TOYOTA Australia has established an unprecedented sales test to allow the most suitable customers to get their hands on the most desirable products, such as the newly launched Toyota GR Corolla.
It aims to prevent price-cutting profiteers from taking car keys in the hope that customers who missed out on the original allocation will pay more to get a near-new car.
Evidence of this happening affects not only GR models but also more mainstream Toyota models.
Worse, some Toyota dealers are trying to capitalize on the market situation, with some listing popular new models such as the Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos all-wheel-drive compact SUV for 30% more than the price. Listed price.
A quick glance at online classifieds will reveal more examples of LandCruiser HiLux, Prado, 300 Series and 70 Series models with asking prices above the manufacturer’s list price.
Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchising executive Sean Hanley said he wanted dealers to do their best to prevent this kind of “non-competitive” behavior from happening.
“We remind (Toyota dealers) of their obligations and the standards we apply, very quickly,” said Mr. Hanley.
“We don’t make it public. If anything we believe is harming our brand, we will immediately take action on it.”
This discreet warning comes after Australia launched the GR Corolla hot hatch, which was limited to 700 units in its first year of sale (plus 25 Morizo Edition models).
Mr. Hanley said that since late last year, dealers have been required to ask potential customers to fill out an interest form designed to help dealers identify the right GR Corolla buyer, before any contract which coins are signed or exchanged for the deposit.
He explained that the paperwork had dug into the “customer’s preferences and driving history – not just with Toyota but with sports cars in general – and their involvement in car clubs.” slightly,” in a move he said he hopes will ensure “these cars end up in the hands of enthusiasts and loyal customers who really want to enjoy their GR ownership.” “.
Specifically for the GR models, Mr. Hanley said Toyota is “doing its best to get them into the hands of enthusiasts”.
“It’s not a perfect solution, but we’re doing our best within the legal framework of the country where we operate,” he said.
However, there are no consequences for those who do what Mr. Hanley considers wrong; buy a very popular and collectible new car just to sell it for a profit.
He ruled out ‘blacklisting buyers’, as some exotic car brands can do if customers are found to be abusing the system.
“There are no consequences, we just hope that we get them to the right people.”
Mr Hanley added that customers should know that this is a problem they can easily help solve.
“My simple message and Toyota’s simple message to customers is ‘don’t pay!’. Don’t do that. Wait,” he said. “Don’t overpay the retail price for a Toyota.”
