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The standard of quality you expect. It is never easy when you’re involved in an accident, and the last thing you want to worry about is if the body shop you choose to repair your vehicle will do a quality job. How can you ensure not only the quality of collision repair, but be assure the equipment, parts and technicians working on your vehicle are qualified professionals?  Simple. Certification. As a Toyota Certified Collision Center, Ball Body Shop – a division of Smart Motors, takes the risk out of collision repair through the rigorous Toyota certification process and on-going continuing education, equipment specifications, parts requirements, and continuous customer experience monitoring. Ball Body Shop | 2225 Eagle Drive, Middleton, WI | 608.831.5944 “It’s our commitment to excellence in collision repair professionalism, repair quality and customer satisfaction”, says Ball Body Shop manager James Anderberg. “Our staff is uniquely qualified to get the job done right, while at the same time, putting our customers at ease during what can be a stressful time for them.” Benefits of choosing a Toyota Certified Collision Center for your vehicle’s repairs are abundant and include: - Toyota Certified Technicians. - Toyota Certified Management team provides the knowledge and expertise to answer your question quickly, accurately and will help navigate the insurance process (if needed) so you and your vehicle are back on the road as quickly as possible. - State-of-the-art tools & equipment used to restore your vehicle to the original manufacturer specifications. - Genuine Toyota Parts. - Third-party customer service monitoring is used to ensure your experience is exceptional. You have the right to choose the body shop you want to repair your vehicle and choosing a Toyota Certified Collision Center is the easy choice.

Cross section of a catalytic converter It may sound odd, but there is a strange crime wave happening across the country. Catalytic converters, which help reduce an automobile’s emission pollution, are being stolen out from under our very noses…and cars. Catalytic Converter Theft Nationwide, police are reporting a surge in cases. In St. Louis, catalytic converter thefts jumped more than eightfold, from 50 in 2019 to 420 last year. In Lexington, S.C., sheriffs’ deputies responded to 144 catalytic converter thefts between July and December, triple the number of cases over the year-earlier period. In Wisconsin, West Allis police finally nabbed one thief just last month, while statewide hundreds of the converters were reported stolen in 2020 and the trend isn’t slowing down. Why Are Catalytic Converters Stolen? So why is this specific car part being targeted? Because each catalytic converter contains metals that are more precious than gold. And it only takes a saw and three minutes to poach one. Catalytic converters are made with palladium and rhodium. The price of palladium hit a record of $2,875 an ounce last year Rhodium prices have skyrocketed to a record $21,900 an ounce this year, roughly 12 times the price of gold. After the thief cuts away a converter, he/she takes it to a recycler and earns roughly $120 per unit. The victim of the theft is left paying an estimated $1,200 for a replacement. Toyota Prius Catalytic Converter Theft “ Priuses are often targeted,” says Jake Schafer, service director at Smart Motors in Madison. "It’s probably due to the fact a Prius' converter contains more precious metals than what is installed in most vehicles. When all is said and done, though, it can cost the victim upwards $2,500 to have a Prius converter replaced.” Schafer says the dealership is currently replacing dozens of catalytic converters each month due to theft, but Smart Motors is being proactive by working with a manufacturer that supplies anti-theft protection. Cat Shield How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft: Anti-Theft Shield “We’ve invested in a catalytic converter protection system with Cat Security,” he says. “We will professionally install their ‘Cat Shield,’ which is a sturdy aluminum plate that provides a barrier against theft.” According to the Cat Security, there are four main reasons to have an anti-theft plate installed: Save on the potential loss of time and money. Put your mind at ease knowing your car is protected. Help put thieves out of business. Improve your vehicle’s underbody aerodynamics (the plate may actually help improve fuel mileage). Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Shield Cost “The plate usually costs a few hundred dollars with installation,” says Schafer, “but it’s a small price to pay for protecting yourself from inconvenience and perhaps thousands of dollars if you fall victim to this very prevalent crime.”

