Please visit our new website to learn more about the Craneway Pavilion and to stay up-to-date with Craneway events.
www.craneway.com
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The National Park Service, USS Iowa and Craneway Pavilion Will Gather in Honor of the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor at 9:45 AM Wednesday, December
WHO: The National Park Service, USS Iowa and Craneway Pavilion host a special event with a presentation by Faham Zakariaei of the San Francisco Giants and performances by Bay Area band Blame Sally and the Motley Q quartet. Also in attendance will be four real Rosie The Riveters - Betty Soskin, Marian Wynn, Marian Sousa and Priscialla Elder, who worked on the home front during WWII.
WHAT: A remembrance of Pearl Harbor and a special presentation. Announcements will include the official opening dates for The Rosie The Riveter WWII Home Front NHP Visitor Education Center located next to the Craneway Pavilion, and the USS Iowa BB-61 Museum. Both museums will officially open in 2012. An announcement from the San Francisco Giants on their plans to honor the Rosies will take place as well.
There will also be musical performances from the Motley Q quartet and Bay Area Americana band Blame Sally.
WHEN: On the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day- Wednesday, December 7th at 9:45 AM - approximately the same time the first bomb was dropped on Pearl Harbor is when the presentation will take place. Breakfast will be served at the BoilerHouse Restaurant at the adjacent Craneway Pavilion from 7:45 to 9:15 AM.
WHERE: Breakfast will take place at the BoilerHouse Restaurant (1414 Harbour Way South). The presentation will take place on the deck of the USS Iowa BB-61 docked in Richmond Harbor.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Point Richmond Acoustic presents Legendary Musician/Songwriter Peter Rowan and Big Twang Theory Friday, December 9
Point Richmond Acoustic presents Legendary Musician/Songwriter Peter Rowan and Big Twang Theory Friday, December 9 (Point Richmond - November 9, 2011)
Legendary bluegrass performer Peter Rowan brings his Big Twang Theory to Point Richmond Acoustic on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 8 pm. The concert is held at the historic First Methodist Church of Point Richmond, 201 Martina Avenue. Tickets are $20.
Rowan’s bluegrass credentials are top notch. He’s a former member of the Bluegrass Boys led by Bill Monroe, the undisputed father of bluegrass music. But Rowan is also known for spanning many musical genres - his career includes forays into reggae, folk, Americana and Latino sounds, having played with musicians as diverse as Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and the master of the Mexican accordion, Flaco Jimenez.
His latest band, Peter Rowan’s Big Twang Theory, includes Dobro player Michael Witcher and bassist Paul Knight, both members of the current Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, plus virtuoso electric guitarist Nina Gerber.
Point Richmond Acoustic concert producer Bruce Kaplan says, “We are incredibly fortunate to have Peter Rowan perform for our audience. As a musician myself, Peter Rowan and Nina Gerber are two of my musical heroes, and here they are in one band! Peter has performed for audiences of thousands of people – but we’re going to present him in one of the most intimate venues in the Bay Area. It’s going to be a fantastic show!
Says Rowan, "I have always wanted a band that was rooted in bluegrass, but could add the twang of Hank Williams, Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly. They all absorbed Bill Monroe's bluegrass into honky-tonk and rockabilly. I grew up dancing to that music." "The resonance of acoustic instruments in bluegrass are pure; by adding electric instruments, Big Twang Theory creates a blend of harmonic frequencies that shimmer, like when you play an acoustic guitar at midnight." "Lightening Hopkins, Muddy Water, Howlin’ Wolf, I met them all touring as a Bluegrass Boy with Bill Monroe. To me, the blend has always been there. Old time, acoustic, an electric shimmer, deep lows and bright highs, like stars, crisp and shining in the deep night sky. …Sometimes Bill Monroe would get this far away look in his eyes and he'd talk about this 'other' music that he heard. Its what I hear in Big Twang Theory."Big Twang Theory’s repertoire draws upon Rowan's vast catalogue of original songs and re-imaginings of bluegrass, roots country and blues.
The concert series is sponsored by Point Richmond Music and the First Methodist Church. The church itself is intimate and an acoustic marvel. The 100-year-old church is an octagonal wooden prism that appears to be built by nautical carpenters. It’s like listening to music inside a guitar. Kaplan explains, “Our program is completely non-religious and people of all faiths or no faith are welcome. It’s a friendly no-pressure environment, and even if it’s been a few decades since you have set foot in a church no one is going to bite you. But they might offer you a cookie or cup of coffee. It’s all about the music here!
Visit www.folkunlimited.com for more information on the concert series and www.peter-rowan.com for more information on Peter Rowan.
The December 9 Peter Rowan concert is just 5 days away, and we've had more advance interest in this show than any other we’ve presented to date. We've arranged to sell advanced tickets and we suggest that you secure yours soon, as we are reserving only a limited amount for sales at the door. There are three ways to get advanced tickets:
· Visit Down Home Music at 10341 San Pablo Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804. (510) 525-2129. Down Home is open Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $20, check (to Radio Rhythm Records) or cash only. Down Home Music is a fantastic record store and well worth the visit!
· Send a check for $20 per ticket, plus a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to Radio Rhythm Records, 440 Golden Gate Avenue, Richmond CA 94801.
· Use the PayPal button below. It will create a $20 per ticket PayPal payment (plus $2 per ticket handling charge) to me at my personal email address. When you check out, be sure to include your mailing address. I will send you tickets back via USPS. You can also find this button at www.folkunlimited.com.
As I have mentioned before, Peter Rowan is a music legend, the missing link between bluegrass, country, TexMex, reggae and folk. To be able to see him with a fantastic band (including my personal guitar hero, Nina Gerber) in the intimate setting of Point Richmond Acoustic has the making for a night you'll never forget.
While I have your attention, please check out our wonderful January headliner, Hans York. on youtube.
