Mar. 29, 2004
Toyota Releases Outline of New Netz Channel
Tokyo ― TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) released an outline today of the new Netz sales channel, which is set to start operations in May.
TMC is implementing a new product and distribution strategy that outlines the reorganization of Toyota-brand sales channels to adequately respond to future changes in consumer values and in the structure of Japan 's highly competitive automobile market.
The new product and distribution strategy calls for the introduction of the Lexus brand to Japan and the reorganization of TMC's Japanese-market Toyota-brand sales channels into four channels from the current five. The merging of the existing Netz and Vista sales channels to form a new Netz channel is intended as a pillar of this new strategy that can strike a chord with “new value” customers, while keeping in mind the needs of current customers.
The new Netz channel will aim to meet the challenge of a new channel structure under the theme of “Channels for the 21st Century,” and will offer “fun” and “fashionable” products in step with the times, targeting customers who place emphasis on advanced technology and the finer details.
Specifically, for the new Netz:
Based on its “customer always comes first” policy, TMC intends to utilize the new product and distribution strategy, which forms one of the pillars of the new Netz channel, to steadily maintain a market share of more than 40% and (excluding minivehicles) to secure an even greater Japanese market share in the medium to long term.
TMC is implementing a new product and distribution strategy that outlines the reorganization of Toyota-brand sales channels to adequately respond to future changes in consumer values and in the structure of Japan 's highly competitive automobile market.
The new product and distribution strategy calls for the introduction of the Lexus brand to Japan and the reorganization of TMC's Japanese-market Toyota-brand sales channels into four channels from the current five. The merging of the existing Netz and Vista sales channels to form a new Netz channel is intended as a pillar of this new strategy that can strike a chord with “new value” customers, while keeping in mind the needs of current customers.
The new Netz channel will aim to meet the challenge of a new channel structure under the theme of “Channels for the 21st Century,” and will offer “fun” and “fashionable” products in step with the times, targeting customers who place emphasis on advanced technology and the finer details.
Specifically, for the new Netz:
| 1) | The core models offered by the new channel will initially be those handled by the current Netz and Vista channels, but will develop into a line-up expressing the channel's individuality. A unique vehicle logo for new Netz models will be used. |
| 2) | Netz outlets will extend beyond their current frameworks, in terms of both physical appearance and sales policies, emphasizing the consulting functions of its staff, and dissemination of information through its website and 3-D catalogs, among other measures, to create new Netz outlets that are recognizable at a glance. |
Based on its “customer always comes first” policy, TMC intends to utilize the new product and distribution strategy, which forms one of the pillars of the new Netz channel, to steadily maintain a market share of more than 40% and (excluding minivehicles) to secure an even greater Japanese market share in the medium to long term.
| Outline of New Netz Channel |
| Channel Vision | Channel for the 21st Century―Meeting the challenge of a new channel to respond to changes in consumer values | ||||||
| Start of operations | May 2004―Kickoff events to be held on May 8 and 9, 15 and 16, 22 and 23 | ||||||
| Structure | Sales companies: 119 Outlets: Approx. 1,600 Total personnel: Approx. 30,000 |
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| Annual sales target | More than 60,000 units (15% market share) | ||||||
| Specific policy | Products (vehicles) |
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Vehicles to be Initially Handled by the New Netz Channel
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Vehicles Handled by Current Netz Toyota and Vista Toyota Channels
*Not to be carried by the new Netz channel
| Netz Toyota: | Aristo, Altezza, Platz*, MR-S, Allex, Raum, BB, ist, Vitz, WISH, SIENTA, Voxy, RAV4 J, Voltz*, Probox*, Liteace, Comfort (driving school vehicle)* |
| Vista Toyota : | Aristo, Verossa*, Avensis, MR-S, Raum, Funcargo, WiLL CYPHA , WiLL VS*, Ipsum, WISH, Alphard V, Alphard Hybrid, Land Cruiser Prado* Kluger V, Regiusace, Comfort (driving school vehicle)* |
*Not to be carried by the new Netz channel
