Kelly Blue Book has named the Elantra as one of the Top ’10 Best Green Cars’ accounting for factors such as value, comfort, etc.  The Hyundai Elantra, even though it is not a hybrid, is able to hit the 40 mile-per-gallon mark!!!!  This is an incredible achievement!  This ‘North American Car of the Year’ does almost as good in the city as well.  

In late years, Hyundai has become an amazing company with products to lust after!  Due to edmand, they have started rolling out with amazing fuel-saving vehicles to please the masses.  Our source website says this:

‘“With its 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway standard fuel economy rating, Elantra is a perfect vehicle for consumers looking for an affordable solution to rising gas prices,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Elantra is one of the vehicles at the core of Hyundai’s fuel economy strategy. In the first quarter of 2012, 39 percent of all Hyundai vehicles sold achieved 40 mpg on the highway thanks in large part to Elantra’s continued success.”’

Source/Image Source: http://www.hyundaiinthenews.com/kbb-com-elantra-among-%E2%80%9910-best-green-cars%E2%80%99/

With EV and hydrogen vehicles becoming affordable and automakers embracing alternative fuels, even the high-end makers are getting on-board!  Now Mercedes Benz is showing progress with the B-Class fuel cell powered car!  Although fuel cell tech is much like EV, it is different, and Mercedes has included the hydrogen fill-ups within the cost of lease-payments.

Source: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/05/mercedes-benz-b-class-fuel-cell-powered-car-shows-progress.html

There are many disputes over EV.  The site rqriley jas this to say:

‘Most researchers agree that a switch to EVs would reduce the total primary energy consumed for personal transportation. However, many do not agree on the precise amount of energy that might be saved. The divergence in estimations is mainly due to the fact that energy use comparisons between battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), and conventional vehicles (CVs) are affected by a number of variables and necessary assumptions. Vehicle mass, performance, range requirements, system configuration, operating schedule, and the upstream losses of converting source fuels into useable energy and delivering it to the end user all affect system-wide energy use. And a realistic baseline EV performance profile is difficult to define, primarily because the technology is relatively undeveloped and rapidly changing.’

Source: http://www.rqriley.com/ev-tech.htm

What do you think?

Pic: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/automakers-unite-on-20-minute-ev-charging/

Consumer Reports just published an article about the best new cars for moms.  The Top 2 cars for New Moms, they said, are the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, due to safety reasons!  This is because of the high safety and reliability scores these vehicles have earned.  Toyota and Honda are known for their massive practicality and safety rates!  Check out this full list in the source below to see what else they would recommend for moms…

Source:  http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/05/best-cars-for-all-types-of-moms.html

Most improved: 10 cars that were in hot demand last month
1. Honda Civic Hybrid up 533 percent to 766
2. Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class up 522 percent to 647
3. Lexus GS up 421 2,006
4. Chrysler 300 up 138 percent to 7,763
5. Audi A6 up 137 percent to 1,565
6. Subaru Impreza up 124 percent to 6,791
7. Toyota Yaris up 115 percent to 4,274
8. Nissan Quest up 96 percent to 1,958
9. BMW 6-Series up 93 percent to 513
10. Audi A7 up 91 percent to 780

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/most-improved-10-cars-that-were-in-hot-demand-last-month.html

Just Annouced:  We are offering a $500 rebate when you take advantage of this program!  NOW, Toyota is announcing that they will be doubling this offer!!!  If you are an active or discharged member of the Armed Forces, you are eligable for this amazing program.  And now, with Toyota’s deal to match this rebate, there is no reason to not take full advantage of this!!  

For more information please go to this site or call us!

http://www.pohankatoyotamd.com/contact-us.aspx

The Versa wins the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) top scores in side, rear, and front rollover impact protection.  This makes this the 4th Top Safety Pick this year for Nissan!  Six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability, and more, pack a  nice safety punch for this vehicle!  And with a rating of 38 MPG highway, and a very low MSRP ( around 11,000), and tons of features (see source), there is no reason why this car wouldn’t win an award!!!!

