members and guests to promote their businesses, get to know their peers, raise money for the Chamber, and donate funds to a designated local non-profit. The title sponsor this year is Harris Teeter.
The Matthew Chamber Golf Classic is on Tuesday, May 14th at the Pine Lake Country Club at 5504 Lebanon Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227. The check-in begins at 11:00am, with a shotgun tee-off at 12:00pm. Lunch, dinner, beverages, and cart fee are all included. There will be lots of fun, giveaways, raffles, contests, and prizes, and dinner following the tournament. The event ends at 7:00pm.
This year, the non-profit receiving the funds from the tournament is Bright Blessings. Bright Blessings serves over 13,000 children every year in partnerships with local school systems and dozens of shelters, housing facilities and community support agencies across a five-county area. The mission of Bright Blessings is to bring joy, care, and hope to homeless and impoverished children by mobilizing volunteers of all ages. You can learn more about Bright Blessings on their website at: https://www.brightblessingsusa.org/
Registration is now open; you can click here to register. Each player receives 18 holes of golf, golf cart, range balls, beverages, lunch from Chic-fil-A, and dinner from Beantown Tavern. The $20 Mulligan package is optional.
- Individual Player: $100 (fun golf attire encouraged!)
- Foursome: $400
You can also take part in the sponsor opportunities:
- Hole/Tee Sponsor: $150
- Putting Green Sponsor: $500
- Driving Range Sponsor: $250
- Scorecard Sponsor: $250
- Dinner/Awards Presentation: $20
If you are interested in learning more about any of these upcoming events around the Charlotte area, whether you want to donate, participate, or attend, feel free to come by Mount Airy Toyota and we would be happy to share more information. We hope to see you out at some of these events in April and May, and we encourage you to give back to your greater Charlotte community this spring!
Vehicles of the Future: What Toyota’s Bringing to Mount Airy Toyota in 2019
Here at Mount Airy Toyota, 2019 has been the year of delivering more reliable, interesting, and fun vehicles than ever before. We are more than excited over the latest technology, delivery, and design of Toyota’s innovative vehicles. With many of these new releases on the lot, there has never been a better time to visit Mount Airy Toyota to check out and test-drive your future vehicle. Speaking of future vehicles, you might remember the dream sports car of the 80’s—but the wait is over. Toyota’s design efforts have all lead up to the long anticipated return of the 2020 Supra in the U.S. this year.
Check out some of Toyota’s latest and greatest advances, and learn about how Toyota is changing the face of dealerships like our own Mount Airy Toyota dealership, as well as, the American motor economy.
The 2019 Toyota Corolla: Proof that you can have it all
The Corolla is a reliable classic that comes in a sedan or hatchback, and has been revamped for 2019. Not only does it deliver a modern look and a composed ride, it also comes available with a rev-matching manual transmission. Check out some of the top new features worth noting about the 2019 Toyota Corolla.
New TNGA Suspension
The Toyota New Global Architecture, or TNGA is a modular unibody design found under a lot of Toyota’s new cars and SUVS. With the ability to easily accommodate different size vehicles and front, rear, and all-wheel drive powertrains, this suspension platform delivers. On the 2019 Corolla, the TNGA is configured with front wheel drive, with struts under the nose of the vehicle, and the multi-link independent suspension that supports the tail.
The Future is Here with TNGA:
According to Toyota, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) will build better-than-ever vehicles on common platforms with common parts, making the manufacturing plants more flexible and responsible to the marketplace, and leading to overall cost savings that can be reinvested into future technologies at Toyota.
Quick facts on the TNGA:
- The first TNGA-inspired vehicle assembled in North America was the 2018 Camry at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Kentucky.
- Toyota’s first North American manufacturing plant built with TNGA capabilities started production in 2019 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Guanajuato.
- By 2020, approximately half of all new Toyota vehicles worldwide will benefit from TNGA.
With the 2019 Corolla, the TNGA makes the convention powertrain of the Corolla more powerful, fuel efficient, and reduces the overall weight of the vehicle from the adoption of materials like high strength steel and aluminum.
Dynamic Shift-CVT
The CVTs, or continuously variable transmissions, are paired with the new suspension system to really deliver a thrill of a ride. This means that the CVT has the advantage of being more fuel efficient, and making you feel more connected to drive. So if you are at an intersection and the light turns green, as your foot moves from the brake to the gas pedal, the fixed first gear will engage. This gives the engine a more direct connection to the front-drive wheels, making the pedal feel more responsive while improving acceleration and drivetrain durability.
Refreshed Exterior Design
From modern LED headlights, a sleek grille, and 16-inch steel wheels, the distinctive design of the Corolla is ready to go in any situation.
Choose joy this 2019
While there are so many great sedans on the market, the 2019 Toyota Yaris is a highly competitive choice. Why not choose a driving experience that always delivers joy?
