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After 115 years, 28 different vehicle franchises and three generations of Smart family ownership, President/CEO J.R. Smart is handing his family's legacy to a new owner. Madison's Smart Motors, founded in 1908, making it one of the longest-running automotive dealerships in the United States, has selected the Anderson Family of Omaha, Nebraska, to continue its long legacy of service to its clients and the community. The sale is effective January 8th. Anderson Family History The Anderson Family entered the automotive business in 1957, when Tal Anderson started working part-time at Baxter Chrysler-Plymouth in Omaha. Tal's work ethic and common sense caught the attention of Johnny Baxter, who eventually made Tal a partner and ultimately sold the dealership to Tal Anderson in 1983. The Andersons retained the Baxter name, both out of respect for Johnny Baxter and understanding the value of continuity in business. That history of honoring the past and service the community made Baxter Auto Group the right owner for Smart Motors. The two families, the Smarts and the Andersons, have much in common, including multigenerational ownership and navigating their way through many obstacles, including gas shortages, wars, a pandemic and supply chain interruptions. "I celebrated my 52nd anniversary at the dealership earlier this year," said Smart. "And while my time is sunsetting at the helm of our family business, I had to ensure my teammates and the communities we serve were well cared for." J.R. Smart The Anderson family has deep roots in the automotive industry and a solid reputation in the communities they serve. "I could have sold the dealership to any number of organizations," said Smart, "but I chose Mickey Anderson and the Baxter Auto Group. Commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and the continuous improvement are our core values and I'm confident they will continue to build off what our family has created since 1908." "We are so pleased, and humbled at the opportunity to carry on the legacy and work of the Smart Family in Madison," said Mickey Anderson. "To build upon that history and commitment to quality is a challenge that we welcome and will be diligent every day to carry on this great tradition." Mickey Anderson, President Baxter Auto Group "At Toyota, we wish Baxter Auto Group a successful entry into the Madison market. They've already proven to be a valuable partner with Toyota dealerships in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska," said Shane Sizemore, General Manager, Chicago Region, Toyota Motor North America. "We also want to thank the ownership at Smart Toyota for nearly 60 years of automotive excellence. During this time, three generations of Smart family members helped grow the Toyota brand in south central Wisconsin, though award-winning sales, service and extraordinary community involvement. They epitomized Toyota's mantra of 'respect for people' by providing exceptional customer service." Smart Family Legacy The history of the Smart Family's involvement in the automotive industry is a very interesting story. "It seems like every decade or so something throws a wrench into the works," said Smart. "I'd say the very first hurdle my grandfather's new business had to overcome was a lack of inventory... and the cost of a new car." The first car founder O.D. Smart, J.R.'s grandfather, sold was an Apperson Jackrabbit, which he sold out of his father's livery in Waukesha. The Jackrabbit was build by hand, and the car sold for $5,000, which is around $155,000 in 2023 dollars. While the Model T continued to be very popular, Smart Motors sold smaller brands such as Studebaker, Packard, Crosley and Hudson. O.D. Smart focused on educating the community on cars, resulting in him becoming a spokesman of sorts and was often quoted as a "Specialist" in Madison on topics like proper care and general maintenance. That place of prominence continues for Smart Motors to this day. "Starting in 1925, my grandfather's business started to thrive," says J.R. "The business was now in Madison, which made it a central point for people from Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Smart Motors was doing quite well." Then in 1929, the stock market crashed, and over the next three years, car sales fell by 75%. Through hard work and ingenuity, O.D. Smart managed to be the only one of the 14 car dealerships in Madison to avoid declaring bankruptcy in the 1930s and 1940s. He accomplished this by moonlighting as a machinist at a local factory to keep the lights on at this dealership. Having survived the Great Depression, O.D. Smart faced a new challenge. World War II. This meant no inventory, as there were no cars manufactured for the public between 1942 and 1945, with all steel and manufacturing capacity being used for the war effort. Again, O.D.'s hard work and creativity kept his dealerships operating during this