Source/image: http://www.nissaninthenews.com/2012-versa-sedan-named-%E2%80%98top-safety-pick%E2%80%99-by-iihs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NissanInTheNews+%28Nissan+in+the+News%29

Toyota has several categories (nine, I think) of model leaders this year winning a total of 12, yes 12, times.  Here is the breakdown from ToyotaInTheNews.com :

Toyota Prius—The top-ranked Compact Hybrid for the seventh year.
Toyota Camry—This year’s best value as Mid-size Sedan thanks to its low fuel, maintenance and insurance costs.
Toyota Camry Hybrid—Taking its second consecutive win in the Mid-size Sedan Hybrid class.
Toyota Avalon—Another seven-time winner for the brand, leading the Large car segment.
Toyota Highlander—“Outstanding fuel economy” helped Highlander achieve a second consecutive title in the Mid-size Crossover category.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid—Earning Best Value honors two times running in the Hybrid Crossover segment.
Toyota 4Runner—Now in its fourth consecutive year as Best Value among Mid-size SUVs.
Toyota Sienna—The three-time Minivan honoree “provided the functionality and features of a minivan in a cost-effective—and best-value—package.”
Toyota Tacoma—The only Compact Pickup to ever win the Best Value inAmerica title—this time for the eighth straight year.
Scion iQ—Notably, the winner in the Micro segment bested trendsetters like the MINI and Fiat 500.
Lexus IS 350—Garnering the top spot among Premium Compacts for the second year in a row.
Lexus HS 250h—Offering the best value of any Hybrid Premium Mid-size Sedan and “the triple crown of environmental benefits, luxury comforts, and financial strength all in one vehicle.”

Source/image source:  http://www.toyotainthenews.com/toyota-delivers-best-value-in-america-for-passenger-cars/

Every week Honda seems to win more and more awards.  We are even getting tired of posting about them, even though we don’t even cover a fraction of them!  Now,  MotorWeek has given an award to the Honda Odyssey for the best minivan to drive!  At 28/Mpg highway, who can argue.  Even the Sienna can’t pull off those numbers.  The Odyssey Touring Elite has even won a place on the Parenting Magazine’s list of Smartest Family Cars of 2012!!!!  This amazing piece of machinery has luxuries coming out da exhaust.  The VP of marketing operations said this: “The Odyssey was conceived as the ultimate family vehicle, and the Odyssey Touring Elite takes that concept to an unprecedented new level.”

Source/image source: http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-odyssey-right-for-drivers-and-families-alike/

More info: pohankaofsalisbury.com

Its that time again!  Midnight Madness, where we slash pricing.  This time we are supporting fuel-efficient vehicles!  We are introducing employee pricing on all fuel-efficient vehicles.  This is a crazy deal at the moment, but will not last very long, unfortunately.  ANDDDD, we have various radio stations coming out to hang with us:

Honda will host WKHI Hot Country 107.7 from 7p – 11p with Adam Davis

Mercedes/Highline will host WQHQ 104.7 from 7p – 11p with Randy Scott

Hyundai will Host WOCQ 103.9 from 7p – 11p with Christina Lowe

With more vehicles on the environmentally-friendly side, they are employing EV power.  The Prius included, these vehicles can, in an emergency, provide power to a home in case of disaster!  It only gives, on average, 2 days of juice but in an emergency one hopes that they will not be in the situation for more than that.  Honda is actually promising that their new development, the FCX Clarity Fuel cell car, will provide a whopping 6 hours of power at 9 kilowatts.  Using your car as an emergency power source is an interesting concept indeed but there are simply not enough EV cars out there.  However, with the prices dropping so fast, they are becoming more affordable.  Hybrids, such as the Prius, are almost no differently priced than a traditional vehicle!

The new FCX Clarity car wont be seen until 2015, but if you want more information you can visit the below source site for more great information on the new car!

