Check out this great Christmas playlist!

To help get you in the Christmas spirit, here's a great playlist from Spotify! If your looking to liven up your office or work commute, try out some of these holiday hits. What are some of your favorite holiday songs?     If you still have car shopping on your holiday to-do list, be sure to stop by our Merced dealership and take a new car for a test drive. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Poll: Favorite Christmas Album

In honor of the holidays, we have a fun little activity for you. What is your favorite Christmas Album? Share your answers in the poll below.

Happy Holidays from Merced Toyota!

What is your favorite Christmas album?

Merry Christmas, Mariah Carey

Christmas, Michael Buble

Miracles: The Holiday Album, Kenny G

other

Poll Maker

The Tundra is Your Perfect Christmas Tree Wingman

Winter is in full swing an, we are all busily tackling our holiday to-do list. From shopping for gifts to preparing for parties, there's certainly much to do. But one of the tasks that is near the top of everyone's list is getting a Christmas tree. If you're still on the search for the perfect tree, don't forget your Toyota Tundra.

With its 381 horsepower, large truck bed and easy lower and lift tailgate, the Tundra is the perfect truck to help you transport your tree safely.

If you're in need of a new Toyota truck to help with your holiday tasks, be sure to stop by our Merced dealership and take one for a test drive!

Way Back Wednesday: Classic Toyota Edition

Looking at vintage Toyota models never gets old. It's amazing to look back and remember the rich, incredible history of this iconic automobile company. From the Camry to the Tundra, the automotive industry is filled with awesome Toyota vehicles.

For Way Back Wednesday, we recommend taking a moment to reflect on the classic Toyota models you've encountered during your lifetime.

If new models are more your style, be sure to stop by our Toyota dealership and take a test drive today!

Never Leave Home Without these Three Things

It seems to never fail. As soon as you jump in your car and back out of your driveway, it hits you. You left something in the house. While we won't always remember all the things we need before running out the door, here are three things you should never leave home without.

• A Flat Tire Survival Kit: Getting a flat tire at some point in your life is almost inevitable. Make sure your car is ready with a spare tire, in good condition, a tire jack and tire iron.
• Tire Inflater and Sealer: A product like Fix-a-Flat can plug a leak and help you avoid using your jack and iron. It can also give you enough air to get you to the auto shop.
• Jumper Cables: Dead batteries happen to even the most seasoned drivers. Alternatively, you can pack an emergency battery booster so you don't have to rely on a Good Samaritan coming along.

Having these things will certainly help in most breakdown situations. But if your car is still in need of repairs, schedule a service appointment with us to help get you back on the road!

Feature Focus: The Camry's Quiet Ride

This week's post highlights the incredible interior of the 2014 Toyota Camry. While the new seats are perfectly refined, the more exciting part about this Toyota is its absolutely quiet ride.

Using sound-imaging instruments, Toyota pinpointed where road and engine noise was entering the cabin and took additional sound-absorbing measures to help create Camry’s whisper-quiet ride. The silence you experience in this Camry would make even the toughest librarians smile.

So if you need to get a new Toyota, we certainly recommend stopping by our California Dealership and take the new Camry for a test drive!

Have you ever traveled down a haunted highyway?

With Halloween just around the corner, we got to thinking about hauntings on roads across the globe. We've heard about hauntings at various locations like houses and businesses, but rarely have we heard about paranormal occurrences on eerie stretches of highway. Sounds like it's time for a ghost hunt!

After doing some initial research, we came across Clinton Road in Passaic County, New Jersey. So what is it about this road? It's a question that is on the minds of many. While nobody can seem to answer why weird things happen here, most can attest to what they are seeing.

If you visit the road at midnight, stop by the bridge at Dead Man’s Curve for a game of catch. While you toss pennies into the water below it's said the ghost of a young boy will toss them back. Some have also reported a gray wolf with red eyes stalking drivers from the bushes. Weird lights have also been seen flying in the sky and will draw your attention upward, away from the blood stains on the pavement.

This road is certainly not for the faint of heart. Regardless of your stance on the paranormal, it is a fact that there are definitely many unexplained things occurring on this scary roadway.

While driving on these roads can be a bit unnerving, buying a new car doesn't have to be a frightening experience. Stop by our Toyota dealership and take a new car for a test drive today!

