Toyotathon!!!!

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Hurricane Sale!

Toyota VENZA: Sketchpad to the Streets

With the Toyota Venza arriving here at Kinsel Toyota later this year, we thought it would be cool to do a post dedicated to this all-new product. With that in mind, Toyota asked Venza exterior designer Ian Cartabiano, from Toyota’s Calty Design Research studio in Newport Beach, Calif., to take us through the early sketch process. The video below is the result....



It’s always interesting to see how a product goes from the sketch pad to the streets. For comparison, we’ve included a few photos of the 2009 Toyota Venza on Flickr. Please note that the vehicle in the photos is a prototype with optional equipment. Production models may vary.

Source: Toyota Website

Three Toyotas are "Stingy"

Being stingy might not be the most admirable of human traits, but when your car is stingy with fuel, well, that’s very admirable indeed.

So we’re pleased to note that Car and Driver recently named three Toyota vehicles to a list it calls, "Stingiest Sippers: 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in the US."

The stingiest car of all, according to Car and Driver? It’s the same car that gets top mpg honors from the EPA – the Prius. Car and Driver calls it "the gold standard for fuel economy," and says that the Prius is notable not only for EPA fuel economy numbers of 48/city, 45/highway and 46/combined, but for what the magazine calls, "the impressively low price, and the unique, futuristic lines that house a large amount of usable space."

Also included in the "10 Stingiest" list is the Camry Hybrid. Car and Driver says, "The Toyota Camry Hybrid is good at moving passengers economically and without drama." And it adds, "Hybridization did nothing to impact the virtues that make the Camry an award-winning, family-hauling appliance: laudable road manners, quiet and comfortable operation and a highly competent overall experience. Stepping up to the hybrid also begets stability control and the top-of-the-line XLE interior package, minus leather seats."

The Camry Hybrid comes by its "stingy" label honestly. The EPA rates its mpg as 33/city, 34/highway and 34/combined.

The third Toyota to make the Car and Driver "stingy" list is the Yaris. As the magazine’s writers say, "It’s a happy day for consumers when one of the most-fuel-efficient vehicles sold is also one of the cheapest." And they add, "Despite a short wheelbase, the Yaris can transport deceptively large quantities of cargo."

The EPA rates the Yaris’ mpg at 29/city, 36/highway, 32/combined.

Oh, and about the Yaris being "one of the cheapest?" Its base MSRP, including transportation, is $12,210.

Prius coming to Mississippi!

From the Toyota website....

There’s been a good deal of curiosity lately about when we might begin building our Prius Hybrid here in North America. Now we can satisfy that curiosity.

As part of a sweeping set of changes that reflect the state of the automobile business in the United States, Prius assembly will begin here in late 2010 at a brand-new plant currently under construction in Blue Springs, Mississippi. Prius thus will join the Camry Hybrid, assembled in Kentucky, as the second Toyota hybrid produced in North America. This important step will allow us to better respond to increased demand for hybrid vehicles.

Assembly of the Highlander midsize SUV, originally scheduled for the new Mississippi plant, will shift to our Princeton, Indiana plant. That change becomes effective Fall 2009.

With Highlander’s move to the Princeton plant, assembly of the Tundra will be consolidated at our San Antonio, Texas plant, effective Spring 2009.

Part of what’s driving these changes is the declining market for fullsize pickups and SUVs. Because of that declining market, Toyota is temporarily suspending Tundra and Sequoia production beginning August 8th. Work is scheduled to resume in November. Production of V8 engines at our Huntsville, Alabama plant also will be suspended.

Team members at all three facilities will be provided employment during this period.

These changes are intended as a way to minimize – for us, at least - the effects of the economic influenza that has swept through the ranks of the automotive industry, and to be sure that we have the right factories producing the right products.

- Jon F. Thompson, Editor, Open Road

Let's Get Ready To Rumble!!!!!!

It's going to be a great night so bring the whole family! You might even see Chris & Coop in the ring! :-)

Check out GCPPW for ticket information!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Diane Fontenot of Beaumont for WINNING $5,000!

"You Can't WIN If You Don't DRIVE!"

For Immediate Release

LOCAL CAR DEALERSHIP GIVES AWAY $5,000 TO DEMO A VEHICLE

Beaumont, TX –July, 10, 2008 – Before you decide to make a new vehicle purchase, it would make sense to at least check out one local car dealership. Especially if you have the chance to WIN $5,000! Kinsel Toyota in Beaumont Texas is giving away $5,000 to one lucky person every month! That’s right EVERY MONTH! There’s NO purchase necessary, all you have to do is test drive a vehicle! What’s the catch you ask? “There is none! Since gas prices have risen to an all time high, we have come up with a way to help out our customers. We know they’re going to shop different types of vehicles, but we feel once someone comes to our dealership and test drives a vehicle, they’ll see why Toyota is number 1 and Kinsel Toyota is the best place to buy their New Toyota!” says Jay Richards, General Manager.

