HOUSTON, Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Doggett Freightliner continues to grow, expanding into the Brownsville area to provide expedited parts and unmatched service support for local customers. With the new Brownsville facility, Doggett Freightliner will have nine locations throughout Texas and Arkansas, including San Antonio, El Paso, Laredo, and Pharr, Texas, along with North Little Rock, Springdale, and Van Buren, Arkansas. The Brownsville facility complements Doggett’s existing Freightliner and Western Star dealerships that now sell and service flatbeds, dry freight, refrigerated vans, and other over-the-road truck offerings. This new location will help local customers maximize uptime with expedited parts and dependable mobile support.

“Doggett has a long and successful history of living up to the rigid demands of our customers. Our success has been built by performing up to our customer’s exceedingly high expectations 24/7, thanks to an excellent team of dedicated support staff and factory-trained technicians that are pros at keeping their promises,” says Paul Burk, Senior VP of the Doggett Truck Group.

Burk concludes, “At Doggett Freightliner, we are proud to be a superior dealership with our Elite Support Certification providing the industry’s best truck maintenance and repairs with an unmatched-level of customer service. Our loyal customers’ trust helped us grow into one of the largest dealership groups in the country. We are excited to continue to deliver unmatched service and support to our customers for years to come in the Brownsville area.” 

About the Doggett Equipment Services Group
Doggett Equipment Services Group (Doggett) is a diversified heavy equipment factory authorized dealer for seven industry-leading manufacturers that are either number one or two in their respective industries. Doggett, founded in 1993 with 17 employees, was ranked by the Houston Chronicle in 2020 as Houston’s 9th largest private company approaching $2 billion in annual sales and also rated by the Houston Business Journal in 2020 as Houston’s largest (#1) family-owned business. Serving Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, its team of 1400+ full-time employees, including 500+ factory-trained and certified technicians, are dedicated to providing a world-class customer experience. Doggett is a family-owned business without outside investment headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Doggett is a proud dealer-partner with the following industry-leading manufacturers: John Deere Construction and Forestry equipment (16 dealerships including exclusivity for the state of Louisiana, east and south Texas), Toyota Material Handling – Forklifts (7 dealerships covering the southern half of Texas including El Paso), Freightliner and Western Star (Daimler-Benz Companies) on-highway and vocational trucks (9 dealerships including exclusivity for the state of Arkansas, South and West Texas), Link-Belt Cranes (2 dealerships including exclusivity for the state of Louisiana), Great Dane Trailers (3 dealerships), and a Ford auto and truck dealership. To learn more, visit Doggett.com and DoggettFreightliner.com.

Media Contact
Hue Du
Phone: (281) 249-4638
Email: [email protected] 

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SOURCE Doggett Equipment Services Group

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Six Honda models have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) rating or better for 2021, with three, Accord, Insight and Odyssey, achieving the pinnacle TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating. Contributing to the top ratings, the 2021 Accord, two Civic models[1] (Sedan and Hatchback), CR-V, Insight and Odyssey each achieve the highest possible rating of “GOOD” in all six IIHS crashworthiness tests. In addition, all feature Honda Sensing^® driver-assistive and safety technology as standard equipment, earning “SUPERIOR” ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle frontal crash prevention.

Honda Sensing^® is now available or standard on every Honda automobile model, and there are well over four million Honda vehicles on U.S. roads today featuring this comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Pedestrian Detection; Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

All Honda vehicles also benefit from Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, designed to protect occupants in a wide variety of frontal collisions, along with advanced supplemental restraint systems, including pretensioning front seatbelts, and front, side, knee and side-curtain airbags.

To earn the 2021 TSP award, a vehicle must earn “GOOD” crashworthiness ratings in all test modes, including in the challenging passenger-side small overlap test. A top-rated vehicle must also offer front crash prevention that earns an “ADVANCED” or “SUPERIOR” rating in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian testing, as well as “GOOD” or “ACCEPTABLE” ratings for available headlights; while TSP+ rated vehicles must achieve the same “GOOD” or “ACCEPTABLE” rating for their standard headlights. Separately, every Honda model that has been fully evaluated in the NHTSA’s 2021 model year NCAP testing has received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score[2].

For More Information
Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/honda. Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of all 2021 Honda models is available at hondanews.com.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Insight, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 38 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2020, more than 95 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

About Honda Safety Leadership
Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies designed to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world’s most sophisticated crash test facilities, in Ohio and Japan, and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety.

