GAZOO Image information network

The spread of personal computers and the use of the internet at the individual level in the second half of the 1990s is called the "IT Revolution". In October 1997, TMC started up the image information network system Gazoo (now GAZOO) as a service that utilized IT to directly connect TMC departments to customers in order to improve both customer satisfaction and business operations. This system was first installed at Toyota Auto Muroran (now Netz Toyota Tomakomai).

GAZOO was originally created when TMC's Sales Division No. 3 initiated activities for utilizing the Toyota Production System to improve dealers' business operations with the cooperation of the Operations Management Consulting Division in 1994. To propagate the results gained from this initiative, TMC established the new Operations Improvement Support Department inside the Domestic Planning Division in 1996, and worked on creating new customer services by, for example, making full use of IT to improve logistics at dealers. GAZOO was, at the time, equipped with functions for providing a wide variety of information, including new car information, estimated cost of routine check-ups and required vehicle inspections, service appointments, and trade-in value, all of which could be obtained using a storefront terminal. In 1998, Toyota began installing GAZOO terminals at dealers throughout Japan and opened a web page on the internet, making it possible to obtain the information online from a personal computer.

Subsequently, TMC enhanced GAZOO content by adding entertainment and other information, and also added an internet shopping function called "GAZOO Shopping Mall" at the end of 1999. Then, in 2000, TMC split off the function from the Operations Improvement Support Department and established the GAZOO Division, accelerating service enhancements including the installation of dedicated terminals, collaboration with other businesses such as convenience stores, and opening of financial malls linked to TMC's financial subsidiary. The expertise gained through GAZOO's development also led to the development of the G-BOOK onboard telecommunication system.

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