Rockingham Motors

What is Entune™?

When the new 2012 Toyota Camry premiered this year, Entune came along with it. Entune is an in-car computer that allows you to safely access a variety of mobile apps from the comfort of your driver's seat. And the 2012 Toyota Camry is not the only vehicle equipped with Entune technology...The 2012 Prius V and 2012 Tacoma will also offer Entune. Toyota will eventually introduce Entune to more Toyota models in the future.

Entune's on-board computer includes a complimentary three-year access to specific apps, inlcuding iHeartRadio, Bing search engine, MovieTickets.com, Pandora and Open Table. You are also able to access weather, fuel prices, traffic reports and news through Entune. To be able to use all these great apps, you need a smartphone or feature phone with a mobile data plan from your wireless provider. Your phone will pair with Entune and you can begin to navigate through your apps using the touch-screen display in your console. 

In addition to streaming the apps from your phone through the Entune technology, you can also receive and make phone calls, hands-free. 

It's hard to capture and explain the features of Entune without seeing it for youself. Before you hop in a 2012 Camry, Tacoma or Prius V, click on the image below to experience Entune and learn more:

Still have questions? Not sure about all Entune has to offer? Click the image below to visit Toyota's Entune Learning Center:

Scion Service Boost

Have you heard about Scion Service Boost program? Similar to the Toyota Care maintenance plan, Scion offers assurance and comfort to Scion owners with a service guarantee.

If you own a 2009 or 2010 Scion that was purchased AFTER June 2nd, 2010 OR a 2011 Scion purchased AFTER October 1st, 2010, then the vehicle is covered under the Scion Service Boost Plan. 

What does the plan include?

• Normal factory-recommended maintenance services including oil and filter, tire rotation and multi-point inspection for up to 2 Years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first
• Complimentary 24-Hour Roadside Assistance including flat tire changes, lockout protection, jump starts, fluid delivery and towing as needed for up to 2 Years from the date of your Scion's first use
• Maintenance performed by factory-trained technicians who know your vehicle the best, using Genuine Scion Parts
• Service reminders mailed to you prior to your next scheduled service

When the Scion Service Boost expires after 2 years or 25,000 miles, you are eligable for Scion Service Boost Plus, a plan that expires after 5 years or 75,000 miles.

The Scion Service Boost truly allows customers to feel comfortable and stress-free when getting on the road with their new Scion. 

If you have any further questions regarding this service plan, feel free to contact us by phone (888-542-9795) email (ryan@rockinghammotors.com) or send a message to our Facebook Page.

 

 

Toyota's '100 Cars for Good' Program

 

 

Do you want to help non-profit organizations win cars? Well, now is your chance.

 

 

Toyota is in the midst of running a very large social media campaign known as "100 Cars for Good". Earlier this year, Toyota used "an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility" to select 500 non-profit organizations from around the U.S. to be included in this program. From May 6th through August 16th (100 days), Toyota is leaving it to their Facebook Fans to vote for one organization to receive a car each day. The non-profit with the most votes by the end of the day is announced the winner and is allowed to choose which vehicle they would like to take home; either a Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna, or Sienna Mobility. Even though one non-profit organization wins a car, the other non-profits in the running that day do not end up empty handed. The competing non-profit groups each receive $1000 towards their efforts. (source)

There is a wide representation of non-profit organizations included in this campaign such as humane societies, disease awareness foundations, food banks, housing services, churches, relief efforts and much, much more.

So please, head over to the Toyota Facebook Fan Page and click on the 100 Cars for Good application. Read through the information and bios of the non-profits organizations featured each day before you cast your vote.  You are permitted one vote per day, so  help make a difference in the lives of others from now until August 16th!

Also available from the Toyota Facebook Page and 100 Cars for Good application is a list of all 500 non-profit organizations as well as a complete list of winners thus far.

All About Scion

Whether you drive a Scion yourself or have seen them zipping through the streets, you may be wondering the answers to these questions:

What does the word "Scion" mean? The word Scion actually means 'descendant of a notable family'. When thinking about where Scion comes from, the name is certainly suitable for the brand.

What is the history behind Scion? Scion is a brand of vehicles that was founded by the Toyota Motor Corporation in 2002. This fairly young line of cars was designed by Toyota to appeal to the younger, or more specifically, the Generation Y population.

What are the different Scion models available? Since 2002, Scion has released 4 models, including the xB, xD, tC and the manfacturer's newest addition, the iQ. The iQ is being called the smallest four-seat car in the world thanks to it's innovative "3 + 1" seating arrangement (source).

So, what do these cars look like?

2011 Scion xB

2011 Scion xD

 2011 Scion tC

2011 Scion iQ

What makes Scion unique? Scion was created with the intent of appealing to the younger generations as well as developing a line of vehicles that could be completed customized by consumers. This means this is only one trim level for each Scion model. Some cars are available to be purchased in different trim levels. For example, a Toyota Camry CE is the "classic edition" while the Toyota Camry XLE is the "extra luxury edition". The different trim levels feature different emenities and options as well as vary in price. Scions come in one trim level that are designed to be manipulated by and for the owner. This doesn't mean that each vehicle has to be customized. Even left as is, the Scion carries plenty of style. 

