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There’s a lot to be thankful for this holiday season: your friends, family, and yes, your Toyota. You’ll want to spend plenty of time with each of them in the coming months. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of opportunities. Thanksgiving week officially kicks off the holiday festivities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From mid-November through Christmas and New Years, there’s a variety of traditions for you to enjoy in the City of Brotherly Love — and we’re not just talking turkey. At Ardmore Toyota, we’re your resident guide for all things Toyota and all things Philly. So what are our favorite Thanksgiving traditions? You’ll have to read on to find out. The Top 5 Thanksgiving Traditions in Philadelphia Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest It wouldn’t be winter in the Northeast without a little ice skating. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest brings an Olympic-size skating rink to the Delaware River. But that’s not all. Games, fire pits, and 12 days of Christmas movies await attendees. And since you don’t want to worry about ice outside of Winterfest, it’s a good thing most new Camry models come with standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P. For a sneak peek of the Blue Cross RiverRink, check out the video below: Christmas Light Show at Macy’s It’s never too early to get into the Christmas spirit, especially the day after Thanksgiving. That’s when the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s goes on display. Every two hours, onlookers are treated to a free show of dancing lights in the Grand Court of the Wanamaker building. And in the spacious CH-R, you can bring four friends to watch them with you. Christmas Village The Christmas fun doesn’t stop at Macy’s. The Christmas Village market at JFK Plaza starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues through Christmas Eve. Visitors indulge in everything from refreshments to handmade ornaments and apparel. Take the trip in your Corolla, and your fellow merrymakers will thank you for the warm and roomy cabin. Comcast Holiday Spectacular Once you’re finished filling up on stuffing and pumpkin pie, you should feast your eyes on the high-resolution LED light show at the Comcast Technology Center. Nothing says holiday cheer like the Comcast Holiday Spectacular. And there’s no better way to spread it than in your efficient Prius. For a glimpse of what’s in store at the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, watch the video below: Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market No holiday meal is complete without a trip to the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Shop here, and you’ll choose from an assortment of local holiday eats. Thanksgiving generally requires a long grocery list. And that’s no problem for your RAV4. This crossover has room for whatever you want to bring home for the holidays. Make Traditions You’ll Pass Down in Philadelphia, PA Follow Ardmore Toyota on Facebook, and keep us in the loop on the memories you make this holiday season. And because the holidays are better in a Toyota, check out our new and used inventory today.

More than 300 guests were in for a treat on Thursday, Oct. 12, when Ardmore Toyota hosted the 9th annual Taste of Ardmore celebration. Organized by the Ardmore Initiative, the Taste of Ardmore showcased a who’s who of premier food and drink on the local scene. Continue reading to find out who was there. Bars, Breweries, Eateries, Wineries, & More at Taste of Ardmore This year’s event featured 25 businesses, with cuisine spanning American, French, Irish, Japanese, and Korean influences. Here’s a short list of some of the restaurants that made appearances: Delice Et Chocolat Marokko SNAP Custom Pizza Bam Bam Seoul Yi’s Boba But the fare wasn’t the only thing that had attendees talking. In addition to gourmet eats and live music, visitors also enjoyed craft beverages provided by some of the best bars, breweries, distilleries, and wineries the Ardmore area has to offer, including: Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant John Henry’s Pub Tired Hands Brewing Company Main Line Wine Events The event, which took place in Ardmore Toyota’s showroom, was part of the Ardmore Initiative’s ever-expanding effort to build and improve an economically successful district that local businesses, guests, and residents can be proud of. At Ardmore Toyota, we’re happy to sponsor this event and give local merchants the exposure they deserve. Were you at this year’s Taste of Ardmore? Follow us on Facebook and share your experience. For more information, click here.

