For starters, the two companies are offering through Kinto, the new GR Yaris "Morizo Selection", a product that can be updated with the latest software tailored to each customer.
By pairing racing-based updates and personalisation with the Kinto service to introduce the latest software to customers' cars even after such cars have been delivered, Toyota and Kinto intend to take on the challenge of evolving cars in a way that is in tune with their changing taste.
Toyota said the new strategy would allow customers to enjoy their cars even more. It aims to rapidly expand the delivery of such subscription cars and services across Japan.
Kinto is a monthly car subscription service set up in 2019 as a joint venture between Toyota and the Sumitomo group. Kinto is part of Toyota’s gameplan to evolve into a mobility company by providing a wide range of transport-related services around the world.
A key trait of the Kinto service is its ability to continue providing added value even after a subscription contract has been signed.
Toyota said there would be timely software updates from spring 2022 that would be in line with technological innovations and the optimisation of basic vehicle performance in terms of driving, turning, and stopping. Toyota said some services may be an extra charge option beyond the monthly subscription fee. More details would follow in spring 2022.
The cars would mostly be supplied by GR Garage shops at various vehicle sales outlets in Japan.
As for the GR Yaris "Morizo Selection" car, it is based on the RZ "High performance" version of the GR Yaris, accented by Morizo and ROOKIE Racing motifs.
They include Morizo emblem on the windshield; Rookie Racing-inspired colour scheme in seat stitching, coil springs, and shock absorbers; plus Rookie Racing logo as wheel decoration and on door switch bases.
The car is available in three exterior body colours of Platinum White Pearl Mica, Emotional Red II, and Precious Black Pearl.
Fees for the GR Yaris "Morizo Selection" start at 54,340 yen (RM2,050) per month with a three-year Kinto contract.