Efficient, responsive performance
The handling of this Yaris sedan is extremely responsive and fun, and truly delivers on its drivability. Whether you are cruising through the city, travelling on the highway, or taking a joy ride, the 1.5-liter engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission happily provides efficient performance with tons of pep. You will be getting an incredible 40-MPG on the highway and 32 MPT in the city.
The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension offers a smooth ride, and agile handling for an exciting ride. When you are ready for a sportier trip, the Yaris lets you opt in to the 6-speed automatic Sport Mode with just the flip of a switch.
Smart, stylish, and sporty
Technology is more important than ever, and we expect seamless, integrated, and accessible features in our vehicles. The 2019 Toyota Yaris comes standard with a 7-in. touch-screen multimedia system. You can interact directly with the screen, use the control knob between the front seats, or speak to the system which features voice recognition and Bluetooth.
The LE and XLE trims come standard with the Smart Key System, allowing you to lock and unlock your doors just by touching the handle, alongside the Push Button Start to engage the ignition just with the key fob close-by in your pocket or bag.
Advanced technology
One of the coolest features on the 2019 Yaris is the rain-sensing windshield wiper blades. These come standard on the Yaris XLE; the windshield wipers automatically adjust to match the intensity of the rain and speed of the car.
Automatic LED headlights not only shine brighter, but also use less energy. You will be able to let the Yaris do the thinking, meaning turning the headlights to auto will save you the time of remembering to turn off and on your headlights.
When it comes to safety, the 2019 Yaris comes standard with the Low-Speed Pre-Collision System, which scans the road for potential collisions, and if it detects a potential frontal collision, the vehicle provides an audio/visual alert and braking assistance is automatically activated.
Move forward with clean power in 2019
The 2019 Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen-fueled, zero-emissions vehicle, and the first fuel-cell vehicle for sale. This vehicle runs solely on hydrogen and only emits water. You will feel better as a driver knowing you’re making life better for the environment and those around you. Here are five more reasons you should love the direction the Mirai takes Toyota:
1. Aspirational, aerodynamic design
Mirai: In Japanese, the word “mirai” means “future.” The Toyota Mirai is definitely the future of eco-friendly, efficient vehicles. The interior of the vehicle is functional, practical, and comfortable. The speedometer and driving displays are further up on the dash, keeping your eyes on the critical vehicle functions instead. The Mirai also seats four.
2. Refueling will take no time at all
Refueling the Mirai only takes 5 minutes! What is even more incredible is that the range of one tank is around 300 miles. Right now, fuel is completely included for the first three years of ownership.
3. Your drive will not disappoint
This car is quiet, subdued, and provides a nicely tuned suspension for responsive steering. While perhaps not for the power enthusiast, the Mirai can keep up with the other cars on the highway. It can reach 60 MPH in 9.4 seconds and 80 MPH in a quarter-mile, and stop from 70 MPH in 194 feet. This is also impressive considering that it delivers 152 horsepower and weights less than two tons.
4. From California to across the world
Currently, the Mirai is only sold or leased in California, where they have the infrastructure for hydrogen fueling. In 2018, there were only 35 public hydrogen-fueling stations in the United States, all of which were located in California. California announced their plan to boost this number by 50% by the end of 2019. So while you cannot get this vehicle in Mount Airy, it is still exciting to see the future of eco-friendly vehicles getting better and better each year in the U.S.
5. A milestone in vehicle development
After 23 years of development and 5,680 patents, Toyota has invested a great deal into the Mirai and the future of fuel cell vehicles. The Toyota Mirai comes with an eight-year powertrain or 100,000 mile warranty. This also explains the price tag of such an innovative vehicle, starting with a base price of $58,325.
Witness the return of a legendary sports car this summer
The Toyota Supra is back.
The revival of this 1980s and early 1990s classic, two decades after it was discontinued, was unveiled at the 2019 Detroit auto show. It will feature the classic long-hood, sleek, low-riding, two-door design, and short-deck proportion.
Younger generations might be excited if they are fans of the Fast and Furious franchise, where the car was featured and gained a new reputation among the millennial audience.
This powerhouse is being co-developed with BMW and will share its architecture with the upcoming Z4. This means the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine is shared with the Z4. It will boast a 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower, 365-lb-ft of torque, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This means going from 0-60 miles per hour in an estimated 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 155 with a curb weight of 3397 pounds. And this new model will, of course, come decked out with LED headlights, a 6.5” infotainment screen, forward-collision warning, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a sports mode.
The Supra will be available in three trim levels: 3.0, 3.0 Premium, and the Launch Edition, which will only be made available in 1,500 units. The base price for this vehicle is $45,000; the 3.0 starts at $50,920, and the Launch Edition will start at $55,520. The higher trims up the infotainment screen to 8.8-inches, heated seats, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. The Launch edition will include 19-inch wheels, and a red leather interior. The Supra plans to enter the market in mid-2019.
