The History of the Toyota Prius

The first-ever mass-produced hybrid in automotive history was introduced in 1997 as the Toyota Prius. The soon-to-be-popular car was released to the public in Japan first. It was then released worldwide in 2001.

The Prius can be purchased today in 40 countries and was named by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market. The word Prius means to go before in Latin and the vehicle’s creators believed it would be the leader for all cars that would follow.

Five Years of Development Efforts

Even though the Prius debuted in Japan in 1997, it took every bit of five years for it to be developed by automotive professionals before Toyota Motor Corporation gave the go-ahead on mass production.

Two of those five years were spent developing a practical hybrid powertrain. This part of the project involved more than 80 of Toyota Motor Corporation’s top engineers.

What set the Prius apart from all other vehicles at the time was the Toyota Hybrid System, which is an integrated package that has components small enough that they still fit inside a traditional-size engine compartment. In order to obtain the best fuel efficiency, the system was running a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter NZ engine with a simulated Atkinson combustion cycle.

The manufacturers hid a nickel-metal hybrid battery behind the second row of seats. The battery was combined with a high-torque electric drive motor and generator.

The architecture and principles used to build the very first Prius have been used across every hybrid model produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation since then. The Prius truly became the car to go before all others at Toyota. It influenced the Corolla, Celica, second-generation Prius and the RAV4.

The Prius Debut

The Prius made its debut to the public at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. The development of the Prius was nicknamed G21, short for “global car for the 21st century.” The project was led by Takeshi Uchiyamada, who now sits on the board of directors of Toyota Motor Corporation as the chairman.

The Japanese Market

The Japanese market provided Toyota with strong sales right from the release of the Prius. Some 40,000 units of the Prius were sold by May 2000. This led Toyota to increase production by 3,000 units per month. The Prius also took home the 1998 Japan Car of the Year award.

1997 was not the year that Toyota planned to offer the Prius for sale in Japan. The original launch date was set for 1999 but Toyota wanted the car to be available for purchase prior to the Kyoto Conference on Global Warming.

The very first model combined an electric drive motor of 40-horsepower and a gasoline engine of 57-horsepower.

Toyota Hybrid System

The Toyota Hybrid System allowed for the following in the original version of the Prius:

• 0-62 MPH in 13.4 seconds
• Maximum speed of 99 MPH
• Combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg
• Theoretical driving range of 560 miles
• CO2 production of just 114g/km

US Debut Nearly Sidelined

The debut of the Prius in the United States was nearly sidelined. After experiencing a bit of success in Japan, automakers decided in 1999 to prepare the vehicle for a US release. When research began in the United States in 1999 the launch of the Prius was almost postponed.

There were a handful of drivers involved in the testing process who were not enthused with the car. These results were combined with no clear way to test a potential buyer market in the United States, which almost led to the vehicle not being released.

When the Prius finally made its debut in the United States it did so in 2000. The base price of the Prius was $20,000. Added to that was a delivery fee of $855. But then take away a $2,000 credit from the federal government for the car’s Ultra Low Emission Vehicle status.

The car had received upgrades under the hood for its release in the United States that included the following:

• 70-horsepower from the engine
• 44-horsepower from the electric motor
• 88 added pounds to the car’s curb weight
• 14-inch wheels down from 15-inches
• Spoiler
• 0 to 60 in 13 seconds
• 35 mpg real-world fuel economy

Second-Generation Prius

The second-generation Prius was released in 2003 for the 2004 model year. There were some fears of battery failure, which led Toyota to increase the warranty to 150,000 miles in states where the California emissions standards are used and 100,000 miles everywhere else. We saw a name change from the Toyota Hybrid System to Hybrid Synergy Drive with the second-generation Prius.

Third-Generation Prius

The third-generation of the Prius debuted in 2009 for the 2010 model year. This version of the popular hybrid was able to cut down on drag by reducing the vehicle’s weight. Items that were made of aluminum included the hatch, hood, and some parts on the chassis. This generation included some new features like the navigation system, radar cruise control, and a head-up display. These features were available across all four trim levels offered by Toyota.

The Plug-In Version

The plug-in version of the Toyota Prius debuted in 2012. This version was pretty much the same Prius as the third-generation except for the battery pack. This vehicle featured the 4.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The plug-in version offered 15 minutes of absolute electric range at 62 MPH. The plug-in version cost $5,000 more than the plugless version.

The Prius V

The Prius V debuted not long after the plug-in version of the hybrid. The Prius V was an attempt at the company to jump into the crossover market. This version of the Prius was six inches longer than previous Prius models and had 70 percent more cargo room. In some markets, the Prius V offers three rows of seats.