Car Care 101: Wiper Blade Maintenance

Once you drive off the lot with your new Toyota, it's important that you do what you can to keep your vehicle in prime driving condition. For today's car care tip, we're looking at ways to keep your wiper blades working effectively.

When your windshield wiper blades get full of dirt and grime, they'll do more harm than good. To get them clean, make a solution of 1/4 cup of household ammonia and 1 quart of cold water. Gently lift the blades, and wipe both sides with a soft cloth or paper towel soaked in the solution. Then wipe the blades with a dry cloth before lowering them back into place.

This is a quick and easy way to ensure your blades and windows are staying grime free!  Stay tuned for more car care tips.

If your Toyota needs a little more thorough repair, head over to our dealership website and schedule a service appointment today.

Flashback Friday: Vintage Land Cruiser Edition

Whenever Flashback Friday comes around, we always enjoy scrolling through the interwebs for classic Toyota photos. This week, the picture that grabbed our attention was of this classic 1970s Toyota Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser models have certainly evolved over the years and it's amazing to see just how far the Toyota SUV has come.

If you'd like to take a new Toyota for a test drive, please visit our Merced Toyota dealership today. We have a number of great models available!

What Your Black Toyota Says About You

The color of your car says a lot about your personality. So what does your black Toyota say about you? According to a recent article from ivillage.com, black is the ultimate power color. Those who drive around in black vehicles are described as powerful, classic and elegant. These drivers love elegance and appreciate the classic touch in and out of their cars. Does this describe you?

If you're looking for a new Toyota, in any color, check out our selection of vehicles on our Merced Toyota website. Stop by for a test drive today!

Feature Focus: 2014 Tundra Backup Camera

For our inaugural Feature Focus blog post, we're highlighting the new backup camera in the 2014 Toyota Tundra. Safety is an important concern for any truck buyer, so this excellent feature is a definite plus for the new Toyota pickup. Not only does the camera help with backing into tight areas, but with its wide-angle view, it also makes the perfect companion for hitching your trailer.

A pretty useful feature if we say so ourselves.

If you're looking for a new Toyota Tundra, be sure to head over to our Toyota website to see available models and visit our Merced dealership today!

The Venza is Your Tailgating Go-To Vehicle

The 2013 football season is in full swing and fans across California are spending their weekends hanging out at the stadium with family and friends. If you're one of those who are tailgating this year, be sure to pick the Toyota Venza as your vehicle of choice.

The Venza was chosen by Bankrate.com as one of the top 10 vehicles for tailgate parties this fall. With enough room to comfortably seat five and store all of your tailgating supplies, this Toyota will help make your party a success.

If you're looking for a new Toyota to recharge your tailgate festivities, be sure to visit our Merced Toyota Dealership.

The World's Most Dizzying Road

We all love driving around in our Toyotas. Whether we are cruising around in a vintage Camry or brand-new Tundra, spending some quality time on the road can be a fun experience.

But have you ever taken time to think about the roads we drive on everyday? For instance, do you know where the most dizzying road in the world is? According to the Huffington Post, Passo dello Stelvio in the Ortler Alps in Italy has 48 hairpin turns and an average incline of 7.4% -- and 6% is about the maximum for U.S. highways.

While many of us don't travel on streets nearly as treacherous, it's still important to make sure you stay safe on the road. Don't forget to keep your Toyota in good shape and schedule a service appointment at our Merced Dealership today!

The Prius for the Tech Geek in All of Us

Technology aficionados rejoice, here's the perfect hybrid you've been searching for. The Toyota Prius c is loaded with new technology and has so many cool features, it will make even the toughest tech critics crack a smile.

From its Entune multimedia screen to Bluetooth connectivity, this Toyota has everything for the tech lover in your life. If you want to take this Hybrid for a test drive, visit our Toyota website to see what models we have available and stop by the dealership for a spin!

Where we're going, we don't need (paved) roads.

All Back to the Future references aside, the Toyota FJ Cruiser should be your off-road vehicle of choice. No road? No problem.

If you're riding around and encounter a little water resistance, have no fear, FJ's here. With this Toyota, drivers can have the confidence to cross a creek, and the clearance to back it up. FJ’s elevated air intake and protected electrical components can defy currents up to 28 inches deep, helping you cross safely to dry land.

