PLANO, Texas, Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor North
America (TMNA) has officially unveiled the next iteration of the
SmartPath retail experience, allowing customers flexibility in how
they buy their next Toyota. Working hand-in-hand with dealerships
across the United States to
integrate online and in-store retail, TMNA assumed the
responsibility of the research and development of one,
comprehensive retail program to offer customers the opportunity to
lease, finance or purchase their new vehicle without the need to
physically visit the dealership.
![](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1430105/This_is_SmartPath.jpg)
Developed in partnership with Toyota Financial Services (TFS) in
response to shifting consumer purchase preferences, Toyota began
piloting SmartPath in 2019 to expand the retail footprint, offering
a flexible shopping experience that is convenient, interactive,
connected, transparent, and customized. The COVID-19 virus
accelerated consumer demand for digital transactions, with a recent
digital shopping survey showing two out of three shoppers are more
likely to purchase a vehicle 100% online1.
Toyota's SmartPath technology puts the car buying process in the
hands of the customer, providing an integrated user experience
across Toyota.com, buyatoyota.com, the dealership website and the
physical dealership store. Customers can choose the path that works
best for them by starting their journey online, saving their
progress in the "digital garage" and picking up where they left off
at the dealer, or completing their purchase with their SmartPath
dealer entirely online.
By utilizing SmartPath, customers have more control over how
they purchase their vehicle, increased transparency into current
inventory and real-time pricing, and flexibility to shop when and
how they want.
For Toyota dealerships, the new technology integrates with
current inventory, the customer relationship management system
(CRM) and directly with financing through TFS, allowing sales
associates the opportunity to better understand customers wants and
needs, while accessing time-saving tools, enhanced analytics and
advanced lead handling that allows the dealer to pick up right
where the customer left off online.
"Our goal is to ensure we create the best experience for our
customers and our dealers," said Jack
Hollis, senior vice president, Automotive Operations, TMNA.
"As our customers' expectations evolve, SmartPath provides our
dealers the technology to exceed those expectations. Our shared
mission is to make the experience of shopping, buying, and owning a
Toyota as easy and carefree as driving one."
SmartPath customers have the option to finalize their purchase
by physically visiting the dealerships, or through a digital
appointment with the dealer.
SmartPath is currently available to customers in select markets
through more than 50 dealerships, with an additional 50 dealerships
launching this spring, and plans to aggressively bring more
SmartPath dealerships to market through 2021. The all-new SmartPath
complete online experience, which expands to allow customers the
ability to complete their purchase online, will roll out market by
market starting in mid-February
2021.
The new online retail experience will also be available to Lexus
customers through Lexus Monogram. You can learn more about
Monogram, here.
About Toyota:
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly
employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed
world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30
million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including
our joint venture in Alabama that
begins production in 2021.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in
STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual
education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive
experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing
facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based
lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota, visit
www.toyotanewsroom.com.
Media Contact:
Carley Hummel
469-292-8754
carley.hummel@toyota.com
1 Source: 2020 Cox Automotive COVID-19 Digital
Shopping Study, April 4-5, 2020
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toyota-reimagines-the-new-car-buying-experience-with-complete-online-retail-solution-301218714.html
SOURCE Toyota Motor North America