most difficult of times. Following rapid change in the auto industry in the 1950s, James "F.J." Smart took control of Smart Motors in the 1960s. His ingenuity led to what turned out to be a pivotal decision for the business and the family: Smart Motors became Wisconsin's first Toyota dealer in 1966. "My father was just as innovative as he took a chance on a number of unknows in the automobile industry," said J.R. "He was always able to anticipate the need for a new product or service and make the correct decision." F.J. Smart's decision to partner with Toyota in 1966 paid enormous dividends in the 1970s, when America found itself in a lengthy oil crisis, driving up the price of gasoline and ending Americans' long love affair with very large, gas-guzzling vehicles. Toyota had been a relatively unknown, fuel-efficient brand. The energy crisis drove more demand for more efficient cars, with Toyota taking a prominent role in filling that demand. The Smart and Anderson Families share a long history of community involvement and support. The Smart Family's legacy in Madison included deep involvement in the American Red Cross, the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Research, American Family Children's Hospital and the Susan G. Komen pink lights in October project. The late Tal Anderson founded the Children's Scholarship Fund of Omaha, which provides tuition for at-risk youths who otherwise would not be able to attend private schools. The Anderson Family continues its support of that organization to this day, in addition to its support of a wide range of charities, including The United Way, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Initiatives, as well as primary, secondary and higher education. About Baxter Auto Group Baxter Auto Group is one of the nation's leading automotive retailing groups, operating 21 automotive retail stores across the Midwest and Mountain regions and representing nine of the nation's top automotive brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, INFINITI, Audi, Honda, Subaru, Volkswagen and Ford. Additionally, Baxter takes special pride in being a remarkable employer and supporting efforts to build stronger communities, showing gratitude for all the community has done to support its operations throughout the years.

In the realm of rugged pickup trucks, Toyota's Tundra has always held its own as a reliable workhorse. Renowned for its durability, performance, and unmistakable presence on and off the road, the Tundra has earned its place among truck enthusiasts. Those looking for a capable, fully sized truck to rely on should certainly consider the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX from our Madison dealership. Whether you need a traditional gas-powered engine or prefer a hybrid setup, Madison area shoppers can choose the new Tundra that best fits their needs. What is the Tundra i-FORCE MAX? The 2023 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX combines the twin-turbo V6 with a motor generator with a clutch located within the bell housing between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. The motor generator brings additional power via the transmission, while the engine start-up, EV driving, electric assist and energy regeneration are solely done with the parallel hybrid components. Located under the rear passenger seats is a proven and reliable 288V sealed Nickel-metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery to help deliver the revolutionary Tundra experience to the road. Tundra vs. Tundra i-FORCE MAX In a head-to-head matchup, the i-FORCE MAX engine reigns supreme, churning out 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The standard i-FORCE engine is no slouch however, producing 389 horsepower and up to 479 lb-ft of torque. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds and up to 1,940 pounds of maximum payload, the 2023 Tundra is an absolute beast of a vehicle. The engine setups vary between different trim levels, with the Tundra SR5 combining the i-FORCE twin-turbo V6 engine with a ultra-durable composite bed and impressive audio multimedia setup to achieve a well-rounded experience. At the top of the lineup is the Tundra Capstone, which raises the bar through a premium feel, coming equipped with the powerful i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine, prominent 22-inch alloy wheels and a luxurious interior, highlighted by a dark American walnut trim. If you’re interested in the 2023 Toyota Tundra or Tundra i-FORCE MAX, be sure to contact us online at Smart Toyota. Our team is eager to get you behind the wheel of a vehicle you love, and whether you’re looking to explore on-road or off-road, the Tundra is an incredible tool. About Smart Motors Founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, is Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison Wisconsin, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. More about Smart Motors.