Toyota: Supporting the American Economy
Recently, Toyota announced its plan to invest an additional $3 billion in U.S. manufacturing plants, bolstering its North American production presence.
According to USA Today, “…the company specific plans to invest $749 million and hire 568 new workers at existing operations in Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee an West Virginia. That includes adding the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Lexus E3 300H hybrid to its sprawling factory in Georgetown, Kentucky.”
Toyota vehicles have always been some of America’s favorite cars, and knowing that you are supporting the American economy both nationwide from manufacturing and locally from supporting local dealerships, while reaping the benefits of Japanese design, makes buying Toyota all the better. In fact, did you know that Americans buy more Toyotas than in Japan? Toyota’s reach is pretty incredible!
Innovation, Technology and Luxury: All Available at Mount Airy Toyota
Whether you are interested in checking out one of the vehicles we talked about, are eager to chat with like-minded enthusiasts about the upcoming release of the Supra, or are searching for new 2019 Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVS for sale in the Mount Airy area, then look no further! Mount Airy Toyota offers a large selection of new Toyota models in Mount Airy. Our New Vehicle Inventory features all of the latest Toyota models, and allows you to browse our inventory online to see what we have in stock.
If you find a Toyota vehicle that interests you, contact us to schedule a test drive or learn more about its features. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to assist you and help to answer any questions you might have. Visit Mount Airy Toyota today to experience our awe-inspiring lineup of new Toyota vehicles for sale in Mount
Graduations from college are right around the corner, and that means gifts! And did someone say cold hard cash? How about a new car? Luckily, Mount Airy Toyota has managed a way to help you hang on to some of your savings this graduation season.
Just how do we plan to save you money? Rebates, that’s how. Southeast Toyota Finance has rolled out a College Graduate Rebate program for recent or upcoming graduates. That means money off your next purchase of a Toyota—$500 off, to be precise!
Toyota knows the pressures for recent college grads: find a new job, think about budgeting, rent an apartment, even possibly move to a new city. So what better way to celebrate the next stage in a graduate’s life than to put oneself behind the wheel of a new car, and at an affordable price?
Americans have always loved their cars because we see them as indicators for successes in life. Life events like a new job, new marriage, new children, usually help us see the need for a new car. Or the way we celebrate a milestone is to buy ourselves a new car, as a way of saying “it’s a whole new me!” Toyota believes in celebrating those moments with you, especially for college grads who are just starting their own journey in life.
So, if in the past two years you’ve recently graduated from an accredited four-year college or university—or if you will graduate in the next six months!—there’s a $500 rebate with your name on it. What about if you’re in an accredited two-year college or registered nursing degree program; or you are enrolled in (or a recent graduate of) graduate school? Yep, there is definitely a $500 rebate awaiting you. We want to celebrate all diplomas and degrees, because we believe in the value of an education as much as you do!
In addition to that $500 rebate, you may have little to no down payment due at purchase, or there may be no security deposit owed when you sign a lease. And what’s more, monthly payments may be deferred up to three months for retail installment loans, so you can drive off the lot today and think about your first car payment a good 90 days later. And we are committed to getting you into the lowest interest rate financing we can find for you. And to top it all off, we offer ToyotaCare on all our vehicles, which means no cost maintenance in the first two years or 25,000 miles of your car’s life.
So come on in to Mount Airy Toyota today, and let’s get started on finding the best Toyota that suits you. And that $500 rebate? Yeah, that’s yours too. Think broadly. Dream big. Invest in a Toyota.
You’re driving down I-74, heading back from a weekend at the coast, when suddenly your dashboard lights start chiming at you and light up. What’s happening? Are they telling you of an impending disaster, or are they just gentle reminders and nudges for car maintenance?
The trouble is, once you’ve been driving for years, you forget the importance of indicator lights, or what they could mean. Or you buy this car, then that, then another, and you forget that certain brands have different icons or symbols from the previous vehicles you owned. So, it seems a good idea to us, here at Mount Airy Toyota, to review some of the basics as well as look at a few indicator symbols that are unique to particular vehicles we have on our lot.
Dashboard indicator lights—maybe not the most exciting things about your vehicle, but they are actually rather essential to the overall function of it. And the indicator lights aren’t just about functions your vehicle performs. They also help you make decisions about maintenance needs, they give you information so that you can make the best decisions (your speedometer and gas gauge both do this) and, of course, they also warn you of critical issues you need to deal with.
Let’s look at some key indicator lights on Toyota’s line of vehicles, which uses many of the shared symbols across the industry, and consider their importance.
Standard Indicator Lights
ABS: The anti-lock braking system’s indicator light tells you there is a malfunction with either the ABS system or with the Brake Assist system (if equipped). This should be considered an indication of a critical issue that needs to be attended to straight away. If your ABS indicator comes on, be sure you safely navigate it to the nearest mechanic or, better still, call a tow truck—you don’t want your braking system to give out, and end up causing an accident!