Kinsel Toyota will give away the 1^st $5,000 this Friday, July 11, 2008 at 10:00 am CST on their showroom floor at 3255 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX. A big turnout is expected since this has never been done in Southeast Texas, and it will be an ongoing event. All local/regional/national media is invited. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Chris & Coop using the link below.

About Kinsel Toyota:

Kinsel Toyota is a family owned business serving Southeast Texas and the surrounding areas for over 50 years. Kinsel is a Franchised Toyota Dealership located at 3255 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX, and is a full service Toyota dealership which includes sales, service, parts and a collision center.

###

CONTACT US

3255 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77706

(409) 892.4888 Fax (409) 924.6279 KinselToyota.com

Solar Panels on Prius?

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) plans to install solar panels on its next-generation Prius hybrid cars, becoming the first major automaker to use solar power for a vehicle, the Nikkei business daily reported on Monday.

The paper said Toyota would equip solar panels on the roof of the high-end version of the Prius when it redesigns the gasoline-electric hybrid car early next year, and the power generated by the system would be used for the air conditioning.

Toyota plans to use solar panels made by Kyocera Corp (6971.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the Nikkei said.

A Toyota spokeswoman could not immediately confirm the report.

The Prius, the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car, first went on sale in Japan in late 1997 and in other markets in 2000, and its cumulative sales have topped 1 million units worldwide.

Toyota remodeled the Prius with an improved hybrid system in 2003 and is expected to launch a third-generation version by next year.

Hardest-To-Get Cars

Article from Forbes.com

Looking for a new car? Maybe you have your heart set on something fuel-efficient because of $4 gas? Or perhaps you had a good year and feel you're ready to move up to something with a touch of style, luxury or class?

Get in line. Despite tough times for the auto industry in general, there are some car models--across a broad range of classes and sizes--that are so popular that auto manufacturers are selling them faster than they can build them.

The range of hard-to-get vehicles is as diverse as consumer tastes and budgets in general. Case in point: As expected, the most-wanted vehicle on our list is the fuel-sipping $21,500 Toyota Prius hybrid sedan that gets an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) combined estimate of 46 mpg. No. 2 on the list? The not-so-expected gas-guzzling $74,700 Lexus LX Series full-size luxury SUV that gets a combined 14 mpg.

What does the Logo mean?

Every so often someone asks what Toyota’s logo means. You know, that stylistic shape that consists of three superimposed ovals?

So I thought I’d look into it. At the suggestion of our archives folks, I started with a site titled, "A History of Car Logos." Whatever it is you’re looking for, from Abarth to Volvo (nope, no Zagato – they were tuners, rather than manufacturers), there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll find it here.

This site’s entry for Toyota informs us that the logo consists of, "Three ellipses depicting the heart of the customer, the heart of the product, and the ever-expanding technological advancements and boundless opportunities that lie ahead."

Well, OK - a bit flowery, maybe, but fine. Trouble is, that might not be completely correct. I also found an official Toyota version of the logo’s meaning. It’s just a little different from the one listed above.

It explains, "The two perpendicular center ovals represent a relationship of mutual trust between the customer and Toyota. These ovals combine to symbolize the letter "T" for Toyota. The space in the background implies a global expansion of Toyota's technology and unlimited potential for the future."

The bottom line, of course, isn’t what blue-sky designers think a logo represents. It’s what you think it represents. Value, reliability and a strong environmental ethic are characteristics we strive to build into every one of our vehicles. We can only hope that those are the characteristics that shine through, past that logo, for our customers.

Chris & Coop

To All The Fathers Out There.........

Out On DVD!!!

If you didn't get a chance to see The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman at the movies, then GREAT NEWS.......it's out on DVD!! We highly recommend it!

Got Insurance??

AUSTIN — Unisured drivers beware: the state is looking for you on Texas roads.

The Department of Public Safety and other state officials announced Tuesday the start-up of a program to identify and fine uninsured motorists. State law requires every driver to carry minimum liability coverage, but officials estimate that about 4 million, or 20 percent, of Texas vehicles are not covered.

Driving without liability insurance can result in fines of up to $350 and repeat offenders can have their license suspended.

