ATLANTA, March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new Toyota
Avalon Hybrid was named the "Best Green Car" at the 2013 Atlanta
International Auto Show by the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media
Association (GAAMA).
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130319/CL79578 )
The group of automotive journalists has been awarding "best of
show" vehicles for four years running, said Davis Adams, president of GAAMA. "The Avalon is
an impressive option in the green car category, with size, luxury
and fuel efficiency that make it a standout in a segment otherwise
crowded with smaller economy cars," Adams said.
The Avalon's Hybrid Synergy Drive uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder
engine that employs the Atkinson
cycle to postpone closure of the intake valves and delay the
compression cycle, helping reduce intake and exhaust energy losses
to improve fuel efficiency. Reduced weight, clean aerodynamics and
an efficient Hybrid drivetrain combine to give this sedan a
combined 40 mpg EPA-rating (40 city/39 hwy). Taking the Avalon's
17-gallon fuel tank into consideration, the Avalon Hybrid can offer
a range of more than 600 miles per tank.
"The 2013 Avalon was built to be a world-class sedan, with new
levels of excitement, dynamic capability and refinement," said
Bryan Robinson, area sales manager
for Southeast Toyota Distributors, who spoke to media at the show.
"Toyota wanted to make a big statement with this car, and awards
like this and the sales numbers tells us that we've made the right
combination of superior styling, exciting design and comfort, all
in a very 'green' vehicle."
Designed, developed and assembled in the U.S., the new Avalon
Hybrid shares the same passionate styling, innovation, and an
elevated level of craftsmanship as the gas-only Avalon. So far, the
Avalon has been a hit with consumers. Toyota's flagship sedan saw
its sales increase by 63 percent in February, with sales of 5,703
Avalons over the month.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations
in the United States in 1957 and
currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. There are nearly
1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in the United States, which sold more than 2
million vehicles in 2012. Toyota directly employs over 31,000 in
the United States and its
investment here is currently valued at more than $19.5 billion, including sales and manufacturing
operations, research and development, financial services and
design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and
services from U.S. suppliers totals over $26.1 billion.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com,
www.toyotanewsroom.com or www.toyotainaction.com.
SOURCE Toyota