Toyota Releases Outline of Japan New Netz Sales Channel - Is US Next?
JapanCorp: <http://www.japancorp.net/?page_num=1> Toyota Releases Outline of New Netz Channel Tokyo, Japan, Mar. 29, 2004 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation 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 valueEcustomers, 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 CenturyMeeting the challenge of a new channel to respond to changes in consumer values Start of operations May 2004Kickoff 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 Annual sales target More than 60,000 units (15% market share) Specific policy Products (vehicles): --Create a line-up embodying a sense of presence and individuality, comprised mainly of vehicles handled by the current Netz and Vista channels --Use of a new Netz vehicle logo Outlets: --Will use uniform signage with new Netz logo --Will employ a clear layout separating areas by function, giving due consideration to various customer requirements (Layout to feature: Face (building-front) Zone, Entrance Zone, Vehicle Display Zone, Presentation and Fitting Zone, Consulting Zone, Service Zone and Hospitality Zone) Customer service: --Will provide service and make proposals tailored to individual customer requirements Sales policies: --Will achieve an improved informative style embodying a sophisticated feel and a new sense of fun Concept: --Outlets that provide each customer with vehicles and after-sales service that suit their individuality Slogan: "Make the Style" --Will strengthen dissemination of information through fuller website content (for both computer and mobile phone access) --Will employ 3-D catalogs making it easier to visualize vehicle color, interior design and various options Vehicles to be Initially Handled by the New Netz Channel: Aristo MR-S Funcargo ist WISH Alphard Hybrid RAV4 J Altezza Allex bB Vitz SIENTA Voxy Regiusace Avensis Raum WiLL CYPHA Ipsum Alphard V Kluger V Liteace Vehicles Handled by Current Netz Toyota and Vista Toyota Channels: 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 About Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation was established in 1937 and is one of the world's biggest automakers operating worldwide. The company operates a joint venture with General Motors in California. Toyota enjoys a strong 40%-plus domestic market share (excluding minicars). Boasts highly efficient production thru lean production system.For further information, please visit the Toyota Motor Corporation home page at: www.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html <http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html> Contact Toyota Motor Corporation Paul Nolasco p.nolasco@mail.toyota.co.jp 03-3817-9161 _____