The TexasSure program developed a statewide database of private passenger vehicles that are insured. It will allow law enforcement and county tax officials to electronically confirm if a vehicle has the required coverage. Coverage information is update every week by more than 200 Texas insurance companies.

State officials said it will help crack down on motorists who may use phony insurance cards or who cancel their coverage after they renew their registration or pass inspection.

"For too long, having a collision in Texas has been like playing a game of Russian roulette, where you never know whether the at-fault driver is carrying the required insurance," said DPS Highway Patrol Lt. Louis Sanchez of the Austin district.

DPS is currently field testing the program in the Austin area and hopes to have it working

#1 in VOLUME!

Ok, I know it's been a while since our last post...but we've actually been working hard selling cars & trucks! We were the #1 VOLUME Dealer in Southeast Texas for the month of March! YES...#1! Special Thanks to everyone who bought a Toyota from us! We have a lot of stuff going on here soon, so keep checking back with us and we'll tell you how to get a FREE OIL CHANGE!

Have a great weekend! - Chris & Coop

Build Your Own Scion Crest!

As part of a campaign by independent StrawberryFrog, New York, Scion last week launched an online effort centered on scionspeak.com. Users can create crests on the site by combining pre-selected icons like Scion's logo and a bat holding a video game controller. The resulting images can then be used in everything from their AIM icons to their Facebook pages.

Ok, so I was curious..........here's what I made! -Chris

Yes, it's kinda strange! Click Here to design your own and share it with us!

Gaudie Girls!

Ok, here's one of my Favorite Pics from the Girls down at Gaudie & Co. in Nederland! They have some really cool stuff! You can check out their website here: Gaudie & Co.

The Greener The Better!

Score cards are good things because they help us know where we are. Are we in the game? Do we have some catch-up to play? It’s possible to learn the answers to these questions if you have a reliable score card.

As it happens, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently provided just such a scorecard as part of its 2008 Green Book Online.

And the way we read the results, we’re doing OK. We’re doing OK because according to the ACEEE, four of the 12 greenest vehicles in the U.S. – that’s a third of the total number, but it’s really more than half - are ours. We take that as great news!

CLICK HERE to check out the results!

Kinsel Scion @ West Brook's Autorama 2008

Kinsel Scion Manager Steve Sons was out with several Scions at West Brook High School during their annual AutoRama Event to help support Project Graduation.

Another WIN!

We're not only thrilled about our 1st NASCAR Sprint Cup points race WIN, but we’re equally thrilled by a vote of confidence we received from an unexpected source recently – kind of an "attaboy" from the business community. We were ranked fifth in Fortune’s list of the top 20 most admired companies. Actually, it was even better than that. We were the top-ranked automotive company. Just one other automotive company was included in the top-20 list, but it failed to crack the top 10.

For the best deals on your next Toyota, CLICK HERE!

Toyota Makes History!!!

History maker
Kyle Busch scores first win for Toyota!


Kyle Busch gave Toyota its first NASCAR Sprint Cup victory, driving away from the pack in the waning laps to win the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday.


Busch, winning for the first time since last March 25 at Bristol, took the lead for good with 50 laps to go when Carl Edwards, trying for a third straight victory, went out with a broken transmission.

The first win for the Japanese automaker in NASCAR's top series came in its 40th race and is the first NASCAR victory by a foreign manufacturer since Al Keller drove a Jaguar to a road course win in Linden, New Jersey in June 1954.

After Busch crossed the finish line ahead of teammate Tony Stewart, he screamed on the radio, "Congratulations, (crew chief Steve) Addington, it's your first one."

It was the fifth Cup victory for Busch, who became the youngest winner on Atlanta's 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) oval since Jeff Gordon won in 1995 at 23 years, 6 months. Busch will be 23 on May 2.

CLICK HERE to check out Toyota PitPass!

O% APR for 60 Months is BACK!!!

Back by Popular Demand!!!!

All Toyota Tundra's @ Kinsel Toyota now have O% for 60 months!

Toyota and Lexus Score Four of 10 Top Picks!

If you’re thinking of buying a new vehicle this year, you might be interested in knowing that the Toyota RAV4, Sienna, Prius and Lexus LS460L captured four of 10 Top Picks categories in a ranking announced Thursday by a leading consumer magazine. Additionally, the magazine’s editors found that our vehicles continue to rank in the top tier of overall reliability.

The Toyota and Lexus vehicles selected for the honor sweep across almost the entire spectrum of vehicle sizes, from small SUV to large luxury sedan. There’s something here for almost everyone.

