Barking up the right tree?

Given its highly spacious and versatile interior, it’s anticipated the all-new Venza will address the needs of buyers who transport not only people and stuff but, perhaps most importantly, their pets. A full line of animal friendly products – the most ever offered by Toyota – aims to boost the appeal.

Toyota’s success over the years has, in large part, been driven by a relentless commitment to serve its customers. But does that include serving those who have four legs, a cold nose and a warm heart?

If the vehicle in question is the all-new Venza and the “customer” is a dog, it just might. A recent survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association revealed that half of all dog owners consider their pet’s comfort when buying a car. And it’s anticipated that a significant percentage of Venza buyers will be dog owners.

“The primary target buyer for Venza is the active boomer,” says Toyota Motor Sales’ (TMS) Bob Zeinstra, national product marketing manager for Venza. “Many of these boomers’ kids have moved out of the house. Often, they look to fill the gap with a pet.”
In response, dealers will be able to offer Venza customers a wide array of pet-friendly products. Examples include a seatbelt harness, leash tether, barriers between the first- and second-row seats and/or between the seats and the cargo area, seat covers, booster seats and a ramp for easier access.

Zeinstra says TMS has no plans to actively promote these third party-sourced products, beyond point-of-sale collateral material. But the Venza launch training will help sales consultants become familiar with the offerings and suggest ways to incorporate them into the Venza’s versatility story.

“These products give salespeople one more connection point with the customer, potentially a very compelling and emotional one,” says Zeinstra. “We have an opportunity to establish a leadership position in this niche. At this point it’s open market.”

To that end, Zeinstra says pet owners will be targeted in Toyota’s integrated marketing support for Venza. Media and events are in the works with such outlets as Cute Overload, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the “Dog Whisperer” on TV. For instance, Cesar Millan (aka the Dog Whisperer) will drive a Venza on his show during the Venza launch period.

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Comfort and convenience, for drivers and passengers alike, proves to be one of the highlights of the 2009 Venza. With equal access to the instrument panel in the front, a generous amount of leg room all around, the latest technology, trendy appearance, and my favorite, substantial storage space! I am not going to bog you down right now with all the in-depth details – I’ll save those for tomorrow! For now, I will leave you with an assurance that there is soon to be a new Toyota family member here at Rick Hendrick Toyota, that you’re going to love!!

If you think these are some handy standard features, then you should follow up with Part 3 of our 2009 Toyota Venza “First Look” series: Optional Equipment!!

Visit us now to get your new Venza! Already 5 pre-sold!!

The first "Yellow Jolt" 3-door liftback yaris is here

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NC troops to get computers before deploymentabc11tv.com - Raleigh,NC,USAOperation Homefront and CDW will present the computers Thursday to the paratroopers from the 82nd's 3rd Brigade. The soldiers can use the computers to ...See all stories on this topic

Operation Homefront and CDW-G Present Computers to Soldiers and ...Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USACDW-G and Operation Homefront also equipped Fort Bragg’s family Internet café with refurbished computers, making it possible for even more military families ...See all stories on this topic

The 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS ... WOW! this is a big change from the 2003 Matrix that I use to own. At first look it is reminiscent of its predecessor in overall shape. A closer look at the vehicle includes smoother lines, larger lights, a more aggressive stance, and sportier look.

The XRS comes with a nice set of 18" Alloy wheels connected to an automatic or manual transmission. I really like the fact that it has four wheel disc brakes on it and a sport strut tower brace. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) also comes standard on this model.

For my test drive I selected the Super White 5 speed manual XRS. My wife owns a new Toyota Camry SE 2.4L four cylinder. I was impressed that XRS models share the same DOHC VVT-i engine as the popular sporty Camry. It felt full of power shifting through the gears as I took it on a freeway run down All-American Freeway. Merging into traffic was a breeze as I came down the on ramp. I had to back off the accelerator because before you knew it, I was exceeding the posted speed limits. To say this vehicle has power is an understatement!

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