Gearing Up for Bud Gates Bike Drive 2026
Assembling Bikes, Building Community
Each spring, something remarkable happens behind the showroom doors at Toyota South. Workbenches are rolled out, wrenches are handed off like batons, and an assembly line starts clicking into motion. The mission is to build a bike for every car sold in May. The recipients are local foster children who might never forget the day they received their very own bike, and the people who built it just for them.
As we look ahead to the 2025 Bud Gates Bike Drive, excitement is already building.
A Tradition Rooted in Heart
The Bud Gates Bike Drive began as a tribute to the late Bud Gates, founder of Toyota South and a man deeply committed to serving his community. His son, Steve Gates, now carries that legacy forward, transforming what began as a thoughtful gesture into a full-scale annual event with a huge impact.
What started with fewer than 100 bikes has now become a signature tradition. Over the last decade, more than 1,000 new bikes and helmets have been assembled and delivered to foster children throughout the Richmond and Lexington area. These are not secondhand donations. Each bike is brand new, carefully constructed, test-ridden, and fitted with a matching helmet before it’s handed off to a waiting child.
Precision, Toyota Style
The drive’s most notable feature is its assembly process. We’re talking about one that mirrors the sophistication of Toyota’s own manufacturing lines. Volunteers from the Georgetown Toyota Plant, including members of the Toyota Christian Fellowship, transform our dealership into a bustling bike-building operation. Parts are laid out. Roles are assigned. With efficiency that would make any engineer proud, the bikes come together one by one.
Roughly 20 plant employees make up the core of the build team, but they’re far from alone. Our entire sales team jumps in to help, organizing helmets, greeting families, making final adjustments, and handing each bike to a child.
One Day, Hundreds of Smiles
The real magic happens in June, when foster families arrive to pick up their bikes. It all happens in one day, build to hand off. The energy is hard to describe. There are no press events, no flashy announcements. Just kids picking out their favorite color, parents and guardians smiling with gratitude, and volunteers quietly beaming behind the scenes.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we prepare for the 11th Bud Gates Bike Drive, we do so with gratitude for the children who trust us to show up, for the foster families who do so much with so little, and for the volunteers who make this event possible year after year.
There’s no need for a flashy call-to-action or big campaign. The Bud Gates Bike Drive has always been about people, not promotion. If you’re a customer, a neighbor, a foster parent, or a Toyota team member, you’re already part of this story. If you’ve been with us on this journey, thank you.
We’ll be back in May. The bikes will be ready, and the joy will be just as real as ever.
A Tradition of Giving That Keeps Growing
For seven years, Toyota South’s Secret Families has become one of the most meaningful traditions in Madison County. It began in Indiana, where our Toyota of Muncie dealership hosted this event for over 15 years, serving over 400 families. Now, we’ve adopted this wonderful tradition at Kentucky locations, where it has grown over the past seven years.
What started as a simple idea, to help local families who need a little extra support during the holidays, has grown into a full community effort powered by volunteers, local partners, and the team at Gates Auto Family and Toyota South’s Secret Families.
In 2025, Secret Families is returning once again, and this year’s goal is the biggest yet.
How Secret Families Works
Every season, the Madison County Schools Office of Family Resources shares a list of the families in the greatest need. Volunteers then contact each family to learn what would make their holiday a little brighter, specific wish list items for parents, kids, and teens. In the week leading up to delivery, any family that asks receives a Christmas tree, thanks to Lowe’s generosity.
Then comes the big day.
On one Saturday in December, volunteers gather at Meijer long before the store opens. Meijer welcomes the group inside early and helps wherever they can, from providing staff to assisting with discounts. Each family receives $550 worth of gifts, thoughtfully selected based on their individual requests. It’s a busy, joyful whirlwind of carts, lists, and teamwork.
After the shopping trip wraps up, the event moves to Toyota South, where the service shop transforms into a full wrapping headquarters. Stations pop up across the space, volunteers tape and tie bows as fast as they can, and the room fills with music, laughter, and plenty of holiday excitement. Once everything is wrapped, the teams deliver the gifts directly to each home. Families are also blessed with trees donated by Silvercliff Landscaping.
Last year, 73 families were served. In 2025, the goal is 100. Over the past seven years, Secret Families has supported more and more families. That’s an incredible milestone made possible by the generosity of our community and the personal contributions from Mr. Gates.
Why Toyota South Hosts This Event
Secret Families is something Toyota South looks forward to all year. We proudly host the event and provide the space to make it possible. Giving back to the community is at the heart of who we are, and Secret Families is one of the most meaningful ways they can make a difference during the holidays.
