Toyota Developing Next-Generation Automated Highway Driving Assist System

The Toyota Motor Corporation never rests in its mission to deliver innovative and affordable next-generation technology to drivers. The latest technology announced by the manufacturer is an advanced driving support system dubbed Automated Highway Driving Assist (AHDA). This system won’t be available until the mid-2010s, but we’re already excited at DCH Freehold Toyota—here’s why.

ADHA will bring together two sophisticated driving technologies. Cooperative-adaptive Cruise Control uses wireless technology to maintain a safe distance with preceding vehicles, while Lane Trace Control offers steering assistance to keep the vehicle on the optimal driving line.

Toyota demonstrated this technology at the 20th Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress Tokyo 2013 in October. The company is dedicated to making this technology as easy and fun to use as possible at the time of its release, and is making use of its active safety research vehicle (shown at the 2013 International CES in January) in the process.

At DCH Freehold Toyota, we look forward to learning more about Toyota’s driving support systems as they develop. To learn about the advanced Toyota technology available now, visit our dealership today.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Renovations Have Begun at DCH Freehold Toyota


One of our goals at DCH Freehold Toyota is to continuously improve the customer experience. As we grow and customer needs change, we do our best to change with them. That is why we are proud to announce that construction has officially begun on our new dealership and service center.

While our revamped facilities will be aesthetically pleasing, we are also constructing them to conform to Toyota’s National Standards. Under these strict guidelines, your Toyota vehicle will be in the best hands possible at DCH Freehold Toyota. We will also be expanding our service and sales departments, letting us serve more customers in our community than ever before. Set to finish by July of 2014, take a look at the picture above to see what the service center and dealership will look like when completed.

The DCH Freehold Toyota team is incredibly excited for these new innovations, so stay tuned to our monthly newsletter to keep up with the progress. In the meantime, check out our new car inventory online.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Ask a Technician: How long can I drive on a spare tire?

If you have ever had the misfortune of experiencing a flat tire, or worse still, a blowout, then you can appreciate the importance of carrying a spare tire. When driving on a long journey, carrying a spare tire is absolutely vital, as you may not otherwise be able to get assistance to get you somewhere safe. A spare tire, however, is not a permanent replacement for a damaged tire. So how long can you drive on a spare tire? The experts at DCH Freehold Toyota have the answer.

It is worth remembering that a spare tire is not the same as a regular one. It’s not as durable. Spare tires have fewer layers of steel and polyester beneath the rubber, which means they won’t last as long. This is good news generally speaking, because it means that you are carrying less weight since the spare takes up less room in the rear of the car. But it also means that in the event of a crisis, you can only use the spare for a certain amount of time.

A spare tire will have a smaller contact surface with the road, because it is narrower. This increases your stopping distance, and makes an emergency stop much riskier. Other functions of your car, such as anti-lock brakes and traction control are going to be less efficient too. If you use the spare tire for too long, then you run the risk of causing damage to other parts of the car, which are optimized for a regular, full-size tire.

As a general rule, you should drive on a spare tire for the shortest distance possible. Use the spare to get you to the next available place where you will be able to get mechanical assistance where you can purchase a replacement tire. The spare is there to get you out of an emergency situation. It is a lifeline, not even a medium-term substitute for a proper replacement. Fit the spare, and then work out the shortest possible route to safety. Make sure to take into consideration the driving conditions. A slightly longer route on a highway might be better than remote rural roads, for example, in case you need to call for assistance.

That aside, the limit of your spare tire will be documented in your owner’s manual and will, technically, differ from one vehicle’s make and model to the next. If you run into trouble and you are a long way from assistance, then you may have to look for alternative means of help if the minimum distance is greater than the safe limit stated in the manual. If in doubt, contact the DCH Freehold Toyota service department for assistance. A mechanic will always be able to give you the best advice for your car.

Posted in Automotive Tips | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Builds One Millionth Texas Truck


US production of Toyota trucks marks a milestone

Our Toyota brand has found a happy home in the United States over the years. The Toyota Texas plant in San Antonio has been building Toyota trucks since 2006 and has finally hit its millionth Toyota truck produced. 2,800 dedicated Toyota Texas team members were honored as the 1794 Edition Tundra came off the assembly line. The special edition Tundra is dedicated to the ranch on which the truck plant is actually located. The mica-colored beauty represents an entire generation of American production of Toyota vehicles.

Toyota reports that if you lined up every truck Toyota Texas has produced, it would stretch from The Alamo to Honolulu, Hawaii. The most recent generation of the Toyota Tundra is considered to be one of the most American Toyota models ever with manufacturing, styling, and more all taking place on US soil.

We at DCH Freehold Toyota are proud to serve our loyal drivers with high quality, durable machines built on US soil. Toyota Texas continues to be an cornerstone of this manufacturer’s rich traditions, and we will continue to serve you with their innovative creations. Stop by today to feast your eyes on a Tundra or Tacoma and see why everything is bigger, and better, when it comes from Texas.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off

Toyota Corolla is Best-Selling Nameplate Ever with 40 Million Sold (and Counting)


In August 2013, the 40 millionth Toyota Corolla ever sold found its owner. The number is impressive, but the real story is the generations of fans which have helped make the Corolla the best-selling nameplate in automotive history.