For more than twenty years, Toyota has been at the forefront of the movement toward cleaner, more efficient vehicles. In fact, just this month Toyota Motor was the only automotive company to be named to Fortune Magazine’ s Change the World List for the second time in just three years. It’s no secret that the Prius, Toyota’s best-selling hybrid car, has dramatically changed the world on its way to landing Toyota on the 2015 version of this list. But the reason for this year’s distinction boils down to one word: Hydrogen. With its eyes toward a more sustainable, zero-emissions future, Toyota is making the world a better place — one vehicle at a time. Here’s how they’re doing it. How Hydrogen Puts the ‘H’ in High-Performing Hydrogen fuel-cell technology has been used to power generators, space crafts, forklifts, and submarines. So why not cars? Good question. Hydrogen is a highly abundant resource and can be harnessed for cars in three ways: steam reforming, gasification, and electrolysis. But what makes Hydrogen a superior fuel source? Better range Hydrogen fuel cells allow for more miles from a single charge than gas and electric vehicles. Faster charge Vehicles powered by Hydrogen refuel more quickly than their electric counterparts. Better for the environment Unlike gas, Hydrogen is carbon-free and more eco-friendly. Make a Big Difference Today in Ardmore, PA At Ardmore Toyota, we’re excited to be part of such a forward-thinking brand. If being innovative is just as important to you, feel free to browse our inventory of available hybrid vehicles. Want to stay posted on the future? Follow us on Facebook for updates on Toyota’s first-ever Hydrogen-powered car, the Mirai.

The 2017 Corolla and the 2017 Corolla iM are both excellent vehicles that offer good gas mileage, a reliable driving experience, and a range of safety features. Struggling to pick between the two? Or wondering what exactly the differences are? Here's a list of the differences and similarities between these two vehicles. 2017 Corolla The Corolla is a compact car that comes in seven models. The lowest MSRP is for the Corolla L at $18,500. The highest is for the XSE, with an MSRP starting at $22,680. All are available in one trim except for the Corolla SE, which has two variations (the 1.8L 4-Cylinder 6-Speed Manual and the 1.8L4-Cylinder CVT). With so many models, there's plenty of customization to consider. The Corolla iM only has one model and two trims, so there are fewer options. A 7-inch touch screen display and Standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) come standard with all 2107 Corollas. TSS-P includes Toyota's Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Standard Automatic High Beams, and Standard Dynamic Cruise Control. The Pre-Collision System will adjust the speed of the car, applying the brakes automatically if necessary, to help drivers avoid collisions with obstacles. The Standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control automatically maintains safe distances between cars, accelerating and decelerating as needed. The Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist will provide an audible and visual cue if the vehicle begins to drift from a lane, with the automated steering kicking in to re-center the car if the driver doesn't respond. The standard Corolla has an estimated gas mileage of 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. more 2017 Corolla iM The Corolla iM is available in one model with two trim options. It's a compact hatchback, so it offers some more space than the Corolla. Its two trim options are the 1.8L 4-Cylinder 6-Speed Manual and the 1.8L 4-Cylinder CVT. Here are a few of the features that they have in common: 137 horsepower. Normal and sport driving modes. Eight airbags. 7-in. touch-screen displays. 8 cubic feet of cargo volume (compared to 13 cubic feet of cargo volume in the Corolla). Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C). (Note that TSS-C technology is similar to the TSS-P package but is specifically designed for compact vehicles.) The MSRP for the 6-speed manual starts at $18,750, and the MSRP of the CVT trim starts at $19,490. The major difference, however, is the continuously variable transmission (which is an automatic transmission) available in the latter build. These are common in smaller cars and can improve a vehicle's fuel efficiency. The 6-speed manual has an estimated mileage of 27 in the city and 35 on the highway. The CVT gets 28 and 36, respectively. See for Yourself: Test Drive a Corolla or Corolla iM There's only one way to know which car is right for you: Go for a test drive! Some of these differences may seem minor, but they can make a major impact behind the wheel and affect your overall impression of the car. This is especially true with the 2017 Corolla, which has many models and trims to consider. Go for a test drive and see some Corollas at Ardmore Toyota today. Image via Flickr by James is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) gives awards for fourteen Toyota and Lexus vehicles, with twelve receiving the highest possible award, the TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+). Out of all manufacturers, Toyota sweeps the competition with the most possible rewards from the IIHS. Qualifications for TSP+ include: A vehicle earning good ratings in five IIHS crash-worthiness tests: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints An advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention An acceptable or good headlight rating Toyota’s premium midsize sedan, the