The team sees firsthand how much joy and relief this brings to families. Parents who weren’t sure whether they’d have gifts to give now have presents wrapped and ready. Kids who expected very little wake up to items they truly wanted. Families who might have spent the day worrying instead get to celebrate together.
It’s hard not to feel the impact of that.
How You Can Get Involved in 2025
This year’s goal of serving 100 families is exciting, but it also means Secret Families needs more help than ever. On average, 50–60 volunteers come out each year, but hitting this year’s goal will take more hands, more shoppers, more wrappers, and more drivers.
Donations are also essential. With $550 spent per family, last year’s event required more than $40,000 in community support. The goal this year means we need to raise over $55,000 between what Mr. Gates donates and community donations. Every contribution directly impacts how many families can be added to the list.
Learn how to donate or sign up to volunteer at Toyota South. Whether you want to give time, resources, or both, there’s a place for you at Secret Families.
A Legacy of Excellence Recognized Year After Year
For more than three decades, Toyota South has received one of Toyota’s highest honors: the President’s Award. Earning this distinction once is a mark of excellence. Winning it over 30 times is something very few dealerships nationwide can claim.
This award recognizes a dealership that consistently exceeds expectations. For Toyota South, this is much more than a plaque on the wall or another certificate. It’s a reflection of the way we choose to do business: centered on people, driven by service, and committed to improving every day.
Year after year, the team at Toyota South continues to build a dealership experience rooted in trust, transparency, and a genuine dedication to our customers. From sales and service to parts and community involvement, we work to make sure every guest receives attentive care at every opportunity. That long-term consistency is what keeps us among the most respected Toyota dealers in the region.
A History of Excellence
Toyota South’s history with the President’s Award goes far beyond a few milestones. The dealership has earned this honor almost every year from 1990 through 2024, totaling 32 awards in 35 years! That kind of streak is almost unheard of, and it shows how consistently the team delivers the level of care Toyota looks for when selecting its top-performing stores.
This newest President’s Award win marks yet another chapter in a long history of exceptional performance and reinforces what our customers have known for decades: Toyota South sets the bar high and keeps raising it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the President’s Award for Toyota?
The Toyota President’s Award is one of the top honors that Toyota Motor Sales gives to its dealers. It recognizes stores that excel in customer satisfaction, business operations, sales, and service. Only dealerships that deliver an outstanding experience across every part of our business earn this recognition.
What Is the President’s Award for Car Dealerships?
For car dealerships, the President’s Award serves as a benchmark for exceptional performance. It reflects a dealership’s ability to consistently provide outstanding service to customers while maintaining high standards in sales, operations, community involvement, and long-term customer care. It’s a sign that a dealership is performing at the highest level.
What Does the President’s Award Mean?
Winning this award means that a dealership has reached Toyota’s highest expectations for quality and customer satisfaction. It represents dedication from every department: sales, service, financing, and management. It also shows that customers can expect a trustworthy and dependable experience every time they visit.
What Is the Most Awarded Toyota Dealership in Kentucky?
While Toyota does not publish an official statewide ranking, Toyota South has earned the President’s Award more than 30 times. That’s an achievement that is virtually unheard of. Very few dealerships in the country can match this level of long-term recognition, which speaks to Toyota South’s consistency and commitment to its customers.
How Many Times Has Toyota South Won the Toyota President’s Award?
Toyota South has received this honor over 30 times. That remarkable streak places them in an elite category nationwide and reflects decades of dedicated service, strong leadership, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction.
Looking Ahead Together
Toyota South’s long run of President’s Awards reflects years of showing up for customers and doing things the right way. Earning this honor 32 times is rare, and it speaks to how much the team cares about the people who walk through our doors. As we move forward, our focus stays on creating experiences that feel genuine, helpful, and consistent. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after many years, Toyota South is proud to be part of your car-buying and owning experience.
Trim Levels of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Spacious and luxurious, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is an all-new model with room for up to eight adults, so you can take on daily chores and exciting adventures in comfort. Every model is powered by a 2.4-liter turbo engine that produces 265 horsepower and tows up to 5,000 lbs. It comes in three feature-packed trim levels, including the convenient and comfortable XLE, the plush Limited, and the advanced Platinum.
1. XLE
SofTex-trimmed seats, three-zone auto climate control, and 18-inch alloy wheels are just a few of the features that you’ll find on the well-equipped XLE. Inside the seven- or eight-passenger cabin, it has heated front seats, second-row retractable window sunshades, and seven USB-C ports, plus Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging. Its power liftgate opens with the press of a button, and its Smart Key System can unlock the doors and start the engine while your key stays in your pocket.