Corolla What? Yes, you read that right. A Corolla Cross. We wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of it, but in our humble opinion, this crossover vehicle from Toyota will not stay off the radar for long. In fact, today we'll review the brand new 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross; XLE trim level with available all-wheel-drive (AWD). The XLE is the top-of-the-line in the Corolla Cross for 2023, and this is the gas version. Rumor has, at some point in 2023, Toyota will be unveiling their hybrid version of the Cross. In this overview we will highlight, from nose to tail, the exterior components and design accents, and then provide you with a link to our YouTube video where we will take a deep dive into the interior features of this Silver Sky Metallic, 2023 Corolla Cross XLE. Upfront For comparison, Corolla Cross is a little bit smaller than a RAV4, but the front-end is different altogether than a RAV4. Upfront on the XLE edition the first thing you will notice is a complete setup of LED lights; LED daytime running lights, turn signals and projector style LED headlights with auto high beams and auto on and off. The LED turn signals are actually integrated in the mirrors as well. The XLE edition has the premium upgrade package complete with all of the top-of-the-line Toyota Safety Sense features including; Parking Sensors Pre-Collision Detection Pedestrian Detection Lane-Tracing Assist Road Sign Detection Dynamic Radar Cruise Control The mesh grill up front prominently features the Toyota badge which houses many of the sensors for the Toyota safety features. Below it is a matte black ABS plastic accent, easy to replace or remove if you pick up any scratches or any dents or dings. Lastly as we approach the road surface is a painted lower fascia. The styling looks nice, and no major changes when compared to he 2022 model. Impressive Profile Taking a look at the side, it's easy to notice the body lines that wrap from the hood around to the side fenders. They do the same across the back over the rear fenders as well. Really paying attention to the styling on this one with the body contours. Over fenders you'll have ABS matte black plastic finish; super easy to replace if you do scratch and dent or ding them. Take a screwdriver, unscrew them, take them off, put the new ones on. Riding in Comfort The wheels on the 2023 Cross are a cast aluminum wheel with four-wheel disc brakes, antilock brakes and traction control. The tire is going to be an all-season tire; 225x55x18-inch wheel and tire; a good sized tire set-up giving the Cross a nice-looking style. Again, on the XLE which is the top-of-the-line in the Corolla Cross, it can feature, at an added cost, body side moldings and on the door. The lower body-side molding is standard. Both are ABS plastic, so if you pick up any scratches or dents you can basically pull them off, put new ones on pretty easily. You don't necessarily need a body shop. Safety First Continuing along the side profile you will notice colored-to-match outside door handles, the LED turn signals with chrome bezels, chrome-up and over the window sills as well. Very nice touch. The outside mirrors are painted colored to match and fold in for tight parking. They also break away if somebody clips it with a bike or grocery cart. Integrated here as well is the blind-spot monitoring along with heated outside mirrors. These are huge mirrors too, with very good visibility. Privacy glass on all four windows, including the tailgate - which is a nice feature when hauling cargo. On top is the roof rail system along with the power sliding moonroof and colored to match shark-fin antenna. As we swing around to the back is the color to match spoiler and rear window defrost. One of the things I like about the setup on the back of the Corolla Cross is your third brake light. The LED light is actually on the backside of the window, so it's easier to clean the window and not have to worry about cleaning that third brake light separately. Nice move, Toyota. Your backup sensors are here as well as is your backup camera. On the XLE trim level you'll get a power liftgate and the power sliding moonroof. With that power liftgate, you also have the push button to lift the gate up. Using your remote, just hold it and away it goes. No-kick sensors on the back of the lift gate for the Corolla Cross, and you can see it does have height-adjustable settings. If you have a low garage roof, you can set it up so it only goes up so high and doesn't hit the garage roof. Under the Hood In 2023, the engine on the Corolla Cross is the same engine they're using in the Corolla. It's a two-liter 16-valve engine, double overhead cam with variable valve timing, and it's connected to a CVT automatic transmission producing 169 horsepower, combined fuel economy city and highway is going to come in at 30 miles per gallon. Now, the vehicle is available as a front wheel drive only or an all-wheel drive. The one we had was the all-wheel drive edition. The engine and the transmission have a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. You also get ToyotaCare, which covers your oil changes, fluid top-offs and tire rotations. All covered for the first two years, 25,000 miles, and then Toyota also includes roadside assistance with the ToyotaCare package, and then the vehicle itself has a three-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty with no deductible. Toyota Corolla Cross XLE Interior Overview on Our YouTube Channel Because some things are better seen, we encourage you to continue your research on the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross by taking a deep dive into the interior with us on our YouTube Channel. You can also reach out to our team to contact us with any questions, or browse our full inventory of new Toyota vehicles online.

