DATA shows that the pandemic increased sales of second-hand vehicles. This is because of the sheer availability of ‘pre-loved’ vehicles from dealerships or from banks. Promoting sales by discounts or add-ons make buying a 2- or 3-year old vehicle enticing. Since the pandemic prevented launching of many new models for nearly three years, customers consider a 2018 or 2019 year model car relatively new.
Buying a used vehicle however, is a big risk. A lot of cars–especially those repossessed by banks–may suffer from mishaps and damage because the previous owner may have mistreated the vehicle before being turned over in a repossession action. Even used vehicles, given in exchange at a dealer for the purchase of a newer model will definitely have some issues with it due to use or age.
In response to the rising demand in reliable and flexible mobility options, leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announced that it is further expanding the possibilities for its customers by strengthening its used vehicle program called “T-Sure, Toyota Quality Pre-owned Cars” (T-Sure). The program offers an alternative to consumers who are looking for worry-free car purchase options without compromising quality, value, safety, and excellent service.
“The “T” stands for Toyota and “Sure” denotes trustworthiness. This new brand name sends a strong message that customers can have peace of mind in transacting with a T-Sure dealer, whether he is trading in an old vehicle or buying a pre-owned car,” TMP senior vice president for marketing Masatoshi Toiya explained citing how the serviced used to known as Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV). T-Sure is the brand that will be used in Toyota dealerships that will be offering quality used cars to their clientele.
After a decade of running its used vehicle program, TMP saw it fit to further drive growth by improving the operational efficiency of the its dealer network and addressing the concerns that used car customers are encountering. The T-Sure has a well-established systematic operation for assessment, refurbishment, pricing, certification, and warranty to ensure the quality of vehicle condition of every unit.
Among major improvements made include the expansion of T-Sure dealer outlets nationwide which can offer trade-in deals and selling of pre-owned cars. All outlets are now accepting trade-ins, while T-Sure Retail outlets have increased to twenty-nine outlets as of September 2022. TMP targets to end the year with thirty-three T-Sure dealers.
T-Sure improved its product offerings, with its three types of products at varied price points to better fit customers’ needs and budget: Toyota Certified Elite, T-Sure’s premium product with 1-year warranty on engine and transmission, which can be claimed at any Toyota outlet nationwide; Toyota Value Plus, with 3-month warranty on engine and transmission, which can be claimed at selling dealer only; and Toyota Value Lite, without warranty but went through the same stringent standard process of vehicle check to ensure its quality when driven out the dealer.
Customers are also assured of fair pricing because TMP uses a T-Sure Used Car app with a built-in pricing tool showing real-time price range of various models, depending on quality level and local market pricing. To help customers in their budget, they may also avail of affordable financing scheme through TFSPH, which offers a much-improved affordable package for all T-Sure vehicles, now with longer payment terms and expanded coverage up to 9-year old vehicles.
In addition, competitive packages from Toyota Insure and After Sales Service, tailor-fit to the needs of pre-owned car customers, may be availed on top of the purchased T-Sure unit.
TMP’s T-Sure Program is anchored on Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability and reliability, as well as its philosophy to strengthen customer satisfaction and retention. Likewise, aligned with Toyota’s Global Vision of “Creating Mobility for All”, the T-Sure Program is part of Toyota’s value chain that aims to provide another means for people to acquire a Toyota — that of acquiring a pre-owned car without sacrificing quality.
As part of its business strategy, TMP aims to expand its customer base through the T-Sure Program by rewarding customer loyalty with the best deal when they sell or trade-in their vehicle and by capturing customers who need quality pre-owned vehicles.
For the benefit of customers, the T-Sure program provides access to a one-stop-shop for Toyota’s products and services (for New Car, Used Car, After Sales Service), giving them the ease in transacting with authorized Toyota Dealers and experience the same transparent and excellent customer service.
“We are closely collaborating with our Dealer network to grab this opportunity to leverage Toyota’s huge customer base and further elevate customer satisfaction and retention,” he added.
Aside from offering Toyota Quality pre-owned cars, dealers also source vehicles from current Toyota customers who wish to upgrade by trading in or selling their vehicle. Customers may now visit any Toyota outlet nationwide to do so. The customer’s vehicle for selling or trade-in will be assessed by highly skilled and accredited assessors. The results of which will be shared for transparency to guarantee that the Toyota owner gets the fair value of their vehicle.