Last but not least, I want to thank our co-sponsors, Point Richmond Music and the First Methodist Church for helping make our concert series happen.
Stay warm, and we'll see you next Friday!
Bruce Kaplan
Legendary bluegrass performer Peter Rowan brings his Big Twang Theory to Point Richmond Acoustic on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 8 pm. The concert is held at the historic First Methodist Church of Point Richmond, 201 Martina Avenue. Tickets are $20.
Rowan’s bluegrass credentials are top notch. He’s a former member of the Bluegrass Boys led by Bill Monroe, the undisputed father of bluegrass music. But Rowan is also known for spanning many musical genres - his career includes forays into reggae, folk, Americana and Latino sounds, having played with musicians as diverse as Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and the master of the Mexican accordion, Flaco Jimenez.
His latest band, Peter Rowan’s Big Twang Theory, includes Dobro player Michael Witcher and bassist Paul Knight, both members of the current Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, plus virtuoso electric guitarist Nina Gerber.
Point Richmond Acoustic concert producer Bruce Kaplan says, “We are incredibly fortunate to have Peter Rowan perform for our audience. As a musician myself, Peter Rowan and Nina Gerber are two of my musical heroes, and here they are in one band! Peter has performed for audiences of thousands of people – but we’re going to present him in one of the most intimate venues in the Bay Area. It’s going to be a fantastic show!
Says Rowan, "I have always wanted a band that was rooted in bluegrass, but could add the twang of Hank Williams, Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly. They all absorbed Bill Monroe's bluegrass into honky-tonk and rockabilly. I grew up dancing to that music." "The resonance of acoustic instruments in bluegrass are pure; by adding electric instruments, Big Twang Theory creates a blend of harmonic frequencies that shimmer, like when you play an acoustic guitar at midnight." "Lightening Hopkins, Muddy Water, Howlin’ Wolf, I met them all touring as a Bluegrass Boy with Bill Monroe. To me, the blend has always been there. Old time, acoustic, an electric shimmer, deep lows and bright highs, like stars, crisp and shining in the deep night sky. …Sometimes Bill Monroe would get this far away look in his eyes and he'd talk about this 'other' music that he heard. Its what I hear in Big Twang Theory."Big Twang Theory’s repertoire draws upon Rowan's vast catalogue of original songs and re-imaginings of bluegrass, roots country and blues.
The concert series is sponsored by Point Richmond Music and the First Methodist Church. The church itself is intimate and an acoustic marvel. The 100-year-old church is an octagonal wooden prism that appears to be built by nautical carpenters. It’s like listening to music inside a guitar. Kaplan explains, “Our program is completely non-religious and people of all faiths or no faith are welcome. It’s a friendly no-pressure environment, and even if it’s been a few decades since you have set foot in a church no one is going to bite you. But they might offer you a cookie or cup of coffee. It’s all about the music here!
Visit www.folkunlimited.com for more information on the concert series and www.peter-rowan.com for more information on Peter Rowan.
The December 9 Peter Rowan concert is just 5 days away, and we've had more advance interest in this show than any other we’ve presented to date. We've arranged to sell advanced tickets and we suggest that you secure yours soon, as we are reserving only a limited amount for sales at the door. There are three ways to get advanced tickets:
· Visit Down Home Music at 10341 San Pablo Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804. (510) 525-2129. Down Home is open Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $20, check (to Radio Rhythm Records) or cash only. Down Home Music is a fantastic record store and well worth the visit!
· Send a check for $20 per ticket, plus a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to Radio Rhythm Records, 440 Golden Gate Avenue, Richmond CA 94801.
· Use the PayPal button below. It will create a $20 per ticket PayPal payment (plus $2 per ticket handling charge) to me at my personal email address. When you check out, be sure to include your mailing address. I will send you tickets back via USPS. You can also find this button at www.folkunlimited.com.
As I have mentioned before, Peter Rowan is a music legend, the missing link between bluegrass, country, TexMex, reggae and folk. To be able to see him with a fantastic band (including my personal guitar hero, Nina Gerber) in the intimate setting of Point Richmond Acoustic has the making for a night you'll never forget.
While I have your attention, please check out our wonderful January headliner, Hans York. on youtube.
Last but not least, I want to thank our co-sponsors, Point Richmond Music and the First Methodist Church for helping make our concert series happen.
Stay warm, and we'll see you next Friday!
Bruce Kaplan
Thursday, December 1, 2011
70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, Rosie the Riveter World War II/Home Front National Historical Park (NHP) and USS Iowa BB-61 Join Forces
On December 7th 2011 Marking the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, Rosie the Riveter World War II/Home Front National Historical Park (NHP) and USS Iowa BB-61 Join Forces to Announce Their Own Formal Historic 2012 Openings and Activities on the Deck
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SOURCE Craneway Pavilion
Both Future Museum and Visitor Center (One Land, One Sea) are currently located on either side of Craneway Pavilion in Historic Ford Assembly Building on the Richmond Waterfront
RICHMOND, Calif., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 7, 2011 in honor of the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day in the morning that the air portion of the attack on Pearl Harbor (Hawaiian time) began, the National Park Service, the Pacific Battleship Center and the Craneway Pavilion will make their own historic announcements (including one from The San Francisco Giants) for their official opening dates next year for The Rosie the Riveter/ WWII Home Front NHP Visitor Education Center and The USS Iowa BB-61 Museum.
The 2012 announcements will be hosted by The Craneway Pavilion onboard the deck of The USS Iowa BB-61 which is currently docked across the street in the Port of Richmond, California. The ceremony will mark the first time that a group of "The Rosie's," VIPs and officials will be on the deck since the battleship was taken out of retirement to be converted into a museum.
The Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front NHP Visitor Education Center (an interactive museum) will be located immediately across from the BoilerHouse Restaurant in its own historic building that is part of the Ford Assembly Building complex, made possible through an arrangement by Orton Development, which owns and operates Craneway Pavilion.
Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park was created in 2000 to preserve and interpret the stories and sites of our nation's home front response to World War II. During World War II, Rosie the Riveter emerged as an iconic cultural symbol of American women across the country rolling up their sleeves to support the war effort. Many of these pioneering "Rosie's" toiled in the historic Ford Assembly Building, site of the new center (as well as the world-class event and production facility Craneway Pavilion). They built 49,000 jeeps, and outfitted tanks, in a re-tooled industrial plant that first opened in 1932 to make Model "A" Fords. Rosie the Riveter has since become a symbol representing the strength and determination of women everywhere striving for equality in all walks of life.
"Rosie the Riveter represents what is great about America: that spunky, adventurous, generous-hearted, and hard-working spirit," Eddie Orton, Orton Development, said. "It has been an honor to work in her environs and to recreate her contribution to American history. We are very excited about the 2012 opening of the National Park Service's Rosie the Riveter Museum and Visitor Center and we invite everyone to come by and share Rosie's inspirational story."
"The Visitor Center and interactive museum will both interpret the national home front movement, and orient visitors to Richmond's influential history from the era," Tom Leatherman, Superintendent, Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park, said. "The Center will feature interactive exhibits and learning experiences. Visitors will see, hear, and reflect on the stories and contributions of courageous home front Americans. They will both tell the local story and link to other representative sites across the country."
Known as "The Big Stick" of the U.S. Navy, the World War II-era battleship, The USS Iowa BB-61 represents the peak of naval military power in an era from Franklin Roosevelt to George H.W. Bush. Currently docked across the street from the Old Ford Motor Plant in Richmond, The Iowa is the last lead battleship of its class. It is one of the biggest, fastest and most powerful battleships ever to sail and serve in combat duty. It is undergoing extensive refurbishment and restoration over the next few months before making its way to her new permanent home at the Port of Los Angeles as a museum.
"This is the world's last battleship's final voyage," said Robert Kent, president of the Pacific Battleship Center, said. "During World War II, the Iowa carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic to Casablanca for a crucial 1943 meeting in Tehran with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin. She was transferred to the Pacific Fleet in 1944 and saw action in the South Pacific also served as the Third Fleet flagship, flying Admiral William F. Halsey's flag at the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay."
The Iowa's sister ships are now museums: The Missouri is located at Pearl Harbor; The Wisconsin in Norfolk, Va.; and, The New Jersey, in Camden, N.J. The Navy no longer has battleships in its fleet.
The Pacific Battleship Center
The Pacific Battleship Center is working to bring the USS IOWA back to life as an interactive naval museum experience that honors and illustrates the positive contributions of this renowned ship and its crew at critical moments in American history. Our education programs offer lessons in history, leadership, team-building, character development, and community service. We're honored to do this for the last available U.S. Navy battleship.
Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, located in the wartime boomtown of Richmond, California, preserves and interprets the stories and places of our nation's home front response to World War II.
The Craneway Pavilion
Once the historic building facility of Rosie the Riveter and tanks used in the Pacific Theatre of World War II, The Craneway Pavilion is a now a world-class and sustainably designed event, concert and production facility centrally located in one of the planet's most iconic destinations. Located on 25 waterfront acres, Craneway Pavilion offers an expansive 45,000 square feet facility in an architecturally significant building dating back to 1932.
For more information:
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Rosie the Riveter/WWI Home Front NHP Visitor Education Center and The USS Iowa BB-61 Museum
On the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, the National Park Service, the Pacific Battleship Center and the Craneway Pavilion will announce the official opening dates for the new The Rosie the Riveter/WWI Home Front NHP Visitor Education Center and The USS Iowa BB-61 Museum during a special ceremony honoring Pearl Harbor's anniversary. There is also a rumor that the San Francisco Giants will also make a special announcement at the event. The event will take place on December 7, 2011 on board the USS Iowa which is docked in the Port of Richmond here in the San Francisco Bay.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Richmond, CA: Craneway Pavilion
Richmond, CA: Craneway Pavilion
www.eventparadise.com/spotlight/event-venues-spotlight-13.html#c238
A soaring industrial-chic interior, landmark architecture, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and breath-taking Bay views, set the stage for cultural events, public gatherings and private affairs as unforgettable as the San Francisco Bay Area itself. Featuring open space design, variable capacity and a staggering number of programming options.
What is it that makes Craneway Pavilion award winning? It’s world-class MEYER Sound, BARCO 8mm I-Lite Video, StagingConcepts, full bar, catering, 110-seat restaurant, private dock, ferry and helicopter accessible and ample secure parking are just a few of the reasons.
The awe-inspiring Craneway Pavilion is as state-of-the-art as it is historic – the famed architect Albert Kahn designed the building in 1931 as a Ford Motor plant and today original floors, brickwork and an entire crane are left as artifacts to adorn the interior.
Craneway is designed for maximum sustainability combining 21st century’s most forward-thinking green technologies with the structure’s original environmentally friendly features – saw-tooth roof design with 40,000 glass panes which fills the building with natural light and supports a one-megawatt rooftop solar power plant.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Rosie’s Riveting Beer
By mrmojo
The Boilerhouse Restaurant at the Craneway Pavillion has announced the creation of a new House Beer: Rosie’s Shipyard Ale. The release and a review are below, but let’s cut to the chase: It’s very drinkable beer. We had a chance to sink a pint or two during the recent “Home Front Festival” and it got a “three thumbs up” rating. Also: The poster is very nice, the coasters are excellent, and when will the bowling shirts be ready?