Charging System: This indicator light will notify you of a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system. But what does that mean? Obviously, since it looks like a battery, it can imply that your vehicle’s battery isn’t recharging properly, whilst you drive. It can also indicate an electrical issue with your car, which could mean a short in the wiring or could spell damage for things like your alternator or other system motors (windows, windshield wipers, etc.). Obviously check the battery charge, if you have a reader for that, but definitely take your vehicle in for service.
Cruise Control Indicator: This one is straight forward: your cruise control is on. Though that seems a no-brainer, if you are ever out on the highway and have turned it on, then stepped on the gas to pass someone, it’s important to check your dashboard to see if the cruise control system is still engaged. Most, but not all vehicles (especially older ones), will disengage the cruise control features if you step on the brakes; but if you step on the gas, it may only let you speed up and then default the car’s speed to the cruise control settings previously established. It’s always safer to check and ensure whether or not the system is still engaged, after manually controlling the gas pedal.
Electric Power Steering: This one certainly ranges among the most important indicators, because if you have a malfunction with your Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, you could quite obviously end up in a car accident. It’s so important to visit your dealer straight away if this indicator comes on.
Headlight: This indicator informs you when you have the headlights, parking lights, taillights, license plate, or instrumental panel lights on. Pretty straight forward, right? Well, this is also the light you need to look for on the dashboard when shutting off your car and putting your keys away, because no one wants to come back to a car that has a dead battery as a result of leaving the headlights on. (Also, this light won’t illuminate if only the Daytime Running Lights are on.)
High-beam Headlight Indicator: Driving from a woodsy, country house and getting on the main highway? Suddenly car after car flashes their high-beams at you, and you start to get annoyed until you look down at your dashboard. There’s that indicator light on, for your high beams, and you realize you had them on when navigating dark country roads—that’s fine, there. But turn them off in well-lit places or on highways, because those lights can be blinding at night (that’s part of the point, so that you can see in very dark areas). The other drivers will thank you.
Malfunction Indicator (Engine): This is, of course, the big one! If this turns on, there is some malfunction in the engine control system, the throttle control system (for manual transmission vehicles), or the automatic transmission control system (for automatic transmission vehicles). Go directly to the dealer; do not pass “GO!” and do not collect $200. If you don’t go directly to your dealer when this light pops on, you might really damage your engine and pay far more than $200 to restore it.
Low Fuel Level Warning Light (with buzzer): How many times do you look at the gas gauge and promise yourself as it hovers at half a tank, then slips just below, and then flirts with a quarter of a tank, that you will stop and get gas? And still you forget—until this light pops on and beeps at you. Now, you only have a range of 20-30 miles left (depending on the make and model of your vehicle) to locate a gas station and avert the walk of driver’s shame: gas can in hand, slogging it one mile to the next Citgo. Best advice: whenever you flirt with a one-quarter tank, just go and fill up. It’s all-around the smartest way to avoid a totally preventable, highly-irritating scenario!
Tire Pressure Warning Light: How many times have you ignored this one? Following the same train of thought with the low fuel level light, we tend to keep telling ourselves that we will put air in the front right tire, the left rear tire, this upcoming Saturday morning when we have more time, or next Tuesday when we pop by Costco. But every time we drive on a tire with lowered pressure, we are making our tires work harder to keep us on the road (there’s a reason they have grooves in the tires—to create grip) and we are speeding up the time when they will finally go bald. These sort of lights seem easily dismissed, because they don’t strike panic like the “check engine” light can, but low tire pressure means replacing costly tires all the sooner and it means poor gas mileage performance. Just get yourself in the habit of filling up your tires when low (and checking their pressure regularly with a cheap pressure gauge, hung from a key fob). It’s just the smarter way to go!
Brake System Warning Light (with buzzer): If this comes on, pull over safely, bring the vehicle to a complete stop, and call your dealer immediately. (Don’t forget you have a parking brake if you are in a situation where you’ve lost your brakes. If so, stop accelerating and try to drive off to the shoulder of the road and make use of your auxiliary braking systems.) Do not ignore this light, ever! This is a life or death light, and indicates either low brake fluid (more easily corrected by simply adding more) or a malfunction in the brake system (which your dealer needs to fix).
“Smart” Indicator Lights (on newer vehicles):
Lane Departure Alert (LDA) Indicator: As cars get smarter, we will see new indicator lights added to our dashboards, like the LDA indicator light. This is a good thing, such new additions, but it means we need to learn what they mean. So, the LDA indicator light tells the drive when she might depart from a lane. If you are on a highway or freeway, with white and yellow lines, the LDA system recognizes these lines with camera sensors; if you begin to float or stray from your lane, the system will beep at you. This sort of system, with its indicator light, is the wave of the future and promises us far smarter driving. That’s a good thing!
