Pre-crash technologies

Did you know that the National Transportation Safety Board is strongly considering making pre-crash or pre-collision technology in motor vehicles mandatory in the next year or two? Maybe you have seen the Mercedes Benz commercials where the driver starts to unconsciously swerve into oncoming traffic? The technology referenced in those commercials is pre-crash or pre-collision technology. This technology works by using radar or sensors to detect the imminent approach of vehicles or objects. When a collision is detected the vehicle is designed to perform several functions to reduce the severity of the crash on the vehicle occupants. There may be some sort of warning beep transmitted to the driver of the vehicle. The seats on the vehicle may also inflate in order to provide additional support in the event of a collision. The seatbeats may become tighter. The passenger seat is automatically adjusted to further protect the person riding in it. The rear headrests are folded up to prevent whiplash. Finally, the vehicle's partial or full brakes are applied to reduce or avoid impact. All of these functions are carried out electronically without any action being taken by the vehicle's driver or other occupants of the vehicle.

This type of vehicle functionality is something most people probably don't think much about when deciding to purchase a vehicle, but think about it this way; You are driving on a two lane highway with your family in the vehicle with you. You are engaged in a highly animated conversation with your passenger so you don't notice that the vehicle coming directly towards you is veering into your lane and is about to make contact with your vehicle. The single action that alerts you to this serious situation is that you suddenly become aware that your vehicle has automatically applied your vehicle's full braking capacity while tightening your seatbeats. Somehow, you avoid a collision with the oncoming vehicle. At that point in time, how valuable would this technology be to you?

A Discussion on Vehicle Reputation

What is it that makes a vehicle's reputation? We have all heard the jokes about different car brands such as Ford and KIA supposedly being acryonoms for "forever on the road dead," or "killed in action" respectively. These labels tend to stick in spite of the fact all reports show Ford and Kia have progressed nicely with improving the quality of their car models over the last 20 years.

JD Powers, an independent research and consulting firm, has compiled data that is designed to add more science to the study of what makes a vehicle's reputation for reliability. In their study, JD Powers developed a model that looks at the number of vehicle problems per vehicle per 100 vehicles. In other words, for the study, JD Powers found that the Land Rover has 441 problems per 100 vehicles. The problem variables range from reported oil leaks to engine problems to transmission malfunctions. The study tablulated all of the problems found in a sampling of 100 vehicles of the same make and model and then ratings were applied based on the reliability of the vehicle. JD Powers also included input from experienced auto mechanics to provide balance to the study. For example, according to Mitchell Seligson, a mechanic in Orangeburg, N.Y. for 16 years, Hondas and Toyotas are the most reliable vehicles. This sentiment was echoed by Shawn Harris, a 25 year mechanic from Overdrive Motors in Iowa City. Most of the mechanics surveyed in the study gave the same input. This type of research is important because it contributes directly to consumer perception which contributes to what consumers are willing to pay for a vehicle.

In the 1980s it was pretty much assumed that "import" models were more reliable. Today, companies like Toyota and Honda regularly construct the cars in the U.S. so maybe the term "import" is obsolete, but the perception, and in the case of this study, the data, still indicates that Toyota and Honda are the best bets for your dollar.

Best in Class Fuel Economy

Consumer Reports recently reported their list of best in class economy cars in the area of fuel economy. Toyota produced 6 of the 27 cars mentioned with Honda coming in second with three models making the grade. The Toyota models that averaged 35 MPG on the freeway are the 2009/2010 Prius, 2009/2010 Yaris, 2009/2010 Corolla and the 2011 Camry Hybrid.

In this age of consistent $3.00 gasoline prices, fuel economy is foremost on most consumer's minds when shopping for vehicles. Most people want a car that has adequate acceleration while delivering the best possible fuel economy. This has become a reasonable expectation because at $3.00 per gallon, if you drive the average of 5 miles a day (to and from work)that's probably about $30 to $40 per month in gasoline costs and that's without traveling and any additional driving.

It says alot about Toyota that they can produce 22% of the best fuel economy cars on the road right now. Giving you a quality vehicle that will maintain it's resale value and save you money.