Toyota Avalon, was recognized previously by the IIHS as a TOP SAFETY PICK winner, but now is considered a TSP+ winner. The promotion for the Avalon is due to an improvement made after March 2017 in the aim of the headlights on the vehicles. “At Toyota, we’re committed to developing safe and reliable vehicles,” said Jeff Makarewicz, Toyota’s North American Vehicle, Quality & Safety Engineering group vice president. “The Toyota Avalon’s latest achievement is a great example of how we continually evaluate new criteria and find ways to enhance our customers’ driving experience.” more 2017 Toyota and Lexus TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners: Toyota Avalon (with specific headlights and built after March 2017) Toyota Prius (built after August 2016) Toyota Prius Prime Toyota Corolla Toyota Camry (with available front crash prevention and specific headlights) Toyota Prius v (with available front crash prevention and specific headlights) Toyota RAV4 (with specific headlights) Toyota Highlander Lexus RC (with available front crash prevention and specific headlights) Lexus ES 350 (with specific headlights) Lexus NX (with available front crash prevention and specific headlights) Lexus RX (with specific headlights) 2017 Toyota and Lexus TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners: Toyota Yaris iA Lexus CT 200h (with available front crash prevention) Image via Pixabay

The Toyota Tundra has come a long way since it first rolled off the production line in 2000. Features change every year, and the Tundra has continued to improve in terms of safety and functionality. So, what can you expect from a new 2018 Tundra? Here are the truck's most impressive features as well as some new and improved capabilities compared to the 2017 model. What the Tundra Offers The Toyota Tundra is a full-size, half-ton pickup. The 2017 edition comes in Double Cab, Regular Cab, and CrewMax styles, and the horsepower for these builds ranges from 310 to 381. The towing capacity ranges from 6,400 to 10,500 pounds. The new Tundras will come standard with a 5.7L V-8 engine (an estimated 381 horsepower). These trucks will also undergo some aesthetic and technological changes, including a redesigned grille and headlamps as well as a hood scoop. Finally, Toyota will introduce a new trim – the TRD Sport – when the 2018 Tundra is available later this year. more New Capabilities and Improved Features The 2018 Tundra will include some changes to the body of the truck as well as additional safety and performance features. All builds of the new model will fall under the Toyota Safety Sense P package, so any model and trim you select will have the following safety features: Lane Departure Alert Auto High Beams Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Upgraded sway bars Sport-tuned suspension From there, buyers can choose from the following trims: R/SR5 (which include black bezel halogen headlights) The TRD Sport trim (debuting with the 2018 Tundra) Limited, Platinum, and 1794 editions Note that the TRD Pro version will not be available on the new Tundra. Finally, based on what we know about previous Tundra models, the towing capacity for the new truck will likely exceed 10,500 pounds with a possible torque rating of between 327 and 500 pound-feet. The New Tundra TRD Sport Trim The new trim for this model will be available in 4X4 and 4X2 configurations. The Regular Cab build will no longer be available, but you can still pick up the new Tundra in either a Double Cab or CrewMax style. The TRD Sport trim will also include: Bilstein shocks TRD front and rear anti-sway bars Five new colors Price information will be announced later this year. As a frame of reference, the 2017 Tundra's MSRP starts at $30,210. Follow Updates for the 2018 Toyota Tundra The new Tundra is slated for release this fall. You can sign up for updates to stay informed about the vehicle's development and related news. You can also get an idea of what these trucks are like by test driving one of the 2017 models. This is a good way to get a feel for the vehicle, but remember that many of these features will change, affecting how the 2018 model handles. To schedule a test drive for a 2017 Tundra, contact or visit Ardmore Toyota — and remember to stop by when the new 2018 Toyota Tundra rolls out this fall in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Image via Flickr by ilikewaffles11 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (TMNA) is now calling Plano, Texas home after the opening of its new North American Headquarters earlier this month. The company announced its “One Toyota” initiative three years ago, stating that Toyota intended to create a more efficient operation in North America. The new corporate campus is on 100 acres with over seven buildings and costs about $1 billion to build. Toyota has moved thousands of employees and their families to North Texas from places like California and Kentucky, with hundreds moving to the area every week. “The opening of our new headquarters in Plano is an extraordinary next step in Toyota’s 60-year journey in the United States,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota in North America. “With team members from four different companies together in one campus location, we believe this will inspire great collaboration, innovation, and faster decision making as we turn to and lead the futures of mobility, all with an eye on our customers.” Along with the current employees who chose to relocate to Texas, the company stated that the new campus will also be hiring more than 1,000 new people to the team. The company is putting a focus on pulling from the North Texas market due to the mix of local talent. Toyota is also putting a heavy focus on the environment and striving for sustainability with its new office by: Creating an exterior landscape that reflects the native habitat Installing more than 20,000 solar panels Purchasing all electricity not generated by the solar panels by wind Putting in an irrigation rainwater harvesting system The ultimate goal for the campus is to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as create an environment that is sustainable for the earth and the people who work there on a daily basis. Image via Pixabay

