As the newest hybrid from Lexus, the 2011 CT 200h was subjected to a battery of tests by the IIHS to determine the car’s crash-worthiness. The Lexus CT 200h achieved the top rating of good in front, side and rear impacts, as well as in the new roof strength test that requires that vehicles be able to withstand four times their own weight. The CT 200h easily met this requirement, holding up 16,238 pounds, or slightly more than five times its own weight.

“A sports car needs a solid chassis for handling as well as safety, so Lexus put a lot of effort into the structure of the CT 200h,” said Eric Rosen, general manager of New Country Lexus of Latham. “A sport-tuned suspension can’t do its job without a solid foundation, so building a strong, safe platform aids performance and crash-worthiness at the same time.”

Standard on all CT 200hs at Lexus dealers, eight strategically positioned airbags add to the sporty hybrid’s safety credentials. Dual-stage and knee airbags are designed to protect front passengers, while both front and rear passengers are treated with front side and side curtain airbags to help cushion occupants in certain frontal and side shocks. Meanwhile, the CT 200h incorporates the Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat concept, which reduces the chance of neck injury during a crash with a new seat back structure and headrest design.

For most customers, the CT 200h’s safety features will be an afterthought though when they are exposed to the vehicle’s luxury and sport features. Passengers will quickly notice the SmartAccess engine start button and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the low set seats are bolstered to keep passengers stable while the corner-carving suspension glues the CT 200h to the road. Double-wishbone rear suspension and MacPherson struts in the front feature Yamaha lateral performance dampers to improve handling while filtering out unwanted disturbances from bumpy roads.

Power in the CT 200h comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a combined 134 horsepower and a 42 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy that is higher than any luxury car on the market. Owners can choose from four drive modes, ranging from more fuel-efficient to more spirited. EV mode will run the car on electricity alone for short distances, while ECO mode limits use of climate control and evens out acceleration to save on gas. Built for quiet and smooth travel, Normal mode offers everyday, all-around performance, while Sport mode provides extra juice for more adventurous travel on driver-friendly roads.

“The CT 200h defies the stigma that hybrids have to be ponderous and boring to drive,” Rosen added. “It’s great for zipping through New York traffic and equally fun for cruising in the Adirondacks on the weekend. When Lexus designs a hybrid, they do it with the driver in mind as well as the environment.”

About New Country Lexus of Latham:
Elite of Lexus award-winner New Country Lexus of Latham is where New York Lexus shoppers find the hottest new Lexus models like the CT 200h and the RX 350. The joy of Lexus ownership goes beyond the buying experience, and the skilled Lexus service technicians at New Country ensure that Lexus owners continue to get the most out of their vehicle. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Lexus of Latham is located at 999 New Loudon Road, Route 9 in Latham, N.Y. Browse their Lexus inventory online at www.newcountrylexusoflatham.com, Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryLexusLatham , or reach them by phone at 888-230-5761.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700.

This is the first time that large pickup trucks have been subjected to the IIHS roof strength test, which measures roof strength by pushing a metal plate against the corner of the cab at a constant speed. The test’s highest rating of “Good” requires that the roof withstand four times the vehicle’s weight before it is crushed in five inches. Passing easily, the 2011 Toyota Tundra held up 4.5 times its own weight. That result, combined with its previous top ratings in front, side and rear crash tests, earned the Toyota Tundra a Top Safety Pick. Three large pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado, its GMC Sierra twin and the Dodge Ram received only marginal ratings for roof strength.

“The roof strength test is a good indicator of how well a vehicle’s occupants are going to be protected in a rollover,” said Mike Raucci, general manager of New Country Toyota of Clifton Park. “To think you would have to pile more than four Tundras on the roof just to crush it in five inches is pretty impressive, and it’s a good indicator of the overall strength of the vehicle. The Tundra is built to last.”

The Tundra’s safety goes well beyond its roof strength – all 2011 Tundra pickups leave Toyota dealers with a host of standard safety features like vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and smart stop technology. Interior safety features include a suite of airbags for front passengers and roll-sensing curtain airbags for the front and rear passengers in crew cab models. For improved safety while towing, the 2011 Tundra also comes with trailer sway control technology as a standard feature.

The same strong chassis that earns the Tundra a Top Safety Pick also makes it a proper work truck capable of towing 8,100 pounds or carrying 1,550 pounds in its bed when paired with a powerful 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. Upgrading to the available 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine increases towing and payload capacity to 9,200 and 1,720 pounds, respectively.

“Toyota is offering a great alternative to truck buyers who are tired of the offerings from the Big Three automakers,” Raucci added. “The Tundra offers powerful drivetrains in a rock-solid body that can take a beating and come back for more.”

The same dedication to excellence evidenced in the Toyota Tundra is on display at New Country Toyota of Clifton Park, which recently was awarded its sixth straight Toyota President’s Award. The President’s Award is one of the highest honors a Toyota dealer can receive, and is only given out to dealerships that showcase a commitment to customer satisfaction in line with Toyota’s high standards.

About New Country Toyota of Clifton Park:
Albany Toyota drivers have trusted New Country Toyota of Clifton Park for years for one reason: respect. Whether they’re looking for a refined new Camry or a tough, certified pre-owned Tundra, New Country Toyota of Clifton Park puts customers’ needs first. When it comes to maintaining Toyotas, their trained Toyota service technicians keep vehicles running like new for years to come. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Toyota of Clifton Park is located at 202 Route 146 in Mechanicville, N.Y. Browse their extensive new and used Toyota inventory at www.toyotaofcliftonpark.com , Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NCToyotaClifton or reach them by phone at 866-979-9894.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

Collected, cleaned and compressed from a nearby landfill, methane gas produced around 37 percent of the electricity used at BMW’s South Carolina plant in 2010, which equates to nearly 62 million kilowatt-hours of power. For comparison, an average American home uses 11,040 kilowatt-hours annually, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Implementation of the landfill gas program saves about $5 million annually in energy costs and cuts CO2 emissions by about 92,000 tons per year.

“Sustainable cars are the future and that means sustainable manufacturing too,” said Michael Trontz, general manager of Wide World BMW. “Manufacturing cars takes a lot of electricity, and sourcing that power from coal power plants greatly increases the car’s inherent carbon footprint. BMW has been using landfill gas since 2003, and they continue to invest in the technology as they move forward in the production of sustainable cars.”

With sustainable motoring in mind, BMW will be offering up limited reservations later this summer for its first all-electric car, the ActiveE coupe, initially available only through a 24-month lease. Developed from the styling of the BMW 1 Series, the BMW ActiveE substitutes a 170-horsepower electric motor in place of the usual six-cylinder to achieve 0 to 60 mph sprints in around nine seconds, a range of roughly 99 miles, and a top speed of 90 mph. The vehicle’s lithium-ion battery pack can be charged in about four to five hours, faster than the Nissan Leaf and in about the same amount of time as the Ford Focus Electric.

Due at BMW dealers in two years, the all-electric BMW i3 is expected to have a range similar to the ActiveE and a top speed of 100 mph. Its thrust will come from a rear-mounted, 150-horsepower electric motor that will power the rear wheels and maintain BMW’s sporty handling tradition. Constructed with lightweight materials like carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the subcompact BMW i3 maximizes space with 14.1 cubic feet of storage coming from the front trunk and the back seat area.

“BMW has made sure that they’ve developed technology on their own terms from the ground up when it comes to sustainable cars,” Trontz added. “This means that customers get more than just an electric motor in an existing vehicle. They’ll see vehicles like the BMW i3 built by engineers that have considered sustainability in every component.”

BMW fans that are anxious to get their hands on fuel-efficient luxury don’t have to wait through the summer – Wide World BMW currently sells the 2011 BMW 335d, a diesel sedan that gets 36 mpg on the highway while still producing 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque.

About Wide World BMW:
Wide World BMW is a premier New York BMW dealer. Whether their customers are buying a new BMW 3 Series or a certified pre-owned BMW X5, they believe in building a relationship that extends beyond their dealership. Their state-of-the-art BMW service department keeps BMWs running like new, while their BMW-certified collision repair center can make any accident a distant memory. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, Wide World BMW is located at 125 E Rt. 59 in Spring Valley, New York. Their wide inventory of new and used BMW models can be found at www.wideworldofcarsbmw.com , and they can be reached by phone at 877-817-3953. Customers can also Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WideWorldBMW .