Toyota Corolla production began in November 1966 at the Takaoka Japan factory and has been going strong ever since. The Corolla has progressed through 11 generations, with over 1.1 million Corollas produced each year and sold in over 150 countries. It’s no wonder that the Corolla is known as “the World’s Car.”

The Corolla has also stayed at the forefront of features and technology over the years, being among the first car lines with standard rear back-up lights and today offering standard features like LED headlights, Bluetooth, and the Toyota Star Safety System™. With a Corolla hybrid on the way, this model is continuing to demonstrate the qualities which have made it great through the years.

You can learn about the history of the Corolla at http://www.toyota-global.com/showroom/vehicle_heritage/corolla/. At DCH Freehold Toyota, we encourage you to visit us and experience the Corolla for yourself. You’ll be joining the legions of happy drivers who have helped make this model number one.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off

Toyota Surprises New York Police Officer with New Vehicle

Growth has always been a part of the Toyota story, but each individual customer is still as important as ever. That’s why Toyota planned the surprise of a lifetime for NYPD veteran Michael Dee, who became Toyota’s 50 millionth customer earlier this year with the purchase of his Camry.

Toyota worked with Dee’s family to keep the plan a surprise. Finally, Toyota executive Bill Fay joined Michael at his family barbecue over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Fay first announced that Dee’s Camry loan was now fully paid off, and then presented the shocked family man with the keys to a new 2013 Toyota RAV4.

After overcoming his surprise, the excited Dee remarked, “This is phenomenal. I can’t explain how much this means to my family and how grateful we are to Toyota! The whole ‘thank you’ thing just doesn’t seem to cut it.”

At DCH Freehold Toyota, we’re thankful to each customer who walks in our doors. Come in today for a customer experience you’ll love.

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off

2013 Toyota Prius c Named to 10 Best Back-to-School Cars 2013 by KBB.com


Here’s good news for students and parents alike. The 2013 Toyota Prius c has been named to KBB.com’s 10 Best Back-to-School Cars for 2013, a listing of ten highly-rated vehicles starting below $20,000.* This year, the Prius c impressed the reviewers with its amazing 53 city mpg,** which is sure to help students manage their budgets during the school year.

The Prius c also earned raves for its “upstanding residual values and the reassurance of Toyota’s reputation for reliability under its belt,” which should help parents feel more comfortable as their children leave the nest. The Prius c includes Toyota’s full-line Star Safety System™, just like every other Toyota. That means Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, and other top features designed to keep drivers and passengers safe.

At DCH Freehold Toyota, we’re proud of the fact that the 2013 Toyota Prius c offers something for everyone. Whether you’re heading off to college or are looking for a way to offset the costs of your daily commute, we’ve got you covered. Visit our dealership today to learn more about this and other economical Toyota vehicles.

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.  Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. Actual dealer price will vary.

**2013 EPA-estimated 53 city/46 highway/50 combined mileage. Actual mileage will vary.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off

Public Testing Begins for New Toyota Personal Mobility Devices


Toyota is bringing its unique sense of design and engineering to the personal mobility industry with the new Winglet personal transportation device. Public testing for the battery-powered device began in late July in Japan and will run until April 2016. The Winglet has a range of approximately 2.5 miles and a top speed around 3.7 mph, according to AolAutos.

The tests will include eight working Winglet units, and will focus on safety this year. At DCH Freehold Toyota, we’re proud of Toyota’s out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to improving lives. What do you think of these futuristic devices?

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off

5 Tips for Packing your Vehicle for a Camping Trip

Whether you drive a modest-sized sedan or an SUV, packing your vehicle for a camping trip can create problems as you struggle to fit all the tents, food, flashlights, water, and other essentials—while still having room to fit the kids in the back. This fall, DCH Freehold Toyota has a few essential tips for packing your Toyota for this kind of trip.

1) Take care of safety first. Make sure there’s a fully-stocked first-aid kit in the car. Check the pressure of the spare tire. Think about keeping an extra can of gasoline in the trunk in case of emergencies.

2) Write a list. Write down absolutely everything you want to pack, and tick it off as you stow it away in your vehicle. If you’ve been sensible and written the list well in advance of the trip, you should find this methodical approach reduces the risk of forgetting any crucial items—though it might seem laborious at first!

3) Plan for the best, but prepare for the worst. If you’re going on a camping trip, you’re probably aiming to go during the summer. Obviously, pack plenty of summer clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimwear. However, never rely on Mother Nature when you’re placing yourself entirely at her mercy. Pack some waterproof clothes and thick jumpers, just in case.

4) Remember the journey. If you’re going on a camping trip, you’ll obviously be including bottles of drinking water and books and games to keep any children occupied. But remember that you’ll need these items on the journey! Even though they’re vital, don’t put them in first so they end up covered in tents and fishing rods—instead, keep them up front with the passengers. Anything that you could conceivably need while on the road, keep as cabin luggage in the car. You will probably want to make the odd stop so that everyone can stretch their legs, but having everything to hand gives you much greater flexibility in how often you need to stop driving.

5) Be creative. Optimize the luggage space in your car by thinking outside the box a little. Wear your bulkiest clothes on the days that you’re travelling. Pack items like socks inside spare pairs of shoes. Take a moment to consider which supplies you absolutely have to take with you, and which you can purchase once you’ve reached your campsite. Don’t hesitate to strap bulky equipment to the roof or to think about towing. Even a modest-sized car can transport a huge amount of cargo if you approach the task with a little imagination and flair!

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment