Toyota aims to connect with fleet managers in the UK

12 February 2018

Toyota has developed a new Business Drive Direct service for the UK market, supporting fleet and business customers who use the company’s vehicles.

The manufacturer’s Financial Services arm has set up a new call centre to deal with fleet customer’s dedicated requirements. The project has been established to provide a prompt, simple and seamless experience that not only manages all aspects of vehicle sales, contract hire and finance but also provides an introduction to services provided by the customer’s local retailer.

Manufacturers are keen to aid fleet customers as sales in the UK market drop, especially as many drivers are abandoning diesel vehicles due to increasing tax rates on new models. With Toyota leading the hybrid market, the new service aims to highlight the benefits of the technology while also making it easier for customers to engage with the company.

An experienced team work with customers to identify the vehicles and finance packages that best suit their needs and budgets and, once an order has been placed, will organise delivery to their local retailer. At the same time, they will help set up a good working relationship between the customer and their chosen retailer, to help ensure the best possible after-sales service. There are no hidden fees and the service operates 8.30am to 6.00pm weekdays, via a Freephone number. Each customer will be looked after by a dedicated account manager who will remain their personal point of contact throughout the process.

Eamonn Warters, Director of Sales and Marketing Programmes for Toyota Financial Services said: ′We are able to go beyond supporting our business and fleet customers with their vehicle purchases to help them form a strong relationship with their retailer, right from the outset. In the past, their choice of retail partner may have been restricted, but our active programme of localisation has opened up new options that can save the customer time and money. There is a potential environmental benefit as well, with customers not having to travel so far for vehicle collections, servicing and repairs.’

The service offers company car drivers an opportunity to view the full Toyota range, tax incentives and key tax terms to consider, while fleet managers can see customer reviews and view benefits for their businesses.

Business Drive Direct also has a dedicated web page with details of the services it provides and an at-a-glance guide to current Toyota contract hire offers. The call centre’s operations will be extended later in February to provide similar services for Lexus customers.

Photograph courtesy of Toyota