At the center of the XLE’s dashboard, a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen controls vehicle and audio settings and connects to your smartphone wirelessly using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Advanced safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0’s seven driver assistance features, plus a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to detect vehicles you might not be able to see.
2. Limited
The Limited takes convenience to the next level, with features like rain-sensing windshield wipers and a foot-activated power liftgate that gives you hands-free access to the cargo area. Its cabin includes luxuries like leather-trimmed seats, ambient interior lighting, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The Limited also has 20-inch alloy wheels and an 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. Its Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking can help you detect nearby obstacles and avoid a collision while parking.
3. Platinum
The seven-passenger Platinum comes standard with all-wheel drive and Multi-Terrain Select, which tailors your Grand Highlander’s traction with modes including MUD & SAND and ROCK & DIRT. Inside, it has heated and ventilated second-row seats, plus a power panoramic roof that gives rear-seat passengers a view of the sky. The Platinum also comes with an array of advanced driver assistance features, like Traffic Jam Assist, which manages speed and steering and allows for hands-free driving in heavy traffic.
With its three rows of seating and impressive tech features, the Grand Highlander keeps your family safe and comfortable on every trip. To find out more, call or stop by our showroom at Toyota South in Richmond, KY.
Adventure Awaits: The 2024 Toyota 4Runner
From urban streets to rough off-road terrain, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner is your best option for an affordable high-performance SUV. One of the unique aspects of this adventurous SUV is its part-time 4WD drivetrain, which allows drivers to customize the SUV’s performance mode between 2WD and 4WD to match the current driving environment.
Adventure Awaits: The 2024 Toyota 4Runner
The base 4Runner model is the SR5, which is outfitted with a 4.0-liter V6 motor that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This dependable powertrain is paired with a five-speed ECT transmission and key mechanical features, such as power-assisted ventilated brake discs on all four wheels that maximize stopping power.
The base model can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. This SUV comes with standard towing features like an integrated tow hitch receiver and a wiring harness that syncs the vehicle’s brake lights to a connected trailer. As for fuel economy, the base 4Runner gets 16 MPG in the city, 19 MPG on the freeway, and 17 MPG combined.
Exterior Features
Your view of the road is optimized with standard exterior features like LED headlights with LED high beams, LED taillights, and LED fog lights that easily cut through misty and foggy driving conditions. This model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels that reduce vehicle weight for ideal urban performance and provide outstanding durability for your off-road travels. Roof rails for extra utility are also standard for this SUV.
Interior Features
The base 4Runner has a five-passenger seating capacity. The rear seats can fold with a 40/20/40 configuration, so you can enjoy flexible cargo space for larger items, such as long sporting equipment or camping gear. The leather-trimmed steering wheel has buttons to control the voice command system, audio settings, and hands-free Bluetooth features to place calls or text messages.
An eight-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard for this trim. The SR5 is compatible with Android and Apple smartphone-integrated apps, so that all of your favorite streaming services and navigation apps are only a click away on the SUV’s centerstack display. This model also comes with advanced voice recognition software so you can easily command the SUV’s entertainment options. This model also comes with a three-month satellite radio trial.
The 4Runner is a fantastically flexible SUV that can meet all of your daily driving and recreational needs. Check out the terrific performance of this athletic model when you visit Toyota South in Richmond, KY.
The original hybrid vehicle is attracting a lot of attention by continuing to innovate and push limits, resulting in the award-winning 2024 Toyota Prius. Today’s Prius doesn’t just achieve outstanding gas mileage: it also has plenty of power, precise handling, and all the tech features you want.
2024 Toyota Prius Overview
When you’re behind the wheel of the Prius, the future is now. Its remarkable 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid system averages up to an EPA-estimated 57 MPG and delivers 194 net horsepower with front-wheel drive. Available Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive gives the Prius a total of 196 horsepower and efficiency up to 54 MPG combined. With standard drive modes, you can tailor your drive by selecting Power for quicker acceleration or ECO for optimal efficiency.
Inside the 5-passenger cabin, the steering wheel is trimmed in SofTex, an eco-friendly synthetic leather that produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions than traditional synthetic leather. The air inside is kept clean and comfortable with a single-zone climate control system and pollen filter. Behind the rear seats, there’s 23.8 cu. ft. of storage and a tonneau cover to keep your items hidden. You can also create more space by folding one or both sides of the 60/40 split rear seats.
Groundbreaking Engineering and Design
The Prius’s sleek and modern design has earned it the 2024 World Car Design of the Year award. Its innovative engineering and technology has earned it even more awards, including the 2024 MotorTrend Car of the Year and the 2024 North American Car of the Year.