So if you're an outdoor enthusiast, we recommend taking a look at a new FJ Cruiser. The next time you're out car shopping, be sure to stop by Merced Toyota and take one for a test drive!

Go Back to the Future in this Toyota 4x4

If you're a die hard fan of Back to the Future, we just found the coolest piece of movie memorabilia. A replica of the Toyota SR5 truck used in the classic 1985 film is on eBay with a price of $14,500. While it won't take you back in time, cruising around in this classic Toyota pickup will make you the envy of movie fans everywhere.

If you were ever in awe of Marty McFly's sweet 4X4, here's your chance to own it. Car-washing Biff not included.

If you're looking for a newer model, head over to our Toyota dealership and take one for a test drive!

Go Car Shopping from Home

Think of it as window shopping without ever changing out of your pajamas. We know that searching for a new vehicle can be a stressful and lengthy process. With that in mind, our New Toyota models page can be a great resource in your search for a new Toyota.

All you have to do is grab your favorite chair, your favorite Snuggie and start your search for that car, truck or SUV you've been dreaming of; it's that easy. If you find a Toyota that you like, head on over to the dealership to take a test drive!

Just be sure to change out of your pajamas before you leave the house.

Turn Your Car Dreams into a Reality

According to a recent article* in National Geographic, people daydream less when they get older. That means we spend less time dreaming about flying through the clouds and going on global adventures as the years progress. We even stop dreaming about that new car we've been itching to get for years.

Well, to help make your dreams a reality, we have some great vehicle specials on your favorite Toyota models. Visit Merced Toyota's website to learn more about our current offers.

And after you're finished dreaming about cruising down the coastline in your new Corolla, stop by and take one for a test drive!

*Five Surprising Facts About Daydreaming

Survive the Zombie Apocalypse with an FJ Cruiser

As we watched Brad Pitt fight zombies in this summer’s movie blockbuster, World War Z, we got to thinking… How could the FJ Cruiser help you survive the zombie apocalypse? After some careful thought and deliberation, here are our top three benefits:

1. Two words. Off. Road. – When zombies take over the city, it’s time to head for the mountains. FJ’s elevated air intake and protected electrical components can defy currents up to 28 inches deep, helping you cross safely to dry land.
2. 260 Horsepower – You’ll need to get somewhere safe as soon as possible, and this Toyota has plenty of power to get you there. The FJ Cruiser’s V6 engine pumps out 260 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque.
3. Side-Impact Door Beams – The roads will definitely be perilous when the zombie apocalypse hits, so accidents are bound to happen. The FJ Cruiser is equipped with side-impact door beams designed to absorb vehicle impact and help prevent intrusion into the cabin.

 If you don’t have a FJ Cruiser yet, visit the Merced Toyota website for more information and stop by today to take one for a test drive! Or at least before the zombies arrive.

Worldwide Prius Sales Top 3-Million Mark

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that as of the end of June, worldwide cumulative sales of the iconic Prius gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle passed the 3-million mark.

In 1997, TMC launched the Prius, which was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger car. The second generation followed in 2003, and the third generation in 2009. From the first to third generation, TMC greatly reduced the cost of the hybrid system by two-thirds while improving the EPA-estimated ratings for combined driving by nearly 22 percent. In addition, TMC applied for 1,261 patents relating to the third-generation Prius, achieving progress worthy of the Prius name (derived from a Latin word meaning “to go before”).

Since the development of the first-generation Prius, TMC has positioned hybrid technology as a core technology required for the development of various types of environment-friendly vehicles and has placed emphasis on the development and production of core components such as motors, inverters, batteries and electronic control units (ECUs), giving rise to substantial investment in Japan.

TMC will continue to conduct R&D and invest in facilities in Japan for the development of hybrid and other cutting-edge technologies and achieve sustainable growth by deploying these Japan-developed technologies across the globe.

In the fiscal year ending March 2014, TMC expects to spend a consolidated 890 billion yen (790 billion yen unconsolidated) on environmental technology development, as well as on strengthening new platform and major component development.

