It’s no secret that 2017 has been a rollercoaster of a ride for me. From January till Hurricane Harvey decided to close out the fiscal year with mass flooding, it seemed as if I was starring in a Lemony Snicket's series of unfortunate events. Dealing with one life altering circumstance can weigh one down. Adding multiple issues can allow despair to creep in, depression can overtake strength, and giving up all together seems like the best option. But I, including my family, am just not built that way. Weak is not in our vocabulary. Qualities like holding each other accountable for our actions, having a fierce loyalty to the ones we care about, and being so loving that we allow it to conquer all.

These same qualities in my family coincide with the Toyota brand to me. Toyota holds themselves accountable by not cutting corners and using the best materials because it’s just the right thing to do. Toyota customers are loyal to the brand because Toyota is loyal to them making sure they always get a fair shake. And, finally, Toyota is a loving company and they share the love with everyone under the umbrella of the brand – from their employees, customers, and the communities they support.

Accountability, loyalty, and love are three important qualities that drive my family and Toyota. Here’s why.

Accountability:

Right is right and wrong is wrong. We do not stand by each other if we are wrong. This is extremely important to my family because if you don’t hold people accountable for their actions, then how can you correct a wrong; something that could possibly bring harm to others. Holding each other accountable, no matter how much it pains us to disagree or be disappointed in our family for a wayward decision, actually teaches valuable lessons like responsibility.

A responsible driver is one that pays attention to the road, doesn’t text and drive, and knows their role behind is serious. I admit that although I know the importance of being a responsible driver, I get distracted. That’s why my favorite feature on the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is the Color Head-Up Windshield Display. It is one of the ways Toyota holds me accountable. Information critical to driving is display right in front of you on the windshield without interfering with your drive. Each time there was a speed limit change it popped up on the display. I, then, had the option to continue at my current speed or adjust my speed. Something so small as this decision could greatly impact my life as well as others.

Loyalty:

We are very loyal people. There is a famous quote from a very popular TV show called Game of Thrones that states, “A Lannister always pays its debts.” Well, the Bell family put our twist on it, “A Bell always keeps its word.” There are so many important foundational qualities wrapped up in loyalty, like dependable, trust and honesty; the same qualities we look for in brands.

Customers can depend on Toyota to keep them safe, not only with just the most advanced airbag system ever, but also with Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alerts, Side Lane Sensors, and Intelligent Park Assist. Just like our word is our bond, Toyota’s is as well. Guaranteeing to save you money by producing the most advanced hybrid ever. With an average EPA estimate of 54-mpg city, Toyota is making sure you spend enjoying your ride versus filling up at a gas station. But what if you want to see an instant saving? Just by driving a plug-in electric vehicle like the Toyota Prius Prime, you can receive up to $4500 in federal tax credit. Cha-ching thanks to the federal government!

Love:

Of course, love is the greatest quality that drives my family. Love “covers a multitude of sins.” Love is the foundation of my family. Love keeps our bond tight, even when we don’t see eye-to-eye or have disagreements. Love moves us to want to see each other succeed. The next generation of my family will be successful because of the sacrifice other family members make today. Some of my cousins are first generation college students, due to a loving family member that is working hard to see that young one become a college grad. We do everything out of love.

Toyota shows love to not just its customers but to the planet. One can tell the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime was made out of love. Most shy away from plug-in vehicles because they just simply don’t know enough about them or feel they need special equipment. Toyota is the kind of brand that accepts challenges and not runs from them. Their hybrid line is one of the best in the industry. Using technology and innovation, the Toyota Prius Prime keeps the planet safe without complication. Instead of using special equipment to charge it up, the Toyota Prius Prime uses a noncomplex cable that simply plugs into the regular outlet already in most home garages. Simple right? No worries about losing a charge on the road because there are charge mappings that can be found on the Toyota Prius Prime app that is directly downloadable to the driver’s phone. Charging, climate control, radio settings, saved destinations, fuel guides, and more are all in the palm of your hand with the app. Sounds like love to me.

With a sleek exterior and interior, the Toyota Prius Prime is geared towards everyone - single moms, college students, retirees, and first time drivers – the entire family. It’s sporty and a smooth ride all in one.

Well, now that you know what drives my family and Toyota, can I ride along to see what drives yours? Let’s Go Places. For more information, visit Toyota.com.