By PETER GRIFFIN
Toyota dealers could soon be bidding in online auctions to fill their lots as the company implements a real-time auction exchange.
The country's 48 Toyota dealers, who traditionally travel to Auckland to participate in auctions for "Signature Class" used Toyota cars, will be able to bid online, using a Java messaging system designed by Internet Solutions Australia (ISA).
Mark Young, team leader of Signature Class, said the system - to be on trial with dealers over the next couple of months - would save time and money.
The system would offer real-time bidding over low-speed dial-up internet connections, automatic lot completion and global time synchronisation.
Toyota would maintain its physical auction to ensure all dealers were able to participate in person, which many preferred.
"There can be problems when dealers never get to see or touch a car or kick the tyres. You can put two identical cars side by side and one will always sell for more," said Mr Young.
Although Toyota was enthusiastic about the improvements that carrying out more of its business online would make, selling directly to the public via the internet was still out of the question.
"Toyota would always struggle to do that. We've got a dealer network which we work through," said Mr Young.
Dealers go for online auctions
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.