Changing technology forces Toyota revamp

Toyota’s Japanese dealer network will become more regionally-focused, aiming to provide new mobility services in the face of major changes like electrification, automation and car sharing.

It already changed its Toyota channel-based sales operations structure and work style with a regionally-based one in January, with a transition period from 2022 to 2025.

Additionally, Toyota will establish a new car-sharing business, targeting non-automotive businesses, local governments, and other entities.

The car subscription service is dubbed “Kinto” which represents a flying cloud like the magical yellow transporter from DragonBallZ, representing mobility as the user wishes.

And while Toyota’s system of multiple sales channels will continue to exist nationwide, that system will be replaced in Tokyo by the new company which, as “one Toyota,” will be the first in Japan to begin sales of all vehicle models through all sales outlets.

Toyota president Akio Toyoda says changing technology mean the automotive industry must adapt.

“Tomorrow’s cars will become a part of the societal system, by using information to connect to communities and to various services that support the way people live.

“As mobility changes, and amid vast changes in how people live and how communities exist, the concepts of ‘region’ and ‘hometown’ will become important.

“Toyota’s sales network will become an irreplaceable entity for such regions, and I believe this would become an advantage for the Toyota Group.”