If you're searching for the perfect summer activity for you and your family in Philadelphia, head off to its beautiful Historic District. Rich in history and culture, its attractions offer the perfect combination of summer fun and education. Visit these five popular attractions in the Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia. 1. Tour Independence Hall Independence Hall is the site of the signing and the adoption of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. It's also the site in 1915 where former President William Taft announced the formation of the League to Enforce Peace, which was a forerunner of the League of Nations. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is free, but tickets are required to enter. Guided tours are available to enrich your knowledge about this important American landmark. more 2. Visit The Liberty Bell The bell that used to ring in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as the Liberty Bell, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pennsylvania. It got its name from the message it bears, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." It has become a symbol of freedom and liberty and has served as an inspiration for human and civil rights activists. It's open throughout the summer from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is an exhibit area in the Liberty Bell Center, along with a video presentation about the bell's history. Admission is free, and no tickets are required to enter. 3. Stroll Through Washington Square Washington Square is a beautiful open-space park. It has a rich history; it was the location of the first human flight (via air balloon). Take a moment to pause at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier to pay tribute to those who risked their lives for our freedom during the Revolutionary War. The park is open to everyone 24/7. 4. Explore History at the President's House The first executive mansion housed both President George Washington and President John Adams. The house is no longer standing, but the foundations can still be seen and an outdoor exhibit center has been set up on the site. The exhibits at the President's House focus on the paradox of the house's history: Washington and Adams both fought for freedom and liberty, but at the same time, they held slaves at the house. Admission is free, and no tickets are required to enter. The exhibit is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 5. Discover Ben Franklin in Franklin Court Franklin Court is the site of Benjamin Franklin's residence from 1763 until his death in 1790. Archaeological remnants of some of the original buildings can still be seen, and ghost buildings that display the outline of the original buildings were constructed in the 1970s. The Benjamin Franklin Museum is located underground and showcases the life and history of this great patriot, as well as his inventions. In addition, you can visit the United States Postal Service Museum, along with an operating post office. This post office is the only one in the country that does not have a U.S. flag because it didn't yet exist when the post office opened in 1775. The Independence National Historic Park has many more important landmarks. It's filled with the history of our nation's birth. There is a lot to learn there; these five places are just a start. Image via Pixabay

Looking for something to do with the family during the autumn season? Philadelphia and its surrounding areas have many fall harvests and festivals. Enjoy these six fall festivals for days of nature and fun.   Enjoy a hayride, pick your own pumpkins, watch the pig races, and try to find your way out of the corn maze at the annual Fallfest at Freddy Hill Farms. Get fresh on-site milk, milkshakes, ice cream, and ice cream cakes at Freddy's Dairy Store. Choose your favorite flavor; there's a wide selection of them, ranging from cookies 'n cream to eggnog! Pet the animals at the animal zoo, and get some exercise at the batting cages and miniature golf courses. Fox Chase Farm Applefest This historic farm, established by the Wistar family, is now an educational farm that serves to educate the community about farming. Paint pumpkins, make apple butter, enjoy hayrides and games, and try some cider pressing. Buy fresh pumpkins, apples, apple cider, and apple butter to take home with you. more Harry Potter Weekend in Chestnut Hill Harry Potter fans, mark your calendars! Taste some Butter Beer, don the Sorting Hat, watch a Quidditch match, shop at Harry Potter themed shops, ride on the Knight Bus and on Thestral rides, eat at Harry Potter themed restaurants, visit Hogsmeade Station, and stroll down Diagon Alley at the annual Harry Potter Weekend in Chestnut Hill. You can even take Potions and Defense against the Arts classes. You can also participate in the Harry Potter Conference, which is an annual academic