Further evidence that carmakers are embracing the internet: Toyota GB is making genuine parts and accessories available on eBay.
The e-commerce initiative gives UK customers an easy way to source the parts and with the knowledge they are purchasing the genuine article, direct from Toyota’s central distribution centre.
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The company said official Toyota and Lexus eBay stores are designed to complement the nationwide network of Toyota and Lexus dealers, not to compete with them. Prices are the same as customers would pay at their local dealership but there are also items for older vehicles, typically four to eight years old.
The range of parts offered through the stores focuses on items commonly needed for servicing and repairs, plus consumables such as touch-up paint, lubricants and polishes. The number offered will be increased in line with customer demand.
Toyota GB customer services head Steve Settle said: “Opening our new e-commerce channels helps us make genuine parts and accessories available to a much wider customer base. Working alongside our [dealers], they will help us maximise our business while providing customers with an alternative, convenient purchase method.
“Our research prior to launching the online stores revealed that around GBP15m (US$9m) of Toyota and Lexus parts and accessories are accessed through eBay searches every year so it offers us great business potential. Our plan is that once customers have engaged with our eBay stores, we will able to build a relationship with them and introduce them to our [dealer] network.”
Toyota GB is working with online store management business We Are Pentagon, eBay, PayPal and Toyota Logistics Services, which fulfils the orders.
Toyota GB is the first of Toyota’s European national marketing and sales companies to launch a full-scale e-commerce programme. It plans to further develop the online stores by introducing ‘click and collect’ and ‘click and fit’ services during 2014.
