Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc. made a significant announcement on February 4, 2011, detailing advancements to its dealer communications system, Toyota Dealer Daily. Recognizing the evolving needs of its dealer network, Toyota proactively developed new open standards-based interface capabilities for Toyota Dealer Daily. This initiative paved the way for the introduction of the Toyota DMS Integration Program (TDIP), a strategic move designed to offer Toyota and Lexus dealerships greater flexibility in their choice of Dealer Management Systems (DMS). Under this program, dealers can now select any DMS that meets the program’s stringent requirements, fostering a more adaptable and efficient operational environment.
Zack Hicks, then TMS vice president and chief information officer, underscored the importance of dealer feedback in this development. “Both the Toyota and Lexus National Dealer Councils have consistently requested improved integration between Toyota Dealer Daily and a broader spectrum of DMS systems,” Hicks stated. Toyota listened to its dealers and responded by making substantial investments in its technology infrastructure. This commitment culminated in the Toyota DMS Integration Program, addressing dealer requests and prioritizing enhanced integration reliability and security within the Toyota Dealer Daily system.
The Toyota DMS Integration Program is set to initially incorporate two new integrated DMS options: DealerTrack and Auto/Mate. TMS confirmed receiving letters of intent from both DMS providers, signaling their commitment to participate in the program. Furthermore, prominent DMS providers ADP and Reynolds & Reynolds also expressed their intent to join TDIP, indicating a growing ecosystem of integrated solutions for Toyota dealer daily operations. Toyota anticipates further expansion of integrated DMS options in the near future, offering dealers an even wider selection to suit their specific needs.
David Jackson, TMS divisional information officer at the time, emphasized the long-term vision of this project. “This project marks just the beginning,” Jackson noted. He highlighted the collaborative spirit with pilot dealers and the DMS community, which enabled Toyota to establish a new benchmark for DMS integration. The ultimate goal is to transition to a more versatile environment supporting robust integration, providing dealers with seamless, anytime, anywhere access to crucial systems, including through mobile devices and tablets, further optimizing toyota dealer daily workflows.