In the same period, TMC also plans to make consolidated capital expenditure investments of 910 billion yen (up seven percent year-on-year), with 440 billion yen invested in Japan (up nine percent year-on-year).

Investments in R&D infrastructure include a new R&D facility (651 hectares) and the Powertrain Development and Production Engineering Building (a 12-story structure with a total floor area of 100,000 m²) in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, that will serve as a next-generation powertrain development base, as well as the Aerodynamics Laboratory (capable of producing winds of 250 km/h) located in the Honsha Technical Center.

Future capital investments by consolidated subsidiaries include an investment by Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE) for expanding battery production capacity at its Omori Plant in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom 

Toyota chosen as best global green brand for 3rd straight year

Toyota Motor Corp. was selected as the "best global green brand" for the third consecutive year in 2013 for producing fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Prius hybrid, U.S. consulting firm Interbrand Corp.

Courtesy of ecnmag.com

Shuttle-hauling Tundra finds permanent home in science exhibit

The idea of lifting a full-size pickup truck completely off the ground by hand might seem as likely as, say, said pickup truck towing a 150,000-pound space shuttle, but... hurray, physics! The same Toyota Tundra that towed the Space Shuttle Endeavour to its final resting place at the California Science Center is now on permanent display there as an exhibit that shows how a lever works.

Like all levers, this exhibit uses a fulcrum allowing people other than Superman to lift the 5,625-pound pickup (plus an extra 1,000 pounds for the rig). That's almost as impressive as the Tundra pulling 17 times its rated towing capacity back in October. Regardless, Toyota is once again cashing in on the publicity stunt and visitors to the science center get a live demonstration of a simple machine – we call that a win-win.

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

Happy Monday fans, here's your car care tip of the week: keep your eyes on the road!

No matter where you are, keep in mind that your children are seeing their first and most frequent example of how to become a good driver. Put down the phone and focus! By showing a good example it is an easy way to create aware drivers and reinforce the practice in yourself.

Toyota Donates $250,000 to Oklahoma Tornado Relief Efforts

Toyota announced a $250,000 donation to support relief and rebuilding efforts for victims of the tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma and the greater Oklahoma City area on May 20.  Funds will be allocated to immediate response and for mid-to-long term needs in the areas of food, small business revitalization and home rebuilding.  Toyota will also match employee contributions.

“On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this devastating tornado. Our thoughts are with the affected families as they work to rebuild their lives,” said Latondra Newton, group vice president of philanthropy and chief diversity officer.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom 

Toyota’s Prius v and Avalon on Kelley Blue Book’s List Of 10 Best Family Cars

The editors of Kelley Blue Book selected the 2013 Prius v and the 2013 Avalon for their list of 10 Best Family Cars. The list is compiled annually by KBB.com editors to highlight vehicles that address unique family specifications and situations, and offer innovation.

“Our annual list is aimed at helping families find the right ride and always include something for everyone, with a special nod to what is new,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.

Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com editors offer these thoughts on the two Toyota models:

2013 Toyota Prius v
“Let's say you love Toyota vehicles and want the exceptional fuel economy of a hybrid, but the standard Prius just isn't big enough. Then consider the 2013 Prius v, which comes jam-packed with all the Prius-ness you crave while also offering roughly 50 percent more cargo space. Yes, plus-sizing the Prius cuts combined fuel economy from 50 mpg to 42 mpg, but among family-friendly vehicles the Prius v remains a mileage champ.”

2013 Toyota Avalon
“Renowned for its spacious interior quarters, abundance of luxury features and sofa-soft ride, the fully redesigned Toyota Avalon can now add "high style" to its list of highlights. In addition, laudable fuel economy coupled with an exemplary reputation for reliability and quality, make the 2013 Avalon a smart buy for today's value-conscious family.”

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom 

1967 Toyota 2000GT most expensive Asian car ever sold at $1.2M

Toyota's agelessly beautiful 2000GT has been sold by RM Auctions for $1.16 million, making it the new record holder for the most expensive Asian car ever sold. As always, rarity played a big factory in driving up the price; just 351 2000GT models were built, and only 62 left-hand-drive cars (like this one). The classic Toyota, standout member of Texas car-collector Don Davies' paddock, was originally a US-delivery car that spent time in a collection back in a Japan before returning to Texas just a short time ago. The car last sold in March of 2011, for just $650,000.