2023 Toyota Corolla SE Let's get started! 2023 is the first refresh of the Toyota Corolla and the version we will be reviewing is a gas edition and it's the SE trim, which is the entry-level in the sports edition for the Corolla. In this review we will a few of the bigger changes on the exterior, and for the interior we will link over to our YouTube video so you can "see" all of the various enhancements and changes. Exterior Refresh When it comes to styling and the finer points of the Corolla's exterior, Toyota has done a really nice job of incorporating practical, yet impactful, design elements giving the Corolla a refined look and feel, starting with a new exterior color choice. Icecap New for 2023, Toyota has added the color Icecap to the Corolla line-up. Unlike Wind Chill Pearl, which is white with shine, Icecap is a flat white paint job and in our opinion, really looks nice especially on the SE trim level we reviewed with the gloss black trim. If white (either Wind Chill Pearl or Icecap) is not your color, you still have six additional color combinations to choose; from Midnight Black Metallic and Rube Flare Pear (red), to Blueprint and Classic Silver Metallic. To see the full color spectrum available, see the 2023 Toyota Corolla brochure. Upfront Headlights & Grill 2023 Corolla Headlight Assembly Head on, the first thing you will notice is the new headlight assembly complete with all LED lights. Instead of the "J-curve style" headlight, new for 2023 the daytime running light is a strip that runs along the hood line, then down through the assembly. The turn signal is also integrated into this assembly, making it overall a much smaller, sleek design. There is also small LED strip accent lighting integrated in the new front bumper design and a large mess grill. Just above the mesh grill is a much narrower gloss panel which houses many of the sensors for Toyota Safety Sense including dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure and sign detection. A small subtle change are the sensors in the front windshield, behind the rear view mirror, for lane tracing and pedestrian detection. It's slightly bigger than in prior years, but not something you will even notice. Tires & Suspension The wheels on the 2023 model are the same exact same wheels and tires that were on the 2022 in terms of size. They're 18-inch cast aluminum wheel, but on the SE trim we were reviewing, the wheel is all metallic gray. It almost looks black. Tires are the same size (225-40 series) 18-inch all-season tires with independent front suspension, four-wheel disk brakes, anti-lock brakes, and traction control - all come standard. Side Profile & Rear The SE edition does have collapsible, folding/breakaway mirrors. The model we had included Blind Spot Monitoring (which is integrated into both side mirrors) which is part of the premium upgrade package. That's an extra $1200 plus charge and includes the power sliding moonroof. Also, LED turn signals are integrated in both mirrors as well. As you move along the side you will notice, or maybe not, the color to match door handles and a matte black finish around the doors and windows; which is a an ABS, scratch resistant coating. A great feature that helps cut down on small scratches from your rings when closing the doors. The bottom rocker-panel is also a nice accent piece which is that metallic gray to match the front grill and wheels. When you look to the rear of the 2023 Corolla we still have the "shark-fin" colored to match antenna, rear window defrost, 3rd brake light (LED) just above the trunk line, back up camera tucked up above the license plate frame and the rear taillight assembly, which are carried over from the 2022 model year. Two Engine Choices Under the hood for 2023, Toyota is offering two engines on this SE edition. The one we reviewed was the gas engine, so it's the larger of the two engines. It's a two-liter, 16 valve with a VVT-i gasoline engine. It's connected to a CVT automatic transmission which has an adjustable transmission. With the push of a button you can select eco, normal or sport mode. Of course, the 2023 Corolla is front-wheel drive on the standard SE edition. Now, for 2023, you can also choose the 1.8-liter hybrid engine, and Toyota is also offering this vehicle in all-wheel drive. Interior Overview To do this portion of the review, we really need visuals. We tried to sum it up in words, but really, the best way to show and explain all of the ins and outs of the 2023 Corolla SE interior, video does it best. Check out our YouTube interior overview. About Smart Motors Toyota Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. Company History.