conference at Chestnut Hill College that focuses on scholarly works arising out of the Harry Potter series. Quakertown Autumn Alive! The Autumn Alive! festival is all about fun and pets. Take your pet to the Broad Street Pet Parade. Crafters, businesses and pet rescue organizations will line Broad Street. There will be plenty of fun for the kids: Cupcake contests, a Food Court, an Author's Corner, and live on-stage entertainment all day for two days. Adults can enjoy some fresh beer samples at the Beer Garden. Apple Butter Frolic at the Mennonite Heritage Center This festival has been going on for over 40 years. It focuses on the Mennonites, their heritage, and their way of life. It also serves as a fundraiser for the Mennonite Heritage Center. There are plenty of traditional foods to enjoy. There will be a pancake and apple sausage breakfast, an apple foods tent, an apple baking contest, German Pennsylvanian food, farming demonstrations, and plenty of fun for the kids, including horse and wagon rides. Bucks County Wine Trail Harvest Celebration If you're a wine lover, you'll love this day at the wineries during the annual Bucks County Wine Trail Harvest Celebration. You'll get to taste fresh wine and freshly pressed grape juice. There will be a number of wineries offering activities and services such as live music, picnic tables, wine pairing, doughnuts, and much more. There is always something to do in Philadelphia. Whether you're going with your spouse, with friends, or with your kids, these festivals will delight and educate you. Image via Flickr by Mike Mozart is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Over the weekend, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) announced its best performing Main Street Programs of 2016 at the PDC gala dinner in Harrisburg.  The National Main Street program has been going on for more than 30 years and has helped rehabilitate more than 246,000 buildings, generated almost $60 billion in new investments, and created more than 500,000 new jobs. The PDC’s award recognizes programs that have demonstrated an “across the board” ability to generate new jobs, new businesses, public and private investment and volunteer hours. The Ardmore Initiative was recognized as the third best performing Main Street program in PA! Check out the full press release below, along with other nine programs recognized! more Pennsylvania Downtowns Awarded Best Performing Programs HARRISBURG, PA - Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) has named its best performing Main Street Programs of 2016. This award recognizes those programs that have demonstrated an “across the board” capacity to generate new jobs, new businesses, public and private investment and volunteer hours. The top performing Main Street Programs across the Commonwealth for 2017 are: . 1 st - Easton Main Street Initiative, 2 nd – Ebensburg Borough, 3 rd – The Ardmore Initiative, 4 th – Historic Kennett Square, 5 th – Oil City Main Street Program, 6 th – Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, 7 th – Building A Better Boyertown, 8 th – Kutztown Community Partnership, 9 th – Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp., and 10 th – Allentown-7 th Street.   The determining criteria measures program activity as reported annually by local Main Street Managers. Community revitalization organizations are then ranked from top to bottom, with the top performing program in each of the sixteen evaluated categories receiving a score of 1. This year there were 40+ community organizations eligible to be evaluated. The rankings across all of the categories are then tabulated and the organization with the lowest total number is the top performing program.   PDC, the coordinating program to the National Main Street Center for Main Street programs in Pennsylvania, is honored to see these downtowns acknowledged for the goals they have set, accomplished and in many cases, exceeded. Each community has also met the ten performance standards established by National Main Street Center to be a nationally accredited Main Street Program. These standards include topics such as training requirements, planning methods, and community involvement.   Founded in 1987, the mission of Pennsylvania Downtown Center is to build and support the capacity of local nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and individuals to enhance the overall well-being and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s communities. For more information about the accredited communities or the Main Street program, contact Maria Wherley at (717) 233-4675 ext. 116 or email.   Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Inc. PO Box 1265 Harrisburg, PA 17108 (717) 233-4675

If you're looking for something fun to do this summer in Philadelphia, plan to attend one of the many festivals happening in the city. With such a variety, you're sure to find at least a couple choices that appeal to you. Check out this list of the five top festivals for summer fun in Philly. Browse Crafts and Paintings at the Manayunk Arts Festival Hosted on Main Street in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Manayunk Arts Festival attracts around 200,000 visitors each year. It's the most significant outdoor juried arts festival in the region; it showcases works from more than 300 artists. In the Emerging Artist Tent, collectors can peruse works by local residents. Vendors at the festival will offer paintings, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, glass, mixed media, and fiber. The festival takes