Other Versions

Other versions of the Prius include the Prius C, the fourth-generation Prius, and the Prime. The Prime is an update on the plug-in version of the Prius. It became available in 2016. The Prime claims to get 22 miles of range on electric power alone.

Even though the Prius struggled not long before its debut in the United States it quickly cornered the market for hybrid vehicles. The Prius is still a viable option today when looking for a hybrid car.

4 Steps to Running a Successful Business From Another City

The top reasons why many people get into business as a small business owner or as an entrepreneur are for freedom, money, or impact, or a combination of all three. For many, there is a fourth reason why people try their luck as entrepreneurs and that is the freedom to work from anywhere.

An important question to ask yourself is if you feel the same passion for the city where your business operates as you do for the business itself. If the answer is no, then you don’t physically need to be there anymore.

Now, moving the entire business to a new location is likely not feasible. But, you can absolutely decide to move somewhere else. There are plenty of places you can try to work from, including bookstores, coffee shops, or you could even consider making an actual move to somewhere else in the world. What you might not realize right now is that a move like this can help bolster your creativity while expanding your business network.

An important advantage of running your company from another location is that the trust in your staff will increase immensely. They will become empowered to make the right decisions and take your company into the future. The only way this move can be successful is if you know the right way to handle the transition.

• Make a trial run. A couple of months before moving to New York from St. Louis I decided to stop going into the office. I began working from home and would only visit the office once per week. Once I actually made the move, no one in the office missed me in a managerial aspect because I had physically not been present for months.
• Hire key leaders. I made sure that a handful of key leaders were put in place on the management team at headquarters in St. Louis. They oversee the team’s daily operations. If I still had to oversee the operations of individual employees I wouldn’t have been able to move to New York. I know that not every decision will be made the way I would have done, which is a good thing for successful companies. When a team does not have to rely on the top dog too often it is able to grow and rise to the challenge often.
• Encourage virtual workspaces. Since I have become a virtual employee of the company it’s only right to allow other employees to have the option to work from home, or anywhere else they choose. Various studies have shown that employees reap the benefits from a flexible schedule. These include happiness, improved health, and more time with family.
• Change marketing strategy. It can be downright impossible to relocate if your company’s marketing efforts focus solely on one location. A company needs to have systems in place that target clients who are located everywhere. My team has spent the past two to three years putting together a marketing plan that targets opportunities across the world so much so that some opportunities local to St. Louis just doesn’t make sense for us in terms of overhead.

If you decide to make a change as big as this one, your company will find an increase in creativity, flexibility, and modernity. You will still get to experience all of the success except for the fact that you will be experiencing it from afar. What makes such a change so successful? By giving your employees the opportunity to run the office you empower them to make the right decisions.

Curb Appeal is Vital to Selling Your Home

Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a home from the street. Your home can be immaculate inside, but if it is a mess outside, you will likely have quite a bit of trouble selling it. It doesn’t matter how strong the market is, Scottsdale homes for sale without curb appeal will be skipped over by potential buyers. Here are five reasons why curb appeal is vital to selling your home.

Curb Appeal Will Entice a Buyer to Enter the Home

If your home has curb appeal it will entice potential buyers to enter for a tour. Even though a large percentage of buyers begin their search online, they eventually begin looking at homes in person. The indoor pictures of your home, list price and amenities might draw people to the home, but it is the curb appeal that will entice them to enter.

Curb Appeal Reflects the Current Owner

The curb appeal of your home reflects you as the current owner. Even if you have a spotless interior, the exterior should also be kept clean when putting the home on the market. Freshly cut grass, colorful flowers, trimmed shrubs and trees, no trash strewn about the yard and no toys all over the yard. Make sure the flowerbeds have been weeded recently, the driveway is free of dirt and the mailbox is not damaged. A home with curb appeal shows potential buyers that you have taken care of the property on a regular basis.

Asking Price is Improved with Curb Appeal

When Scottsdale homes for sale have curb appeal, their value increases. Buyers looking for a meticulously clean home with a fence, freshly cut yard and no debris will be more inclined to meet or come close to your asking price. It is less for them to work on after settlement. A home with poor curb appeal could lead to potential buyers negotiating the price down further than you can afford.

A Home with Curb Appeal is Easier to Sell

A home that has curb appeal will be easier to sell. As mentioned earlier, most home searches begin online, which can still deter a potential buyer. If there are pictures with the online listing, potential buyers will make judgments based on those pictures. When a potential buyer sees a picture of a home with curb appeal, he or she is more likely to visit the home and take a tour of the interior. Do your best to improve the curb appeal of your home in order to increase its chances to sell.

Curb Appeal Makes Your Home Stand Out

Curb appeal makes your home stand out to all those who see it in person. When Scottsdale homes for sale have curb appeal they stand out from all other homes in the area. Even if your neighbors don’t have curb appeal, your home should. It increases the value of your home and makes it stand out from the rest of the block.

