Toyota Now Offers Post-Purchase Upgrades for Cars to Evolve as Tech Advances

Toyota has launched a new service in Japan, letting Prius U Grade owners upgrade their vehicles with new tech and features post-purchase that allows customers to swiftly evolve their cars in line with technological innovation. This move comes as part of the company’s effort to enhance the value of its vehicles.

Toyota has previously offered retrofitting of new equipment not installed at the time of purchase through Kinto Factory, an initiative started in January 2022. Now, the company’s upgrade service expands upon this, allowing the addition of safety and security devices and features, such as the Advanced Park feature of Toyota’s advanced driving support technologies, to cars with an “Upgrade Ready Design.”

The Upgrade Ready Design is an innovative system, conceived to facilitate future retrofitting. By anticipating and preparing for upgrades at the development stage, Toyota aims to significantly reduce the time required for these post-purchase enhancements.

As part of the company’s transition into a mobility firm, Toyota is planning to broaden its upgrade options and the range of models to which they can be applied. The intention is to adapt cars so that customers can continue to drive and appreciate their vehicles for many years.

For the Prius U Grade under the Kinto Unlimited scheme, Toyota is offering an upgrade menu that includes the Advanced Park feature (with remote function) and seven other items such as a Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Parking Support Brake (with rear pedestrian detection), and a Steering Wheel Heater. These features can be added individually, even if they weren’t initially selected when the contract was signed.

The company is also considering extending the upgrade menu to include large-screen display audio, heated seats, seat ventilation, and synthetic leather seats, in response to customer demand.

Applications for the upgrade service can be made via the dedicated Kinto Unlimited smartphone app. The rates are standardized across Japan, with two payment options available: a lump-sum payment or an addition to the monthly subscription fee. This unique service puts Toyota at the forefront of vehicle personalization and longevity, offering drivers a bespoke and lasting experience.