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

Earth Day marked the first chance for consumers to sign up for the chance to pre-order the 2012 Prius Plug-In hybrid, a nod to the popularity of the car among environmentally conscious drivers. Toyota has sold more than one million Prius hybrids in North America, making it the best-selling hybrid in the U.S. market.

“New York drivers love the Toyota Prius,” said Mike Raucci, general manager of Albany-area Toyota dealership New Country Toyota of Clifton Park. “With fuel prices on the rise yet again, the Prius is already a popular choice at our dealership. The Prius Plug-In is the next evolutionary step, and I think it’s going to be a hit.”

The Prius Plug-In does more than just add a plug to the existing Prius. Gone is the old nickel metal-hydride battery, replaced by a state-of-the-art Lithium-ion pack. The new power pack allows the Prius Plug-In to cruise for up to 13 miles and reach speeds up to 62 miles per hour using nothing more than electrons. Charge times are suitably short, requiring just three hours to go from empty to full when plugged into a household 110-volt outlet. Using a 220-volt charging station cuts that time in half.

Once the battery runs dry, the car reverts to conventional hybrid function and drives like any other Prius, charging the battery while braking and boosting fuel economy by using the electric motor. The Prius Plug-In is powered by the same 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine and 80-horsepower permanent-magnet motor that are beneath the hood of the regular Prius.

None of this means that the original Prius hybrid is about to go on the endangered species list. Owners who want the newer battery system will need to choose a Prius Plug-In, but the current Toyota Prius will continue production with the nickel metal-hydride battery pack that has faithfully served Toyota owners for the past 12 years. Popularity of the original Prius continues to grow, with Toyota reporting a 52 percent increase in year-over-year sales during the first quarter of 2011.

“The Prius Plug-In will further improve the fuel economy that New York Prius drivers have come to love,” Raucci said. “More time running on electric power also means lower emissions and cleaner air, which benefits everyone on our increasingly crowded roads.”

About New Country Toyota of Clifton Park:
Albany Toyota drivers have trusted New Country Toyota of Clifton Park for years for one reason: respect. Whether they’re looking for a refined new Camry or a tough, certified pre-owned Tundra, New Country Toyota of Clifton Park puts customers’ needs first. When it comes to maintaining Toyotas, their trained Toyota service technicians keep vehicles running like new for years to come. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Toyota of Clifton Park is located at 202 Route 146 in Mechanicville, N.Y. Browse their extensive new and used Toyota inventory at www.toyotaofcliftonpark.com, or reach them by phone at 866-979-9894.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

The 2011 Toyota 4Runner is continuing the SUV line’s long tradition of reliability and capability in any weather, but boasts a number of improvements that make it a better all-around vehicle.

“From the Catskills to the city, the 4Runner handles every environment,” said Bob McKenna, general manager of Saratoga Springs Toyota dealer New Country Toyota. “This isn’t one of those pretend off-roaders that can barely handle a dirt road; the 4Runner is just as comfortable on the trail as it is on city streets.”

Perhaps the biggest change compared with 4Runners of the past lies under the hood, where the V8 powerplant has yielded way to a more fuel-friendly engine. The only available engine for the 2011 4Runner is a 4-liter V6 that pounds out 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Even though the engine has shed 2 cylinders, it offers 10 more horsepower and boosts fuel economy to 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The towing capacity is a stout 5,000 pounds.

Off-road credentials get a boost from the 4Runner Trail’s locking rear differential, nine inches of ground clearance, Multi-Terrain Select that controls tire spin on different surfaces and Crawl Control, which helps with steep descents. Skid plates to protect the underside of the SUV and prevent it from catching on rugged terrain come standard as well. There’s even an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that can disconnect the sway bars to allow greater movement of the suspension.

Inside, the 4Runner is bigger in just about every dimension, which means a roomy interior that can accommodate large dogs or a week’s groceries for the family. Families will be well-hydrated, with 10 cup holders within easy reach, and safe, thanks to standard safety equipment that includes electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution and a rear parking sensor. Toyota has also included its new Smart Stop Technology, which senses when both the brake and accelerator pedal are depressed at the same time and reduces engine power to bring the SUV to a safe stop.