Safety and fuel efficiency make owning a new vehicle very attractive. If you currently own a gas-powered vehicle you know fuel prices change as often as Wisconsin’s weather. You also know there seems to be a consistent “coincidence” between heavy travel times like Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving and a surge of prices at the pump. The Covid-19 pandemic has fueled a steady rise in gas prices due to logjams created in the global supply chain. The pandemic has also made travel by car the healthiest way to get from point A to point B. And as more Americans become vaccinated, many more people will undoubtedly embark on road trips to destinations far away from the home they’ve holed up in for months. What vacationers and commuters alike should know, though, is that purchasing a new vehicle may be worth the money. "With the steady increase in gas prices we are seeing an uptick in sedans and hybrid sales," says Justin Jackson, sales director at Smart Toyota. "We are typically a big hybrid dealer, but we are seeing a bigger increase and we can only believe has prices have a lot to do with it." New cars, trucks and SUVs are more fuel-efficient than vehicles manufactured just a few years ago, and they come with many more safety features. “A new vehicle can save a driver an average of $1,502 ($2249-$747) per year in gas,” says Jackson. “That means, on average, $125 saved per month that could be used toward the vehicle’s monthly payment.” BREAKING IT DOWN: (Based on the average American who drives 15,000 miles per year) New Hybrid Vehicle at 54 mpg                  vs.                           Older Vehicle at 18 mpg 15,000 divided by 54 = 277                                                                 15,000 divided by 18 = 833 Uses 277 gallons of gas per year                                                         Uses 833 gallons of gas per year 277 x $2.70 = $747 per yr. in gas                                                       833 x $2.70 = $2249 per yr. in gas “The savings are even greater if you move into a hybrid electric vehicle,” says Jackson. Jackson says the dealership has seen first-hand how hybrids have grown in popularity. More recently, with the release of the Prius Prime, which has an estimated 54MPG, and 133MPGe, rebirth of the Toyota Venza hybrid and now including the Toyota Sienna (mini-van) hybrid, local consumers are showing a renewed interest in hybrid vehicles. Today, Smart Motors is one of the top Toyota hybrid dealers in the United States. “Saving money on fuel makes a new car worth it, but there are a number of other good reasons like safety features that make upgrading beneficial,” says Jackson. He lists Toyota’s offering of Pre-Collision Systems with Pedestrian Detection Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Lane Departure Alert, and Road Sign Assist as a few examples of technologically advanced features that go beyond anti-lock brakes and air bags. Easy Tips to Save Money on Gas: Download apps like GetUpside that partner with gas stations nationwide to offer discounts to users. Use a gas station credit card and/or enlist in their rewards program. Don’t use premium if your car calls for regular. Wholesale clubs offer discounted fuel to members. Refuel before your gauge gets too low. Downsize the fuel bill by driving a smaller or more fuel-efficient vehicle. Driving faster than the posted speed limit burns more fuel and increases trips to the pump. Take some time to empty the trunk, clean out the back seat and remove the luggage rack. The lighter the vehicle, the better the fuel efficiency and the more money you save on gas. "Jack-rabbit" starts and hard braking increase fuel usage by as much as 40 percent. Check your tires regularly; under-inflated tires increase resistance and fuel consumption by up to six percent. Consolidate trips and errands to cut down on driving time can eliminate hundreds of miles – and dozens of gallons of gas.

Toyota has a long-standing reputation for building reliable, fuel-efficient cars, and the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a perfect example of that. With a wide range of features and backed by Toyota's rock-solid warranty it gets you maximum value out of your dollar. Key Features of the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid more Value Starting at just $28,430 MSRP, the Camry Hybrid is worth every penny. It is super efficient at the gas pump, getting you 53 miles per gallon on the highway and 51 mpg when driving in the city. It comes with a warranty that is just as valuable, with a battery warranty good for 10 years or 150,000 miles. You also get a limited warranty good for three years or 36,000 miles, and a power train warranty that covers you for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Performance The Camry Hybrid features a 2.5 Liter four-cylinder engine with dual injection, getting you 176 horsepower at 5700 rotations per minute, and 163 foot-pounds of torque at 5200 rpm. It features Mcpherson strut front suspension and Independent rear suspension for a silky-smooth ride. The electric motor gives you 650 volts of pure power, for a net output of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission is included for smooth, efficient gear shifting. Electric power steering means you don't have to muscle through the turns, ensuring an effortless drive. Power-assisted front brakes give you a smooth, quick stop every time. Modern Interior and Stylish Exterior The various trim levels of the Camry give you different levels of luxury. The base model features 16-inch rims, LED taillights and accents, power mirrors, and a dark front grille. Inside, you'll find a dual-zone climate control system and a seven-inch touchscreen for accessing apps and media. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, with cloth upholstery. The SE is the next step up and features dual chrome exhaust tips and a spoiler. The wheels are 18 inches for an extra bit of style. The XLE is the top of the line, featuring a bright metallic grille, and upgraded headlights. The exhaust is chrome-tipped, and the wheels have a silver finish to make them a little flashier. Inside you'll find all leather seating matched with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Natural wood trim accents are included, as is ambient lighting to get the mood just right. The seats are also heated to keep you nice and cozy on cold winter drives. Tech features include an eight-inch touch screen, wireless charging for your devices, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Safety As you would expect from a modern Toyota vehicle, the Camry Hybrid features a whole host of safety features. These include stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Driver-assist features include a pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Give us a call at Smart Motors and test drive the Camry Hybrid today. For ten years we've been Wisconsin's leading Toyota seller, and we'd love to have you stop by and give us a try.

