Car thieves not hot on Toyota Prius hybrids

The Toyota Prius hybrid, while popular with car buyers looking to save money on fuel, isn't at all popular with car thieves, according to a U.S. report.

 The Prius is much less likely to be stolen than other cars of a similar age, according to a U.S. National Insurance Crime Bureau report released November 21.

That's likely because the Prius is a one-model car with parts that can't be swapped out with other vehicles, NICB spokesperson Frank Scafidi told Bloomberg.

 Model year 2008 to 2010 Prius hybrids saw a theft rate in the U.S. of just one in 606 over the first six months of 2012. The average for vehicles of that age was one in 78.

Stolen Prius hybrids were also recovered about 96.7 percent of the time.

Scafidi says he expects the theft and recovery numbers to fall more in line with the average as the model ages or becomes even more popular.

 November 22, 2012 , by Nicholas Maronese
 (Bloomberg via Automotive News)

Preview: 2013 Toyota Avalon

Peace Arch Toyota is pleased to announce the arrival of the 2013 Avalon in December.

To learn more about this spectacular vehicle email here.

The Camry is Toyota’s heavy hitter in the intermediate sedan market, but there has been a shy sister lurking in the shadows for decades. Now, however, it’s time for its coming-out party.

The 2013 Avalon has been given a total makeover and is ready to dance in the spotlight.

Previous generations of the Avalon have been given little promotion by Toyota marketers, but with this all-new fourth-generation iteration, this premium sedan is being touted as the flagship for the brand — and the world is going to hear about it.

Aricle by National Post

2013 Toyota Prius v: extra versatility starts at $27,425

As the most versatile of the four Prius models, the 2013 Toyota Prius v is a fuel-efficient wagon that provides more passenger and cargo room for active Canadian families.

''Toyota listened to Canadian families, who loved the Prius but wanted an option with even more versatility for their on-the-go lifestyles,” said Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc.

The 2013 Toyota Prius v offers 50% more interior space than the original Prius, and comfortably sits five adults. Under the hood is a 1.8L four-cylinder engine mated to a high-torque electric motor and high-capacity storage battery for a net output of 134 horsepower and combined fuel consumption of 4.5L/100 km.

Now on sale across Canada, the 2013 Toyota Prius v comes with an interesting list of standard features as well as three options packages. Pricing goes as follows:

• Prius v: $27,425
• Prius v Luxury: $30,410
• Prius v Touring: $33,445
• Prius v Touring + Technology: $37,120

Article by Auto123.com,

Tuesday, November 20, 2012