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As any Toyota dealership in Waukegan can tell you, the Toyota brand has long been a positive influence in the North American market. For years, the company has made efforts to keep production here in the states, create jobs, and contribute to the communities in which it operates. Now, the folks at Toyota recently announced that a new headquarters in North Dallas, Texas will become their base for North American operations. This is welcome news for a variety of reasons. First, it is a sign that the Toyota brand is prospering here in the United States. Second, this move undoubtedly means the creation of more jobs for American workers. The move means that, over the course of the next three years, the three separate branches of Toyota operations in the United States (manufacturing, sales and marketing, and corporate operations) will relocate to a brand new campus in Plano, Texas. Nearly 4,000 employees will be affected by this move, in one way or another. Toyota also announced that it will expand the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Michigan as part of an increased investment in engineering capabilities and will support future growth in product development. As part of an ongoing commitment to the communities in which it operates, Toyota has also announced a $10 million philanthropic commitment to the communities in California and Kentucky, which will provide continued funding for local non-profits and community organizations in these states over a five-year period beginning in 2017. While we certainly love to report about new arrivals like the 2015 Toyota Camry, we are always pleased to report on the health and expansion of the Toyota nameplate. We know that this kind of expansion translates into an even better experience for our customers.

As a Toyota dealership, we pay close attention to the health and well being of the nameplate. Luckily, in recent years, it has been mostly good news, with April sales yet the latest example. Earlier this week, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) posted April 2014 U.S. sales 199,660 units, a staggering 9 percent compared to April 2013 (based on a daily selling rate). And, little surprise, it was the Toyota Camry once again leading the way. Indeed, the 2014 Toyota Camry enjoyed a 20 percent increase in April 2014 sales, thanks to sales of 38,000 units. The Corolla joined the Camry at the head of the pack, having posted a 20-percent increase in April sales thanks to nearly 30,000 units sold. Other highlights included: Toyota division trucks increase just under 16 percent RAV4 posts best-ever April, with 19,000 units sold FJ Cruiser sees 508 percent sales increase All-new Highlander sales increase 28 percent 4Runner sales increase 64 percent Toyota pickups sales increase more than 13 percent All-new Tundra sales increase 24 percent Tacoma posts sales of nearly 14,000 units, a 7-percent increase It is one thing to post solid sales increases for a given month out of the year; it is an entirely different thing to do it consistently, and often in the double-digits. This is the kind of consistent success that characterizes the Toyota nameplate in recent years, yet more evidence of this carmaker's strong commitment to quality automobiles. The proof is in the pudding, so make sure to head in to the dealership to see all that we have in stock. Until you get a chance to do so, our online inventory is always available, the place to see up-to-date information on all the stellar vehicles we currently have in stock.

Hello everyone! Fred Marks here continuing my monthly blog series, True Marksmanship. This month, I am excited to report yet another exciting milestone for the 2014 Toyota Corolla, widely known as the world's most popular car. As a Waukegan Toyota dealer, we have long taken pride in the high value and impressive longevity that the Toyota Corolla offers our customers. Since its introduction in 1966, the Toyota Corolla has seen cumulative sales of 40.72 million (as of February 2014). And with total global sales of 1.22 million units in 2013, the Toyota Corolla retained its position as the world's most popular car. A recent redesign, including aesthetic elements and better fuel economy, has helped the Corolla along to a 5 percent year-over-year sales increase. The Corolla, available in approximately 150 countries and regions around the world, has 1,098,524 registered units around the globe (this, according to IHS Automotive, which captures 96 percent of global new vehicle volumes). That it is the world's most popular vehicle is hardly disputable.   In the United States alone, the all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla topped 300,000 units in sales for 2013, a 4 percent year-over-year increase. This is an impressive feat. Perhaps more remarkable, though, is the fact that In 2013, 97 percent of all Toyota Corolla model's sold in America were built in North America, something we take great pride in sharing with our customers. Between that, and the fact that the Toyota Corolla was both top safety pick in 2013 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was awarded a 5-star rating for overall safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is plenty to be proud of in the 2014 Toyota Corolla.   It was another good month at Toyota, led by the ever-popular 2014 Toyota Corolla. So we hope you will come in soon and see just what it is that makes this such a cornerstone of the Toyota line.