Picture History of the Civic

In 1970, Japan as a country was dealing with rapid economic and urban expansion. The increased population lead to several traffic jams on the road and more pollution in the environment. During this time, Honda specialized in manufacturing mostly high performance vehicles and had no eco-friendly option to offer consumers. However, the designers at Honda decided they needed to positively contribute to the issues at hand. They wanted to create a passenger vehicle that would be safe, small and afforded by the population. Honda also wanted to not only effect and help the lives of the local Japanese, but have an influence in markets around the world. After 2 years of trial and error, the very lighweight, front engine, front wheel drive, 2-door (3-door a few month later) Honda Civic hatchback was born. Made in 1972, it was sold as a 1973 model. 

1973 Honda Civic (source)

The Honda Civic itself has come many miles since the first generation 4-cylinder model. Each generation has seemed more appealing than the last and continues to offer more features to consumers around the world. Even though the fundamental idea of offering a safe, fuel efficient passenger car has remained the same throughout the years, the Honda Civic has done a lot of growing up.

1980-1983 2nd Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

1984-1987 3rd Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

A 1988-1991, 4th Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

1992-1995 5th Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

1996-2000 6th Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

2001-2005 7th Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

2006-2011 8th Generation Honda Civic (source)

Honda is excited to release it's 9th generation model. Using the words "energetic, sleek and aerodynamic" to describe the new model, the 2012 Honda Civic will certainly please the masses. With gasoline, hybrid and natural gas variants offered along with both coupe and sedan concepts, drivers can be energy efficent without sacrificing any style. 

What makes the 2012 model stand out among the rest of the Civics as well as any other car on the road? It will offer Honda's Eco Assist technology, making it the only gasoline powered vehicle in North America to contain this feature. 

(source)

A full review of all the new features of the 2012 Honda Civic coming next week! 

 

Top Selling American-Made Car Index

If you've ever wondered about the top selling cars that have been built and bought in the United States, then Cars.com has created an intresting website worthy of checking out. 

Cars.com has created an index that ranks the top selling American made vehicle. Wouldn't that mean only American automotive manufacturers would be on the list?

Well actually no. Here is how Cars.com breaks down the index:

"Cars.com's American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the U.S. Factors include sales, where the car's parts come from and whether the car is assembled in the U.S. We disqualify models with a domestic parts content rating below 75 percent, models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor." (source)

Just as Cars.com explains, the words "American made car" can be misleading. Several vehicles built in the United States are made with parts that are not domestic. This list summarizes the top cars that are assembled in the U.S. with mostly or only domestic auto parts. 

What's more interesting about this information is that Toyota and Honda claim the top two spots. The Toyota Camry outsold the Ford F150 and became number one for 2009 and 2010 for the American Made Index. The Honda Accord slowly inched up the ranking and eventually bumped out the F150 as well. What's the reason behind F150's decline and the Accord's increase in rank? Turns out the F150 is now made with less then 55% domestic auto parts. 

For the full list and article, visit Cars.com's American-Made Index. 

$250 Gas Card to Buy You Miles

Shopping around for a new car? Looking for something to do this weekend? Be sure to check out Rockingham Toyota Nissan Scion & Rockingham Honda this weekend for our latest promotion!

When you lease or finance ANY new or used vehicle, you will receive a $250 gas card! That could mean FREE gas for over a month!

How, you ask? Well let's consider this:

The 2011 V6Toyota Camry has a combined highway and city gas mileage estimate of 27.5 Miles Per Gallon (MPG)*

The national average gas price for regular fuel is currently $3.10/gallon*

At this price, $250 buys you 80.7 gallons of gas

So 80.7 gallons of gas in a car that gets about 27.5 MPG??

That's approximately 2220 MILES!!

Not convinced? How about another example. This time with a Hybrid 

The 2011 Toyota Prius has a combined highway and city gas mileage estimate of 50 MPG*

Again, with the same average of $3.10/gallon, $250 buys 80.7 gallons of gas

80.7 gallons for a car that gets 50 MPG?

That's approximately 4035 miles! Woohoo!

HURRY! This promotion begins Friday, January 14th and ends Monday, Jaunary 17th

So if you drive 1000 miles per month? Well that $250 can buy you almost 2 months of driving! For the hybrid? nearly 4 months of driving! So exciting!

If you are thinking of financing or leasing, come down to either our Toyota, Nissan or Honda location. OR if you have any questions, contact our Internet Sales Team either over the phone (603-893-3525) or through Live Chat! Click the icon below to begin!

Not interested in a Camry or Prius? Here are a few more examples!

The 2011 Honda Civic LX has a combined city and highway gas mileage estimate of 29 MPG*

$250 buying 80.7 gallons (at $3.10/gallon) would buy for the Civic approximately 2300 MILES! That could mean two months worth of gas, if you drive about 1000 miles/month!

How about a Nissan?

The 2011 Nissan Sentra has a combined city and highway gas mileage estimate of 30 MPG*

80.7 gallons of gas for the Sentra buys you....approximately 2400 MILES!

