Mabuyane Mabuza
June being youth month and June 16, in particular, being Youth Day provides us with an opportunity to put forward issues that affect SA youth.
Unemployment always tops the list but access to mobility is also another issue that needs to be tackled. What do I mean by mobility?
Well, just like access to the internet is important, access to reliable transport is equally important.
Enters a new concept called KINTO. It is aimed at opening doors for many young people to gain access to car “ownership” without the stress of jumping hoops of the banking system,
KINTO originates from the word KINTO-un, a Japanese word meaning “Flying Nimbus” – a cloud that magically appears, no matter where you are or what time it is, and takes you wherever you want to go.
There is no denying that our public transport system is in shambles and will take a long time to get on the right track.
This has left a gap for the private transport system to flourish but most people do not enjoy the privilege of this. Toyota is on a mission to get a lot of people into cars without breaking the bank. The carmaker has recently announced a new finance model called the KINTO finance.
How does the KINTO finance work?
Easy cheesy, it is basically a pay-as-you-go. You rent the vehicle directly from Toyota and pay the monthly rental fee.
The KINTO finance was launched in SA last month at the back of Toyota Vitz. The Vitz is an entry-level Toyota, so it only makes sense that the finance model was launched alongside this vehicle. Toyota SA are very clear, they want to get young people into their own transport.
Access to good transport opens opportunities for jobs, education, and business.
It gives one freedom to dream and reach for those dreams.
According to Toyota, this is part of the automaker’s global vision to evolve from vehicle manufacturing into a mobility company by providing all kinds of services related to getting people moving.
Toyota South Africa has described the KINTO as a revolutionary new pay-for-use mobility solution that makes driving a new Toyota Vitz, not just hassle-free, but more affordable too. In more ways than one, this compact newcomer really does live up to its marketing tagline – Vitz for Victory – proving that sometimes big things do indeed come in small packages, says the Japanese giant.
Toyota Motor Corporation kicked off the” Start Your Impossible” campaign in November 2017 as a way of preparing the world for this transformation from being an automotive company to being a mobility company. The organisation’s products would continue to include cars but the scope would be broadened to comprise a variety of mobility solutions that enable human motion in ways that go well beyond driving down the road, explains the automaker.
“With the launch of the Vitz in May 2023 and as part of Toyota’s global vision to evolve from vehicle manufacturing into a mobility company providing all kinds of services related to mobility around the world, we are excited to announce the new KINTO Vitz special offering to support sales effective 1st June 2023,” says Slade Thompson, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at KINTO SA.
For example, TMC’s concept of “Mobility for All” is all about introducing transportation solutions, next-generation mobility and advanced technologies. This is where KINTO comes in. As society shifts from conventional car ownership to car usage, there is a growing need for a service that allows customers to freely select the Toyota or Lexus that they want to drive and enjoy it as they like, without being tied down to a conventional financing model, according to the Japanese company.
To this end, Toyota has launched KINTO, a single brand for mobility solutions around the world.
Initially, KINTO SA will debut with KINTO ONE, a pay-for-use service available through all Toyota and Lexus dealers that offers the following:
- The ability to drive a Toyota or Lexus of your choice (with accessories of your choice) including financing and depreciation costs.
- All scheduled services and maintenance are included as well as warranty items for the contract period.
- Connected Car (Wi-Fi and Telematics).
- Stolen vehicle recovery unit and service.
- Initial license and registration.
- KINTO Protect Limited Liability waiver, offering peace of mind in the unfortunate event of an accident or theft.
So, how much (or in this instance, how little) will it cost to get behind the wheel of a new Vitz? The special, limited introductory offer is R2 999 per month for 12 months (18 000km) on a Toyota Vitz 1.O MT.
Toyota SA describes KINTO ONE as the ultimate mobility solution, combining the use of the vehicle, service, and maintenance, in one monthly transparent payment with no additional hidden fees when you return the vehicle at the end of the contract. KINTO ONE is also completely flexible, meaning that the monthly mileage and contract period can be amended at any point during the contract.
KINTO SA will roll out other mobility product services in line with market requirements.
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