BSM Outside Rearview Mirror Indicator: The Blind Sport Monitor (BSM) system provides two services to you, the driver: It can assist the driver in making a decision when to change lanes and, paired with the Rear Cross-Traffic Altert (RCTA) function, it can alert a driver when it’s safe (or not) to back up. This feature can be turned on and off in many of the vehicles that come equipped with it, and it uses the cameras positioned around the body of the vehicle to read and sense the other cars and objects around it. Safer driving, in future, will mean smarter driving, and the BSM and RCTA functions are part of the wave of future “smart” driving.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Using more cameras and sensors, this system will automatically adjust acceleration and deceleration, as well as, stop the vehicle, when you have the car in cruise control mode. That means your car will read and respond to the speeds and behaviors of cars around it, on the road. Such a feature means we have redundancy built into our driving: sure, we can manually adjust all of these things, but if we have a system that can act as a back up, so we have a safer buffer in our driving decisions, what’s not to like? Again, safer driving in the future will come from smarter features like the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control function. Smarter driving is safer driving, and at Mount Airy Toyota, safety is always our number one concern.
Here at Mount Airy, we are excited about the future in driving. Prototypes and innovative designs in the car’s dashboard mean we will see more and more digital dashboards with numerous smart features. The infotainment screens we are getting used to will be child’s play, compared to the rich, digital LED screens that will be virtual cockpits in cars of the future. Your future dashboard will have apps, connect seamlessly to your smartphones, be attached to satellite GPS and interface with GPS systems like Waze, providing dynamic feedback and real-time adjustments—all on your digital dashboard. The more car companies can put into our dashboard, so that we aren’t relying on our phones’ little screens for navigation and information, the better! And it will the digital dashboard, enriched with numerous functions, that will be the future driver’s main interface for interacting with autonomous-driving vehicles.
Sure, there will still be a steering wheel in the car, but the main way to master your car will be through touchscreens and voice commands. We are on the verge of a revolution in vehicles and driving habits, and Mount Airy will be there for you in future, as such cars roll off the line and onto salesfloors.
We would make a significant wager that more people dislike shopping for car insurance than like it. The very premise of insurance is weighing “what if” scenarios versus probability statistics like some kind of mind-boggling word problem in an upper-level math class you never wanted to take in the first place. How do you make sure you’re protected but not overpay for what you don’t need? How do different state laws impact your coverage? What if your needs change?
We get it.
Whether you’re buying car insurance for the first time, are considering making changes to your policy after buying a new car, or just want to shop around to see what deals are available, we at Mount Airy Toyota have put together a few tips we hope will help you.
What is auto insurance?
Auto insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company to protect you against financial loss in the event of an accident or theft. You pay a premium, and in exchange the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as outlined in your policy.
Auto insurance provides coverage for:
- Property– such as damage to or theft of your car
- Liability– your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage
- Medical– the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation, and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses
Policies are generally issued for six-month or one-year timeframes and are renewable.
What is a premium?
The premium is the amount you pay for an auto insurance policy. Insurance premiums for different types of insurance are determined using a diverse set of statistics and factors, such as age, health, credit rating, field of work, driving history, and geographic location. Your driving record will have the largest impact on your insurance premium. Premiums are paid in regular installments, such as monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually. Car insurance premiums may have discounts if paid in certain ways, such as in a lump sum or via automatic bank draft. Always ask insurance carriers whether they offer any such discounts.
Who is covered under an auto insurance policy?
An auto insurance policy follows a car — not a driver. For example, if someone borrows your car (whether for a few hours or a few years), that person is using your insurance policy. Laws do vary a bit from state to state. For example, a few states (Kansas, Michigan, New York, Virginia, and Wisconsin) do not allow you to exclude a driver from your policy. So in those states, if your spouse has a string of DUIs, he or she will be factored in to your premium costs. However, maybe you have a young driver in the household who only is allowed to drive one particular car — let’s pretend that car isn’t the new Toyota Supra you’ve got parked in the garage. That young driver could have his or her own policy and not be an insured driver on the adult/family policy thus potentially saving money. If you habitually lend your car to someone, whether that person is a relative or boyfriend, consider adding that person as a covered driver on your policy. And make a point to remember that if that person gets into an accident or has a DUI, it will be reflected in your insurance policy. Be sure to inquire about these kinds of situations with every insurance carrier providing you with a quote.
What is the law in North Carolina?
North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law requires that Automobile Liability coverage be continuously maintained. The minimum coverage requirements are $30,000 Bodily Injury for each person, $60,000 total Bodily Injury for all persons in an accident, and $25,000 for Property Damage. Motor Vehicle Law also requires Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorists coverage. Auto insurance policies with the minimum Bodily Injury and Property Damage limits are required to include Uninsured Motorists coverage. Policies with limits greater than the minimum must provide combined Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists coverage.
