Toyota Finding Accesories May Be The Key For Tundra Sales

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. is counting on a huge line of dealer-installed performance and appearance accessories to boost sales of the new full-sized Tundra pickup.

Mike O'Brien, Toyota's manager for corporate planning, says dealers' ability to close the deal can increase as much as 25 percent when buyers can choose from such things as bigger wheels, bedliners, interior trim upgrades and other accessories.

O'Brien spoke Tuesday during a panel discussion on vehicle customization at the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich.


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1970toyotamarc - 8/7/2007 4:34:54 PM

+3 Boost

Toyota is seriously learning how to sell trucks, in a very short time. Pricing, incentives, product mix, now accessories.

Agent009 - 8/7/2007 4:51:23 PM

+2 Boost

Doesn't take too long to sit down and copy..

But the they have rethought the strategy. They thought they could let their name carry them all alone, but they soon found they needed to lower the price, add more options and have the correct models in stock.

Darn, these truck buyers are smarter than these car buyers, They actually want something that fits their needs not whatever the dealer has.

1970toyotamarc - 8/7/2007 7:53:15 PM

+1 Boost

"Doesn't take too long to sit down and copy."

Somebody forgot to take his lithium this morning.

Seriously, copying? Mfrs have been "copying" the Toyota Way for years. Toyota is learning how to market and sell trucks. I would hardly call that copying.

rg12345 - 8/7/2007 8:17:11 PM

-1 Boost

It's easy to learn when you have all the proper material right in front of you. That's what Agent009 said, he just used other words. And I agree with him on.

It's much harder to start from scratch.

SupraNeverBack - 8/7/2007 8:56:37 PM

+3 Boost

Wait until the supercharger for the 5.7L monster comes out this fall...

EnnNorak - 8/7/2007 9:40:49 PM

0 Boost

Dealer-installed accessories are only as good as the mechanic that installs them -- a complete variable as there is no consistency in the manufacturing process. I only buy a product that is manufactured complete at the car factory with a proper QA regimen in place. Occasionally, I might consider an aftermarket product if I can install it myself.

XYZZ - 8/8/2007 4:17:04 AM

+1 Boost

...

XYZZ - 8/8/2007 4:19:46 AM

+1 Boost

yah, and you must TRULY APPRECIATE the FACTORY WARRANTY you DON'T get, unlike guys who do trust dealer installations.

EnnNorak - 8/8/2007 1:23:13 PM

+1 Boost

I have news for you. I drive a leased A6 Quattro with all sheduled maintenance included as part of a Canada-only marketing program they had when I signed the lease. Between the warranty and that special free maintenance program they call Audi Advantage, all I do is drive it. Audi looks after everything else except wornout tires of course. The dealer has made good on all of Audi's warranty and scheduled maintenance promises and has gone out of his way to please me as a customer.

XYZZ - 8/8/2007 4:32:38 AM

+1 Boost

agent 009:

"Darn, these truck buyers are smarter than these car buyers, They actually want something that fits their needs not whatever the dealer has."

and "whatever the dealer has," has at times been just what chrysler DICTATED the dealer should have!

dumping cars/trucks with packages NOT popular had led to clogged lots at some mopar dealers. which eventually had to be just unloaded as new "used" cars.

XYZZ - 8/8/2007 4:39:48 AM

+1 Boost

toyota has apparently learned from their Scion experiences, that dealer accessories/customizing can really boost sales.

montyz81 - 8/8/2007 11:37:25 AM

+1 Boost

If only Nissan would figure this out too. They would take sales away from the Tundra. But again, I maintain that Nissan did a much better job at their first full size pickup truck attempt then Toyota did. It took toyota 3 tries to get it right.

montyz81 - 8/8/2007 11:38:25 AM

+1 Boost

Actually, Toyota limped in, while Nissan bet it all.