Today's Vehicle Safety Features Ginger Blum, an employee with the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles, is no stranger to what people have to say about the vehicle safety features that are equipped on many of today’s newer vehicles. But it wasn’t until a recent vacation to Orlando FL, she found out for herself just how powerful these life-saving technologies can potentially be. “My 14-year old daughter and I had been planning a Disney vacation for a long time,” says Blum. “I wasn’t nervous about flying, but I knew once we landed we would need a car. I’d heard horror stories about Orlando traffic so the thought of driving in a foreign city alongside other clueless tourists had me a bit scared.” Despite her trepidation, Blum did rent a car. She was told by the rental agent the car she was getting had “tons of safety features.” Blum assumed it meant anti-lock brakes, a car alarm and perhaps front and side airbags for both driver and passenger. She was in for a major surprise. “I was shocked at what this car could do!” she says. “Just from our relatively short ride from the airport to the hotel, I first became aware of blind spot indicator lights in the side mirrors. Then at one point I accidently began to drift into another lane, but then I felt the steering wheel nudge me back into the center of my own lane! It was a little weird, but amazing.” Another feature Blum encountered as she and her daughter made a day trip to the Gulf Coast was the dynamic cruise control, which adjusts the car’s speed to help the driver maintain a safe distance from the car in front of him or her. “I know there were lots of other safety features that thankfully didn’t come in to play, but the ones that did made driving so much less stressful,” says Blum. “It made me want to immediately upgrade to a newer vehicle as soon as I got home.” Vehicle Safety Sense Justin Jackson, Sales Director here at Smart Motors in Madison says he not only hears stories like Blum’s all the time, but on a regular basis he gets to witness people’s overwhelmed reactions when they test drive newer models. Justin Jackson - General Sales Manager “Almost all the new Toyotas we offer come equipped with ‘ Toyota Safety Sense (TSS),’” he says. “TSS is a package of onboard safety features that are constantly running to keep drivers and their passengers as safe as possible while they’re on the road.” Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) Pre-Collision. Auto High Beams. Dynamic Radar Cruise TSS – as well as safety systems employed by other vehicle manufactures - includes features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, a lane departure alert, automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist. All of these safety features and more now come standard not only on Toyotas but on newer vehicles from a wide array of manufactures. “These advanced systems monitor driving conditions in amazing ways,” says Jackson. “It would be great if they never had to react to potentially dangerous stimuli, but let’s face it, we all have had our share of near-misses!” Jackson says a coworker recently learned first-hand just how well these new safety features work. "My coworker’s wife was driving on the beltline, which is an exercise in defensive driving to begin with,” Jackson says. “He was riding shotgun. Suddenly a car weaved in front of them and the pre-collision system gave off an alert and the system kicked in to slow the car down to avoid a mishap. While the driver – prompted by the alert - applied the brakes quickly, the monitoring system actually beat her reaction time.” Jackson says the blind spot monitoring mirrors have helped to avert many close calls, and is probably the most relied on safety feature. “They’re very prevalent in many makes and models. I hope very soon they become standard features because they truly prevent thousands of accidents.” Safety Experts Praise Blind Spot Monitors With nearly 10 percent of vehicle accidents being lane-changing crashes, blind spot monitoring mirrors can be a very useful tool. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that blind spot monitoring reduced lane-changing accidents by 14%. Moreover, it reduced injuries from lane-changing crashes by 23%. While the entire safety system can be turned off, Jackson says using them as a precaution is the ideal option. While TSS and other manufacturers’ safety systems are definite assets to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, Jackson says, “drivers still need to rely on their own senses whenever they get behind the wheel.” About Smart Motors Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. Dealership history.

Consumers 'Bang the Gong' to celebrate the arrival of their new Toyota at Smart Toyota Madison WI. Since early 2020, American consumers have had to come to terms with a new kind of normal. Products and services are not as plentiful as we’ve grown accustomed to. Covid-19 and the occasional freak weather patterns have wreaked havoc on a number of industries in many ways, especially in terms of shortages. The restaurant industry is struggling to hire viable and reliable employees. Grocery stores are out of products, specifically goods originating from meat-packing plants. And we all know how paper products like toilet paper were hard to come by for many months. Nearly all industries are having some growing pains adapting to the unavoidable changes taking place, including automobile manufacturers. Madisonians have noticed the dearth of