Here’s what Brian Stechschulte from BayAreaCraftBeer.com had to say:
This “house craft beer” was brewed for the Boilerhouse by Drake’s Brewing in San Leandro. It’s on the lighter end of the Pale Ale spectrum with a malt bill composed of American 2-Row, Caramalt and Crystal 45L. Magnum hops were employed for bittering, while Styrian Golgings and Cascade hops round out the aromatic character of the beer.
Here’s the release from the Craneway folks:
RICHMOND, Calif., Oct. 31, 2011 — /PRNewswire/ –
This week The BoilerHouse Restaurant adjacent to The Craneway Pavilion officially launched its new craft beer, “Rosie’s Shipyard Ale.” The new brand was named in honor of “Rosie the Riveter” which is associated with the Craneway Pavilion and Richmond, California’s rich history and contributions to World War II.
Craft beer continues to grow in popularity all through-out the San Francisco Bay Area. This “house craft beer” was brewed for the BoilerHouse by Drake’s Brewing in San Leandro. Rosie’s Shipyard Ale is a basic Pale Ale with a crisp taste and a dry finish. This craft beer is mildly hoppy, more so on the nose than the palate.
“The Craneway is very excited to have its own beer,” Lance Miller, General Manager of The Craneway Pavilion, said. “It’s getting fabulous reviews.”
“This beer was made to honor the roots of feminism and sexual equality in the Bay Area that is embodied in the spirit that was Rosie the Riveter,” says Craneway representative Michael Jensen. “We are honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to this meaningful and influential piece of American history.”
The Craneway Pavilion is located in the Old Ford Motor plant, and resides near the Kaiser Shipyard where Liberty Ships were once built and christened at a rate of one every two weeks. The BoilerHouse Restaurant is inside—and takes its name from—the original boiler room of the iconic Ford Assembly Building, which first opened in 1932 as a Ford Motors production plant and later became a hub of WWII homefront efforts when it was retooled to produce tanks and jeeps. The historic boiler room’s fittings and equipment have been painted silver, and the space’s cavernous ceilings, tall windows, exposed ductwork, and abundant natural light contrast distinctively with a sleek, industrial interior design.
The Pavilion and BoilerHouse are located at 1414 Harbour Way South in Richmond’s Marina district, and can be accessed from the 580 freeway. For further information: www.craneway.com or www.boilerhouserestaurant.com
Sunday, September 25, 2011
2012 Toyota Prius PHV Media Preview - Bob Carter
(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 16 -- Toyota USA issued the following news release: 2012 Toyota Prius PHV Media Preview Green Drive Expo Craneway Pavilion, Richmond, Calif.
Sept. 16, 2011 Bob Carter - Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Good morning everyone, and thanks again for spending the day with us at the Craneway Pavilion, as we debut a unique vehicle for a unique owner.
As some of you know, Toyota is a major sponsor of tomorrow's Green Drive Expo - just as we were last year during the event's inaugural year - and it is a great opportunity for us to showcase our environmental efforts to an enthusiastic group of people. It's those enthusiasts who really helped make the Prius the success it is today.
This unique facility is an example of automotive contrasts. The Craneway opened in 1932 as a Ford assembly plant, the same year the company introduced the flathead V8. It was a freewheeling time in the auto industry, when there were no emissions regulations and gas was 10 cents a gallon. Total vehicle sales that year were around 920,000.
While this building is a ghost of the past, the Prius Family is the spirit of the future.
Ultimately, it is our customers who will be making Prius a family. All family members will have the same Prius DNA that you've come to know well over the last decade, but each will have distinct differences that deliver unique benefits to a variety of ages and lifestyles. And all four Prius models will hold a unique place in the family.
Here's a spot that will start running nationally next Monday that captures the unique characteristics of the Prius Family.
While each will have their own personality, they will have a "family resemblance" that will be distinctly Prius. Besides sharing our tried and true Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, we expect every Prius to have class-leading fuel economy.
Unlike 1932, CO2 emissions and energy policies are now a big factor, and Toyota is the industry leader in environmental and fuel-conservation technology.
Toyota made a commitment to the environment more than 20 years ago by investing in hybrid technology, and the first Prius went on sale in Japan in 1997. Three years later, Prius reached the U.S., and there were some in our industry that didn't give it a serious thought.
But it was those enthusiastic early adopters I spoke of before, who had a passion and advocacy for the Prius, who helped quickly make it an enthusiast's car for a new kind of enthusiast. One who wasn't drawn to horsepower or 0-60 times, but had a passion for new technology that was not just cleaner and more efficient, but by a large margin! The Bay Area was home to many of those early Prius enthusiasts. The first buyers of Prius included environmentally conscious people but also technology engineers in and around Silicon Valley. Early on, 1 of 3 Prius was sold in California; popularity still remains high with 1 of 4 today. While Camry is widely known for being our best selling model in the U.S., Prius has actually outsold Camry in Northern California the last four years and so far this year as well.
If I asked you to guess which dealership was the first to sell more Prius than Camry, you probably wouldn't be surprised to find out it was a dealership here in the east Bay. But if you had to guess when that first occurred, most of you would be surprised that it was as early as 2001 the second year of Prius existence here in America.
Last year, our San Francisco Region, which works with all the area dealerships, sold 32 percent more Prius than Camry, while the rest of the U.S. was only selling half as many Prius as Camry.
It's due to this success of Prius that we will have four distinct family members within the next 6-9 months the Prius Liftback, Prius v, Prius Plug-in and the Prius c. As a family with four distinct members, I could see Prius outselling Camry throughout the U.S. by the end of the decade, just like they do here in the Bay Area.
Prius has the highest brand awareness of any hybrid, literally defining what a "hybrid vehicle is," with one out of every two hybrids sold in the U.S. being a Prius. Since it first went on sale, more than two million have been sold worldwide, including more than 1 million here in the U.S. And one of the things I'm most proud of, and an area some early skeptics questioned, is that in the U.S., 97-percent of all Prius sold are still on the road today.