Kelley Blue Book announces best in class Resale Value

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) announced their picks for the vehicles with the best resale value for 2010. Their findings are best on establishing vehicles in each class such as compact car, SUV, mini-van, and truck. Their winning criteria is based on reliability, durability, performance, and mechanical ratings. According to KBB, a vehicle's ability to perform in each of those categories determines it's resale value. For this year's report, Toyota and Honda came out on top with Toyota having four of the top 16 vehicles for best resale value and Honda having three. The four Toyota vehicles are the Tacoma as the winner for the midsize truck category; the Highlander as the winner for the utility vehicle category; the Sienna as the winner for the mini-van category, and the Prius as the hybrid winner.

These four vehicles continue to be strong components in shaping out Toyota's overall reputation for putting vehicles on the road that maintain best in class resale value.

Toyota and diesel engines in the U.S.

Why doesn't Toyota make new diesel vehicles for the US market? Here's a perspective that speaks from the standpoint of consumer perception of diesal.


The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires that diesel passenger vehicles and light trucks meet the same emmissions requirements as gasoline vehicles. Some other states (Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and Maine) also follow CARB standards. Depending on who you talk to, it's either cost-prohibitive or technically not possible to make diesel engines that meet CARB standards for passenger vehicles using the low-quality, high-sulphur diesel fuel currently sold in the US. Most manufacturers don't want to go through the expense of EPA/DOT testing and certification for a vehicle that can only be sold in non-CARB states -- which exclude some of the largest vehicle markets in the country.

Market research probably also shows that many Americans have a negative opinion of diesel vehicles. They think of large trucks with plumes of thick black exhaust, the noisy, clattery diesel engines in early Mercedes, or the disastrously unreliable diesel engines produced by GM in the early 1980's. Also, there's no getting around the fact that there's an inconvenience factor involved in owning a diesel. Only 1-in-4 gas stations in the US have diesel available.

Some people also believe there's an oil industry conspiracy to keep fuel-efficient vehicles out of the US market.

Things may be changing for the better though. Current regulations will require refiners to start producing low-sulphur diesel fuel (ULSD) in 2007. That may make it easier for manufacturers to produce diesel engines that meet CARB requirements for a reasonable cost. Also, recent spikes in fuel prices have greatly increased public demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Is your Vehicle Stable?

Each auto manufacturer calls the system by a different name. With GM it's Stabilitrac. With Ford it's Advance Trak. With Chrysler it's called the Electronic Stability Program and Toyota calls it's system Vehicle Stability Control. In each case, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) works by providing a technological response when the vehicle senses itself veering off it's intended path with no corrective effort from the driver. An example of VSC in action would be when you are driving on a winding mountain road and you come upon a curve where there is a traffic sign indicating the speed limit for that turn is 40 MPH. You don't see the sign and you go into the turn at 55 MPH. In this instance, VSC will probably engage by pulsating the brakes on each wheel to help rotate the tires in order to keep the vehicle on track.

VSC has proven to be such an effective safety oriented technology that Congress has passed legislation that will make the system a mandatory standard equipment feature on all new vehicles produced in 2013 forward.

Increase the safe standards of your vehicle. VSC is stanard equipment today in Toyota vehicles!

Consumer Reports article about Accelerator issue

Analysis finds drivers did not apply brakes in runaway Toyotas
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has analyzed the “black box” event data recorders in dozens of Toyota vehicles involved in crashes linked to unintended acceleration, according to an exclusive Wall Street Journal report. The DOT found that the throttle was wide open but the brakes were not engaged in those instances. This may suggest driver error, rather than an electronic or mechanical defect in the cars, as the cause for those accidents. A formal study has not yet been issued. (Read our follow up: "Are drivers to blame in Toyota unintended acceleration cases? It may be too early to tell.")

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) examined the “black boxes,” which records when the accelerator and brakes are depressed, as well as vehicle speed and other factors.

According to the WSJ, NHTSA studied 75 fatal crashes involving 93 deaths. Among those crashes, the only one in which NHTSA found the brakes were applied in the August incident involving a California Highway Patrol officer who was killed with his family in a Lexus. The cause of that high-speed incident was ruled to be floor mats holding the accelerator to the floor. It was that crash that sparked the high-profile investigation into unintended acceleration last year. (Read “Misaligned floor mat may have caused calamity.”)

