In a recent presentation at the November Fleet Roadshow, Toyota’s Corporate Manager National Fleet, Deborah Bacon, introduced the ‘Franchise of the Future.’ She highlighted the changes that are sweeping through Toyota from top to bottom and what they’ll mean for our customers. Following are some of the highlights.

Toyota is in the process of a fundamental transformation of culture. The catalyst driving this change is the belief that the customer is and should be at the heart of everything the company does. The ultimate goal? To earn the kind of loyalty from customers that makes them remain with Toyota for Life.

To this end, every facet of Toyota’s operations, from digital communications to the dealership, is being scrutinised and redesigned according to five guiding principles called Toyota for Life Quality Standards. These are:

1. 1. Respect – treating customers with honesty, integrity and transparency.
 
2. 2. On Show – a commitment to high standards in every way, from the car yard to personal appearance.
 
3. 3. Efficient – making sure everything we do is designed to meet customers’ needs, delivered in a timely and professional manner.
 
4. 4. Professional – we’re committed, consistent and well trained in order to take ownership of everything we do with our customers.
 
5. 5. Continuous Improvement – never relaxing the search for ways to better the operation and service for the customer.
6.  

On the ground, these changes will have a significant impact on the way Toyota interacts with fleet customers. For instance, it means dealerships won’t be permitted to promote or sell products or services that aren’t recommended by Toyota for vehicle maintenance during the warranty period. So you can rely on Toyota to provide maintenance choices that add value.

This transparency will also ensure customers are clear about their choices. Eligible Toyota Service Advantage customers will be required to sign a form acknowledging any warranty impact if they choose to fit a non-genuine part or accessory to eliminate confusion.

Customers should also notice welcome changes to the look of their preferred dealership, all part of Toyota’s plan to ensure the customer experience is even more positive.

When it comes to test-driving and vehicle handover, Toyota aims to make this swift, enjoyable and hassle-free. With a standard in place to guarantee a minimum number of demonstrator vehicles available, you’ll always find the right car, clean and fuelled, ready to take for a test drive at your local dealership. Fleet customers eligible for Toyota Service Advantage will also receive their new vehicle with a full tank of fuel.

These new standards recognise Toyota Fleet’s relationship with its customers – not just as a business but a partnership. As Deborah Bacon said: “While we never forget we’re in the car business, we know our future depends on us being in the ‘people business’.”

We’re confident you’ll appreciate the way forward. And we look forward to sharing the journey with you.

This year, Toyota will unveil the much-anticipated eighth generation Toyota HiLux. Over the past 46 years, HiLux has earned a reputation for reliability, durability and comfort that’s unmatched in its class. It’s proven its worth in the world’s most extreme terrain, and cemented its place as Australia’s best-loved ute and a firm fleet favourite.

Humble beginnings

It’s a little-known fact that HiLux began neither as a Toyota or as a HiLux. The genesis was a second generation Hino Briska, part of a line of small pickups, which became the Toyota Briska in 1967. The first genuine Toyota HiLux hit Japanese dealerships in 1968, though it was still engineered and manufactured by Hino.

HiLux initially sat in a stable of light-duty pickups that included the car-based models Corona and the Masterline (Crown). However, it soon redefined itself as Toyota’s premier light commercial vehicle, as Toyota released gutsier 1.6L versions and tested its strength in the North American market. The second generation upped the comfort factor with an updated body and improved safety features. The third generation offered saloon-like specifications and a more spacious interior, with the later full double-cab version offering two rows of seats.

'Just try and break me'

The fourth generation model in 1983 delivered a sleek new look with its trademark near indestructibility – a fact underscored by the BBC TV show Top Gear’s unsuccessful attempts to kill one. The fifth generation continued the tradition of blending durability with comfort and style, thanks to bodywork enhancements and a new interior that looked more like a car than ever in terms of features and dashboard design. The sixth generation took things further with the launch of a sportier version to cater to the strong leisure market, and included an independent front suspension that delivered improvements in ride quality and handling.

All grown up

The seventh and current generation has cemented HiLux’s global popularity. Having increased in size to be classified as a mid-sized pickup, the latest models showcase a greater road presence, more interior space and load capacity.

Toyota’s commitment to sophisticated engineering and remarkable build means its ‘unbreakable’ reputation is undimmed. The 4.0L V6 engine has been tried and tested in the harshest Australian conditions. HiLux delivers on safety, tested against Toyota’s Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) passive safety assessment program. While the advanced technology, including audio display with Bluetooth®^ connectivity for hands-free mobile calls and audio streaming*, is perfectly suited to the always-on demands of a modern workforce.

Ultimate survivor

There’s no doubt that today’s HiLux is the first choice when the going gets tough. It’s provided transport for an expedition to the Antarctic and climbed an erupting volcano in Iceland to collect lava samples. In both cases, it lived to tell the tale.

One thing’s for sure – Toyota HiLux has never been better value for business.

To find out more about HiLux, visit toyota.com.au/hilux or talk to your Toyota Fleet Representative today.

^ The Bluetooth® word mark is owned by The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.

* Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.

The hardworking HiAce benefits from a range of enhancements, including for the petrol models, a new 6-speed automatic transmission and improvements in power and torque from 111kW/241Nm up to 118kW/243Nm. And with a new 12-seater variant available, you’ll have all the space you need to get the job done.

Dual sliding doors on both the passenger and driver’s side offer easy access on the Long Wheelbase models. Plus, all HiAce models feature Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist1, Hill-start Assist2 and Emergency Stop Signal as standard – so your drivers are protected from the ground up.

The Coaster enjoys a solid reputation as the ultimate people mover, with unsurpassed comfort and versatility, no matter how far you’re going. Now, new safety improvements offer extra peace of mind on the road. With three-point seat belts on every seat, all your passengers can feel secure inside the cabin. Plus, drivers will appreciate how much easier the Coaster is to drive, with a reverse camera3 and inbuilt satellite navigation4 now conveniently located on the new display. And as part of the regulatory requirements for this vehicle category, each model is now 100km/hr speed limited, protecting drivers and passengers from accidents or infringements.

To find out more, visit toyota.com.au/hiace or toyota.com.au/coaster

Disclaimers

1. Brake Assist is a driver assist device only and should not be used as a substitute for safe driving practices. The area into which the vehicle is driven must be visually monitored by the driver.

2. Hill-start Assist Control is a driver assist technology and should not be used as a substitute for safe driving practices.

3. Reverse Camera is a driver assist device only and should not be used as a substitute for safe driving practices. The area into which the vehicle is driven must be visually monitored by the driver.

4. Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks and offers some coverage in regional areas. Available on current Coaster models.

Barry Gall and his five sons have made a name for themselves as Australia’s most intrepid off-road adventurers. For the past 17 years, they’ve been filming their exploits in the country’s most formidable terrain, clocking up 10 million YouTube views and around 350,000 DVD sales. No matter where they go, these fearless Toyota Ambassadors rely on Genuine Toyota Accessories to get them out of tight spots. Here are the top seven accessories they’d never leave home without: 

1. 1.Genuine Towbar and Wiring Harness – the boys can never leave home without this crucial bit of kit, since it’s needed to hitch the van.
 
2. 2.Genuine Bull Bar and Winch – not just for extreme off-road driving, the Galls have discovered just how versatile the winch can be – for recovery in soft sand or mud, to clear trees from tracks and, if the crew are in crocodile territory, for getting the tinnies up the bank to a safe spot to remove the outboard motors.
 
3. 3.Genuine Roof Racks – tough enough to carry a small tinnie and great for storing bulky gear, the roof racks are a must on any trip.
 
4. 4.Genuine Canvas Seat Covers – there’s plenty of dirt on a typical Gall family adventure, so having easy-clean canvas seat covers makes sure the material underneath stays in good shape.
 
5. 5.Genuine Tyre Pressure Monitoring System – the saviour of many a tyre on the Canning Stock Route, the early warning system lets them know to stop and apply a plug or replace the tyre before any serious damage is done.
 
6. 6.Genuine Headlight and Bonnet Protectors – the Galls call this pretty cheap insurance against the dangers of damage from loose rocks in rough terrain.
 
7. 7.Genuine Cargo Barriers – on long trips in remote locations, the boys know that if there’s an accident, they won’t have to worry about gear moving around and into the passenger area, potentially causing injury.
8.  

To find out how Genuine Toyota Accessories can benefit your fleet, visit toyota.com.au/accessories for more information or talk to your Toyota Dealer.

The start of 2015 has seen automotive sales skyrocket compared to the same period last year. At the same time, Toyota Corolla has reasserted its position as Australia’s best-selling car year-to-date April.

In the first four months of this year, Australians purchased 359,250 new vehicles, up 3.5% compared to the same period last year. With 64,285 sales between January and April, Toyota led the charge and has seen another strong sales performance at the start of this year. Mazda recorded the second highest sales for YTD April closing at 36,348 units. Holden is ranking third highest in YTD April sales with 31,853 units, closely followed by Hyundai at 30,823 units.

So far this year, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Toyota HiLux are proving to be the top three most popular vehicles amongst new car buyers. Hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular too, with a 3.8% rise in sales in the first four months of the year compared to the same period last year.

Toyota’s executive director of sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said several factors have contributed to the remarkably strong sales for the automotive industry as a whole. “After property, new vehicles are the biggest purchase for most consumers and both these sectors are benefiting from record-low interest rates.” Sales are also being driven by aggressive competition, resulting in great value for money.

SUV vehicle sales continue to soar

Australians love their SUVs. And so far this year, close to 125,000 new SUVs have been sold in Australia – an increase of more than 15% or close to 17,000 units compared to same period, last year. With ever-increasing popularity amongst buyers who love the versatility and space that SUVs can offer, it’s no surprise that this market segment is highly contested. With more than 90 different models across 32 marques to choose from, ranging from compact and affordable priced sub $40k to large luxury models that cost more than $100k, the SUV market is ever expanding and caters to a wide range of driver needs.