Toyota debuts the next-generation of SmartPath, their online car-buying experience

With the global pandemic sidelining many customers’ in-person shopping, online sales experiences are more important than ever. Toyota is always at the leading edge of the next wave of technology, and that includes how you’ll buy your next Tacoma, Corolla or 4Runner. The brand recently unveiled the next generation of SmartPath, Toyota’s online shopping platform.

Focused on allowing customers more flexibility and less hassle in buying a vehicle, the system was developed in partnership with Toyota dealerships all over America to make sure the entire buying experience, from your first visit to the website to picking up your next vehicle, is as seamless and user-friendly as possible. Using SmartPath, a customer can now research and choose a Toyota vehicle and then lease, finance or purchase that vehicle entirely online. With the next generation of Toyota SmartPath, the only time you will need to visit the dealership is to pick up your vehicle.

The SmartPath system is available online at buyatoyota.com. Currently, SmartPath has launched at 50 Toyota dealerships in select markets, with plans to launch through another 50 dealerships this spring. From there, Toyota plans to roll out SmartPath nationwide as the brand’s online shopping portal. select markets through more than 50 dealerships, with an additional 50 dealerships launching this spring, with plans to aggressively bring more SmartPath dealerships to market through 2021. The all-new SmartPath complete online experience, which expands to allow customers the ability to complete their purchase online, will roll out market by market starting in mid-February 2021.

Launched in 2019, SmartPath was developed in partnership between Toyota Motor North America and Toyota Financial Services, in anticipation of changing customer preferences and a future where more car-buying experiences are handled online. The Covid-19 Pandemic accelerated customer demand for all-digital vehicle shopping and purchasing, with a recent survey by Toyota showing that, post-pandemic, two out of three shoppers is more likely to purchase a vehicle entirely through the internet.

At the SmartPath website, buyatoyota.com, customers can connect with specific Toyota dealerships that are SmartPath-eligible, see how many models are in stock in their region, and begin either narrowing down their choices or custom-order a Toyota model directly. Progress is saved in a “digital garage,” with the flexibility to either continue their purchase online or transition to an in-person test-drive or purchase. SmartPath customers have the option to finalize their purchase by physically visiting the dealerships, or they can set an online appointment with their sales associate.

Designed to be fun and user-friendly, SmartPath puts customers in control of their shopping and purchasing experience, with increased transparency and real-time, no-haggle pricing. For Toyota dealerships, the new technology is seamless and user friendly too, constantly updated with current inventory, the dealership’s customer relationships management system and financing through Toyota Financial, allowing sales associates to focus less on the sales process and more on helping you find the Toyota that is exactly right for you.

“Our goal is to ensure we create the best experience for our customers and our dealers,” said Jack Hollis, senior vice president, Automotive Operations, TMNA. “As our customers’ expectations evolve, SmartPath provides our dealers the technology to exceed those expectations. Our shared mission is to make the experience of shopping, buying, and owning a Toyota as easy and carefree as driving one.

Toyota technology never ceases to amaze us here at Landers Toyota of Little Rock. Now that same relentless push to create the vehicles of tomorrow is reshaping not only the way you drive, but how you buy your vehicle as well! Ready to own the car, truck, van or SUV of tomorrow that you can drive today? Then come see us at Landers Toyota of Little Rock, or shop our full selection online at our website right now.