Beyond this reported analysis, which NHTSA has not released, the auto safety agency commissioned two related studies from National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and NASA. The space agency is investigating the function of electronic controls in Toyota products to ensure they comply with the latest electronic safety standards, with a report expected next month, and the NAS review of potential causes for unintended acceleration in all cars is expected to follow next year.

Scion tc to the future!

Ok! Now this is one bangin car! Yesterday I had the opportunity to test drive a Scion tc against a Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Mazda 3 at the Portland Meadows Raceway. I have to say that objectively, the Scion tc stood head and shoulders above the other three. The Kia's transmission was sluggish so that each time I punched the accelerator there was a split second before the gears engaged to put the car in motion. That was annoying. The Mazda was a good car. In fact, it was my second choice. It had excellent acceleration, but it didn't handle as tightly as the Scion tc. As for the Civic, it was my last choice. I didn't like the way it looked and it felt cramped inside to my 6 foot 3 220 lb body.

Now the Scion tc is a delighful car. I saw the five speed version with the beautiful cement color and 300 watt stereo system. It had 19 inch custom wheels and the newly designed front to back features a much sportier look. I know the Scion is marketed for the 25 age bracket, but with 180 HP and 2.4 DOHC engine, I can see myself crusing comfortably along in one of those hot models!!

When do you not have a car payment?

When you make your living selling cars, you could be a trillionaire if you had a dollar for each time a customer told you "my car's paid off and I don't want a car payment." That brings to mind the question; When is there ever a time when you don't have a car payment? If you buy a vehicle and finance it five or six years, by the time you pay it off, you usually will have mileage approaching 80k or more. This is of course the time when your maintenance costs climb considerably, even if you don't experience any mechanical issues with the vehicle. Let's break that down. If you are coming up on your 90k servicing, that would include transmission, which even if you avoid the dealer and go to Jiffy Lube will cost you about $300.00 and that doesn't include the oil change and other factors that will cost another $200.00. So, $500.00 in maintenance. Since your vehicle is older, it will use more fuel so you can factor in another $500.00 annually in additional fuel and other fluids. You will almost certainly have to exchange tires or replace a cracked windsheld, or fix the heater or air conditioning, or something...So, that's another $500.00 for the year. Even if nothing major goes wrong (if you are over 100k then the timing belt could fail and now we are in the thousands), that's at least $1,500.00 in maintenance costs. Over 12 months, that means you have a $125.00 per month payment on your vehicle whether you think of it that way or not. Now, $125.00 doesn't sound like an overwhelming payment, but if you factor in the stress of worrying about your vehicle having major mechanical issues, the question is then raised is it worth another $150.00 or $200.00 a month for that peace of mind of having a new vehicle so that those concerns are taken care of (of course, if you are financing that older vehicle this is a no brainer)?

That additional $225.00 per month breaks down to $7.40 per day. That's the cost of a large Starbucks coffee and a roll. So, what it comes down is you are going to have a payment either way. The question is do you want your older, failing vehicle and a Starbucks drink or do you want a fresh, new, exciting, reliable automobile?

Survey Information from About.Com

This comment about the Toyota Camry was posted on this site today:

"There's a reason the Camry is the best selling car in the US, and has been for years: It does just about everything well. It's roomy, quiet, comfortable, and built like the proverbial brick outhouse. With the new-for-2007 redesign, the Camry offers more choice than ever. Most buyers will opt for the well-priced and well-equipped Camry LE, but don't overlook the fuel-efficient Camry Hybrid, luxury-oriented Camry XLE and sporty Camry SE."

What is Carfax?

Carfax is a vehicle history report that aids consumers purchasing a used vehicle. The Carfax report contains registration information, accident information, and insurance records. The primary purpose of Carfax, is to help prevent consumers from purchasing a vehicle that had unknown issues.
.History
Carfax was founded in 1984 by Ewin Barnett III. The company began offering vehicle history reports to auto dealers and auto auctions in 1986; by 1993 the company had expanded into the consumer market, offering services to assist used-cars buyers. By 1996 these reports were available for purchase online at the companies website (www.carfax.com), making it much easier for consumers to access vehicle history reports.
Services
Carfax provides vehicle history reports for consumers and dealers. With a Carfax vehicle history report, a consumer or dealer can find out where a vehicle has been registered, if it has every been in an accident, or has had any title or mileage discrepancies.
Data Collection
Carfax collects data from motor vehicle departments, insurance companies and body shops around the country. The information collected is assigned to each vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and compiled into a report.
Competitors
Autocheck (a division of the credit bureau Experian) is currently the only major competitor to Carfax.
Criticism
Carfax reports have often been criticized by consumers for missing obvious accident damage or problems. Due to the data collection model, the Carfax system may not be notified of vehicle body work or damage if the company that does the repairs isn't licensed. These "shade-tree" body shops do not report their information to Carfax.
.

