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Toyota launches used car certification program

Mario Dávila, president of Toyota de Puerto Rico

Mario Dávila, president of Toyota de Puerto Rico

With the philosophy of “The best new cars make the best used cars,” Toyota de Puerto Rico unveiled Tuesday its Toyota Certified Used Vehicles program, to make available the same levels of quality, durability and reliability that a new Toyota offers to previously owned car buyers.

“We know that many people don’t feel confident that the used car they’re buying won’t cause them problems. Through the TCUV program we’re bringing to market, we will offer a used car shopping experience that offers greater security,” said Mario Dávila, president of Toyota de Puerto Rico. “New or used, a Toyota is a Toyota, it’s a smart investment for life, which is why you will always drive confidently.”

The executive said Toyota’s commitment to continuous innovation is the foundation on which the TCUV program was launched. The program is known for its strict vehicle selection process and rigorous quality inspection that verifies 160 specific points, including mechanical standards, cleanliness and general appearance of the vehicle.

“Our goal is to ensure every TCUV gives the ‘new car feel’ that one expects of a certified vehicle. Our trained and skilled technicians perform all necessary repairs and overhauls before certifying the vehicle,” said Dávila.

As part of the TCUV program, the automaker is offering special financing through its Toyota Financial Services division, roadside assistance for up to seven years or unlimited mileage that includes: tire changes, unlocking the vehicle if the key is stuck inside, starting the vehicle, towing and fuel delivery, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service also extends on a limited basis, the manufacturer’s basic and engine warranties.

Additional program benefits are: roadside protection against breakdowns with lodging and meal reimbursement when it is 50 miles or more from home; car rental reimbursement when the TCUV is in the shop; and transferable program guarantees and benefits coverage, at no charge, to add resale value to the vehicle.

Currently, the TCUV program is available in the following authorized dealerships: Atlantic Toyota; Toyota San Sebastián; Toyota Arecibo; Toyota de Aguadilla; Toyota del Oeste; Adriel Auto (Dorado); Adriel Toyota; Toyota de Bayamón; and Pepe Abad.

José Ordeix, president of GUIA and vice president of Motorambar Inc.

José Ordeix, president of GUIA and vice president of Motorambar Inc.

Auto sale spike in January
In related news, Puerto Rico car sales reached 7,932 units in January, reflecting a year-over-year jump of 17.6 percent, the United Automobile Importers Group, known as GUIA, said Tuesday. Auto dealers in the U.S. Virgin Islands sold another 332 units for a combined 20.6 percent growth when compared to the same month in 2012.

“One factor that contributed to 9 percent of the volume was the sale of 741 units that moved out through fleet sales in both markets,” said GUIA President José Ordeix. “We’ve seen an upward trend since 2007 in the sub-compact and compact segments, which continues to gain ground.”

During the month of January 2013, those segments showed a growth of 46.2 percent and 54.5 percent respectively, favored by consumers as fuel costs continue to spike, he said.

The trade group’s data shows that Toyota was the undisputed market leader in January, when it sold 2,254 units (27.3 percent market share), followed by Ford, with 904 units sold (10.9 percent of the market) and Nissan, which saw 842 vehicles roll off the lot (taking 10.2 percent of the market.)

Author Details
Author Details
Business reporter with 30 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other segments of Puerto Rico’s economy.
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