What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage?
Uninsured Motorists (UM) Coverage will provide protection when an uninsured driver, who is at-fault, injures you or another covered individual. It also provides property damage coverage.
Underinsured Motorists (UIM) Coverage will provide protection when an underinsured driver, who is at fault, causes injury to a covered individual. An underinsured driver is one whose limits of liability are less than your UIM limits, and not enough to cover the losses of the people the underinsured driver injures in an at-fault accident.
What is GAP Insurance?
Guaranteed Auto Protection insurance is the difference between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the balance still owed on the financing. For example, let’s say you financed a car for $25,000. Over time you paid off $2,000 of the loan. Then you had an accident. It may be the case that while you still owe $23,000 on your car, its actual cash value is only $19,000 — a $4,000 gap. If you have gap insurance, it can help you cover the $4,000 gap between what you owe on your loan and what your car is worth, after your deductible.
GAP insurance only covers damage to your vehicle, not other property or bodily injuries resulting from an accident. A GAP policy will not cover your deductible. It is only used in the event of a total loss from a covered accident, not for mechanical repairs. GAP coverage is mainly used on new and used small vehicles and heavy trucks that are being leased or on which payments are being made. Several insurers sell GAP insurance including Allstate, State Farm, Progressive, and AAA, although it may be called loan/lease gap coverage, or new car replacement coverage.
What is the best way to shop for car insurance?
Most states have a buyer’s guide for auto insurance to get you started. Consider what your needs will most likely be — are you a commuter in work traffic or a Sunday driver? Are you towing farm equipment or carting the family to soccer practice?
Consider using the following resources to narrow down which companies you’ll want to ask for a quote:
- Consumer Reports Car Insurance Buying Guide
- NC Department of Insurance: A Consumer’s Guide to Automobile Insurance
Also consider whether you have access to any discounts through special memberships. Various professional, civic, and recreational organizations offer discounts, such as American Business Women’s Association, Mary Kay, National Federation of Federal Employees, AARP, and BJ’s Wholesale Club. (Remember that there are discounts to be had for multi-car coverage, bundling policies such as homeowners or renters, and various programs such as driver monitoring.)
You may also wish to look for a local agent to be your primary point of contact. Independent agents can offer policies from several insurance companies while providing you with personal service. This way no matter if you stick with one insurance carrier for years or make a change whenever your personal situation changes, you have greater continuity in terms of an agent who knows you and your needs.
What’s the best way to compare car insurance policies?
Comparing the fine print details of policies can get overwhelming fast. Remember that coverage is often sold with a per-person and total-per-loss-maximum amount. For example, 100/300/50 coverage means you have coverage of $100,000 bodily injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 total bodily injury liability insurance per accident, and $50,000 property damage liability per accident. In North Carolina the minimum is 30/60/25.
Decide what kind of deductible you want, i.e. $500 or $1,000. Decide whether you want things like towing and labor coverage, or if you don’t need it because you already belong to an organization like AAA. Be clear about what you need covered, whether it’s one car or two cars, or one car and a motorcycle and a golf cart and an RV (bundles bring discounts).
Once you can get quotes to be as “apples to apples” as possible, then you can determine which quotes are worth pursuing further. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and have your agent run numbers on a few different configurations, like changing the deductible, paying in a lump sum vs. monthly, or scraping optional add-ons like rental reimbursement coverage. It’s an agent’s job to work with you to find the best options!
How do I keep my insurance premiums from going up?
Drive safe. In North Carolina speeding 10 mph or less over a speed limit under 55 mph can result in a 30-percent rate increase. Speeding 10 mph or less over the speed limit at 55 mph or higher will increase rates by 45-percent. Passing a stopped school bus can result in an 80-percent increase. Aggressive driving may raise your rates by 195 percent, while a DUI or racing brings a whopping 340-percent rate increase.
Also know that certain cars cost more to insure than others. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, a nonprofit research organization funded by auto insurers, collects data on insurance claim frequency and insurance cost per vehicle. In a given year, insurance companies make claim payments of roughly $900 on average per vehicle. Some vehicles get into more accidents, and some have higher payouts for each accident. As it turns out, many of the cars that are most expensive to insure are large or midsize luxury vehicles, while the least expensive to insure are small to midsize SUVs. Published in USA Today in 2018, the data for 575 vehicles of 2014-2016 model years revealed that among the most expensive to insure are the following:
25. Kia Forte
24. Mercedes-Benz C class four-door 2WD
23. Nissan Versa
22. Nissan Sentra
21. Lexus IS 350 four-door 2WD
20. Audi A4 four-door 2WD
19. Land Rover Range Rover Sport four-door 4WD
18. Infiniti Q50 four-door 4WD
17. Dodge Dart
16. Kia Rio
15. Nissan Maxima
14. Scion tC
13. Chrysler 200 2WD
12. Scion iA
11. Ford Mustang two-door
10. Lexus GS 350 four-door 2WD
9. BMW 4 series two-door 2WD
8. Audi A7 four-door 4WD
7. Dodge Challenger
6. Kia Optima hybrid
5. Dodge Charger 2WD
4. Scion FR-S
3. Mitsubishi Lancer 2WD
2. Mercedes-Benz S class four-door LWB 2WD
1. Tesla Model S four-door electric 4WD
Of course there are also the 25 cheapest vehicle models to insure. We weren’t surprised to see Toyota on this list.