Source (image, too): http://integrityexports.com/2012/03/28/honda-fcx-clarity-fuel-cell-car-powers-home-for-up-to-6-days/

Insurance is not so cheap anymore.  Especially if you are young.  In a large study of 900+ vehicles from 2012 the Sienna from Toyota has been named the ‘Least Expensive to Insure’ by Insure.com.  The Sienna is known for it’s vast amount of space and cargo room!  The fact that this awesome van is also more inexpensive to insure is such a bonus.  If you are interested in more info, click the link below or call us at 410 543 2000 or browse our selection at pohankaofsalisbury.com.  Have a great day!

Source: http://www.toyotainthenews.com/toyota-sienna-named-%E2%80%98least-expensive-to-insure%E2%80%99/

Image Source: http://www.toyotainthenews.com/toyota-sienna-named-%E2%80%98least-expensive-to-insure%E2%80%99/

It appears that the new Prius is doing quite well!!!  The Prius C and V sold a ton (well, the V sold 8400) in the first 10 weeks!  In these hard economical times it makes sense to purchase something with good mileage, and the Prius has always been a staple for the term ‘Hybrid’ and gas mileage.   We actually have quite a few on the lot if you would like to come down and check them out; the prices are very reasonable for such a great piece of technology!  CCheck the link below to see what is in stock and to chat with someone regarding questions you may have — theres no need to even pick up the phone.  After all you are already on the computer..

Click here for Inventory for Prius: http://www.pohankatoyotamd.com/inventory-results.aspx?standardmake=EQ,Toyota&standardmodel=EQ,Prius&&categories=new,new-specials,preowned,certified-preowned&selectedcat=new&page=1

Click here for more on the Prius from AutoBlog: http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/toyota-prius-c-outsells-monthly-total-of-chevy-volt-nissan-leaf/

Image: Autoblog.com

We still have a stack of iPads that are not going to raffle themselves off!! – Get your friends to like our page so we can meet the requirements to raffle the next one off!  Pohanka runs contests often and gives away quite a bit of stuff.  Not many people did the ‘Wheres Quackers’ contest so if you had jumped in you would have had something like a 1 in 10 chance to win the $1000 gas card!!!!!

The iPad contest is no different, it costs nothing to enter except a ‘Like’ and you have a chance to win a fabulous device!!!  Also, one you have ‘Liked’ the page, be sure to keep an eye on the posts for updates on the contest and any other offers we are running.  We do not post irrelevant content; everything should be of interest!

Any questions can be sent to facebook@pohankaofsalisbury.com !!  Have a great day!

Honda, Toyota and Hyundai, 3 of Pohanka’s top selling makes, are always winning awards. We have been posting lately a lot of Toyota and Honda awards, and have not focused on Hyundai.  However, they have just been awarded Winding Roads ‘Best Under 20,000′ for the Veloster.  For those unfamiliar, this car is a newer addition to the line-up with it’s spacious 3-door coupe with 2-six speed transmissions.  The car is amazing and we definitely recommend looking into one!  For info on it call our Hyundai store at 410 749 6660!

Or to look at what we have in stock check out our site, pohankaofsalisbury.com.  You can also see it on our Facebook page, Facebook.com/pohankaauto

Image source: http://www.hyundaiinthenews.com/hyundai-veloster-is-winding-road%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98best-under-20000%E2%80%99/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HyundaiInTheNews+%28Hyundai+in+the+News%29

Although the hybrid Sonata has been though extensive testing and the battery is probably not going to need a warranty, it is always good to have one!  They are coming out with an extended warranty for 100,00 miles or 10 years!  That is quite a bit of road time for a battery!  This just shows how dedicated Hyundai is in creating a quality product.  What do you think?  Is it worth buying a hybrid car yet?  Do you think it is an investment?  Let us know!  In the meantime, if you have further questions you can always call a sales representative at 410 749 6660!

Have a great day!