What's the Price of the Car got to do with it?

People have always been very price conscious when purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle. Let's face it, it's a lot of money we're talking about and people want to make sure they're making a great investment. That's sound logic, but are people really achieving that objective, making a sound investment, by haggling over the price they pay for their vehicle? The data says more often the answer is no.

When you make a purchase, one of your primary concerns has to be the value of what your purchasing two, three, four years, etc., down the road. For example, if you purchase gold, you know that for infinity, that gold is going to retain, and possibly increase, it's value. You know it will do that because gold is basically infallable in the sense that it will never tarnish. It will maintain it's same luster 50 years from now.

With vehicles we know the formula works differently. A vehicle doesn't retain it's worth like gold so it depreciates (loses it's value) each second it's on the road. The longer that vehicle is driving, the miles it racks up, the less value it's probably going to retain. Most consumers know this already. That's why they are so concerned about price because they believe that by paying less, they are reducing the chance of being "upside down" e.g. owing more for the vehicle than it's worth. On the surface this is a logical argument, but if you analyze it from an economics perspective, there's actually much more to this. Let me explain. In 1977, Chrysler announced a major financial crisis within the company. What resulted from that announcement? If you remember and/or study history, the government stepped in and provided bail out money to Chrysler. The other car companies also assisted by reducing the prices on their comparable vehicles. Why? Because although the car companies compete against one another, they also depend upon one another. If one car company goes down, they will need to liquidate their inventory which will reduce their prices and thus cause competing models to have to reduce their prices. Remember when American Motor Company went under? That was when many of the cash rebate programs gained their popularity, but what happened is everyone loses revenue. Another example is oil prices. Have you ever noticed that if Chevron is $3.50 a gallon, Texaco across the street isn't selling gas at $1.00 a gallon. They are at $3.50 also, or within a peny or so of the Chevron price. Why? Because the cartel, or price agreements, between the oil companies insures all of them are able to compete effectively.

Let's bring the discussion back to vehicles. If a car manufacturer offers you a $5,000.00 rebate, or cash back, many of you assume this is a great thing right? You get to buy the car cheaper? Let's go back to Chrysler and the oil companies and the examples given above. If Chevrolet gives those rebates so that their SUVs sell for $30,000.00 instead of $35,000.00 (due to the rebates given) then two, three years down the road, that vehicle that actually sold for $5,000.00 less is now worth that much less in value so that when you go to try and sell that car as a trade and get into a new one, you owe thousands more than that car is worth, not because you paid too much, but because the reduced amount you paid has driven down the value of that vehicle.

Now, at this point you may be saying "this guy is crazy. He's saying I should pay more when I buy a vehicle...I'm not going to listen to that!" Well, what I'm actually saying is no one is helping you by reducing the amount you pay up front because the more you pay for your vehicle, the more everyone else has to pay for that same vehicle which means the vehicle creates more value for itself which makes it more valuable when you go to sell it years later. It's the same principle as gold. Plus, when you have a strong vehicle like a Toyota, the value in what I'm arguing is born out with the resale value of the vehicles this company puts out. This is the reason Toyota's vehicles are slightly more expensive than some of the other makes, because these Toyota's are more valuable to you. The end result? CNN, Edmunds, Cars.com, and others consistently place Toyotas at the top of their lists for having the best resale value. Can you say that for that vehicle you got the $5,000.00 rebate on?

Good customer service and dinasaurs..A thing of the past?

