Central Maine Toyota Earns Eighth-Consecutive Toyota President's Award

WATERVILLE, MAINE (07/31/2012)(readMedia)-- Central Maine Toyota, a Waterville, ME Toyota dealer, has once again proven the commitment of its sales and service staff by winning its eighth-consecutive President's Award from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. Inc. Out of the 72 Toyota dealers in the Boston region, just 27 earned the prestigious annual award, which the automaker has been giving out since 1986.

Toyota has stringent requirements for its President's Award, taking into consideration everything from vehicle and part sales to service and customer satisfaction. Central Maine Toyota has now won the award a total of 11 times, showing the dealership's dedication to providing a high-quality experience in every facet of its operations.

"Winning a Toyota President's Award is a great honor for us, and it is a reflection of our efforts to ensure that each customer leaves our dealership satisfied," said General Sales Manager Jeff Leclerc. "Toyota continues to push the envelope with innovative new vehicles like the expanded Prius family, and we continue to back those models up with our helpful sales and service staff."

Toyota has been utilizing its renowned hybrid technology beyond just the Prius lineup though, and a new gas-electric model from the automaker will soon appear in the midsize premium sedan market. Due to go on sale later this year, the redesigned 2013 Toyota Avalon will offer the first full-hybrid drivetrain in its segment, creating a more refined ride with equal parts style and fuel efficiency.

Combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors that draw power from a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack, the 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid packs a 200-horsepower punch while returning 40 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Drivers will be able to tailor performance and efficiency with three different drive modes, including SPORT, ECO and EV, which allows the car to travel for up to a mile at 25 mph or less on electric power alone. The standard, gas-only 2013 Avalon will come with a conventional 3.5-liter V6, which nets 31 mpg on the highway while producing 268 horsepower.

Drivetrains aren't the only factors when it comes to improved fuel efficiency, and Toyota has managed to reduce the new Avalon's weight compared to the 2012 model. The sleek new exterior is smaller in nearly every dimension, while trunk space has actually increased by 1.6 cubic-feet. Inside, the 2013 Avalon caters to all passengers with available features like heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a three-zone climate-control system.

"No other automaker can match Toyota's expertise when it comes to hybrid technology, and the 2013 Avalon Hybrid is another step forward because its brings compact-like fuel economy to a large sedan," noted Leclerc. "The new Avalon proves that you don't have to sacrifice comfort or refinement to save on gas. In fact, it shows that hybrid technology can enhance those qualities."

About Central Maine Toyota:

A part of the Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Central Maine Toyota has served local drivers for years with the outstanding Toyota buying experience they deserve. Their diverse inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles, as well as their friendly, professional staff, has earned Central Maine Toyota a reputation for delivering unrivaled automotive sales and service. View their inventory in person at 15 Airport Rd. in Waterville, or online at www.cmtoy.com. They can also be reached by phone at 888-876-9194 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentralMaineToyotaScion.