Toyota dealers are set to gather for their annual National Dealer Meeting later this month, where they will learn more about the direction of the franchise and the new products it plans to launch. The Japanese automaker is facing many questions about its future as it looks to make up for lost time in the electric vehicle sector and prevent industry disruptors like Tesla from overtaking its place in the global car market.
On this episode of Inside Automotive, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Shyann Malone are joined by David Christ, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division at Toyota Motor North America. Christ captains the automaker’s sales and marketing efforts, leveraging his industry insights to reach new customers and retain buyers. His familiarity with the company’s data and vision can help Toyota dealers plan for the months ahead with confidence.
Key Takeaways
1. Toyota dealers can expect to see the new Tacoma pickup and Land Cruiser SUV up close and in person at this month’s event as the automaker looks to educate its franchisees on incoming products and technology.
2. Toyota remains committed to cutting carbon emissions and will continue to pursue solutions such as electric vehicles. However, the automaker believes that consumer choice will play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, which is why it will also continue to prioritize the development of hybrid and alternative fuel technologies.
3. Lexus and Toyota dealers have consistently expressed high levels of appreciation for their respective brands, which Christ believes to be a result of the close partnership the automaker has developed with its franchisees.
4. Although the industry has faced a variety of economic headwinds in 2023, Toyota dealers have successfully navigated these challenges thanks to rising inventory levels and profitable margins.
5. Christ believes the remaining months of the year will be spectacular for Toyota dealers due to expected increases in sales, production and demand.
"We really believe that the goal should be eliminating as much carbon as fast as possible, and we believe the best way to do that is to offer the customers choices in the powertrains that they have in their vehicles." David Christ