In addition to helping set the path for all other hybrids by building consumer trust in hybrid technology, the Prius has truly changed what a vehicle's impact, or lack of impact, can really be.
For instance, compared to the average car, Prius has saved an estimated $2.5 billion on fuel in the U.S. since 2000. According to a recent study, if everyone in the U.S. drove a Prius, we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil by 70 percent. In addition to the approximately 900-million gallons of gas saved since its launch, Prius has also saved more than 14-millons tons of CO2 emissions based on the EPA's estimates.
These are many of the reasons why we are going to expand Prius into a family of vehicles, and the first new model to join the flagship Liftback is the Prius v, which goes on sale the end of next month.
During the 11 years Prius has been on sale in the U.S, we've listened to our customers and also those who considered Prius but decided not to buy one. Some of those people told us that they loved the Prius, they wanted something with more space.
Since we first showed the Prius v in January, the feedback we've received has been outstanding. The "v" will be an unmatched combination of versatility and fuel efficiency in a midsize package that's a perfect fit for young families who value space, comfort, fuel efficiency and technology. With 58-percent more cargo space than the Liftback to meet the needs of these young families, the Prius v has more cargo space than 80-percent of the small SUVs on the road today.
In addition to meeting their needs, the Prius v will also be a great value to them. Today, we're announcing for the first time the pricing for the "v", which will start at $26,400.
With all the additional useable space and convenience, the Prius v will be competitively priced compared to cross-shopped vehicles while getting twice the fuel economy.
The Prius v will be followed by the Prius Plug-in next March, and the Prius c will follow in the Spring. The Prius c will offer expressive styling in a city-friendly vehicle that we believe will be the most fuel efficient hybrid without a plug in the U.S. While we showed you a "c Concept" at this year's Detroit Auto Show, we will be debuting the production Prius c for the first time in Detroit this coming January.
Today, in addition to the Prius Plug-in, we're also showing for the first time in the U.S. third-generation Prius Liftback, which gets a strong refresh for the new model year. It will continue to be a highly advanced vehicle that delivers a combined 50 miles-per-gallon, the best fuel economy of any cordless vehicle sold in the U.S. Since it was launched in May of 2009, more than 300,000 have been sold, and it continues to be a benchmark for all hybrids that follow.
This iconic vehicle will be the patriarch of the Prius Family and the flagship of its nameplate. In 2012, the Prius Liftback will receive a new look in the front, including the front fascia, bumper and lower grill opening. In addition, the headlamps and tail lamps are also restyled. The popular Prius Two grade will get newly styled 15-inch wheel covers and standard daytime Running Lights.
Inside, the Prius driver will see new unique additions and improvements to the Multi-information Display, including revised graphics and colors in the Energy Monitor.
The Prius Liftback - like the Prius v - will receive our new Display Audio System. In addition to great features like a 6.1-inch touch screen and an optional integrated back-up camera, Display Audio will allow the Prius to offer our acclaimed Entune multimedia system.
With features that many consumers have grown accustomed to with their smart phones, Entune offers seamless integration into their vehicle. It features unique apps that help make owners lives easier like Open Table or MovieTickets.com and more enjoyable with music selections from Pandora and I-heart-radio. Here's a short video to show you how it works.
In case you haven't had a chance to experience Entune, we have some vehicles today that will allow you to see it for yourself.
And based on customer feedback over the last two years since its launch, the Prius Liftback will now include some available features at higher trim levels that buyers strongly requested, like Heads-Up Display, a Power Driver's Seat, and SofTex-trimmed seats.
While we think Prius' new changes this year will help it maintain its hybrid leadership, the main reason we invited you here today was to be the first to see and experience the production Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
The Plug-in will be the Prius family member that represents the best of both worlds: superior fuel economy of the Prius with added EV driving capability.
We call it the car with no compromises: When the EV power runs out, the proven Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive System takes over, giving the driver the same fantastic Prius out on the road today. It a better overall package, with more passenger convenience, comfort and utility than other plug-ins or EVs on the market today.
The Prius Plug-in that will go on sale next March can be driven about 15 miles on battery power alone, which is about 15-percent more than the demonstration vehicles that have been out on the road this past year, and at speeds up to 62 miles-per-hour on pure EV. An EV drive-mode button will conveniently allow the driver to select when battery power is used, giving them more flexibility.
In our internal testing, the Plug-in has achieved at least 87 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe), and when the gas-electric Hybrid Synergy Drive takes over, the Prius Plug-in still gets an outstanding 49 mpg combined. The Plug-in will also earn an enhanced AT-PZEV emissions rating, which qualifies it for California HOV lane access.
The new lighter weight, more compact Lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged from depletion in just three hours on standard 120 Volt and about half that time on 240 Volt, significantly shorter charge times than any other plug-in or EV on the market today.
We've also made it easier for Prius Plug-in owners on the go to cut their charge time in half. Last month, we announced our selection of Leviton as an approved provider of Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment for our customers and dealers. Leviton will offer a variety of charging solutions, as well as a certified installation team, industry-leading warranty, and extensive customer service center. The Leviton 240-volt product will be available at an industry-best price starting at $999 for the 16 amp, level 2 charging station, including installation. And they will be available to our customers through Leviton beginning in early October.
The Prius Plug-in will mirror the 2012 Prius in the new styling features, but it will have its own unique details to help differentiate it as the Plug-in. It will feature a new Hybrid Synergy Drive Plug-in badge and a uniquely styled 15-inch alloy wheel. The Plug-in will have unique chrome grille and bumper garnishes, as well as blue-accent headlamps.
The Prius Plug-in will also receive the Multi-information Display changes that were included in the Liftback, along with an EV icon that will indicate when the gas engine is off, and an EV state-of-charge indicator will let the driver know how much pure-electric capacity is available.
