TOKYO, Feb 23, 2015 - (ACN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation is working on a comprehensive overhaul of the IT system used by approximately 5,000 affiliated Toyota and Lexus dealerships throughout Japan in order to more swiftly provide tailor-made customer service.
The overhaul to the system, which was originally deployed in 2001, is scheduled to be rolled out over a 12-month period. It will allow sales staff nation-wide to use tablets connected to a central cloud server to instantly provide the latest detailed information to customers in the sales yard, including for example, the cost, appearance, and specifications of the available options for each vehicle model and how each model compares with those of other manufacturers. The streamlined system will also increase the speed with which after-service can be provided and administered.
The establishment of a high-efficiency cloud-based server center and other measures are also intended to reduce dealer IT costs and labor by IT system personnel.
Details of the new system:
1) Instant provision of up-to-the-minute information and services in the sales yard
While customers view displayed vehicles, sales staff will be able to provide them with estimates, detailed product descriptions, and explanatory videos, and propose optimal purchase methods.
Other services that will be provided via handheld devices include:
- 360-degree images of optional aerodynamic parts and other accessories and options as they would actually appear on the vehicle- Tailor-made simulation of future maintenance expenses- Instant loan and auto insurance applications- Comprehensive inventory search and order placement
2) Centralized server for enhanced efficiency and information security
A new, dedicated Toyota cloud center has been constructed to perform centralized processing of all operations data, bringing greater efficiency, consistency, and increased customer information security.
Toyota is using the overhaul as an opportunity to develop IT infrastructure for dealers across Japan and enhance the presentation of information and content to customers, and through that help to invigorate the Japanese vehicle market.
About Toyota
Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.
Source: Toyota
Contact:
Toyota Motor Corporation Public Affairs Division Global Communications Department Tel: +81-3-3817-9926
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