If your home’s curb appeal has been updated recently and you are ready to list it on the Scottsdale market, I will be happy to put together your listing and show it to potential buyers.

What Do Brides and Grooms Remember Most About Their Wedding Day?

The wedding day has been painstakingly planned for what seems like years. Maybe it was years. Maybe it was just a couple of months. Either way, you’ve gone above and beyond with your soon-to-be spouse to make sure it is a day to remember.

There are plenty of memories to be made on your wedding day, many of which will fade over the years. But, there are some memories that will stick with you forever. So, what do brides and grooms remember most about their wedding day?

The Bride

The bride will remember quite a bit from her wedding day, including the first dance she shares with her husband and if she’s lucky enough, the dance she shares with her father. Dancing is a major focal point of a wedding.

The bride and groom are spotlighted first. Then there’s the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance. There might even be a choreographed dance involving the entire wedding party. Then, of course, there’s dancing for the guests the rest of the night at the reception.

The bride will also remember the look on her groom’s face when she first appears to him the day of the ceremony. Whether that is when she walks down the aisle or if she descends a staircase during a ‘first look,’ the bride will never forget the look her groom gives her at this time.

The wedding day is a great time for the couple to experience love at its best with other couples madly in love. The bride will likely remember all of the married couples in attendance that day, recognizing the couple married the longest.

The Groom

The memories for the groom from the wedding day will likely be a little different when compared with the bride. For example, the groom is likely to remember the speeches more than the bride, unless one of the speeches is incredibly inappropriate or hilarious.

The groom will likely also remember the first kiss with the bride as a married couple. There’s a lot of pressure at this point in the ceremony, with hundreds of eyes on the couple. This can be a stressful part of the day for the groom, which is why it will likely stick out in their mind for the rest of their life.

Just like the bride, the groom will remember the first time he got to see his bride the day of the wedding. That first glimpse of your future coming towards you is breathtaking. Many men will shed a tear. Others will smile. Whatever their reaction, the groom will never forget how his bride looked that day.

As you can see, there are plenty of memories to be made the day of your wedding, but not all of them will stick with you through the years. Consider taking ballroom dancing lessons to impress not only your bride but also all of your guests the day of your nuptials.

The Most Popular Benefits for Veterans with National Purple Heart Day on the Horizon

With National Purple Heart Day right around the corner, it’s time to look at the most popular benefits for veterans. August 7th marks National Purple Heart Day, which recognizes veterans who were either injured in combat or who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom. The day is not a federally recognized holiday, which means government offices and businesses remain open. National Purple Heart Day has been celebrated since 2014

Recognizing National Purple Heart Day

Since this is not a federally recognized holiday, how is the day celebrated? For starters, local, state, and federal pause on August 7th to thank injured veterans and remember those who gave their lives for this country. Some other ways this unofficial holiday is celebrated include the following:

• Teams through Major League Baseball will honor Purple Heart recipients prior to their games on this day and during the 7th inning stretch.
• Military and veterans organizations and groups hold remembrance ceremonies and other gatherings.
• Purple Heart recipients are asked to speak about their experiences in combat and returning to civilian life at events throughout the country.
• People donate time or money to the Purple Heart Foundation, which is part of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Popular Benefits for Veterans

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces are eligible for a host of benefits while serving the country and upon their retirement, honorable discharge, or if they are removed from active duty due to an injury.

Transfer GI Bill Credits

The GI Bill was signed into law in 1944 by President Roosevelt as thousands of soldiers returned home from World War II. This law has helped countless soldiers return home and earn their college degree. What many veterans don’t realize is that these credits can be transferred to a spouse or child if the veteran so chooses.

Car Purchase Grants

Veterans who have suffered a disability related to their service in the Armed Forces could be eligible for grants that help pay for the purchase of a car or to have adaptive equipment installed in their current vehicle.

Earn Certifications

Veterans who want to earn certifications in various tech fields can do so for free using a partnership between Veterans Affairs and the American Red Cross. The program, Community Learning Hubs, also offers other certifications that veterans would need to pay for but could use part of the GI Bill mentioned earlier.

Life Insurance at Discounted Rates

Veterans are also eligible to apply for and obtain life insurance policies at discounted rates. Veterans are able to extend their life insurance policy after their active service has come to an end using the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance program. The premiums and coverage amounts are varied, but they are still cheaper than obtaining life insurance in the private sector.

Tax Prep

Another popular benefit used by thousands of veterans each year is that of free tax prep. Millions of Americans like to do their own tax returns and do so using online software. Companies such as TaxSlayer and TurboTax provide these software programs free of charge to veterans who qualify. The programs are also available for those still active in the military.