“The 2011 Toyota 4Runner is a great SUV for people who enjoy getting out and having adventures,” McKenna said. “You can fit a family and all their equipment inside, and easily tow a boat or camper wherever you want to go. It’s also good for urban quests, because it’s roomy and comfortable, and the suspension irons out any potholes along the way.”

About New Country Toyota of Saratoga Springs:
Upstate New York Toyota owners can rely on New Country Toyota of Saratoga Springs to provide an outstanding level of customer service. Their Toyota service department is second to none, and their dedicated service technicians are committed to keeping their customer’s Toyotas in great shape for many years to come. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Toyota of Saratoga Springs is located at 3002 Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Find them online at www.toyotaofsaratogasprings.com or call them at 866-979-0592.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

Many companies are required to comply with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations regarding the generation and handling of hazardous waste. Typical waste subject to regulation includes spent solvents and used rags, expired chemicals, electronic equipment, batteries, fluorescent and HID lamps, computer monitors, and other waste derived from manufacturing processes. Employees must know how to properly identify waste, handle and store waste, manifest and package waste for shipment, and assure proper waste treatment and disposal.

Lion Technology Director of Corporate Training, Scott Dunsmore, a national expert on hazardous waste management, stresses that proper hazardous waste handling, management, and disposal is critical, especially in light of rising enforcement, which is now $37,500 per day/per violation.

Tuition is $495 per person, with group discounts available. Registration includes course reference materials, networking luncheon, certificate of achievement, and one year of follow-up support. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., and the workshop runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is highly recommended. To register, call (888) 546-6511 or visit us online at www.Lion.com/NYHazWasteTraining .

About Lion Technology:

Since 1977, more than 100,000 professionals have relied on Lion Technology to meet their regulatory compliance training needs. Lion offers comprehensive training and resources in the area of environmental, hazardous materials/dangerous goods transportation, and workplace health and safety compliance. Training is offered through nationwide public workshops, live web seminars, online courses, and on-site programs. Regulatory support services and consulting are provided to assist industry comply with Federal and State laws and regulations.

News Source: Lion Technology Inc. :: This press release was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Democratic legislators Assemblyman Michael Benjamin and Senator Darrel Aubertine, the sponsors of the bill, spoke about the importance of ensuring that unborn babies are recognized as victims under New York State law when the mothers have made a choice for life.

The keynote speaker was Cashawnda Rowlett from Troy, NY. Cashawnda shared the horrifying story of the attack on her life and the life of her unborn baby in 2003. When Cashawnda told her boyfriend that she was pregnant and refused to abort their baby, he attempted to kill the baby by sneaking up behind her and stabbing her repeatedly. Her attacker left her for dead, and a neighbor called 911.

Miraculously, Cashawnda and her baby daughter, Canya, lived. Under New York State law, the assailant could not be charged with the attempted murder of Canya.

There is a federal Unborn Victims of Violence law, but it applies only to federal crimes. Most crimes of violence in New York are state criminal acts. Currently, 35 other states have homicide laws that recognize the unlawful killing of unborn children in at least some circumstances.

A recent incident involving a New York pharmacist, who traveled to Pennsylvania to secretly slip his pregnant girlfriend abortion inducing pills, illustrates the gross inconsistency in state laws. The baby died as a result of the drugs and Pennsylvania recognized the attack on the unborn child as an act of criminal homicide. Because they have an Unborn Victims of Violence Act, the man has been charged with criminal homicide of an unborn child, first-degree murder of an unborn child, aggravated assault of an unborn child, and aggravated assault. Had she traveled to New York, instead of him traveling to Pennsylvania, he could not have been charged with the murder of that same child and he would not be facing 20 years in prison as he is in Pennsylvania.

Cashawnda has vowed to continue her quest to see that the Unborn Victims of Violence Act is passed in NY State, telling the group, “The reason he attacked me was to get to my baby. He didn’t want to be a father. Then I found out that his violent attack on my baby, which was the only reason he attacked me, would not be recognized by the law…unborn babies deserve justice too.”

Deb Cody, Legislative Director for NYS Right to Life and Cashawnda Rowlett are available for interviews.

More information: www.nysrighttolife.org .

News Source: New York State Right to Life Committee :: This press release was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.