As any Toyota dealership serving Gurnee can tell you, success in the automotive industry is often defined by a company's momentum. How consistently can your brand deliver efficient, dependable vehicles that keep both consumers and industry insiders satisfied? For Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), momentum has been building for a while. The company recently reported March 2014 sales results of 215,348 units, an 8.9 percent increase compared to March of 2013. March was yet the latest in a string of impressive performances by Toyota vehicles, a month that helped TMS earn the "no. 1 retail manufacturer" moniker yet again. In addition, Toyota Division was the no. 1 retail brand in March. So what is the secret to this ongoing success? We think it a is a well-rounded line of vehicles that can meet a variety of driving needs, all while remaining safe, affordable and dependable. Here are some sales highlights from some of the vehicles helping Toyota get it done: Toyota Camry sales increase over 11 percent thanks to sales of 42,000 units 2015 Toyota Corolla sells 30,000 units Toyota division trucks see a 10 percent increase in overall sales All-new Toyota RAV4 is truck volume leader thanks to 20,000 units in March, a best-ever first quarter for the line All-new Toyota Highlander sales up 14.3 percent in Marc, the best-ever first quarter for the line. What you see above is a diverse mix of vehicles, each of which achieve success in their respective segments. Whether it be a Toyota truck, SUV or midsize sedan, a Toyota vehicle is there to meet the challenge. So head over to our online inventory to see these vehicles today. Or, better yet, come on in. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you are looking for used cars in Waukegan, there is plenty of good news for you in the recent Consumer Reports release. The editors at announced their list of the best used vehicles for the 2004-13 model years, a list that is dominated by Toyota vehicles. The list identifies vehicles for their reliability and low cost of ownership, characteristics that can be used to describe nearly every vehicle in the Toyota family. We are certainly excited to see so many Toyota vehicles named to this list, as it underscores the high value of our inventory of used Toyota cars. In total, eleven vehicles on the list come from Toyota. This includes the top used sedans between $15,000 and $20,000 category, in which the 2011-2012 Toyota Camry and 2010-11 Toyota Camry Hybrid were recognized. In selecting these vehicles, CR cited superior fuel economy, impressive reliability and a comfortable overall ride. In the small cars less than $10,000 category, the Toyota Prius (2004-2007) and Toyota Matrix were recognized for their practical features and superb fuel economy. And don’t forget about SUVs—CR recognized the Toyota Highlander for its potent combination of performance, creature comforts and overall dependability.   As this report indicates, you can rest assured that you are making the decision when you purchase a Toyota vehicle, whether it is the pre-owned Toyota Prius or the 2014 Toyota Matrix. For years now, Toyota vehicles have been recognized for their reliability, an important characteristic that is underscored by the naming of eleven Toyota vehicles to this prestigious Consumer Reports list.

Hello everyone! Fred Marks here continuing my monthly blog series, True Marksmanship. This month, I am happy to report yet another step that the Toyota nameplate is taking toward embracing the diversity that defines our great country. As a Waukegan Toyota dealer, we at Classic Toyota understand how integral the Latino community is to the fabric of our fine city. As such, I am pleased to announce that the Toyota brand will be the official automotive and transportation sponsor of Hispanicize 2014, a huge annual event for Latino trendsetters, newsmakers and influencers. This conference, which will take place from April 1 to April 4 of this year at the InterContinental Hotel in Miami, invites over 1,500 of the most influential Latino professionals. This includes bloggers, journalists, technologists, musical artists, marketing professionals, filmmakers and business professionals. As a sponsor, the Toyota brand will be engage conference-goers with a Toyota panel that will features senior executives versed in the company's multicultural marketing strategies.   Since 2004, the Toyota brand has remained a leading automotive brand in the Latino market, according to Polk, a research firm widely used by the automobile industry. And with the release of the 2015 Toyota Prius, among other exciting models, this position will only be solidified. More importantly, it will be excited to see the efforts by the Toyota brand to continue engaging the Latino community across the United States, starting with the Hispanicize 2014 Conference and extending well beyond. It is a commitment to our country's diversity that I am especially proud of, one that reminds me of the incredibly rich and diverse community in which Classic Toyota operates. We hope you will join us in celebrating the Toyota brand's leadership in this regard.

As a Toyota dealership serving Kenosha, we are well-aware of the adversity facing much of the automotive industry as of late. One source, especially close to home in the Midwest, is weather, which has in recent days disrupted shipments and driven down the numbers. Even still, the folks at Toyota managed to post February sales of 159,284 units, retaining its place as the number 1 retail brand. And with all-star performances, such as the new 2014 Toyota Highlander and 2014 Toyota RAV4 posting double-digit gains for their best-ever February sales, things look good for the Toyota nameplate as it moves into the thick of the year. Leading the way for Toyota were a handful of usual suspects, including the 2014 Toyota Camry, which posted February sales of 29,000 units. Other top performers included: the new 2014 Toyota Corolla, with sales of over 25,000 units; the new 2014 Toyota RAV4, which saw a 23 percent increase in sales during its best-ever February; the new 2014 Toyota Highlander, which saw a 30 percent increase in sales for its best-ever February; the 2014 Toyota 4Runner, which saw a 17 percent increase in February sales; and the new 2014 Toyota Tundra, which saw an 8 percent increase versus February of last year. The Toyota division of trucks on the whole saw a 3.5 percent increase in February sales, solidifying its position as a top choice for customers seeking the versatility and overall capability that only Toyota trucks can provide.   No matter what model you are interested in, be it the 2014 Toyota Camry, or the all-new Highlander, the sales report from this past February should be quite encouraging. It indicates the great momentum that this entire line of vehicles has, a line that we are proud to offer you and yours.

The year is in full swing, which means it is time for the 2014 Consumer Reports Top Picks. In this ongoing, widely respected survey, the best models in 10 different categories are identified. Top Picks must score highly in the test, have an average or better reliability rating, and perform adequately in crash or rollover tests conducted by the government or insurance industry. The results? The Toyota brand scored 72 and tied for fourth overall. And the 2014 Toyota Prius, for the 11th straight year, was named the Top Pick in the Green Car category. As a Toyota dealership serving Kenosha, we know what the 2014 Toyota Prius brings to customers. We see a vehicle that combines affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency in a way that few competitors can Starting with an EPA-estimated 44 mpg overall, which is fantastic fuel economy for any five-passenger, non-plug-in vehicle. Pair the great fuel economy with the roomy interior and hatchback versatility, and you have an all-around car that meets modern driving needs, day in and day out.   It is eleven years that the Toyota Prius has been available in our Toyota dealership in Waukegan, and eleven years that it has earned "Top Pick" status in the annual Top Picks. This kind of consistency represents the leadership role that Toyota automakers have taken in the automotive industry when it comes to fuel efficiency. Everyone looks to the Toyota brand and the ever-popular 2014 Toyota Prius for the latest and greatest innovations in fuel economy and practicality. There is no better testament than this year's model, which takes the same formula that has kept the Toyota Prius relevant for so long and pushes it a step further. Toyota customers expect these things and are never disappointed.

Hello everyone! Fred Marks here continuing my monthly blog series, True Marksmanship. This month I would like to share some very exciting news about the 2014 Toyota Camry and 2014 Toyota Tacoma, two favorites among our customers here at our Toyota dealership in Waukegan. These two standouts took home top honors in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 Best Cars for the Money awards. The 2014 Toyota Camry earned Best Midsize Car for the Money, while the 2014 Toyota Tacoma was named the Best Compact Truck for the Money award. These awards are highly regarded throughout the industry, and they represent the commitment that Toyota has to a dependable line of vehicles that continues to meet a customers needs long after they drive off the lot. The Best Cars for the Money are awarded based on the combination of quality and value data, which provides a composite score for all vehicles within each of the 21 categories evaluated. The vehicle with the top score in each segment is awarded the Best Car for the Money award, which is based on the overall score a vehicle achieved in the U.S. News car rankings, as well as the five-year total cost of ownership and the average price paid for the vehicle. Translation? The 2014 Toyota Camry and 2014 Toyota Tacoma are two cars that won't cost you too much to buy and won't cost you too much to own. So if you are looking for the 2014 Toyota Camry near Chicago, or the 2014 Toyota Tacoma, you can rest assured that these vehicles won't break the bank. This is one of the main reasons that these two vehicles have remained top-sellers over the past decade and a reason that our customers keep selecting them for their driving needs.

