Toyota Dealers Continue US Investments

Even if some auto analysts and officials involved in the industry are seeing no market recovery in the United States, Toyota's dealerships are continuing their efforts to improve their offering and confirm that another $2.2 billion will be invested in the next two years. In 2009, Toyota's stores have invested approximately $800 million for the creation of new facilities, raising the total amount spent in the last five years to $3.3 billion.

“An investment of this magnitude is a strong indication of our dealers’ confidence in Toyota products, as well as their long-standing commitment to meet customer expectations,” said Ernest Bastien, vice president of retail market development for Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

According to an official press statement, 400 dealers, representing 33 percent of the entire dealership network, opened new facilities, while another 200 stores are projected to begin operations by 2012.

Meanwhile, Toyota is still trying to deal with its largest recall ever that affects, according to preliminary figures, 3.8 million cars sold in the United States. Toyota is now collaborating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to find a resolution for the loose floor mats which have already killed five people.

“We have reviewed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration what we’re calling a semipermanent floor mat installation process, and we’re providing these instructions to our dealers,” Brian Lyons, Toyota spokesman was quoted as saying by Autonews. "This allows dealers to continue selling and delivering both new and used vehicles. I would expect that all dealers have that information and have started making the modifications.”