I'm a creature of habit. I usually go to the same restaurants and my menu selections are pretty consistent. I always tip well and I am not the type of person to give the service people a hard time. Just recently, I realized that many of these restaurants see me in there all the time and yet, the service I receive is average if not poor. No one takes the time to try and learn your order (even though you order there often and it's always the same). No one cares about knowing your name. They seldom even care enough to say hello to you anymore. Case in point is recently, my wife and I went to a local restaurant that we have often frequented. She ordered her customary $10.00 glass of wine, and then another, and then we ordered dinner. The host and the female food server were both very familiar to us. When our food came out, the entrees were cold. When we mentioned this to the food server, she frowned and told us "this has never happened before" as she continued to stare at us. We offered that there is a first time for everything and so she should test the food. She did and agreed it was cold. She took the food back. About 30 minutes later she came back and told us the food was almost done. Another 20 minutes passed before she came back with our plates. Now the food was just luckwarm. When we commented about that, her response was she would have to talk to her general manager. The gentleman came over and immediately told us he would comp our meals although we never asked him for that. He offered this as if that was our objective all along. From there, we got into a sad conversation with him about how often we ate there. He was aware of this since we saw us there often. Then, we finished and left.

Now I know that the economic times have forced many businesses to cut back on staff. Many companies are struggling to stay afloat and as a result, raises and incentives are being cut back. Employees are being asked to work harder for less compensation. All of these factors have an influence on the quality of service, no doubt, but if you want to generate business, wouldn't a logical place to start be in how you treat your existing customers?

The restaurant story took place about six months ago. We had been going to that restaurant about two or three times per month, but since that night, we haven't been back. We haven't been back because we realize all we wanted was some simple recognition and appreciation for our business. It would have been fine with me if the food server had just apologized and gotten the order right in a reasonable time frame (not an extra hour). Had she responded that way, we would have been satisfied and there would have been no need to offer us compensation as if we were the problem child needing a fix.

Now, I work in the car business. Buying a car is the second most important and expensive decision a person will make. For many people, their car purchase will be their most expensive and important decision. This reality creates significant anxiety and stress when making this transaction. I am a firm believer that my job is to make that process as easy and enjoyable as is humanly possible for the customer. I believe this because this is basically what I want when I venture out as a consumer. You should feel special and attended to. you should feel respected and you should know whatever information you receive is correct and timely. I'm for building a movement to bring back quality personal customer service. Do you agree? I would love to hear people's thoughts!

Why Toyotas Rule!

Toyota is at the top of the game today as it relates to technologies to give you more vehicle for your dollar. One quick comparison to illustrate that is in looking at the Tundra side by side with the Ford F150. The Tundra has a larger and more powerful engine than the F150 with its robust 5.7 liter V8 compared to the F150 5.4 liter V8. Tundra also offers 71 more horsepower than the Ford with 66 more torque power.

In spite of the fact the Tundra boosts the more powerful engine, it's gas mileage is virtually the same as the F150 AT 14/18 to 14/20. So you get significantly more power for basically the same gas mileage. This is just one of the features that Toyota's advanced technology is offering for all new model vehicles. Check out some of the outstanding safety features like downhill assist control, parking assistant, auto limited shift differential, and up hill assist control.

Toyota is offering many incentives for all of these vehicles and you can also qualify for our automatic internet discount if you contact Toyota of Bend at internet@toyotaofbend.com

Contact us and let's put you behind the wheel of one of these fantastic vehicles!

Prius to be produced in the U.S.!

Toyota expects next Prius model to be built in U.S.
Buzz up!1 vote Share

TOKYO (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) will likely be able to build the popular Prius hybrid car in the United States when it is remodeled next, a top executive said on Tuesday.

Toyota had been planning to produce the world's best-selling gasoline-electric car at its new Mississippi plant, but instead decided to build the Corolla sedan after local production of that model ended with the closure of a California factory formerly co-owned with General Motors Co (GM.UL).

"The main components for the Prius -- such as the motor and battery -- are not mature enough for local production," Executive Vice President Atsushi Niimi said. "We expect that they'll be ready with the next remodeling."

Niimi, who oversees production as well as regional operations in North America and China for Toyota, said the company would decide in due course where in the United States it would make the fourth-generation Prius, expected around 2016.

A more near-term concern was the pace of recovery in the U.S. market, which he said would likely be slow.

"If you look at unemployment, housing, and other economic indicators there's not much good news. I think it will take time for the market to recover," he said, adding he did not share views that the U.S. market could recover to above 12 million units next year or to 14-15 million in 2012.