If you're shopping for a new SUV, add the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to your list of models to test drive. This crossover checks all the boxes — it's stylish, eco-friendly, and reasonably priced. Take a look at a few of the reasons you should consider this vehicle for your needs. more 1. Incredible Efficiency When looking into SUVs, you may soon find that many of the models in the crossover segment aren't very efficient. But you don't have to sacrifice efficiency for the convenience and functionality of a crossover SUV. Instead, you can get a hybrid model like the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This vehicle features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with two or three electric motors, depending on whether you opt for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The combined output is 243 horsepower and the powertrain works with a continuously variable transmission. According to estimates, the 2020 Highlander Hybrid returns an average of 35 miles per gallon combined. The Limited trim level gets slightly lower efficiency, with the highway estimate coming in at 34 mpg. However, those numbers are quite impressive for a three-row crossover. The non-hybrid version of the Highlander comes in at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for a combined estimate of 34 mpg. 2. Upscale Interior Within the cabin of the 2020 Highlander Hybrid, you'll find a spacious seating area with room for up to eight, although all models but the base come standard with captain's chairs that takes the seating capacity to seven. Standard cabin features include cloth upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, soft-touch materials, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and six cargo hooks. On the tech side, the base model comes with a six-speaker sound system with an 8-inch touch screen, satellite and HD radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and four USB ports. For a more luxurious ride, check out the higher trim levels. You can get features like leather upholstery, faux wood trim, ambient interior lighting, heated front-row and second-row seats, power-adjustable seats with adjustable lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additional options include wireless device charging, a premium audio system, navigation, and a 12.3-inch touch screen. 3. High-End Safety Features All trim levels of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid come standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes active safety features to protect you and those around you on the road. The suite includes a pre-collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control with road sign assist, a rearview camera, cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and lane departure warning with steering assist. Additionally, the Highlander Hybrid comes with blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Options include front and rear parking assist with automatic braking and a bird's eye view camera system. If you're interested in this crossover SUV, visit Smart Toyota to get behind the wheel. We have a selection of Highlander Hybrid models available for you to test drive, and we can answer any questions you may have about the vehicle. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Choosing the perfect hybrid vehicle can be tricky when there's so many options and styles available. To make it easier, here is everything you need to know about Toyota's hybrid sedan lineup for 2020. Toyota Avalon Hybrid The 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is available in three trim levels: XLE, XSE, and Limited. The sedan is powered by a 2.5-liter dynamic force four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine that gets 176 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 43 miles per gallon in the city and 44 miles per gallon on the highway and combined driving. The Avalon Hybrid has a super ultra-low emission vehicle rating and the dual zone automatic climate control with an air filter keeps the air inside clean, too. SofTex-trimmed heated front seats wrap make for a comfortable ride. A customizable 7-inch multi-information display has an energy monitor and keeps you in the know about your fuel economy and other important hybrid system information. more Toyota Prius L Eco The 2020 Toyota Prius L Eco is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve engine. The hybrid system has a net power of 121 horsepower and gets 105 pound-feet of net torque. It has a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor and lithium-ion battery under the hood as standard equipment. You'll get 58 miles per gallon in the city and 53 miles per gallon on the highway. The Prius L Eco is front-wheel drive and has electric power steering. Inside, you'll find fabric trimmed seats and chrome accents on the upper door trim. The armrest area features soft touch materials with chrome accents as well. Toyota Camry Hybrid The 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid is available in three trim levels: LE, SE, and XLE. The Camry Hybrid gets a high level of efficiency by combining a dynamic force engine with an electric motor and electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The Hybrid Synergy Drive uses a sophisticated battery and lightweight materials to help reduce the overall weight and lend to the sedan's efficiency. The LE trim gets an