[1] Excludes Civic Type R.
[2] Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Not yet fully evaluated for the 2021 model year are the Clarity series and Civic Type R.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1443537/2020_Honda_CR_V_Hybrid.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/451598/Honda_Logo.jpg

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Reimagined three-row pushes expected boundaries of design and innovation

–  Carnival MPV delivers a new name and new logo for the next generation of a vehicle that transcends a highly traditional segment

–  Bold and boxy SUV-like design for commanding presence and penned at Kia’s California studio, birthplace of the award-winning Telluride and all-new 2021 Sorento SUVs

–  More dynamic performance with new, more powerful 3.5-liter V6, delivering best-in-class 290 horsepower and 3,500 lbs. of towing capability

–  New levels of utility and luxury, with multi-seating configurations, including Slide-Flex 2nd-Row seating and VIP Lounge Seating options

–  Roomier and featuring more utility with best-in-class passenger room and best-in-class cargo room

–  Enhanced confidence with 12 standard Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)¹ features – the most comprehensive standard ADAS suite in segment – and available segment exclusive Blind-Spot View Monitor

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The all-new 2022 Kia Carnival Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) replaces the outgoing Sedona to become a multifaceted and unexpected companion.  Staking claim on the unoccupied space between SUV and family hauler, the Carnival arrives with a new name and is the first vehicle to be sold in the U.S. with Kia’s new logo proudly displayed on its sculpted hood. It pushes the boundaries on expected fronts in much the same way the Kia K5 did to redefine what a midsize sedan should be.

Penned at Kia’s California design studio, the Carnival wears a bold and boxy appearance and conveys the visual language found on the brand’s recent and highly successful line of rugged utility vehicles – Telluride, Sorento, and Seltos. Inside, the three-row seven- or eight-passenger MPV delivers a premium level of refinement, savvy technology, and flexibility. And with best-in-class passenger room and best-in-class cargo room there is enough space to accommodate people, playthings, or plywood, depending on the day’s errands…or adventures.

The Carnival is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 engine making a best-in-class 290 horsepower.  This powertrain provides up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity for confident trailer, boat, or camper excursions. And that confidence is amplified by an expansive roster of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)¹. Together, these elements make Carnival an exceptional combination of modern design, capability, safety and luxury. 

“The Kia Carnival is here to disrupt a staid segment and proves once again what is possible when conventions are shattered,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors North America, Kia Motors America. “With its SUV-like character, our new multi-purpose vehicle delivers a combination of premium design, intelligent packaging, and an abundance of innovation in safety and technology. For these reasons, the Carnival is the first vehicle to proudly wear our all-new Kia badge and is a bold signal of things to come.”

The 2022 Carnival will be offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige. This all-new MPV is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of this year.

Rugged yet Refined Exterior
The exterior of the 2022 Carnival follows suit with Kia’s recent signature boxy SUV style. This strong and confident design language directly connects to the crisp lines found on other recent Kia debuts:

• Kia’s modernized “tiger nose” grille gives substantial width to the face and artfully integrates the high-tech LED headlamps
• Dramatic hood lines enhance the vehicle’s unexpected aggressive character
• Brawny wheel arches give a sense of volume to the body from the side view
• A bold cutline runs the length of the vehicle, joining front and rear lamps
• Large two-tone mirrors and black/chrome rocker panel moldings contribute to the upscale look and feel
• Sleek combination taillamps feature unexpected geometric shapes
• Rear skid plate garnish and reflectors lend to an SUV-like presence
• Robust 17- and 19-inch wheels and available gloss-black wheel design bring style and strength to Carnival’s athletic stance

Premium, Flexible and Innovative Cabin
Within, the Carnival’s sleek design elements and quality materials come together to create a refined and sophisticated interior space:

• The center fascia takes on a premium image with high-gloss black surfaces
• A chrome garnish runs the length of the dash to create a sense of space and openness in the forward cabin
• Integrated slim metal air vents are a modern touch
• Three bold interior colors bring richness to this finely crafted environment

In addition to the Carnival’s elevated interior styling, the all-new MPV offers plenty of space for 7- or 8-passenger flexibility, comfort for long road trips, or jaunts to the local lumber store:

• Best-in-class 168.2 cubic feet of passenger room
• Best-in-class 145.1 cubic feet of cargo room (behind first row) in LX, EX, SX trims
• “Slide-Flex” seating for 8-passenger versions allow multiple configurations including a sliding second row center seat which, when in the forward-most position, allows the front passenger easy access the baby or child riding in it. This seat also converts into a functional table
• Available heated and ventilated second-row VIP Lounge Seating with power controls, wing-out headrests and leg extensions in up-level 7-passenger configuration
• Removable second-row seats and fold-in-floor third-row seats for best-in-class cargo room (second row seats not removable in SX-Prestige)

