Toyota Matrix is all new for 2011. The popular Japanese hatchback continues to surprise buyers and the shoppers at Handy Toyota in St. Albans, Vermont.

The Matrix comes standard with a 132 horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder - mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

The S trim variant come with a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Front wheel drive is standard on Matrix, and all wheel drive is optional on the S. EPA mileage…

A better way to power electric cars? a quest for automakers and seemingly elusive wish of consumers. However, Toyota Motor Co., the world's largest seller of hybrid autos is on it. Their most current initiative is developing a magnesium battery that holds twice the energy of lithium-ion cells. And according to the engineer managing the U.S. project, Jeffrey Makarewiez, the work in Ann Arbor complements other future electric-power chemistries at Toyota labs in…

The Collaborative Safety Research Center is the name of the new safety research center, Toyota is planning to launch at its technical safety center in Ann Arbor, MI. Between 2011 and 2016, the well-known car company plans to invest an estimated $50 million into the Center. And, the program will provide more work for over 1,000 Toyota employees who work in Ann Arbor as well as a $187-million complex in York Township.

The new…