place rain or shine on Saturday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. more Celebrate Independence Day With Wawa Welcome America From June 29 to July 4, the city of Philadelphia will host multiple events as a part of the Wawa Welcome America festival. During the multi-day extravaganza, residents and tourists alike can enjoy free concerts, block parties, free days at local museums, and other family-friendly activities. The event culminates on July 4 with a parade, a free evening concert, and a magnificent fireworks display. Indulge Your Inner Foodie at the Second Street Festival On Sunday, August 6 from noon to 10 p.m., you can enjoy food, craft beer, and music during the Second Street Festival in the Northern Liberties neighborhood. Expect to enjoy Mexican cuisine, American comfort food, and other favorites from nearby restaurants at the festival. In addition to food tents, the festival hosts food trucks that offer delectable treats. Wash down your meal with local craft brews served up in beer gardens. Festival organizers direct revenue from the event into a fund to support the establishment of a business improvement district in the area. Get Your Groove on at the XPoNential Music Festival Music fans from all over Philadelphia and beyond gather each summer for the annual XPoNential Music Festival at the BB&T Pavilion on the Camden Waterfront. On July 28, 29, and 30, festival attendees can groove to the sounds of Wilco, Amos Lee, Spoon, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and more. Three-day festival passes range in price from $15 for lawn access for children to $247 for prime reserved seating. See Unique Performances During the Fringe Festival To wrap up summer, you can enjoy the Fringe Festival from September 7 through 23. From street performances to avant-garde productions, the festival brings more than 1,000 select contemporary performances to the city's neighborhoods. National and international performers demonstrate their craft during the Fringe Festival with edgy theatrical works that stretch conventions and engage the audience's imagination in exciting ways. Some performances may not be suitable for young children. There will be both free performances and ticketed events. Whether you want to experience theater, sip craft beer, or enjoy some music, Philadelphia is the place to be for exciting summer festivals. Image via Pixabay

Driverless cars: They sound like a cross between our wildest fantasy and a science fiction, but alas, they are reality – and they're quickly coming to our streets. Are they truly the future of driving? Only time will tell, but early indications point to driverless vehicles being the true wave of the future. What Are Self-Driving Cars? The name "self-driving vehicle" seems pretty obvious, but in reality, there are several levels of driverless vehicle. A Level 0 car has no automation and is completely human-controlled, while a Level 5 ride is fully automated with no human intervention. Automation varies across the other four levels, with some levels already represented in today's vehicles. more A New Generation of Non-Drivers The millennial generation as a whole lacks an interest in driving, unlike previous generations, which is why ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft have achieved so much success. Because they are not interested in driving, millennials will be an ideal market for driverless vehicles. Such vehicles offer owners the freedom on car ownership in that they can use the vehicle when and how they like without the worry of driving it. Spreading the Nation If you've traveled the nation, you know that drivers and road conditions differ everywhere you go. Fortunately, driverless car developers are testing these vehicles on a variety of road conditions beyond California's Silicon Valley. You can find driverless cars on the streets of Washington, Michigan, Arizona, Texas, and even right here in Pennsylvania. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh are working with driverless Uber taxis, trying to "confuse" the car with a variety of driving situations we might encounter while operating a vehicle. Laying the Foundation If you own or lease a late-model vehicle, chances are you have such features as lane-change assistance, collision avoidance, and hands-free parallel parking. These conveniences are all the forerunners of driverless vehicle technology as they use much of the same sensors and software one might find in a driverless vehicle. Timeline to Driverless With such technology already on the road, when can we expect driverless cars to dominate our roadways? Those already investing in the technology anticipate widespread use of driverless vehicles by 2021, barring any governmental or technological roadblocks. However, automotive insiders think the timeline will be much longer, perhaps toward the middle of the century, before most of us are cruising along in driverless cars. Humans have already set an impressive precedent in how safely they operate vehicles that it will take some time before a machine can reach that standard. Human-specific abilities, such as ethical decision making, also pose a challenge that machines have difficulty duplicating. Toyota has already made a sizable investment in the future of driving. It was a pioneer in hybrid technology with the introduction of the Prius, and its recent investment in Uber offers formidable backing toward driverless vehicle technology. At Ardmore Toyota, we're proud to be part of the Toyota family. Stop by our dealership today and see why. Image via Pixabay