Like, the 2012 Liftback, the Prius Plug-in will receive the Display Audio system and Entune capability.
The Plug-in will also launch our newest telematics applications for Entune, specifically designed for Plug-in Hybrid needs. We'll have more details to share with you in the future, but the new applications will include Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard, all available from the owner's smart phone.
One of the reasons we're announcing specific details about the Prius Plug-in today is that we'll begin taking online orders for the first cars next month.
Last April, we launched the Priority Registration site on Earth Day, and received a great response with 42,000 people expressing strong interest in the Prius Plug-in. Our goal was to provide a great customer experience for our early adopters and provide the first steps leading to picking up their new Plug-in at their local Toyota dealer.
Here's a video, which will go live today on Toyota.com that shows you how easily the ordering process will work.
As we've mentioned in the past, the Prius Plug-in will initially be available in 14 west and east coast states at launch next Spring. And it will become available in all 50 States in 2013.
The Plug-in will be for a specific Prius buyer. It's a perfect car for someone like me who commutes just 7 miles a day but also wants to be able to visit family in Santa Barbara on the weekends. And, for those consumers who make regular trips of 15 miles or less and then recharge, it's possible they wouldn't ever use any gas. We expect to sell about 15,000 Prius Plug-ins the first full year.
When it goes on sale, the Plug-in will be the lowest-priced plug-in hybrid or pure EV vehicle on the market, starting at $32,000. But when you deduct the $2,500 federal tax credit, it will come in under $30,000.
I've said in the past, that I see the Prius Family meeting customer needs so well that it collectively will eventually pass Camry as our top selling nameplate, but were not stopping there when it comes to new products. Our comprehensive portfolio of hybrid and electric vehicles will include the new Camry Hybrid - which will arrive later this fall - and the RAV4 EV next year.
While the iQ EV will be a fleet vehicle providing urban driver's a specific need, the Rav4 EV will have a wider application in its second generation.
The first-generation RAV4 EV launched in 1997, and about 1,500 were sold and leased. Nearly 50-percent of those units are still in operation.
In July of last year, Toyota and Tesla announced a partnership and plans to jointly develop an electric version of the RAV4, and last November the first pre-production prototype Rav4 EV debuted at the LA Auto Show.
Beginning in February of this year, Tesla delivered the first of 31 converted demonstration vehicles. The design and technical features of the vehicle on display here today are targets for the fully engineered production version that will be offered next year.
The Bay Area has embraced battery electric vehicles in the past, including the first-generation Rav4 EV. And we plan on launching the first phase of the RAV4 EV program here in California, where we see the early adopters living and working.
I want to thank you again for spending the day with us. You'll be the first to drive the new Prius Plug-in, and we're also happy to offer our other hybrids as well, including the new Camry Hybrid, our Prius Liftback, and the Highlander Hybrid, all of which have the top mpg in their respective segments.
I'd like to turn it over to Dave Lee from the University of Toyota, who will give you a closer look at the Prius Plug-in and refreshed 2012 Prius TNS aa88aa88 110921-3593153 71AfzalAli (c) 2011 Targeted News Service
Sept. 16, 2011 Bob Carter - Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Good morning everyone, and thanks again for spending the day with us at the Craneway Pavilion, as we debut a unique vehicle for a unique owner.
As some of you know, Toyota is a major sponsor of tomorrow's Green Drive Expo - just as we were last year during the event's inaugural year - and it is a great opportunity for us to showcase our environmental efforts to an enthusiastic group of people. It's those enthusiasts who really helped make the Prius the success it is today.
This unique facility is an example of automotive contrasts. The Craneway opened in 1932 as a Ford assembly plant, the same year the company introduced the flathead V8. It was a freewheeling time in the auto industry, when there were no emissions regulations and gas was 10 cents a gallon. Total vehicle sales that year were around 920,000.
While this building is a ghost of the past, the Prius Family is the spirit of the future.
Ultimately, it is our customers who will be making Prius a family. All family members will have the same Prius DNA that you've come to know well over the last decade, but each will have distinct differences that deliver unique benefits to a variety of ages and lifestyles. And all four Prius models will hold a unique place in the family.
Here's a spot that will start running nationally next Monday that captures the unique characteristics of the Prius Family.
While each will have their own personality, they will have a "family resemblance" that will be distinctly Prius. Besides sharing our tried and true Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, we expect every Prius to have class-leading fuel economy.
Unlike 1932, CO2 emissions and energy policies are now a big factor, and Toyota is the industry leader in environmental and fuel-conservation technology.
Toyota made a commitment to the environment more than 20 years ago by investing in hybrid technology, and the first Prius went on sale in Japan in 1997. Three years later, Prius reached the U.S., and there were some in our industry that didn't give it a serious thought.
But it was those enthusiastic early adopters I spoke of before, who had a passion and advocacy for the Prius, who helped quickly make it an enthusiast's car for a new kind of enthusiast. One who wasn't drawn to horsepower or 0-60 times, but had a passion for new technology that was not just cleaner and more efficient, but by a large margin! The Bay Area was home to many of those early Prius enthusiasts. The first buyers of Prius included environmentally conscious people but also technology engineers in and around Silicon Valley. Early on, 1 of 3 Prius was sold in California; popularity still remains high with 1 of 4 today. While Camry is widely known for being our best selling model in the U.S., Prius has actually outsold Camry in Northern California the last four years and so far this year as well.
If I asked you to guess which dealership was the first to sell more Prius than Camry, you probably wouldn't be surprised to find out it was a dealership here in the east Bay. But if you had to guess when that first occurred, most of you would be surprised that it was as early as 2001 the second year of Prius existence here in America.
Last year, our San Francisco Region, which works with all the area dealerships, sold 32 percent more Prius than Camry, while the rest of the U.S. was only selling half as many Prius as Camry.