For the Small SUV Top Pick, the magazine’s editors selected the Toyota RAV4, calling it versatile, comfortable, and roomy enough for a small third-row seat. They noted that the V6 version accelerates quickly and still delivers 22 mpg overall.

The Toyota Sienna is the magazine’s Top Pick in the Minivan category, with the editors finding that in terms of roominess and quiet, its interior is on a par with that of some luxury sedans. They also found its V6 engine to be powerful and fuel-efficient, and they noted that Sienna is the only minivan available with all-wheel drive.

For the fifth year in a row, the Toyota Prius was named Top Pick in the Green Car category. In spite of that fact that many new hybrid models have become available, the magazine’s editors said, at 44 mpg overall, the Prius still delivers the best fuel economy the magazine has measured in any five-passenger car. They noted that the Prius’ interior is roomy and versatile, and they said that the Prius sets high reliability standards.

MadNonnie.com's Toyota Prius!

Matchbox 20 Concert!

If you missed the Concert last night.....we have a clip!

Have a great weekend! -Chris & Coop

Matchbox 20 TONITE!!!

We're heading to the TOYOTA CENTER Tonight to see Matchbox Twenty (Thanks Craig!) Gonna be a great night, we'll have some pics tomorrow! If you're not sure who they are, check out their site! MATCHBOX 20

Chris & Coop LIVE w/Eli Fox on BIG DOG 106!

# 1 Selling Car in America!

Drive a Tundra? Like Bass Fishing? Good News!

Toyota announced a “Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks” program for this season’s upcoming Bassmaster-affiliated fishing tournaments. In essence, if you use your Tundra or Sequoia to tow your boat to a Bassmaster affiliated fishing tournament, you have the opportunity to win some contingency money.

We’re not exactly sure what this contingency money really represents, but it sounds pretty cool. Toyota is putting some extra money up for competitive anglers - as much as $7,500 for the highest placing eligible entrant (note: Toyota/Sequoia owners are not required to win anything, just place). Most local competitions will offer something to the highest placing owner of a Tundra or Sequoia tow vehicle.

There’s no entry fee either - the definition of “free money”. All you have to do is register.

Learn more about this program on BassZone.com.

Need a NEW TUNDRA??

H2 stuck? Just call a Toyota FJ 70!

Q: What is a FJ 70??

A: The Toyota FJ70 is the model designation for a Toyota Land Cruiser made from 1984 until present day. In 1984/1985, Toyota introduced an entirely new design to replace the aging and now 25 year old 40 series Land Cruiser. What Toyota came up with was a most appropriate replacement. Although completely new in styling, every off road positive aspect of the original 40 series was retained. The all new 70 series was introduced.

The 70 through 73 series is the short and medium wheelbase version of the long running Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series. Essentially, the direct replacement of the famous 40 series and what most Americans know of as the FJ40. These models were built in more variations than the longer wheelbase Land Cruisers. Some are still in production today for a select few markets.

Want a New Toyota Landcruiser?? How about an FJ Cruiser? Get the BEST Price now at KinselToyota.com!

Toyota Tundra vs GMC Sierra Chevy Silverado

This is NOT our Opinion......this was taken from AutoSpies.com! Maybe that's why it's Motor Trend's Truck of the Year????

"The Tundra easily beat out the 6.0L Sierra-Silverado in terms of engine, transmission, brakes, safety, and pricing, narrowly beat the Sierra-Silverado in interior and exterior features, and tied or narrowly lost on the rest. The Tundra is the winner. The Tundra represents a better compromise of everything we measured in our comparison. Assuming you could only have one truck, and assuming you had a need for one with power, the Tundra is the way to go. GM needs to offer more than a 4speed automatic, upgrade their safety systems, and reduce their costs in order to pull ahead of the Toyota product." -AutoSpies.com

CLICK HERE to see the whole article!

American Gladiators + Toyota = FUN!

Congratulations to Evan Dollard of Chicago, Illinois and Monica Carlson of Oregon for becoming American Gladiator Champions! They each WON $100,000, a Brand New 2008 TOYOTA SEQUOIA, and a chance to be Gladiators next season !

For more American Gladiators info, CLICK HERE!

Thursday Thunder!!

Here's a little something for all of our NASCAR Lovers!

Prius Crash!

For those of you who missed Nip?Tuck last night on FX, or those of you who NEVER watch it......Here's a clip from Dr. Troy getting SMACKED in his Toyota Prius! Looks like the Toyota Prius can take a side impact!

Chris & Coop?

Well, NOT quite Chris & Coop...........

