Toyota GB has said that its UK franchised car retail network will remain “the expert point of contact” for car buyers after launching an online sales solution this week.

A COVID-19 compliant contactless vehicle handover at a franchised site and three-days of complimentary drive-home insurance are both part of the Japanese brand’s new online offering, with Aygo and Yaris hatchback buyers also benefitting from two years’ free servicing.

Toyota said in a statement issued today (May 29) that customers can also value a trade-in vehicle and arrange a finance package.

The launch of the new platform follows a pilot at the end of 2019, which allowed buyers of new Aygo and Yaris to complete the whole purchase process online. 

Paula Cooper, director of Toyota GB’s customer insights division ConsumerOne said that the traditional retailer network would provider further support to online buyers as and when they need it.

She said: “The feedback about the experience from our pilot Aygo and Yaris customers, combined with the research undertaken alongside our network partners, made it clear that people hugely value the any-time accessibility of being able to conduct the whole car-buying process online, while knowing that a local retailer is available to answer detailed questions as and when required. 

“In fact, the feedback from that first wave of customers has praised the seamless transition from engaging with the online process to the handover experience with our retailers.”

Toyota said the vast majority of its range, including all of its self-charging hybrid models, the GT86 and GR Supra sports coupes and the Land Cruiser were all offered for sale via the new platform.

Cooper said that talking the Toyota online sales process online had been the culmination of many months’ work, encompassing its finance, insurance and retail arms.

She said: “With the COVID-19 crisis impacting the entire retail landscape, of course, the importance of offering a safe and convenient means of buying a car is vital.

“Toyota customers can be reassured that our online service, all facilitated from within our own website, encompasses everything from choosing your next car to agreeing the right finance package.”