Enthusiasts will recognize the 2000GT as perhaps the most heralded Japanese classic of all time. Sometimes referred to as Japan's first supercar, the 2000GT boasted a 150-horsepower, dual overhead cam, 2.0-liter straight-six engine; a five-speed manual transmission; and a reported top speed of over 135 miles per hour.

RM described this record-setting example as, "the finest and most authentic 2000GT to come to market in recent years."

Courtesy of Autoblog.com

A Billion Horsepower and Growing - Toyota's West Virginia Plant Celebrates Production of Its 10 Millionth Unit

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc., (TMMWV) and its 1,300 team members celebrated production of the plant’s 10 millionth powertrain unit at a ceremony this afternoon with guests from the state’s business and civic community.  Powertrain units include engines and automatic transmissions.

Facts about TMMWV and its 10 millionth powertrain:

• TMMWV is the first plant outside of Japan to produce 10 million units.
• Every 20 seconds a Toyota vehicle rolls off a North American assembly line with a TMMWV powertrain product.
• Total output of all engines produced at TMMWV tops 1 billion horsepower.   

“From the very beginning, our mission was to support Toyota’s growing North America operations by building high-quality powertrains for our customers,” said TMMWV President Yogi Suzuki.  “Our team members’ focus on quality, safety and their commitment to continuous improvement is second-to-none.  West Virginia has been and will continue to be an important part of Toyota’s efforts to localize production in North America.”

TMMWV, which assembles four-cylinder and V6 engines and 6-speed automatic transmissions for nine of 12 North American-produced vehicles, recently completed its seventh major expansion earlier this year resulting in 80 new jobs.  Production began in 1998.  Cumulative investment at the plant is $1.3 billion and annual capacity is more than 650,000 engines and more than 520,000 automatic transmissions.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom 

Check Out This Featured Pre-Owned 2011 Toyota Corolla At Merced Toyota Today!

This beauty is a featured special 2011 Toyota Corolla in Barcelona Red at Merced Toyota today! Click HERE to see more details and get your online price.

2013 Stagecoach Country Music Festival Sets the Stage for 2014 Toyota 4Runner Reveal

Toyota will stage the world debut of the redesigned 2014 4Runner mid-size SUV on Saturday, April 27 at 1:15 p.m. PDT at the 2013 Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, Calif., near Palm Springs.  The event marks the automaker’s first-ever public reveal at a major music festival.

The Toyota 4Runner, now in its fifth generation, has been in the Toyota SUV lineup for nearly three decades and continues to be one of the few fully capable SUVs available in its segment.  The 4Runner combines rugged body-on-frame construction with suspension technology that yields ride comfort more often associated with car-based platforms.  4Runner is available in a variety of configurations and in three models: a well-equipped SR5, top-of-the-line Limited, plus a Trail grade for amazing off-road capability.

Returning for its seventh year as presenting sponsor of Stagecoach, California’s premier country music festival, Toyota will kick off the three-day event with vintage circus-themed fan experiences followed by the unveiling of the 2014 4Runner.  The reveal takes place on a unique Toyota stage and will be hosted by SiriusXM™ radio personality, Buzz Brainard with a very special performance by chart-topping country recording artist, Dierks Bentley.

As part of the reveal celebration, Toyota invites fans to enter a sweepstakes from April 22-29 for a chance to win one of six guitars autographed by Dierks Bentley. Information and official rules can be found on the Toyota USA Facebook page.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom

2013 Toyota RAV4 among most searched-for cars in the country

If you’re in the market for a new car, it’s probably likely the 2013 Toyota RAV4 is somewhere on that list.

The 2013 Toyota RAV4 has been the most-searched car of the year, reports Cars.com in a line-up of their most-read reviews. The car has topped the list for three months straight, with writer Matt Schmitz reporting that the RAV4’s reign at the top has “no other vehicle even coming close to smoking it out.”

Seven out of the ten vehicles on the list are either crossover or sport utility vehicles, suggesting that automakers’ push for more efficient engines in their larger capacity models could pay off this year.

Meanwhile, all of the sedans on the list have seen major overhauls this year, making them ripe for the picking at the dealership.

Courtesy of the New York Daily News