Toyota Making a Comeback
By: Brittney Johnson
Updated: April 1, 2010
We're here at Van Trow Toyota in Monroe. The owner here says that Toyota is handing down a historical sales package. There are no stickers or balloons, but they say the deals are here, and they're helping them get people into these new cars and out of their lots at a record pace.
Don't be fooled by the empty aisles, business is booming at Van Trow Toyota.
Owner John Van Veckhoven said, "We sold more cars in March of 10 than 09."
That's a big feat, considering Toyota has spent the past few months under fire. In January, Toyota recalled about a dozen models --including its popular Camry--for sticky pedals and floor mat problems. The company suspended sales for about 3 weeks--dealing a major blow for local dealers.
Van Veckhoven said, "It was a trying period for most of the people here. Toyota kind of reassured us that once we got going again, things would get back to normal and they have."
Owner John Van Veckhoven says sales have actually been better than normal. He says their sales shot up 20-percent over the same period last year. they sold twice as many cars in march than in February---all because of huge sales incentives. Richard Randels has worked with Toyota for 30 years.
Randels said, "Its historical, never seen anything like this."
Toyota is selling 10 models with zero percent interest for five years. Randels says buyers are saving anywhere from 3500 to 7500 dollars.
Richard Randels said, "They understand what they went through during the recall and they're giving a little back to loyal people."
Now, what started as this dealers worst year, is quickly turning into his best. There's still a few days left to drive away in one of these under the march incentives package. the dealer doesn't know what deals Toyota will come out with in April or how that's going to affect their bottom line.
Don't be fooled by the empty aisles, business is booming at Van Trow Toyota.
Owner John Van Veckhoven said, "We sold more cars in March of 10 than 09."
That's a big feat, considering Toyota has spent the past few months under fire. In January, Toyota recalled about a dozen models --including its popular Camry--for sticky pedals and floor mat problems. The company suspended sales for about 3 weeks--dealing a major blow for local dealers.
Van Veckhoven said, "It was a trying period for most of the people here. Toyota kind of reassured us that once we got going again, things would get back to normal and they have."
Owner John Van Veckhoven says sales have actually been better than normal. He says their sales shot up 20-percent over the same period last year. they sold twice as many cars in march than in February---all because of huge sales incentives. Richard Randels has worked with Toyota for 30 years.
Randels said, "Its historical, never seen anything like this."
Toyota is selling 10 models with zero percent interest for five years. Randels says buyers are saving anywhere from 3500 to 7500 dollars.
Richard Randels said, "They understand what they went through during the recall and they're giving a little back to loyal people."
Now, what started as this dealers worst year, is quickly turning into his best. There's still a few days left to drive away in one of these under the march incentives package. the dealer doesn't know what deals Toyota will come out with in April or how that's going to affect their bottom line.