Image source: http://www.hyundaiinthenews.com/hyundai-hybrid-batteries-get-lifetime-warranty/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HyundaiInTheNews+%28Hyundai+in+the+News%29

I am sure you are tired of hearing it by now, but Honda is known for winning awards for all kinds of reasons: design, safety, etc.  Now Honda is on top says the American Council for an Energy-efficient Economy (ACEEE), with an astonishing seven honors!  They even top the ‘Greenest Car’s” award list.  The Civic Insight and Natural Gas top the list, but even we know how much Honda rocks!  Honda In The News points out that :

‘Three Honda vehicles also were named ACEEE “Greener Choices” for standout environmental performance within their segments, including the Insight, Honda Fit and Honda Odyssey.’

Plus Hondas are known for keeping their value over time much more than many other makes.  For more information please contact us!  -  410 749 2301

Or visit pohankaofsalisbury.com !

Source: http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-leads-industry-with-most-aceee-%E2%80%98greenest%E2%80%99-winners/

Image: http://www.insightman.com/

Hyundai will be debuting the Elantra GT (or the i30 Wagon) next month.  The new release is a step up over its predecessor and looks sleek!  Carscoop breaks it down thusly:

“

The new i30 Wagon shares its engines and running gear with the five-door model, but sports a longer body to increase trunk space. More specifically, the Wagon’s length is increased by 185mm (7.3-in.) to 4,485mm (176.6-in.) over its five-door counterpart, which also makes it 10mm (0.4-in.) longer than the original i30 wagon.

As a result of the longer body, trunk space has been increased from 378-litres in the hatch to 528-litres in the Wagon. With the rear passenger seats folded down, cargo volume rises more than three-fold, to 1,642-litres.”

We are awaiting its arrival and of course will provide you with any assistance!  For information you can contact us at 410 749 6660

Citation: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/02/all-new-hyundai-i30-wagon-unveiled.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Carscoop+%28CARSCOOP%29

With Google using Prii for their driverless cars, it poses the question: Is it safe; would I dare ride in one?  The system, which uses GPS and on-board cameras to work out an algorithm for a travel path, would be great for people who have trouble driving by themselves, such as the elderly or disabled.  Would you drive one?  How much would you actually pay for one?  And finally, do you think it is safe?  We are curious to know!!

Image source: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/10/20/google-unveils-driverless-car-tech/

Left Lane News gets a chance to drive the Prius C and have reviewed it in an article.  Since this week we have focused on the Prius news I thought it would only be appropriate to add this tidbit of information.  The bottom line seems to be that Toyota has shrunk the Prius and enabled better fuel economy and (probably) price.  I think my favorite part of the review is that they explain C’s EV modes.  One neat feature is that in EV mode the accelorator will use gas anyway if depressed hard enough.  This automation seems really cool!  Anyways, here is a cited version of the review below:

Left Lane News: Although the Prius c shares some of its architecture and much of its mission in life with the Toyota Yaris, the two are vastly different five-doors. The c boasts a smaller overall footprint but a longer wheelbase, as well as its own styling and, of course, a hybrid powertrain.

Small power, small package
In place of the Yaris’ conventional four-cylinder and manual or automatic transmissions, the c uses a thoroughly downsized version of the so-called Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain found in the liftback.

Essentially, Toyota took everything in the standard Prius and shrunk it, which leaves the c with a combined 99 net horsepower (couldn’t they have eked out another pony?) from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing and an electric motor/generator. The gasoline and electric mills send power to the front wheels through a CVT. It’s not the kind of stuff that will get a rise out of any enthusiast, but the Prius c’s downright lithe sub-2,500 lbs. curb weight is intriguing. Helping keep the Prius c light is its 120-cell nickel metal hydride battery, which tucks under the rear seat. Why not a higher tech lithium ion battery? Simple: Tech costs more, and the Prius c has to be significantly cheaper than the liftback (which will get a lithium ion unit soon) to succeed.

The electric motor is capable of motoring the Prius c on its own for about a mile if the driver is especially gentle with the skinny pedal and it helps the gas engine motivate the car from a complete stop to 60 mph in 11.5 seconds. An EV-only mode is available with the press of a console-mounted button, but hard acceleration will override the system for some gas-powered help when needed.