He's almost two feet taller!

At 7'6", Yao Ming towers over actor Jet Li, who clocks in at a miniature 5' 6 1/2".

The pair posed for pics at the NBA All Star Game in New Orleans on Sunday.

Toyota at Daytona

Saturday…Tony Stewart (Armor All Toyota Camry) edged Kyle Busch (Interstate Batteries Toyota) by 0.259 seconds top win the Nationwide (formerly Busch) Cup Camping World 300 Presented By Chevrolet (Do you sense a pattern emerging?). Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (National Guard Chevy) finished 3rd with Brian Vicker’s ABF Toyota in 4th......

4 of the top 10 were Camrys.

CLICK HERE to see Results!

And the winner is??

456,685 Votes

CLICK HERE to see how the other license plates did!

Motor Trend Truck Of The Year!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! Be Safe!

Toyota A-BAT Concept

Readers of this blog and those not so lucky to be able to see the A-BAT live in Detroit can see high quality video footage of this unique rugged vehicle with built-in solar panels down below!

• Unibody platform coupled with Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology and four-cylinder gas engine
• Translucent solar panels within instrument panel to capture sunlight and convert into energy
• Forward-looking, bold and functional exterior showcases Toyota's "Vibrant Clarity" design philosophy
• Four-foot cargo bed and translucent sliding roof panel in cab for enhanced cargo flexibility
• Retractable portable navigation unit, Wi-Fi internet and a built-in hard drive for digital music
• Compact pickup truck architecture (181.3" L, 74.4" W, 64.0" H) with a 112.2" wheelbase
• 19" wheels

Chris & Coop TV

Future Toyota Owners!

Contrary to popular belief.......these are NOT our kids! lol

Tundra and Highlander TOP Safety Picks!

We thought you’d be interested to know that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the 2008 Tundra and 2008 Highlander as Top Safety Picks.

We’re always pleased when our vehicles are singled out for awards such as this. In fact Tundra has received a number of kudos for its high levels of safety features. Tundra made the IIHS list in the first year the IIHS tested fullsize pickups for the honor. Indeed, Tundra was the only fullsize pickup named a Top Safety Pick.

The Highlander, meanwhile, was one of five midsize SUVs listed as Top Safety Picks.

The Tundra and Highlander were two of just 34 vehicles to win this rating for 2008.

How'd they do that???

Here's a little "behind the scenes!" -Chris

Corolla Superbowl Commercial!

In case you missed it......

Tug-O-War!

We thought you might need a little something to get your weekend started!! TGIF!!

2009 Toyota Venza

If you’ve been following the automotive business at all, you know that one of the most active vehicle categories is the crossover segment. Fine. But what exactly is a crossover? The term was coined for sport-utility vehicles that instead of being based on truck designs, as was traditional, are based on car designs. Toyota and Lexus invented the genre with the original Rav4 and Lexus RX300. But now there’s an exciting new player in the crossover segment, and this new player is generating lively and welcomed debate. We’re talking about the Toyota Venza, a crossover sedan that was we introduced to the public at the North American International Automobile Show in Detroit last month.

Keep checking back with us, and we'll keep you posted when the VENZA arrives at our Dealership!

Cheapest Gas!

Want to find the CHEAPEST GAS in town?? Check out our WIDGET to the right of the page......type in your zip code and you're on your way!!! -Chris

Fill in the blank!

Dude.......That's a ________ Truck!

We think he's saying "Dude, that's a BIG MONSTER TOYOTA TRUCK!"

Mardi Gras Pics!

SUPER TUESDAY!!!

Guess who we're voting for???

Taste of the Triangle

WOOHOOOO!! Fat Tuesday is here! This is one of my favorite days of the year because I get to eat ALL of my favorite foods at the Taste of the Triangle! It's held every year, and it's one of the MUST attend events of the year! And yes, we'll be there! It's at the Beaumont Civic Center tonight from 6:30- 9pm! Make plans to attend and hang out with us! -Chris

p.s. we need to keep COOP away from the Chocolate!

New License Plates!

Click Here to Vote for the NEW Texas License Plates......

Here's our favorite! :)

Mardi Gras 2008

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE FOLKS THAT CAME OUT SATURDAY AT 2 AND AT 6. THE STREET TEAM HAD A BLAST SCREAMING AND SHOUTING WITH YOU ALL.

THE VILLAGE PEOPLE TOLD US TO TELL ALL OF YOU THAT THEY HAD FUN DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY WITH YOU ALL.

THIS IS COOP SIGNING OFF.

Chris & Coop LIVE!