The Prius has even earned top marks for safety, including an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+. The Prius keeps passengers protected with 8 standard airbags and numerous advanced safety features, like a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to warn you when hard-to-see vehicles are approaching.
Tech That Keeps You Connected
Tech revolves around you in the Prius, with an intuitive Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and 6 USB-C ports to keep your device batteries full. With standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can connect your smartphone to your Prius to play music on the 6-speaker audio system, display driving directions on the touchscreen, or interact with apps. You can even use your smartphone to perform tasks like remotely starting the engine with an included 1-year trial to Remote Connect.
Are you ready to try out the Prius for yourself? To schedule your test drive, call or visit us at Toyota South in Richmond, KY.
Electrifying Innovation: The 2024 Toyota bZ4X
The 2024 Toyota bZ4X is a head-turning model with a fiercely modern design and available two-tone body paint colors. Check out the capabilities and intuitive tech features on the entry-level XLE model to see if this fully electric SUV is right for your daily needs.
Electrifying Innovation: The 2024 Toyota bZ4X
The XLE model has a fully electric motor with a front-wheel-drive drivetrain that is ideal for city driving. The electric motor generates a maximum output of 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque, which means the EV SUV competes neck-in-neck with traditional gas models. This model has an estimated energy efficiency of 119 MPGe and an all-electric range of 252 miles.
The XLE can adapt to your driving conditions with Normal and Eco drive modes, as well as a Snow drive mode perfect for traversing icy roads. This model has a regenerative braking system with a special Boost drive mode that enhances the power, performance, and efficiency of the electric motor.
Charging Capabilities
You can charge this EV SUV in a few ways with the dual-level charging cable that comes standard with the XLE trim. When a Level 1 charger is used, it takes about 50 hours to charge the EV from a low battery status, which might be an ideal method if you drive your car infrequently. A level 2 charger can charge the battery in under 10 hours, which is perfect for overnight charging.
Tech Features
The base Toyota bZ4X has an expansive 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen for convenient entertainment app switching. All your favorite music-streaming apps and navigation maps are just a touch away when you use smartphone-integrated services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This model has a six-speaker sound system for great audio quality throughout the cabin.
Trials for connected services from Toyota are also standard for this model. Three years of Drive Connect services give you access to a voice assistant and cloud-based navigation, while three years of Remote Connect services can help you find your car in a parking lot, lock your doors, and check your vehicle status. A 10-year Service Connect trial personalizes your vehicle maintenance so you can enjoy excellent performance.
A fully electric SUV is a great vehicle for drivers who want to enjoy a fantastic electric range, standard high-tech features, and a variety of convenient connected services. Drop by Toyota South in Richmond, KY to take a test drive today.
6 Reasons to Love the 2024 Toyota Camry
If you’re looking for a practical, fuel-efficient sedan that’s fun to drive, look no further than the Toyota Camry. With its capable powertrain, advanced safety features, and stylish exterior, the 2024 Toyota Camry is a car you’ll be proud to drive.
1. Attractive Design
With a wide stance, low profile, and aggressive lines, the Camry makes a memorable first impression. The narrow headlights and taillights accentuate the sedan’s silhouette. The available gloss black front grille with a sport-mesh insert is just the thing for drivers who like to make a dramatic entrance. The sophisticated SE Nightshade edition adds some bold, expressive touches like bronze-finished wheels and blacked-out accents.
2. Efficient Performance
The Camry’s standard 203-horsepower engine pairs with an 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to deliver an impressive blend of performance and fuel economy. With the standard powertrain, the Camry gets 32 mpg combined. The available V6 engine produces 301 horsepower and gets an estimated 26 mpg combined. The available hybrid powertrain gets up to 52 combined mpg, and you can conserve fuel by driving in EV mode for short distances.
3. Confident Handling
With lightweight construction and a low center of gravity, the Camry is engineered for a smooth ride. Available sport-tuned suspension makes the drive more exciting, and available all-wheel drive provides extra traction on slick roads. You can tailor your Camry’s performance to your needs with Eco and Sport driving modes.
4. Luxurious Interior
The roomy cabin offers 100 cubic feet of passenger space, and the power-adjustable driver’s seat comes with power lumbar support. The back seat is comfortable and spacious, with 38 inches of legroom. Available wood and metal interior trims add a touch of elegance, and striking Cockpit Red upholstery is available on XSE models. You and your passengers can enjoy a stunning view through the available power moonroof or panoramic glass roof.
5. Driver Assistance Technology
With the standard Toyota Safety Sense package, features like automatic high beams and pre-collision detection can help you drive more safely and enjoy peace of mind on every journey. The Driver Assist Package includes helpful add-ons like park assist and a 360-degree camera to help you navigate busy streets and crowded parking lots with confidence.