EPA-estimated 51 miles per gallon in the city, 53 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 52 miles per gallon. The SE and LXE get 44 miles per gallon in the city, 47 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined 46 miles per gallon. The Camry has an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension. Toyota Corolla Hybrid The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve engine that gets 121 horsepower. The engine is paired with an ECVT and gets an EPA-estimated 52 miles per gallon combined driving. The Corolla Hybrid has a California LEV 3 emissions rating. There are three driving modes to select from depending on your driving conditions and needs. Choose from EV, ECO, and Power. To increase the throttle, simply press the Power Mode button to enjoy an exciting ride. The front-wheel drive sedan has an independent MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar, giving you a smooth ride, even around sharp curves.   With Toyota's lineup of hybrid sedans for the 2020 model year, there are a number of great options to choose from selecting your next ride. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Toyota has redesigned the 2020 Highlander Hybrid, making bold statements in look, power, and performance. Perhaps most impressive is how the new hybrid has improved mileage significantly. Here's a look at what's new and improved on one of the most popular SUVs on the market. more Style and Comfort The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will come in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The differences in the exterior from the previous year are subtle, but a close inspection reveals a sleeker, trimmer design. The result is a sportier, more sophisticated shape. The 2020 is also 2.36 inches longer, allowing for more cargo space and legroom for the third-row passengers. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid is now on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform as well, allowing greater safety, capability, and comfort. This platform also road noise and, combined with new soundproofing materials, makes for an exceptionally quiet ride. The cabin is functional yet luxurious, sporting softer materials and sleeker interior design. Ambient LED lighting and perforated leather upholstery options are available on the Limited and Platinum models. The LE comes standard with second-row captain's chairs, but the bench seat configuration is available to gain the extra seat. Cargo space has improved by over two cubic feet when all three rows are in use. That means you can haul everyone and everything you need. No more sacrificing one for the other. The Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touch-screen interface with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Waze navigation, and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. The Platinum trim upgrades to a 12.3-inch touch screen with Dynamic Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio surround sound system. Performance The 2020 Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that works in conjunction with the two electric motors mounted under the third-row seating. Testing results are not published yet, but Toyota claims the miles per gallon could be as high as 34 while still putting out 240 horsepower. The new Highlander comes standard with all-wheel drive, but a front-wheel-drive configuration is available for the first time this year. It also has four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV. Use the Eco mode for better fuel efficiency, Sport mode for acceleration, and EV mode for short distance, electric-only driving. Safety The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with Toyota's suite of safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, automatic braking, and forward collision warning are some of the safety features that have received upgrades from the 2019 model. Two new additions are Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist. The Limited and Platinum trims come standard with the new Rear Cross Traffic Braking system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system. Platinum models also come standard with a 360-degree camera giving you a bird's-eye view of your vehicle. The 360-degree camera is available on the Limited trim but not on the LE and XLE trims. There's a lot to like about the new 2020 Highlander Hybrid. If you want to learn more, schedule a test drive at Smart Motors Toyota today. Image used with permission form toyota.com / cropped from original

When you're looking for fuel efficient, dependable, and environmentally conscious vehicles, Smart Motors Toyota has you covered no matter what kind of lifestyle you live. From compact cars to full-size SUVs, Toyota offers hybrids of all shapes and sizes. Here are five great Toyota hybrids. Prius c The 2019 Toyota Prius c comes in two trim levels, the L and the LE, both featuring a hatchback design. This hybrid model really focuses its design and function around fuel efficiency. Drivers can choose between ECO and EV mode while driving for their preferred efficiency. EV mode allows for fully-electric driving as far as one mile, and ECO mode manages the use of other systems like the A/C to deliver optimal efficiency. more Camry Hybrid If you're looking for a hybrid with a little more space and features, the 2019 Camry Hybrid offers both. This sedan is spacious and comes with top-notch