25. Toyota Sequoia four-door 4WD
24. Chevrolet Traverse four-door 4WD
23. GMC Acadia four-door 2WD
22. Ford Edge four-door 2WD
21. Ford F-150 SuperCab 4WD
20. Toyota 4Runner four-door 4WD
19. Ford F-250 SuperCab 4WD
18. Subaru XV Crosstrek 4WD with Eyesight
17. Mini Countryman 4WD
16. Honda Odyssey
15. Honda CR-V four-door 4WD
14. Honda Pilot four-door 2WD
13. Nissan Leaf electric
12. Chevrolet Corvette convertible
11. Subaru Legacy 4WD with Eyesight
10. Volvo XC60 four-door 2WD
9. Ford Expedition four-door 2WD
8. Acura MDX four-door 2WD
7. Mazda CX-5 four-door 2WD
6. Jeep Wrangler two-door SWB 4WD
5. Subaru Forester four-door 4WD with Eyesight
4. GMC Canyon crew cab 4WD
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
2. Acura RDX four-door 2WD
1. Subaru Outback 4WD with Eyesight
No matter what kind of car you are considering buying, new or used, Mount Airy Toyota can help find what’s right for you. We know you have several decisions to make, but rest assured that shopping with us is always a good one! Come visit us at 508 N. Andy Griffith Parkway in Mount Airy, N.C. We’re open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Plus you can always find us online at mountairytoyota.com or give us a call to schedule a test drive at 336.786.2118.
First manufactured in 1997 and introduced worldwide in 2000, the Toyota Prius was a car that appealed to a distinct subset of consumers: green-minded folks open to new car technology who put value on fuel economy and reliability. Once a dowdy little subcompact with a stubby nose and an under bite, the Prius has evolved into something you probably didn’t see coming. That is unless you pay attention to foreign car markets.
Four years after being released in Toyota’s home country of Japan, an all-wheel-drive Prius is finally hitting the U.S. this month. The 2019 Prius AWD-e comes as one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive-equipped passenger cars available with estimates of 52 miles-per-gallon city / 48 miles per-gallon-highway / 50 mpg combined.
The all-new Prius is so impressive, Motor1 had to say something about it: “Even with two decades of hybrid dominance, it finally took an AWD version to make the Prius an interesting drive. And this time it has nothing to do with its looks.”
Beyond interesting, early 2019 Prius AWD reviews, like this one from Cnet’s Roadshow, have even tossed around words like fun and drift:
To give me an idea of how the AWD-e system works, Toyota set up a small handling course in Kohler, Wisconsin, consisting of a 6 percent grade and a chicane, both of which were covered in fresh snow. There’s no drama as the 2019 Prius stops halfway up the grade and accelerates from a standstill — moderate throttle application is met with the whir of the electric motor doing its business, and that’s it. No muss, no fuss.
On the chicane, however, the AWD Prius feels pretty darn lively. Not knowing when the system will activate the rear motor means the tuchus wiggles arrive suddenly, but not in a way that makes the car feel unstable or anything. It’s just a little excitable, and judicious throttle application can, in fact, get a little bit of a drift going on. I’ll even go so far as to say it feels fun in the snow.
By comparison, the front-wheel-drive Prius feels a little more stable on the chicane. Having all the power go through the front wheels means that the rears will just follow suit all day long, with no ability to move under their own power. I wasn’t allowed to take the FWD Prius up the 6 percent grade for comparison, and while I feel confident that a running start will get the car up a hill like this just fine, it’s definitely easier to tackle in the AWD variant.
On the roads in Sheboygan and Kohler, both Prius variants feel nearly the same. On cold, dry roads, the extra boost from the rear motor doesn’t change how the vehicle acts when accelerating from a stop — and again, it never engages over 43 mph, so both cars drive exactly the same at highway speeds. It’s not a system that’s supposed to be felt at all times, so in that sense, it works exactly as Toyota’s engineers intended, offering extra peace of mind but only when necessary.