Press Release


Contact:

Syvetril Perryman
(805) 418-8103
Karla Tucker
(248) 312-4344


J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
Buick and Jaguar Tie to Rank Highest for Vehicle Dependability

Toyota Motor Corporation Captures Ten Segment Awards; Ford Motor Company Garners Four

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 19 March 2009 — Buick and Jaguar each rank highest in vehicle dependability in a tie, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today. Buick improves from a sixth-place ranking in 2008, while Jaguar improves from 10th place. Following in the top five rankings this year are Lexus, Toyota and Mercury.

Toyota garners five segment awards—more than any other nameplate in 2009—for the Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara and Tundra. Lexus follows with four segment awards for the ES 330 (in a tie with the Acura RL), GX 470, LS 430 and SC 430. Lincoln captures two awards for the Mark LT and Zephyr. Models by Acura, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan and Scion each rank highest in one segment.

“Buick has ranked among the top 10 nameplates each year since the study was last redesigned in 2003, while Jaguar has moved rapidly up the rankings,” said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. “Lexus remains a very strong competitor in long-term quality. In particular, the Lexus LS 430 sets the industry standard for dependability, with fewer problems reported than any other model in the study.”

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles, has been redesigned to include 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study is used extensively by vehicle manufacturers worldwide to help design and build better vehicles—which typically retain higher resale values—and by consumers to help them make more-informed choices for both new and used vehicles.

“In the current economic climate, consumers are delaying new-vehicle purchases and keeping their vehicles longer—the average age of a vehicle at trade-in has increased to 73 months in 2009 from 65 months in 2006,” said Sargent. “This makes vehicle dependability even more critical. Automakers have improved long-term dependability by an average of 10 percent each year since the inception of the study, which is a testament to the industry’s commitment to continuously improve and sustain quality, especially long-term quality. Making improvements in long-term quality not only satisfies customers who are holding onto their vehicles longer, but it will also influence their decisions when they return to the new-vehicle market or are seeking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle.”

The study finds that the frequency and severity of component replacement has a particularly strong impact on customer loyalty intentions. Component areas for which the impact is greatest include engine and transmission. When engine components are replaced or rebuilt, just 11 percent of customers state that they definitely intend to purchase or lease another vehicle of the same make, compared with nearly 40 percent among owners who report replacing no components.

The study also finds that Buick, Lincoln, Mercury and Jaguar owners are less likely to replace components than owners of other vehicle brands. While component replacement rates are similar for premium and non-premium makes, there are notable differences between vehicle segments. Owners of models in the premium sporty vehicle segment are least likely to replace components, while owners of models in the van segment are most likely to replace components.

The 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 46,000 original owners of 2006 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded in October 2008.

Find more detailed findings on vehicle dependability as well as model photos and specs by reading an article and reviewing brand and segment dependability ratings at JDPower.com.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Media Relations Contacts:

Syvetril Perryman
J.D. Power and Associates
Specialist, Media Relations
2625 Townsgate Road, Suite 100
Westlake Village , CA 91361
USA
(805) 418-8103
syvetril.perryman@jdpa.com
Karla Tucker
J.D. Power and Associates
Associate, Media Relations
5435 Corporate Drive, Suite 300
Troy , MI 48098
USA
(248) 312-4344
karla.tucker@jdpa.com




No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate



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Toyota of Bend is sole distributor of Toyota products for the entire Bend/Redmond/La Pine/Prineville/Madras area, but we don't take that for granted. Our objective is to make your buying experience an extremely positive one. Our sales and service staff are focused on actively listening to your needs and concerns. There are no pressure sales here. No need for that. We sell Toyotas. These vehicles sell themselves! Now we're making things even easier for you by expanding and creating an Internet sales department that will be responsible for maintaining this blog site. You will receive specialized service from our Internet Sales Specialist Ahjamu (pronounced Ah-jaa-moo) Umi (pronounced Oh-me). Email him at umifam@gmail.com. You will receive a response within four business hours and your response will contain all of the answers you desire. Contact us by email to arrange to have the Toyota of your choice delivered to your front door for a demonstration. And, don't forget our referral program. If you refer a customer to Ahjamu and that customer purchases either a new or used vehicle from Toyota of Bend, you will receive $99.00 immediately! No ifs, ands, or buts. Money in your pocket! Let us know how we can serve you today!