features even at the base trim level. The base, LE trim, comes with an eight-way power driver's seat and a smart key with a push-button start. Upgrade to the SE for a sportier look and some other bonus features or the XLE for the top of the trim levels. XLE drivers will enjoy an 8-inch touch screen with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system. Prius Prime Toyota's 2019 Prius Prime is a hybrid that acts as an electric car. You can charge a Prius Prime at a charging station, but it also takes fuel. Trims include Plus, Premium, and Advanced. This hybrid sedan is seriously advanced with perks like a remote climate control system featured in the base trim level. Step up to the Premium level for several technology upgrades like wireless device charging and an 11.6-in high-definition multimedia display. The top trim adds a head-up display, LED fog and accent lights, and much more. Mirai Want a future vehicle now? The 2019 Toyota Mirai is a fuel cell electric vehicle that is fully powered by hydrogen. This vehicle has no emissions other than water, so it's completely harmonized with the environment. Unfortunately, the Mirai and their filling stations are only currently available in California, but hopefully, they will be expanding soon. The interior is just as impressive as it has capabilities with intelligent touch controls for the infotainment system and climate control plus wireless charging and a fully digital instrument panel. When you're behind the wheel of a Toyota Mirai, you'll feel like you've traveled to the future. Highlander Hybrid With the 2019 Highlander Hybrid, Toyota lets you have your cake and eat it too! You can get all the size and space you want from an SUV without sacrificing efficiency. Available trims include the Hybrid LE, XLE, and Limited. Every trim level includes Toyota's Safety Sense P system, making this an ideal family car. You'll be able to seat up to eight people comfortably in the 2019 Highlander Hybrid, or put all of the seats down and enjoy 83.7 cubic-feet of cargo space. This beast of a hybrid can even tow up to 3,500 pounds! Stop by Smart Toyota and check out our great selection of hybrid Toyota models. Get behind the wheel for a test drive, and you may just find your next car.   “ Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (XW50)” via Flickr by Ya, saya inBaliTimur. Used with permission via CC BY-ND 2.0 / cropped from original

One of the most efficient vehicles on the road just got a major upgrade. The new addition to Toyota's Prius line adds more capability and performance to the equation. The 2019 Prius AWD equipped option will take you anywhere you need to go, and you still can skip that gas station. Here's what you need to know about the new all-wheel-drive-equipped (AWD-e) Prius. more Conquer the Road Ahead With All-Wheel Drive Toyota recently announced AWD-e Prius trims, and the media has been buzzing. It's important to note a few things about these vehicles before moving forward. First, the all-wheel-drive functionality is only available at speeds below 44 miles per hour. However, the fact that AWD is finally available is excellent news for Prius fans. Second, only the LE and XLE trims have the option to add all-wheel drive. The base trim and more luxurious limited trim won't have the option to include this feature. Versatility for Any Adventure The 2019 Prius is ready for whatever you throw at it. The new all-wheel-drive capability allows it to handle rougher road conditions while still delivering top-of-the-line fuel efficiency. Sometimes it pays to pave the way in hybrid technology. Of course, the form and functionality don't end with the drivetrain. You'll love the 27 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats up and the 65.5 cubic feet with them folded down. With the addition of roof racks for even more storage, that camping trip to Grand Tetons suddenly seems within reach. Regardless of where you want to be, you can rest assured that an AWD-e Prius can get you there. TSS-P Keeps You Safe on Your Journey Toyota's Safety Sense driver assistance package is here to help keep everyone safer. Features such as a front-end pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control are just a few of the popular in the safety suite. This package is standard on all 2019 Prius trims. High-Tech Monitors One of the best things about getting behind the wheel of an all-new AWD-e Prius is the extensive technology features available. Your efficiency stats and AWD-e status are beautifully displayed on a 4.2-inch driver information dashboard. The system will monitor and track your savings and keep an eco-diary for you. An all-new heads-up display, which includes speed and a hybrid system indicator, is now projected in the driver's line-of-sight. This means their eyes no longer need to leave the road. Entertainment on the Open Road The 2019 Prius also includes several exceptional entertainment features to keep all your passengers happy on that grand road trip. The Entune media bundle includes a touch-screen display, two USB ports, iPod connectivity, music streaming, and Siri Eyes Free. Bluetooth hands-free phone capabilities are also standard on this year's model release. The new AWD-e Prius is a buzz-worthy move for Toyota. If you'd like to see it in action, stop by for a test drive. You can also browse our inventory online. We hope to see you soon! Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original