new vehicles for the past several months when they pass by Smart Toyota on Odana Road. What has been a car lot brimming with options for decades has suddenly become a sort of ghost town with only a handful or so of vehicles on the lot. “It’s a very noticeable difference,” says Smart Toyota’s sales director Justin Jackson. “We normally have 400 or more new vehicles on the lot, but since mid-April 2021 we’ve seen a steady decline in the number of New Toyotas we have on the lot. Now we only have maybe 5 to 10 new vehicles physically at the store.” Justin Jackson Sales Director Smart Toyota - Madison, WI Jackson says the pandemic is partially to blame for the shortage because modern vehicles rely on computer chips which became scarce due to manufacturers reallocating them to industries other than automotive. Then, early in 2021 the issue in new vehicle manufacturing were winter storms that crippled Texas -based businesses that are critical in the manufacturing of foam for seats. “If it’s not one thing it’s another,” says Jackson. “We’ve got the chips, but because of the power issues Texas faced in the Spring of 2021, we didn’t have enough foam padding for the seats, and today, as production ramps up, it’s supply chain and logistical issues.” It's Not All Doom and Gloom Those looking to purchase a new vehicle seem to understand the slow-down in global manufacturing, Jackson says. Instead of getting upset they can’t drive off the lot with a vehicle they think is “good enough,” consumers are now more apt to customize and pre-order a vehicle specifically made to their specifications. “It’s kind of cool how people have adapted,” says Jackson. “They might not get that prior sense of immediate gratification of new car ownership, but they get to experience something else: personalization.” Jackson explains the process of pre-ordering has been well-received for a few reasons, one of which is the compassion the consumer feels about simple logistics as they relate to inventory issues in this day and age. Vehicle Customization increases satisfaction “They also really like the fact we can get them exactly what they want; from safety features and amenities, to color preference,” says Jackson. “And when their customized vehicle comes in – usually in about 45 days – they are over the moon when they see the Happy New Car Day sign bearing their name saying the car was made specifically for them. It takes ‘ownership’ to a whole new level.” Custom Pre-Orders on the Rise Jackson says about five percent of Smart’s new vehicle sales used to be custom ordered. Today the percentage has skyrocketed to about 50 percent of the dealership’s monthly new car sales. And, Jackson notes, when a consumer has all the customizable options at his or her disposal, no one opts for a base model in order to save a buck or two. “Often times, though, it’s not options that are the most appealing aspect of pre-ordering,” says Jackson. “Instead, currently, there has been a surge in hybrid vehicle sales. And now in winter, AWD (all-wheel drive) vehicles will see a spike in popularity.” If you know you are going to order a customized vehicle, Jackson says it might be best to do a little homework prior to meeting with a sales consultant. “People take a lot of amenities for granted, but if you’re customizing, you should consider some of the following options,” he says. Custom Pre-Order Checklist Entertainment & Communications: think about your stereo system. Do you still need a CD player? How about satellite radio capability? Hands-free phone control? A video system? Navigation? Comfort & Convenience: this includes upholstery, heated/cooled seats, power door locks, keyless entry, dual climate control, etc. Safety: the simple rule of thumb is the more you can install, the more secure you’ll feel. If you can, opt for dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, cruise control, and parking assist systems. Appearance: the most enjoyable aspect of customizing is picking out your paint, trim, and wheels. Performance: what do you need to get from point A to point B in your daily life? A larger engine? Sport suspension? 4-wheel drive? Automatic transmission or stick? Jackson says while customers are not complaining right now about having to customize and then wait for their new ride, he anticipates their patience won’t last forever. However, he also doesn’t see new vehicle inventory returning to “normal” in the immediate future, and with customer satisfaction currently at such a high level he’s not overly anxious about it. “At this point, we do not see ‘ground stock’ (vehicles physically on the lot) back to our previously average levels before the end of the year,” he says. “That could change, but we really don’t see it happening until late 2022.”

In partnership with MidWest Family Broadcasting's Solid Rock WJJO, The Resistance 106.7 and our friends at EarthWise Pet Madison we were able to raise over $4,000, 130 bags of dog food and we filled our 2021 Toyota Highlander to the brim with toys & goodies for our furry friends. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our inaugural fundraising event for the Dane County Humane Society, Czar's Promise, Fetch Wisconsin Rescue, Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin and many more local organizations. A special thank you to the Levy Giving Fund and of course Karben4 for hosting a very special Yappy Hour ~ drinks for humans! Fi Fi had a great time and says "Thanks!"

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.