Don't miss out on this great offer!

 

*Sources for average gas price AAA's Daily Fueld Gauge Report and MPG specs:

Toyota.com

Honda.com

Nissan.com

 

Toyota: A Genuine Company and Brand

In 2010, it seemed as if there were more automobile recalls then any manufacturer would like to admit. Although it was the most recalls announced since 2004, it did not deter certain car manufacturers from expressing the truths to auto buyers. Instead, particular companies, such as Toyota, saw the recall as a way to raise their qualities standards and show consumers that their products are well maintained, despite bad press. It cannot be denied that Toyota did announce several recalls that inconvenienced owners and put a damper on a well respected company. However, the focus of the Toyota recalls shadowed the recalls of other manufacturers in the past year, such as Hyuandi, Ford, GMC and several others, which can all be found at the website for Recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Toyota has made it their goal to allow consumers to rest assured that their car is not only safe, but it will be properly serviced and maintained. One example of this effort is Toyota's unique manufacturer guarantee, "ToyotaCare" which is a complimentary 2 year maintenance plan with the purchase or lease of every new Toyota. More information about this program is available from a past blog post, available when you click here. Also, Toyota maintains a website that includes up to date information regarding recalls to their vehicles, available here. This site has several videos that review safety features of your vehicle as well as educate you on some internal mechanical components. Exlpore this site to get your questions answered and learn more about the strides Toyota is making towards revamping their genuine appeal. This organized approach to keeping consumers informed certainly helps promote the open and honest approach Toyota is taking to the recall situation.

Toyota sends a positive and clear message with their "Restore" commercial. This company is not hiding from their mistakes, but rather learning from them. Take a moment to watch this 30 second clip and even further check out the videos and news updates on the Toyota Recall Updates website.

 
When driving your vehicle, you ought to feel safe and secure. It is evident that not only has Toyota made your safety their goal in the past, they are clearly making sure each buyer is aware that it will always continue to be their top priority.

Commercials of 2010

Here is a look back at some great car commercials and videos from 2010. 

A personal favorite:

 

Meet the Parents and their self proclaimed greatness:

 

This is a follow up to a commercial released for a TV campaign over 3 years ago. It combines a meaningful message with humor and amazing scenery:

 

 

This ad is perfect for that person in your life who just absolutely loves their Honda:

 

Nissan makes a sports car, but family sized:

 

A neat Honda ad with some surfing Santas:

 

Nissan gets fast and flashy while advertising for their new model, the "Juke":

 

As we all make an effort to be more green with our vehicles, Audi takes it to the next step with the "Green Police":

 

And why not, one more from the Toyota Sienna "Swagger Wagon" folks:

 

 

We at Rockingham Motors wish you a very happy, healthy and safe New Year! See you in 2011!

Dealer Principal's Heartfelt Apology on Recent Toyota Recalls

I would like to take this opportunity to address our customers and give you my prospective on the recent Toyota recalls.  First, let me apologize for any inconvenience or uneasiness this may have caused.  This is truly not the "Toyota Way" that so many of us have grown accustomed to over the years.  My personal involvement with Toyota has been nearly 40 years.  I can honestly say that my experience with Toyota has shaped my strong belief about the importance of placing the customer as the most important ingredient in our daily business.  We have developed our philosophy based on Toyota's strong belief in Kaizen, continuous improvement.  I might suggest you read this article which was authored by Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, which appeared in the Washington Post.  I believe it conveys the true spirit of Toyota and how he views what has transpired over the last couple of weeks.

The entire team at Rockingham Toyota has taken these recent events very seriously.  We have been in constant contact with those customers who have inquired about the recalls.  We have been open extended hours including last Sunday to respond to those customers who were concerned and wanted to have us check their vehicles.  I hope we have been able to make those customers feel more at ease and better understand what are our mutual concerns.  It is unfortunate that the press seems to be focused on Toyota and magnifying the recalls.  In some cases the facts have not always been straight forward and correct.

I would like to thank our customers for being so understanding about this situation.  Recalls are a very uncommon occurrence for Toyota.  If you read the article by Akio Toyoda you will see he makes reference to the "andon cord".  I have seen this first hand in the Toyota factories in Japan.  This is simply a cord which empowers any team member to pull and halt production if they witness a problem.  Last week, Akio did precisely that with the factories whose production was halted here in the United States.  He, not the U.S.Government, like some would like you to believe, stopped the production lines because they did not want any potential problem vehicles to be produced and then have to use parts to correct them on the production line when they should be initially shipped to dealers for use in customer vehicles.  I, in my years of experience with other manufacturers, have never seen that done before.  I feel this is a testimony of the true concern by Toyota for its customers.

Again, please accept my sincerest apology for any stress or concerns these recalls may have caused.  I can only ask that you retain your faith in this great product and Rockingham as your dealer.  To quote Akio,  "Great companies learn from their mistakes and we know we will have to win back the trust of our customers by adhering to the very values on which that trust was built." 

Emmett Horgan

Rockingham Toyota Scion Nissan

Rockingham Honda

Owner