The Carnival also offers a roster of special and innovative features to make travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable:

• Standard hands-free opening power sliding doors with Smart Key
• Available hands-free Smart Power Liftgate with auto-close (EX and above)
• Available Smart Key with one-button open/close functionality for rear sliding doors and liftgate (EX and above)
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)² uses ultrasonic sensors engineered to detect child or pet movement in the second and third rows after the doors have been locked. It then can notify the driver and surrounding area by sounding the horn, illuminating the hazard lamps, and notifying the driver through mobile phone via the UVO link app (EX and above)
• Safe Exit Assist (SEA)³: Audibly alerts the driver or passengers opening their door not to exit the vehicle when the system detects approaching traffic. The system can intervene to lock the rear doors when the vehicle is equipped with available Power Child Lock
• Rear Passenger View Camera with zoom and night vision to keep an eye on children in the back seat, even after dark (standard on EX, SX, SX-Prestige)
• Passenger Talk cabin intercom system for clear communication between passengers up front and in the rear (standard on EX, SX, SX-Prestige)
• Passenger Voice Recognition allows second row occupants to control numerous in-vehicle functions through voice commands by pushing a button mounted on the ceiling (standard on EX SX, SX-Prestige)
• Dual Rear Screen Entertainment Monitors with Wireless Apple and Android device screen mirroring (standard on SX, SX-Prestige)

And like all of Kia’s lineup, the Carnival offers a wide array of standard and optional technology, including:

• Standard 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless smartphone charging⁴
• 12.3-in. navigation display⁵
• 12.3-in. full digital instrument cluster
• Multi-Bluetooth⁶ connectivity
• Up to nine USB ports for all three rows and two 110-volt power inverters
• Bose⁷ Premium sound system, available with 12 high-performance speakers
• Bose Centerpoint technology converts stereo sources into a richer surround-sound experience
• Dynamic Speed Compensation analyzes the sound source and automatically adjusts according to speed
• UVO link telematics offers an array of advanced connected vehicle features, such as:
• Connected Routing: A new cloud-based route calculation system that uses UVO cloud to calculate the optimal route using real-time maps, predicted upcoming traffic info based on historical information and AI to learn the preferred routes of users
• Connected Weather: Provides weather information for more than 25,000 cities
• Enhanced UVO voice assist feature allows voice control of the vehicle’s climate, seat and steering-wheel heating, audio system, and other functions
• Connected User Profiles: Allows customers to add an additional driver profile to their vehicle. The drivers can have their individual UVO accounts linked to the vehicle and access to the remote features using the Kia Access App. The profile stores some select settings in the UVO account and can be shared with other compatible Kia vehicles
• Calendar Integration: Designed to sync your Google or iCloud calendar with UVO link allowing you to receive event notification alerts while in the vehicle, and, in some cases, navigation to your event’s destination, if the address has been entered in the calendar event
• Last Mile Navigation: Gives you walking directions to your selected navigation destination from up to one mile away through the Kia Access with UVO link app on your compatible smartphone
• UVO & Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon-Alexa or Google-Assistant enabled smart speaker or device to remotely control some functions (such as remote start)
• Advanced notifications:
• Engine Idle Notification and Automatic Engine Shut Off notifies the driver via the UVO link app if the engine is left idling and, after a pre-selected time, turns off the engine
• Rear Occupancy Alert can send push notification alerts via the UVO link app if movement is detected inside the vehicle
• 911 Connect and Roadside Assistance will automatically attempt to call 911 via the built-in UVO modem if an airbag deploys. For non-emergencies, it can connect with 24/7 roadside assist and share the vehicle’s location

Built on a Better Base
The 2022 Carnival is underpinned by the same all-new 3^rd generation “N3” platform as the capable Sorento and sporty K5. Kia’s engineers made sure it was lighter, stronger and quieter than the outgoing architecture, and highlights include:

• Expanded use of hot-stamped parts and ultra-high-strength steel for increased average tensile strength and torsional stiffness that result in better driving dynamics
• Greater application of sound absorbing and insulating materials to minimize road, wind, and engine noise
• Aerodynamic improvements to wheels, front bumper, and mirrors to achieve better fuel economy

Powered by a Single Source
The front-wheel drive Carnival keeps things simple with a single powertrain and best-in-class horsepower that is a perfect partner for this MPV’s size and intentions:

