Is This the Face of the New Toyota Prius Line?

The Toyota FT-Bh Concept is not designed to be the face of the new Prius c, but it does have several features that The Fast Lane Car believes will be on the next generation Prius family vehicles. The FT-Bh concept uses compressed natural gas (CNG), which definitely won't be making it into showrooms soon, but since it has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any burnable fuel, let's hope it happens in the near future!

The Toyota FT-Bh Concept, a plug-in hybrid Toyota, can get up to 134.5 mpg, weighing in at just 1,733 lbs. The interior in the photo looks like a concept interior, but The Fast Lane Car believes that the center console, steering wheel and center display look production ready for the next batch of Prii.

What do you think? Yay or nay? If you're a bigger fan of the original Prius Hybrid, Prius c or Prius Plug-In Hybrid, click any of the model names to view our online inventory!


All information and images via The Fast Lane Car

New Toyota Fuel Cell Powers Building

Even though Toyota will not be selling fuel cell vehicles in the US for a few years, it's already using the technology to power its Torrance facility. Toyota activated a 1.1-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell generator, which will supply roughly half of the electricity for six headquarters buildings while producing zero emissions. This will also save them roughly $130,000 annually in utility costs.

It is the largest stationary fuel cell of its kind in operation, according to Toyota.

Toyota plans to begin selling its first fuel cell vehicle in the US by 2015, but hasn't released any information about the vehicle, including price or model type.

“Supporting alternative energy sources like hydrogen supports Toyota’s overarching commitment to lessen our impact on the environment and drive forward innovative technology,” said Toyota Motor Sales USA Senior Vice President Bob Daly. “Not only will this new hydrogen fuel cell generator reduce the environmental footprint of our headquarters campus, but it showcases the power and potential of hydrogen as a fuel source.”

Our new building at 802 Toyota is not fuel-cell powered, but it is environmentally friendly and self sufficient - so we're in the right direction ;)

For more information, please visit the article by the Los Angeles Times here.


All info and image via the Los Angeles Times

Stuff-A-Truck Day Two at 802 Toyota Scion & Twin City Subaru

It's the second day of the 11th Annual Stuff-A-Truck event being held outside of 802 Toyota's nearly-completed new building. Frank FM's TJ Michaels, Froggy's JD Green and numerous supporters have been outside with the truck, doing what they can to help Central Vermonters in need.

"I've been doing this for 11 years," said TJ. "We do this for the Salvation Army mostly because I think each of us has a story to tell."

TJ reflects on his past; remembering his early days as a disc jockey, coming home and looking into the fridge to find a bottle of ketchup and some baking soda. That was a time when the Salvation Army was helping him, and now he's giving back.

This year's event is more important than ever - the Salvation Army Food Shelf has seen an increase in need for food by Vermont families by 155 percent over the last two years. Last year they broke records; raising over 18 tons of food and $12,000, but it was also the first time the Food Shelf's supply didn't last the whole year.

TJ tells us that 1 in 6 Vermonters struggle for food, and even though you may think you don't know someone who is struggling like that, 10 percent of Vermonters use the Food Shelf at one point or another. It hits us close to home here, and we have to help.

Vermont has pulled together strongly, especially after Irene. TJ says that we've encompassed the Vermont Strong theme, and to them it really means taking care of each other. This year they hope to fill more than just one truck in order to be able to feed all those in need through the whole year.

If you haven't stopped by the Stuff-A-Truck drive yet, please do! All donations, small and large really make a difference. Let's be Vermont Strong - and let's stuff two trucks! Stop by 802 Toyota on the Berlin Mall Road in Berlin, Vt. any time now through November 18.

802 Toyota Scion and Twin City Subaru Create Guaranteed Used Car Program

Here is our most recent press release that features our amazing new Guaranteed Used Car program, check it out!

Berlin, Vt. -- 802 Toyota Scion and Twin City Subaru have created a new “Guaranteed Used Car” program, effective Nov. 1, 2012. Guaranteed Used Cars purchased from either dealership include all required maintenance, mechanical repairs and all original equipment through the first 12 months after purchase or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Look for this frame on our website!

Guaranteed Used Cars are marked on both the 802 Toyota Scion and Twin City Subaru websites by a yellow frame surrounding the picture of the vehicle, as opposed to the standard blue frame on the majority of their inventory.

Our Guaranteed Used Cars that don't have pictures yet will look like this.

“All manufacturers required maintenance will be performed at no cost to the consumer at the appropriate mileage for 12 months or 12,000 miles from date of purchase. This includes (but is not limited to) oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, 30,000, 60,000, or other major services and all required maintenance per the Owner’s manual. We will also include a complimentary Vermont State Inspection if required. All work must be performed at the dealership purchased from (Twin City Subaru or 802 Toyota),” according to the VT Cars website.

Also included are all Original Equipment from Manufacturer (OEM), which includes wear items such as brakes, windshield wiper blades and tires. These items too must be repaired at the dealership the vehicle is purchased at, either 802 Toyota Scion or Twin City Subaru.

The only items not included are physical damage, acts of God or cosmetic damage, according to their website. This includes damage to the rims and tires from potholes, curbs or other impacts; broken windshields, vandalism, scratches, dents or rust.

For more information, please view the Guaranteed Used Car page here.

Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Toyota recently announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross, alongside other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Toyota has also vowed to match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and the other nonprofits involved.

"On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand," said Shigeki Terashi, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

Toyota has also made it possible for people in affected areas to take advantage of payment relief options if their car was rendered unusable due to the storm. For more information, view the press release here.


All information via the Toyota USA Newsroom