The future of Toyota is very exciting, thanks to a 2020 lineup filled with brand new automobiles. Whether you're looking for a vehicle for your commute to work, or a family-friendly car to drive your kids around town, there's an upcoming Toyota model that will more than meet your needs. 2020 Toyota Tacoma If you're looking for a powerful pickup truck that is just as capable at work as it is at play, then you're going to love the upcoming 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The newest version of this classic pickup truck is better than ever before, offering a wide range of features that every driver can appreciate. For instance, when you take your truck off-road, the innovative Crawl Control (CRAWL) system will help you climb over obstacles with the greatest of ease, and the multi-terrain monitor helps you keep an eye on what the trail ahead has in store. The new Tacoma also has a few bonus comforts in store, including a powered, 10-way adjustable driver's seat that provides lumbar support so that you can spend hours driving your truck with ease. more 2020 GR Supra Drivers who want a vehicle designed to tear up the track won't be able to resist the 2020 GR Supra. After what seems like years of speculation and rumors, the GR Supra is finally back on American shores, and when you get behind the wheel of this stunning vehicle, you'll enjoy one of the most exhilarating drives of your entire life. The exterior of the GR Supra has been meticulously crafted to provide a combination of form and function. For example, the front grille is not only eye-catching, but it also directs air over the powerful engine to help keep it cool. Speaking of engine power, the twin-scroll turbo-powered engine of the Supra is one of the most impressive you've ever seen, offering 335 horsepower and the ability to go from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds. 2020 Toyota Highlander The 2020 Highlander is another can't-miss upcoming vehicle from Toyota and makes a great choice whether you want a family vehicle or are looking for something to help you get around town in comfort and style. Tech lovers will be pleased that for the first time ever, the Highlander offers Apple CarPlay compatibility, making streaming music from your smartphone quick and easy. The 2020 Highlander, highly responsive and smooth handling, comes standard with a 295 horsepower, V-6 engine. Also available is a hybrid configuration that provides both power and efficiency. An optional advanced all-wheel-drive system lets you control the exact amount of power distributed to each wheel, and with the right equipment, this SUV is capable of hauling up to 5,000 pounds. A second-row bench seat is also available so that you can seat up to eight passengers, making the Highlander the ideal family SUV. As you can see, there are a lot of exciting things in store for the future of Toyota. Keep an eye out for these models at Smart Motors Toyota so you can schedule a test drive as soon as they're available. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original

Winter can be tough, especially in the northern parts of the country. Don't be afraid of what the season will bring this year when you get behind the wheel of one of Toyota's well-equipped vehicles. Here are four 2019 Toyota models that are winter ready. 2019 4Runner As Toyota's top off-roading vehicle, the 2019 4Runner is loaded with capabilities that make it totally ready for driving through winter storms and snowy streets. Opt for the TRD Pro trim level for the most capability. Features like the multi-terrain select system give you total control as you take on wet or snowy roads. This system has four different driving modes to choose from; each adjusts the braking pressure and engine throttle for ideal traction in each situation. Mode options go from light to heavy with the turn of a dial. more 2019 Highlander The 2019 Toyota Highlander is ideal for winter roads and inclement weather thanks to its available dynamic torque-control all-wheel-drive system. Engine power is perfectly distributed between the front and rear wheels, while braking is distributed between the left and right wheels for total grip and control. Exterior features like puddle lights and automatic high beams light the way as the days get shorter. The available smart entry system will detect when you're approaching the vehicle and turn on puddle lights on the bottom of the side mirrors. Automatic high beams turn off when approaching an oncoming vehicle to keep the dark roads safer. 2019 Sequoia With the space, power, and performance featured in the 2019 Sequoia, you can have peace of mind as you take the entire family out for a drive in the winter. A 5.7-liter V-8 engine gives you 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque for plenty of power to get through deep snow. Multi-mode four-wheel drive lets you choose among four-wheel drive low and high ranges and two-wheel drive. When you don't need traction, stay in two-wheel drive for better fuel efficiency. When you need to engage the Torsen limited slip differential, turn on four-wheel-drive easily. Bring along up to seven passengers or fold down the rear seats for 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space. You'll even be able to haul your favorite toys through bad weather with 7,400 pounds of towing capacity and trailer sway control. No matter what precious cargo you have on board or in tow, the 2019 Sequoia will keep it safe. 2019 Land Cruiser The 2019 Land Cruiser combines space and off-road capability for a Toyota model that's ready to take everybody out for a winter adventure. A multi-terrain monitor shows your surroundings on a 9-inch navigation screen so you can see any upcoming obstacles. The Cruiser's limited-slip differential sends power to the wheels with the most grip in each situation. Come by Smart Toyota today to see our selection of new Toyota vehicles that are ready to take on the winter weather. Our staff will be happy to show you our most equipped vehicles and get you out for some test drives. Image used with permission via toyota.com / cropped from original