For decades now, the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) have been known for the impressive off-road capability of the trucks they produce. This year is no different, with the 2015 Toyota Tacoma and 2015 Toyota 4Runner on the way. The TRD Pro Series is as rugged as ever, one that Toyota dealerships in Waukegan are eager to welcome to their showrooms. They know that this line of trucks can do it all, from off-road to the daily grind. Here is what to expect when they finally do arrive later this year. The 4X4 models of the 2015 Toyota Tacoma and 2015 Toyota 4Runner will each come with a laundry list of standard, TRD Pro Series features: Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs TRD-tuned front springs TRD front skid plate Unique front grille with “TOYOTA” badging TRD floor mats TRD shift knobs Black wheels The mentality here is to lift it up, reinforce it and make it look good. So far so good--folks at the Chicago Auto Show were dazzled recently when the 2015 TRD Pro Series was introduced. They know that this line of off-road vehicles represents the next wave in off-road trucking, one that packs efficiency, style and adrenaline all into one affordable package. And, like its predecessors, the TRD Pro Series pays homage to the tradition of off-road engineering that has put TRD on the map. Be sure to stay tuned here for updates about TRD and the rest of the 2015 line. As always, feel free to stop in to our location in Waukegan and take a peak at all that we have in stock. You'll soon find that it's not only our trucks that are built on years of tradition.

February is in full swing and the good news keeps coming for your local Toyota dealer in Waukegan. We've been excited to learn that Toyota remained the number one retail manufacturer in January 2014, thanks to impressive performance by a handful of superstars from the Toyota line. This performance continued despite the consequences that continued bad weather had on most of the automotive industry. Toyota has managed to keep the momentum going so far this year. Toyota automakers success is due in large part to the strong sales performance of the entire Toyota line. This includes both the regular suspects, like the hybrid family, as well as some refreshed models that are garnering buzz around the industry, like the all-new Highlander. Here are the highlights: The all-new Corolla saw monthly sales of over 22,700 units Toyota hybrids retain more than half of the market in January Sales of Toyota division trucks was up 6.5 percent The all-new Toyota RAV4 saw a 45 percent sales increase, its best-ever January The all-new Toyota Highlander saw a sales increase of nearly 21 percent The all-new Toyota Tundra saw a sales increase of 12.6 percent With two trucks experiencing double-digit sales increases, it is easy to see why Toyota continues to roll in 2014. Customers at location on Green Bay Road love the all-new Tundra for its rugged, all-around capability; they love the Highlander for its impressive combination of power, performance and style. No matter which of these top-selling vehicles you choose, you won't be disappointed. So come in today to find out all the reasons that Toyota remained the number one retail manufacturer in January. We look forward to seeing you!

Hello everyone! Fred Marks here continuing my monthly blog series, True Marksmanship. This month, I would like to share some exciting news about the ever-popular line of hybrid vehicles from Toyota. At the moment, Toyota offers 24 hybrid passenger car models and one plug-in hybrid model in nearly 80 countries and regions worldwide. Over the next two years, Toyota plans to unveil 15 more hybrid vehicles across the globe. This is exciting news, a whirlwind of productivity that has been catalyzed by the continued sales success of Toyota hybrids. The fact is, if you are in the market for a 2013 Prius V near Gurnee, you are in the market for a vehicle part of a highly successful family. Last year, Toyota Motor Corporation surpassed 6 million units in cumulative global sales of its hybrid vehicles. What's more, this latest million-unit achievement occurred in record time, just nine months. So what does the success of the hybrid family mean? To the world, it means reduced emissions. The folks at Toyota calculate that nearly 41 million tons of CO2 emissions were avoided thanks to Toyota hybrid vehicles. They also estimate that approximately 15 million kiloliters of gasoline were saved by Toyota hybrid vehicles compared to the amount used by comparable gasoline-powered cars. The benefits of driving a hybrid vehicle are clear. Millions of people around the globe are turning to Toyota hybrid vehicles for their combination of fuel efficiency, performance and versatility. This year, you can too. Check out our online inventory for all the hybrid vehicles we have in stock--we're always here to answer any questions you might have. And, as always, check back here next month for the next installment of True Marksmanship.