In This Issue:

Be Prepared for Winter Driving!
2007 Camry Boasts New Design

Do we shuttle?

Toyota & GM:  A Quick Comparison

Yet one more Clark Howard article about gas prices

Do you have a question about car repair or maintenance?

Lowell's has gone high tech:  Wi-Fi is here!

Lowell's Toyota Tidbits

Are you pleased with your service at Lowell's?
Share a Recipe

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Greetings,

For the last seven months I have been filling in, when time permits, as our shuttle driver.  This position allows me to talk to some very interesting people, ranging in age from barely into their 20’s to those well into their 80’s.  They have been born in places as close as downtown Lexington, to as far as Russia, India, Romania, Hungary, Japan, China, Indonesia, Australia, Nepal, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Iran, and a dozen other places.

When conversing with these customers, I find we usually share many interests:  their homeland, their careers, their Toyotas, and my favorite, their ethnic cuisines.

I have discovered the mystique of an English breakfast of beans over toast, the art of finding fresh fish for sushi, the best place in Lexington to get authentic Chinese food, and why those from India seldom eat at Indian restaurants (and when they do, which Lexington Indian restaurant they choose). 

You may ask what all this has to do with your Toyota.  Well to be frank…nothing - other than to be an introduction to our new column, “Share a Recipe”.  If you have a tested recipe you would like to share, email it to us at lowells@iglou.com and put “Recipe” in the subject line.  Also, if you have any recommendations on how to improve a posted recipe, please let me know.

I hope you enjoy,
Lowell 

Be Prepared for Winter Driving!

We're right smack in the middle of winter, and for most of us our travel doesn't slow down any just because the temperature drops and the weather is unpredictable.  So it's wise to be prepared for the unexpected.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (better known as FEMA) lists the following recommendations for winter travel:

  • Install good winter tires or all-weather radials with adequate tread. 
  • Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. 
  • Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. 
  • Plan long trips carefully.
  • Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. 
  • Try to travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person. 

In addition, have a mechanic (we have the perfect one in mind…) check the following items on your car:  battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, and defroster.   Click here if you'd like to make an appointment online for us to inspect your Toyota, Lexus, or Scion for winter travel.
 

Below is a recommended winter emergency kit to keep in your car.  You may not have all these items on hand (or find room for them in your car), but even having a few of them is better than having none.


 

Flashlights with extra batteries Small sack of sand or cat litter for aiding traction
More extra batteries Small shovel
First aid kit with pocket knife Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
Necessary medications Booster cables
Several blankets Set of tire chains or traction mats
Sleeping bags Cards, games, and puzzles
Extra newspapers for insulation Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
Plastic bags (for sanitation) Canned fruit and nuts
Matches Non-electric can opener
Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap Bottled water
Rain gear and extra clothes

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2007 Camry Boasts New Design

Toyota officially unveiled the 2007 Camry and Camry hybrid at the 2006 North American International Auto show in January.  The new Camry represents a departure from the more utilitarian Camrys of years past.  It is more athletic and modern looking, not as upright as previous models.  The wheelbase is longer and the track is wider, yet engineers have been able to reduce the turning radius.  Sixteen inch wheels are now standard, while the sportier SE model features 17" aluminum wheels.

Fuel mileage has remained strong across the board as well.  The standard 4 cylinder CE model has an EPA estimated 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway while putting out 158 horsepower.  Models with the V6 engine (the same V6 used in the 4Runner) should get 22/31 mpg while sporting a whopping 268 horsepower.  Hybrid models with Toyota's new Hybrid Synergy Drive should boast impressive city/highway numbers of 43/37 with 147 horsepower from the 4 cylinder engine and an added 45 horses from the electric drive motor.

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Do we shuttle...?   
Lowell's offers courtesy shuttle service to your home or work.  When you make your appointment, just let us know that you need a ride, and we'll be glad to give you one.  Our "fleet" is waiting at your service.

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Toyota and GM:  A Quick Comparison

Much has been written and said lately concerning Toyota's vying for the title of world's No. 1 automaker.  Last year the company passed Ford to sit firmly in the No. 2 spot.  All signs indicate that Toyota will indeed surpass General Motors as the world's top seller in the near future.  

With that in mind, here are some statistics comparing the two giants.  From the looks of the data, Toyota still has some catching up to do in the U.S. market, but if the trends represented by the lower half of the table below continue, someday Toyota will be No. 1 in both the U.S. and the world.

 

Worldwide Sales in 2004 8.9 million 7.7 million
U.S. Sales in 2004 4,655,459 2,060,049
U.S. Market Share 26.8% 13%
Best-Selling Vehicle in U.S. Chevrolet Silverado (680,768 sold in 2004) Toyota Camry (426,990 sold in 2004)
Profitability per Vehicle Loses $2331 per vehicle Makes $1488 per vehicle
Net Income in the First 9 Months of 2005 $4.15 billion loss from North America operations, offset by profits in Europe and Asia for an overall loss of $3.8 billion $7.89 billion
Average Plant Capacity 85% 107% using overtime workers
Health Care Costs per Vehicle in 2004 $1525 $201

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Yet one more Clark Howard article about gas prices
The  economist preaches on...

