Toyota Develops "Gazoo" Visual Information Network System

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced today that it has developed "Gazoo," an integrated visual information network system for providing support to Toyota customers. TMC will introduce the new system on a trial basis in selected domestic areas from April 1998.

Gazoo is a new type of sales system ideally suited the information network age. It was developed to provide highly up-to-date information to Toyota customers, to further enhance their pleasure in owning and driving a car, and to win the good will of the new generation of drivers who will be the leading buyers of cars in coming years.

Gazoo provides information on seven specific areas, including new cars, used cars, maintenance (periodic inspections, etc.), body shop repair work, appraisal, and insurance. The information is displayed visually for ease of use and enjoyment. The system can be accessed via terminals set up in Toyota dealerships, supermarkets, car shops, and other locations where are visited by current customers and potential buyers. Customers can also access the system from their own PCs.

The system allows two-way interactive communication between customers and dealers. For example, a customer will be able to target a specific dealer in order to obtain particular information, and to make appointments for test drives, for discussing the purchase of a car, or for bringing a car in for maintenance work, and so forth.

Starting from April, the Gazoo service will be available in Aichi Prefecture, Sapporo, and the Muroran district, and will be gradually expanded thereafter to other areas. The system will be operated by the Gazoo Center, an integrated control facility to be opened in the Toyota Nagoya Building next April.

GAZOO MENU

This page will allow customers to visually check the styling, interior, color, grade, and standard and optional equipment of new cars. It also allows for the arrangement of monthly purchase payment plans. If a dealer is specified, the dealer will provide the customer with brochures and other materials for the car concerned, and arrange appointments for a test drive, business discussions, and other details.

This page allows customers to research used cars by price and model, view the exterior and interior of each car, and arrange a purchasing plan. After selecting a car, appointments can be made for a test drive and business talks. UVIS also includes a network via which customers can list at no charge a car they want to sell, and have a Toyota dealer handle the actual sale, including preparation of the necessary paper work and arranging for maintenance.

This page includes information, including cost, concerning the legal periodic car inspections and other maintenance-related items. A photo of each maintenance facility is shown on-screen, together with a map of the facility's location. Once a customer chooses a facility and specifies a date, an appointment and other arrangements can be made automatically.

This page provides support for customers whose cars have been damaged. Two VBS menu choices are available: "Visual BP Plan" and "Real Care System."

• Visual BP Plan

  If this page is selected, the customer follows an on-screen procedure to diagnose the degree of damage to the vehicle and obtain estimates of the cost of repairs and how long the work will take. Also shown is a visual simulation of the repair process.

• Real Care System (Only accessible from a dealer terminal)

  Dealer personnel use a digital video camera to photograph the damage. The photos are relayed to a body shop control center for examination by an expert who then talks with the customer by telephone about the repair work involved, a cost estimate, and date scheduling.

This page allows a customer to research the trade-in price for his or her car.
It will be used mainly by customers thinking about buying a car via the NVIS or UVIS system.

This page allows customers to arrange for the insurance plan most appropriate for their individual requirements.

This page provides information about the latest car accessories, products, and gadgets, guides to flea markets and auto camps, and so forth (details not yet finalized).

GAZOO

This word combines the Japanese word "Ga," meaning "picture," and the English word "zoo."