It's due to this success of Prius that we will have four distinct family members within the next 6-9 months the Prius Liftback, Prius v, Prius Plug-in and the Prius c. As a family with four distinct members, I could see Prius outselling Camry throughout the U.S. by the end of the decade, just like they do here in the Bay Area.
Prius has the highest brand awareness of any hybrid, literally defining what a "hybrid vehicle is," with one out of every two hybrids sold in the U.S. being a Prius. Since it first went on sale, more than two million have been sold worldwide, including more than 1 million here in the U.S. And one of the things I'm most proud of, and an area some early skeptics questioned, is that in the U.S., 97-percent of all Prius sold are still on the road today.
In addition to helping set the path for all other hybrids by building consumer trust in hybrid technology, the Prius has truly changed what a vehicle's impact, or lack of impact, can really be.
For instance, compared to the average car, Prius has saved an estimated $2.5 billion on fuel in the U.S. since 2000. According to a recent study, if everyone in the U.S. drove a Prius, we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil by 70 percent. In addition to the approximately 900-million gallons of gas saved since its launch, Prius has also saved more than 14-millons tons of CO2 emissions based on the EPA's estimates.
These are many of the reasons why we are going to expand Prius into a family of vehicles, and the first new model to join the flagship Liftback is the Prius v, which goes on sale the end of next month.
During the 11 years Prius has been on sale in the U.S, we've listened to our customers and also those who considered Prius but decided not to buy one. Some of those people told us that they loved the Prius, they wanted something with more space.
Since we first showed the Prius v in January, the feedback we've received has been outstanding. The "v" will be an unmatched combination of versatility and fuel efficiency in a midsize package that's a perfect fit for young families who value space, comfort, fuel efficiency and technology. With 58-percent more cargo space than the Liftback to meet the needs of these young families, the Prius v has more cargo space than 80-percent of the small SUVs on the road today.
In addition to meeting their needs, the Prius v will also be a great value to them. Today, we're announcing for the first time the pricing for the "v", which will start at $26,400.
With all the additional useable space and convenience, the Prius v will be competitively priced compared to cross-shopped vehicles while getting twice the fuel economy.
The Prius v will be followed by the Prius Plug-in next March, and the Prius c will follow in the Spring. The Prius c will offer expressive styling in a city-friendly vehicle that we believe will be the most fuel efficient hybrid without a plug in the U.S. While we showed you a "c Concept" at this year's Detroit Auto Show, we will be debuting the production Prius c for the first time in Detroit this coming January.
Today, in addition to the Prius Plug-in, we're also showing for the first time in the U.S. third-generation Prius Liftback, which gets a strong refresh for the new model year. It will continue to be a highly advanced vehicle that delivers a combined 50 miles-per-gallon, the best fuel economy of any cordless vehicle sold in the U.S. Since it was launched in May of 2009, more than 300,000 have been sold, and it continues to be a benchmark for all hybrids that follow.
This iconic vehicle will be the patriarch of the Prius Family and the flagship of its nameplate. In 2012, the Prius Liftback will receive a new look in the front, including the front fascia, bumper and lower grill opening. In addition, the headlamps and tail lamps are also restyled. The popular Prius Two grade will get newly styled 15-inch wheel covers and standard daytime Running Lights.
Inside, the Prius driver will see new unique additions and improvements to the Multi-information Display, including revised graphics and colors in the Energy Monitor.
The Prius Liftback - like the Prius v - will receive our new Display Audio System. In addition to great features like a 6.1-inch touch screen and an optional integrated back-up camera, Display Audio will allow the Prius to offer our acclaimed Entune multimedia system.
With features that many consumers have grown accustomed to with their smart phones, Entune offers seamless integration into their vehicle. It features unique apps that help make owners lives easier like Open Table or MovieTickets.com and more enjoyable with music selections from Pandora and I-heart-radio. Here's a short video to show you how it works.
In case you haven't had a chance to experience Entune, we have some vehicles today that will allow you to see it for yourself.
And based on customer feedback over the last two years since its launch, the Prius Liftback will now include some available features at higher trim levels that buyers strongly requested, like Heads-Up Display, a Power Driver's Seat, and SofTex-trimmed seats.
While we think Prius' new changes this year will help it maintain its hybrid leadership, the main reason we invited you here today was to be the first to see and experience the production Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
The Plug-in will be the Prius family member that represents the best of both worlds: superior fuel economy of the Prius with added EV driving capability.
We call it the car with no compromises: When the EV power runs out, the proven Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive System takes over, giving the driver the same fantastic Prius out on the road today. It a better overall package, with more passenger convenience, comfort and utility than other plug-ins or EVs on the market today.
The Prius Plug-in that will go on sale next March can be driven about 15 miles on battery power alone, which is about 15-percent more than the demonstration vehicles that have been out on the road this past year, and at speeds up to 62 miles-per-hour on pure EV. An EV drive-mode button will conveniently allow the driver to select when battery power is used, giving them more flexibility.
In our internal testing, the Plug-in has achieved at least 87 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe), and when the gas-electric Hybrid Synergy Drive takes over, the Prius Plug-in still gets an outstanding 49 mpg combined. The Plug-in will also earn an enhanced AT-PZEV emissions rating, which qualifies it for California HOV lane access.
The new lighter weight, more compact Lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged from depletion in just three hours on standard 120 Volt and about half that time on 240 Volt, significantly shorter charge times than any other plug-in or EV on the market today.
We've also made it easier for Prius Plug-in owners on the go to cut their charge time in half. Last month, we announced our selection of Leviton as an approved provider of Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment for our customers and dealers. Leviton will offer a variety of charging solutions, as well as a certified installation team, industry-leading warranty, and extensive customer service center. The Leviton 240-volt product will be available at an industry-best price starting at $999 for the 16 amp, level 2 charging station, including installation. And they will be available to our customers through Leviton beginning in early October.