• 3.5-liter V6 GDI Engine
• Best in class 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm
• 262 lb.-ft. torque at 5,000 rpm
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• 3500 lbs. of towing capacity

The Safety of Advanced Driver Assistance
As part of Kia’s overall commitment to safety, the Carnival MPV has a more comprehensive list of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features than any in the segment, including these standard ADAS systems” ¹:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Assists the driver when braking to help prevent a collision or lessen the effects in certain conditions if a pedestrian or vehicle is detected in front. Uses automatic braking to avoid or mitigate an impact.
• Blind-Spot Avoidance Assist (BCA): Under certain conditions, can detect vehicles traveling in the next lane. When a vehicle is “seen” in the blind spot, the vehicle brakes the outer wheel under certain conditions to help return the vehicle to its lane
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA): Helps detect most approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and applies brakes
• Parking Distance Warning-Reverse (PDW-R): Detects certain objects behind the vehicle, issuing an audible warning when an obstruction is detected. The warning tone chimes faster as the vehicle gets closer to the detected object
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) with Lane Following Assist (LFA): Follows lane markings that the system detects and provides steering inputs to help maintain the vehicle in the center of the lane and includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which provides an audible warning when the vehicle drifts from its intended lane
• High Beam Assist (HBA): Detects oncoming traffic and automatically switches off the high beam headlights then turns them on once traffic has passed
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)⁸: Senses inattentive driving patterns and sends an audible/visual warning to alert the driver

In addition, the Carnival offers several available “Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for additional peace of mind:

• Segment-exclusive Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM): Projects live video view of adjacent lanes in the instrument cluster and activated via the turn signal
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Cyclist (FCA – cyclist): Helps detect cyclists in front of the vehicle and uses automatic braking to avoid or mitigate an impact
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)⁹. Uses federal highway speed limit information from the navigation system and, under certain conditions, will automatically adjust speed to be within the posted speed limit and maintain distance with the vehicle detected in front
• Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C): Leverages the navigation system to lower the vehicle’s speed proactively before upcoming curves
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA-R): Uses rear view camera and rear ultrasonic sensors to help detect most pedestrians or nearby obstacles when the vehicle backs out of a parking spot, warning drivers with a chime and can engage brakes to prevent a collision
• Surround View Monitor (SVM): Utilizes four cameras to provide a 360-degree perspective around the vehicle enhancing driver confidence in tight parking situations

Kia Motors America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.

² Rear Occupant Alert is not a substitute for one’s attention and may not detect all movement within the vehicle. Always check the vehicle interior when exiting the vehicle.

³ Safe Exit Assist is not a substitute for one’s attention and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic and to the area around your vehicle when exiting the vehicle.

⁴ Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for warnings and instructions.

⁵ Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.

⁶ The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of such marks by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth enabled device is required to use Bluetooth wireless technology.

⁷ Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation.

⁸ Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not all instances of driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.

⁹ Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects around the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1442695/16968_2022_Carnival___7_Passenger.jpg 
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1442697/Kia_New_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota Financial Services (TFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to its customers affected by the winter storms that struck Texas earlier this month. This broad outreach includes any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customer in the designated disaster areas. 

Toyota Financial Services cares about the safety and well-being of its customers, and wants to help those impacted by this natural disaster. Impacted lease and finance customers residing in the affected areas may be eligible to take advantage of several payment relief options, some of which include:

• extensions and lease deferred payments;
• redirecting billing statements; and
• arranging phone or online payments.

Customers who would like to discuss their account options are encouraged to contact TFS or LFS.

Toyota Financial Services customers may call 800-874-8822 or contact TFS via email using the Mail Center function after logging into ToyotaFinancial.com.

Lexus Financial Services customers may call 800-874-7050 or contact LFS via email using the Mail Center function after logging into LexusFinancial.com.

We extend our heartfelt thoughts to those affected by these storms.

About Toyota Financial Services  

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS also offers vehicle and payment protection products through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). The company services Lexus dealers and customers using the Lexus Financial Services brand. As of March 31, 2020, TFS employed approximately 3,300 team members nationwide, and had assets totaling nearly $126 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. We announce material financial information using the investor relations section of our website (www.toyotafinancial.com) and SEC filings. We use these channels, press releases, and social media to communicate about our company, our services and other issues. While not all information we post on social media is of a material nature, some information could be material. Therefore, we encourage those interested in our company to review our posts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/toyotafinancial. 

Media Contact: Derrick Brown (469) 486-9065

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SOURCE Toyota Financial Services