In practice, the Prius c doesn’t struggle to keep up with urban traffic, but it is sluggish on big hills and during highway passing. The CVT does its best to keep the little engine in its power range, although that means that there’s a lot of noise coming from under the hood and not much action for the digital speedometer. The upside to this limited power situation is astounding fuel economy: We kept up with traffic on various mixed routes through the hip city streets and winding Hill Country byways around Austin, Texas, and we never saw less than 50 mpg. Officially, Toyota thinks the EPA will rate the c at what will likely be a conservative 53/46 city/highway mpg.

Fast albeit numb steering tuning and a taut suspension give the car a more nimble, tossable feel in the city than you’ll find in the larger Prius. Credit an ultra-stiff structure for helping the c overcome its dinky 175-width tires and 100.4-inch wheelbase with a generally upmarket-feeling ride quality that betters the Yaris. Once up to highway speeds, the c feels remarkably planted, although wind noise is prominent. An optional 16-inch alloy wheel package for the range-topping model brings with it even faster steering tuning, which does actually impart a modestly zippier feel to the Prius c. Make no mistake, however: Prius c has clearly not been designed for track days or cross-country jaunts, and Toyota thinks that will be just fine for its target market.

Looking the part
The five-door hatchback shares no styling cues with the larger Prius, which makes it one of the more striking subcompacts. Because it eschews the wind tunnel-proven shape of the standard Prius for a more conventional five-door look, the c’s drag coefficient is higher than the liftback. Toyota hopes that its not-so-Prius-looking design will bring in buyers who might not otherwise consider such a model. Unlike the liftback, the c is a pleasant-looking subcompact that doesn’t necessarily look naked without a “coexist” bumper sticker.

Inside, the look is also more traditional than the main Prius, another move designed to appeal to a wide audience. A fairly conventional dashboard layout groups a digital speedometer and a high-resolution LCD screen on the top of the dashboard. No tachometer is included, though the LCD features some innovative functions to allow drivers to track how much they’re “saving” by driving a Prius c instead of another, programmable “comparison” car. The system won’t let you pick specific cars to compare to, but drivers can input a fuel economy number to simulate, say, another car or their old car. Another screen groups your three most efficient trips in a nifty Olympic podium-like display to allow drivers to compete against themselves. Generally, the screens are simple to sort their way through thanks to convenient standard steering wheel controls.

The front passenger compartment is roomy enough and the mood is brightened by a number of attractively grained surfaces. The range-topping c features a few soft touch materials, but other Prius cs make due with hard trim that is about par for the class. Two seat designs are on offer: A simple four-way style for the base model and a more heavily bolstered, height adjustable (for the driver) design on other trim levels. Standard cloth seats are augmented by an eco-friendly neoprene-like Softex material on the range-topping model. Back seat space is limited, making the c an iffy choice for family buyers, though the 17.1 cubic foot trunk is nicely sized.

At $18,950, the Prius c One base model isn’t cheap, but it does bring with it a decent amount of standard equipment. That LCD screen is joined by automatic climate control, Bluetooth and nine airbags (including two built into the front seat bottoms to keep passengers in position during a severe wreck). Three additional trim levels (Two, Three and, you guessed it, Four) add more features, although we think the lower-rung One and Two models represent the best value (our red photo car was a zero option c One). The price premium for the Prius c over subcompact rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic is around $2,000, but a real world 15 mpg advantage might actually make the math work in the Prius c’s favor for many owners.

Leftlane’s bottom line
Subcompact buyers who prioritize fuel economy – and let’s face it, that’s most buyers in this segment – should flock to the high-mpg Prius c. As a gateway into the world of hybrids, it immediately makes mincemeat of the Honda Insight.”