Toyota’s press release for the 2019 Prius AWD-e doesn’t use the word horsepower even once. Instead they mention the car’s “ultra-low 0.24 coefficient of drag,” “electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission,” and “ultra-low internal friction and efficient combustion” that “exceeds 40 percent thermal efficiency, which is among the highest in the world for a gasoline engine.” This is the kind of talk you won’t hear about Ram trucks or GMC SUVs.
Here are a few undeniable facts on the 2019 Prius AWD-e:
- The 2019 Prius AWD-e is redesigned with a new consumer in mind: the active adult who wants a bit of cool factor with their hybrid car.
- The AWD-e will offer available Genuine Toyota Accessory cargo crossbars for roof rack attachments. Think carrying bikes, kayaks, snowboards, or a cargo carrier. Inside there’s 62.7 cu. ft. of carrying space with the standard 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered, which is more than most full-size sedans and some small SUVs.
- The standard Entune Audio system for AWD-e models includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle: 6.1 in. touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, 6 speakers, auxiliary audio jack, one USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and two 2.1-amp USB charge ports, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming, Siri Eyes Free, and an integrated backup camera display. The Limited grade comes standard with the Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, with a large 11.6” HD multimedia display.
Note that the 2019 Prius does come as both a FWD and AWD in various trim configurations. On all 2019 Prius models, the driver’s door Smart Key System, and the Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry come standard, as does Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), a comprehensive bundle of active safety features including:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). All models have been updated with piano black accents around the shifter, on the steering wheel, and on the center console cover plus two additional 2.1 USB ports, an enlarged Qi wireless phone-charging tray to accommodate larger phones, and a standard heated steering wheel on XLE, XLE AWD-eand Limited models.
- There also are two new colors for 2019: Supersonic Red and Electric Storm Blue.
The 2019 Prius AWD-e is expected to come in around the same as the 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid‘s starting MSRP of $28,150. The FWD 2019 Prius has manufacturer-projected fuel economy estimates of 58 mpg city / 53 mpg highway / 56 mpg combined on the L Eco grade, while the LE, XLE and Limited have projected fuel economy ratings of 54 mpg city / 50 mpg highway / 52 mpg combined. The base front-wheel-drive L Eco trim starts under $25,000. AWD LE and XLE models will run closer to $30,000. All-wheel drive is not offered for the Limited trim, which is priced just over $33,000. For comparison, the 2019 Prius C, a hatchback, starts at $21,530. The 2019 Honda Insight LX starts at $22,930. The 2019 Nissan Leaf S starts at $29,990.
The 2019 Prius comes with Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, which applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. A 60-month warranty covers the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 96 months/100,000 miles.
The Prius also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Prius, the complimentary 24-hour roadside assistance is extended to three years (over the standard two years on other models).
Overall, Toyota’s lineup for 2019 is extensive. Whether or not a Prius is right for you, there’s several Toyota vehicles from which to choose:
$15,450 starting
32/40 est MPG
$18,700 starting
28/36 est MPG
$19,990 starting
30/38 est MPG
$21,530 starting
48/43 est MPG
$23,845 starting
29/41 est MPG
$28,150 starting
51/53 est MPG
$35,500 starting
22/32 est MPG
$36,500 starting
43/44 est MPG
$58,500 starting
67/67 est MPG
$26,455 starting
21/28 est MPG
$31,115 starting
19/27 est MPG
$25,550 starting
18/22 est MPG
$31,420 starting
15/19 est MPG
$20,945 starting
27/31 est MPG
$25,500 starting
26/35 est MPG
To be released spring 2019
$31,330 starting
21/27 est MPG
$36,970 starting
30/28 est MPG
$34,910 starting
17/21 est MPG
$48,700 starting
13/17 est MPG
$84,765 starting
13/18 est MPG
Also on the horizon at the 2019 Nightshade editions of the Camry and Highlander. The Camry will sport black 18-inch wheels, a black spoiler, black window molding, black mirror caps, a black shark fin, black door handles, and black exterior Toyota emblems. It will comes in Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver, and Super White. The Highlander follows suit with 19-inch black wheels, black lug nuts, and black headlights and fog lamps. The Highlander drops this month in a limited run of 5,000 available in Midnight Black Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Salsa Red Pearl, and Blizzard Pearl. The 4Runner Nightshade, available in Midnight black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Blizzard Pearl, is out now.
Don’t forget to check out our new vehicle specials available at Mount Airy Toyota, as we are still clearing 2018 stock to welcome these new 2019 models to the lot. You’ll also find great deals in our pre-owned inventory that includes certified Toyotas and other manufacturer trade-ins. We can work with you to value your trade and get you behind the wheel of something new. We invite you to explore our offers and incentives, learn more about our military and college grad. rebates, and schedule a test-drive.
Come visit Mount Airy Toyota at 508 N. Andy Griffith Parkway in Mount Airy, NC. We’re open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can always find us online at mountairytoyota.com or give us a call at 336.786.2118.