The Prius Plug-in will mirror the 2012 Prius in the new styling features, but it will have its own unique details to help differentiate it as the Plug-in. It will feature a new Hybrid Synergy Drive Plug-in badge and a uniquely styled 15-inch alloy wheel. The Plug-in will have unique chrome grille and bumper garnishes, as well as blue-accent headlamps.
The Prius Plug-in will also receive the Multi-information Display changes that were included in the Liftback, along with an EV icon that will indicate when the gas engine is off, and an EV state-of-charge indicator will let the driver know how much pure-electric capacity is available.
Like, the 2012 Liftback, the Prius Plug-in will receive the Display Audio system and Entune capability.
The Plug-in will also launch our newest telematics applications for Entune, specifically designed for Plug-in Hybrid needs. We'll have more details to share with you in the future, but the new applications will include Charge Management, Remote Air Conditioning System, Charging Station Map, Vehicle Finder and Eco Dashboard, all available from the owner's smart phone.
One of the reasons we're announcing specific details about the Prius Plug-in today is that we'll begin taking online orders for the first cars next month.
Last April, we launched the Priority Registration site on Earth Day, and received a great response with 42,000 people expressing strong interest in the Prius Plug-in. Our goal was to provide a great customer experience for our early adopters and provide the first steps leading to picking up their new Plug-in at their local Toyota dealer.
Here's a video, which will go live today on Toyota.com that shows you how easily the ordering process will work.
As we've mentioned in the past, the Prius Plug-in will initially be available in 14 west and east coast states at launch next Spring. And it will become available in all 50 States in 2013.
The Plug-in will be for a specific Prius buyer. It's a perfect car for someone like me who commutes just 7 miles a day but also wants to be able to visit family in Santa Barbara on the weekends. And, for those consumers who make regular trips of 15 miles or less and then recharge, it's possible they wouldn't ever use any gas. We expect to sell about 15,000 Prius Plug-ins the first full year.
When it goes on sale, the Plug-in will be the lowest-priced plug-in hybrid or pure EV vehicle on the market, starting at $32,000. But when you deduct the $2,500 federal tax credit, it will come in under $30,000.
I've said in the past, that I see the Prius Family meeting customer needs so well that it collectively will eventually pass Camry as our top selling nameplate, but were not stopping there when it comes to new products. Our comprehensive portfolio of hybrid and electric vehicles will include the new Camry Hybrid - which will arrive later this fall - and the RAV4 EV next year.
While the iQ EV will be a fleet vehicle providing urban driver's a specific need, the Rav4 EV will have a wider application in its second generation.
The first-generation RAV4 EV launched in 1997, and about 1,500 were sold and leased. Nearly 50-percent of those units are still in operation.
In July of last year, Toyota and Tesla announced a partnership and plans to jointly develop an electric version of the RAV4, and last November the first pre-production prototype Rav4 EV debuted at the LA Auto Show.
Beginning in February of this year, Tesla delivered the first of 31 converted demonstration vehicles. The design and technical features of the vehicle on display here today are targets for the fully engineered production version that will be offered next year.
The Bay Area has embraced battery electric vehicles in the past, including the first-generation Rav4 EV. And we plan on launching the first phase of the RAV4 EV program here in California, where we see the early adopters living and working.
I want to thank you again for spending the day with us. You'll be the first to drive the new Prius Plug-in, and we're also happy to offer our other hybrids as well, including the new Camry Hybrid, our Prius Liftback, and the Highlander Hybrid, all of which have the top mpg in their respective segments.
I'd like to turn it over to Dave Lee from the University of Toyota, who will give you a closer look at the Prius Plug-in and refreshed 2012 Prius TNS aa88aa88 110921-3593153 71AfzalAli (c) 2011 Targeted News Service
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Qigong:Awaken Your True Power of Vitality, Joy and Wellness
Qigong Workshop Event with Master Gu
Sunday, Sept 25, 2011
11am - 5pm
Craneway Pavilion
1414 Harbour Way South
Would you like more energy, enthusiasm and health everyday?
Learn how to thrive in the 21st century at the largest Northern California Wisdom Healing Qigong Event of the Year led by Master Mingtong Gu. Qigong rejuvenates vitality to awaken your future.
During this one day workshop, learn the ancient Qigong Teachings, Practice and Sound Healing to survive and thrive through stress, illness and aging. Master Gu trained in China in the proven mind-body practice and rare sounds that awaken your inner wisdom. He was awarded 2011 Qigong Master of the Year by 13th World Congress on Qigong. Guest musicians.
Suited to all abilities and health conditions.
For more information visit www.chicenter.com
Tickets: $44 ( before Sep 20) $55 (after Sep 20)
Sunday, Sept 25, 2011
11am - 5pm
Craneway Pavilion
1414 Harbour Way South
Would you like more energy, enthusiasm and health everyday?
Learn how to thrive in the 21st century at the largest Northern California Wisdom Healing Qigong Event of the Year led by Master Mingtong Gu. Qigong rejuvenates vitality to awaken your future.
During this one day workshop, learn the ancient Qigong Teachings, Practice and Sound Healing to survive and thrive through stress, illness and aging. Master Gu trained in China in the proven mind-body practice and rare sounds that awaken your inner wisdom. He was awarded 2011 Qigong Master of the Year by 13th World Congress on Qigong. Guest musicians.
Suited to all abilities and health conditions.
For more information visit www.chicenter.com
Tickets: $44 ( before Sep 20) $55 (after Sep 20)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
R3 solar rebate program for Richmond residents
The City of Richmond is offering a program that provides a rebate to homeowners for solar installations! The program offers two rebate amounts:1) generous rebates for any income homeowners, and
2) free solar installations for qualifying lower income homeowners. Find out more about R3.
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