Article Source (cited above): http://www.leftlanenews.com/toyota-prius-c-first-drive-review.html

Image source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/10/toyota-prius-c-concept-detroit-2011/

Toyota’s Inaba has stated that Toyota’s Inaba has commented that “if everyone in the U.S. drove a Prius, we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil by 70 percent.”  It seems that in the coming years Toyota will focus quite a bit of energy on hybrid technology.  They have even stated that this year (2012) alone they will be updating 19 models across all lines that they are owners.  They are also focusing on their hybrid vehicles and attempting to promote sales.  Toyota aims to create hundreds of jobs as well and have invested in a plant that will be creating Highlander hybrids!  It seems that as hybrid technology becomes cheaper more Americans are willing to invest in a cleaner running car.  What do you think?

If you have any questions about hybrids or Toyota you can call us at 410 543 2000 or click on our Toyota website to Instant Connect to a real person from a store via chat!! http://www.pohankatoyotamd.com/

Image source: http://carreviewsline.com/toyota/toyota-highlander-2012-specs-and-price-review/attachment/toyota-highlander-2012-gauges-image2/

It appears from this graph that the winners overall are Honda and Toyota.  However there are several makes in here.  This table shows the most dependable cars based on J.D. Power and Associates study.  Toyota is in almost every category!

Most Dependable Cars per Segment

Apparently Toyota made an interesting comment at NADA in Vegas recently (National Auto Dealer Asscn.) that has people talking.  They have high hopes for the next Avalon.  The Fiat 500 boasts 33 miles per gallonin mixed driving in manual transmission.  The Japanese automkaer stated that the next generation Avalon will have an even better fuel economy than Fiats feat!  The Avalon, at the moment, is a larger car, so one might think that Toyota aims to shrink it a bit.  However unlikely that is we are anxious to see if they dont make it into a hybrid.  We at Pohanka are definitely interested in what they have in the works!  If you are, and would like to learn more, you can read our source listed below, or talk to a sales represenattive by calling 410 749 2301!

Source:  http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/next-toyota-avalon-to-best-fiat-500s-fuel-economy/

Image source: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rlz=1C1CHMO_enUS470US470&biw=667&bih=649&tbm=isch&tbnid=-M4avaOGJipm3M:&imgrefurl=http://www.carriebv.com/2012-toyota-avalon-release-date-specs-picture-reviews.htm&docid=yaYJxgjrU6maIM&imgurl=http://www.carriebv.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/2012-Toyota-Avalon-Front.jpg&w=500&h=333&ei=23Y4T-iRC9SutweTpfXtBw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=641&sig=118353744392564834041&page=1&tbnh=148&tbnw=197&start=0&ndsp=6&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=74&ty=106

Pic source: AutoBlog.com

The new Prius employs a lighter weight than its predecessor.  Horsepower might be toned down a little bit but the Prius C’s “EV” mode keeps it efficient and cost effective.  Car and Driver have an excellent description that one might fancy to read:

“At 67 pounds, the C’s battery pack is 24 lighter than the one in the Prius, and its 0.9-kilowatt-hour capacity is lower by about one-third. The smaller (19.1 inches shorter) car’s electric motor contributes 20 fewer horses than the standard Prius’s, and its gas engine—actually the same as powered the very first Prius—comparatively shrinks 0.3 liter and puts out 25 fewer horsepower. Its system total of just 99 horses is 35 less than big brother’s. Though more compact, the C’s powertrain is constructed in the same way as the Prius’s, with an electric motor integrated into a CVT.”

The Prius is set to debut in March.  We are waiting to see one and hope you will come check it out!  For more information you can click our source link below or call us at 410 473 2301!

Source:  http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-toyota-prius-c-first-drive-reviews?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+caranddriver%2Fblog+%28Car+and+Driver%29

The New 2013 Nissan Altima has been sighted without its secretive tape! The new stylish design has shown that Nissan has shed its old-school style for The redesigned grill employs a futuristic (like most cars these days) look that gives it a modern feel. The control panel is a clean revamp that looks easy to navigate. Your friends at Pohanka are excited when it finally becomes available for sale! A more detailed description can be found at the source below, where Car and Driver speculate on the cylinder count and powertrain! For more information, you can contact a sales representative at 410 749 2301! Or keep an eye out at our main website of PohankaOfSalisbury.com