Gas prices are moving up and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.  Do you feel like a sitting duck? There are things you can do, but you have to be a bit of a free thinker.  If you have a diesel car, or can convert your car to a diesel, it will run on restaurant grease, for example.  Another man, who recently sent pictures to Clark, runs his diesel Volkswagen Beetle on vegetable oil. 

Cars in Brazil are “multi-fuel” vehicles, meaning they can run on sugar cane and other types of fuel.  The country made it a national policy to break away from foreign oil sources, and it’s working.  The powers-that-be in the U.S. are trying to block the use of sugar as a fuel source and luckily it hasn’t happened yet.  But they’ll continue to try.  Our country should be in favor of any initiatives that reduce our dependence on foreign oil.  So Clark doesn’t get it.  In the meantime, consider converting your car if you really want to save money.

   

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 Do you have a question about car repair or maintenance?  We love to hear from all our good friends and customers who enjoy reading Lowell’s Toyota Times.  If you have a question about anything related to your Toyota, Lexus, or Scion, feel free to give us a call at (859) 233-1173, or drop us a line at lowells@iglou.com.



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Lowell's has gone high tech:  Wi-Fi is here!

Lowell's is now a wireless hotspot!  Just bring your laptop with you the next time you have your car serviced, and as long as it's wireless-ready, you can surf the Internet or catch up on your email in the comfort of our waiting room.  Besides vending machines filled with snacks and sodas, we even have fresh FREE coffee waiting for you!


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Lowell's Toyota Tidbits

Camry still on top...  The Camry was the best-selling car in the U.S. in 2005.  That puts the Camry at the top for four years straight, and eight of the last nine years.

Makes you wonder...  According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Toyota has two vehicles on the top ten list of most reported vehicles stolen in 2004.  The '89 Camry is at #2, while the '88 Pickup is at #9.  In other words, trade in your older Toyota for a new one.

Toyota ahead by a mile...  While some automakers have yet to enter the hybrid game, Toyota has already developed its third generation hybrid engine, slotted to be put into use in 2008.  The new power plant will be even more economical and offer higher performance than its first and second generation hybrid engines, first used in 1997 and 2003 respectively.


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Are you pleased with your service at Lowell's?

If so, then tell a friend, relative, or co-worker who drives a Toyota, Lexus, or Scion.  Advertising is expensive, so we appreciate referrals from our satisfied customers.  If you're not happy with your experience at Lowell's, then let us know.  Call (859) 233-1173, email us, or stop by - we want to know how we can improve


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Share a Recipe
The first installment of a new regular feature in Lowell's Toyota Times

Our first recipe is for Miso, a traditional Japanese soup that is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  By using a combination of recipes, I (Lowell) created my version to be low in sodium as well as tasty.    

Miso is actually a paste made from fermented soybeans, and is full of healthy, essential fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamin E.  The linoleic acid contained in Miso is said by the Japanese to promote soft skin.  Miso also contains isoflavones and other elements that provide protection against cancer.  

All the ingredients below can be found at Good Foods Market & Café or the Japanese market on Southland Drive.

Miso

12 C Water
1.75 oz. (50g.) Kombu (kelp)
¾ box, (3 C) Bonito flakes
1 T Bonito essence (Hon Dashi)
¾ c Soy (reduced sodium 3%).  Regular soy makes it salty!
1.5 T   Mirin (Japanese rice wine)
1.5 T   Sugar
6 T       Organic mellow barley Miso paste
  1. Add Kombu to water and bring to a boil.  Boil for 2 minutes then discard Kombu.

  2. Add Bonito flakes and boil for an additional 3 minutes.  Steep for 2 minutes.

  3. Strain.

  4. Return to a boil.

  5. Mix soy, Mirin, sugar, and bean paste until smooth.  Add to soup.

  6. Simmer 3 more minutes.

You can add any of the items below  for variety:

shaved carrots udon noodles
bean sprouts scallions
spinach chives
tofu dried seawood


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Lowell's Awards & Honors
::Better Business Bureau Integrity Award in 1991.
::Voted "Best in the Bluegrass" in ACE Weekly poll in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2005.
::Featured on a television special for employing women in a traditionally male environment.
::Featured on Hometown Heroes for work done in the community.


   
Don't miss our "MONTHLY SPECIAL" at www.chooselowells.com.

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Lowell's Toyota Times is published by Lowell's Bluegrass Automotive.  Opened in 1979, Lowell's is the the only independent repair shop in the Bluegrass specializing in the maintenance and repair of Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles.

          

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