6. Convenient Connectivity
The Camry comes with plenty of tech features for your entertainment and convenience. You can access Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with the 7-inch touchscreen and use Bluetooth connectivity to stream music or make hands-free calls. The available Convenience Package includes a HomeLink transceiver that allows you to operate your garage door opener, estate gate, or security lighting without leaving your vehicle.
Ready to take the 2024 Camry for a spin? Stop by Toyota South in Richmond, KY today for a test drive!
Elegance and Efficiency: The 2024 Toyota Venza
When it comes to offering class-leading fuel economy ratings along with a stylish and comfortable cabin, few models can compete with the 2024 Toyota Venza. Now available at your trusted Toyota dealership, this compact SUV is offered in four unique trim levels. Read on, discover the highlights of this fantastic model, and book your test drive today!
A Responsive Hybrid Powertrain Configuration
All trim levels of the 2024 Venza come with a hybrid powertrain configuration that pairs a 2.5-liter gas engine with three electric motors, generating a combined system output of 219 horsepower and offering a fun and responsive drive. This compact SUV features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
If you are searching for a family vehicle that offers great fuel economy ratings, the 2024 Venza should be at the top of your wishlist. Boasting a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle rating, all three trim levels of this crossover SUV achieve EPA estimates of 40 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Connectivity Technologies
Besides its thrifty powertrain, one of the key elements behind the popularity of the 2024 Venza is its extensive array of connectivity features and safety technologies. While the LE trim level features an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, the rest of the lineup boasts a 12.3-inch unit. All trims offer wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot.
In terms of safety and driver-assist technologies, the new Toyota Venza is also packed with plenty of desirable features. Some of the systems that can be found in all trim levels include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic cruise control, and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
Passenger and Cargo Space
Another characteristic that places the 2024 Venza among the best hybrid crossover SUVs in the market is its spaciousness and practicality. With 98.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, this model can seat five adults comfortably, providing 40.9 inches of legroom in the front and 37.8 inches in the rear. Regarding cargo capacity, this stylish SUV offers 28.8 cubic feet behind the rear row and 55.1 behind the front seats.
If you want to learn more about the new Toyota Venza and the financing plans available to take it home, you’ve come to the right spot! Call us at Toyota South in Richmond, KY, and we’ll tell you everything about this beautiful and thrifty crossover SUV.
Power Unleashed: The 2024 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX
It’s not often that you find a truck that can effortlessly pair thunderous power with high technology, but the 2024 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX does it seamlessly. With a mighty power plant, a massive touchscreen, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 on board, there’s almost nowhere it can’t go and nothing it can’t do. Learn more about this powerhouse of a hybrid truck.
One Mighty Hybrid Motor
Available on the Limited trim of the 2024 Toyota Tundra and up, the i-FORCE MAX motor is a power plant to be reckoned with. Composed of a mighty twin-turbocharged V6 married to an HV electric motor, the i-FORCE MAX puts out a stunning 437 horsepower and a staggering 583 lb-ft of torque. That enables a maximum towing capability of 12,000 pounds when properly configured, making it the perfect power plant to bring along a boat, camper, or other adventure gear.
Ready for Adventure
Wherever adventure leads, the Tundra i-FORCE MAX is ready to follow. With the available Multi-Terrain Select and available 4×4 drivetrain, you can choose between five different drive modes with the turn of a dial to cope with almost any kind of terrain. The available Crawl Control acts like a cruise control for the off-roads, letting you focus on steering and the view instead of the pedals.
Technology at the Ready
Whether it’s with the available, massive 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, the 12.3-inch full-color Multi-Information Display for maximum information control, or the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver-assist systems, there’s plenty of technology on tap in the 2024 Tundra to digitally enhance your drive. The available Panoramic View Monitor offers a 360-degree view around the Tundra, while the available Trailer Backup Guide assists with easy trailer reversing.
Massive Utility in the Bed
It isn’t just a payload capacity of up to 1,940 pounds that makes the Tundra i-FORCE MAX’s bed so useful. Toyota’s done plenty of innovation back there, too, from the standard ultra-durable Sheet-Molded Composite bed surface to the available tailgate-release bump switch hidden in the left taillight that lets you access the bed without having to put anything down. Bed lights, a 400w power inverter, and bed camera are all on offer for maximum ease and utility.
With massive power, incredible utility, tons of towing capability, and all the bells you can whistle at, the 2024 Tundra i-FORCE MAX is a force to be reckoned with. Test drive yours today at Toyota South in Richmond, KY, and experience its might for yourself.
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