What is KINTO Unlimited?

To begin with, KINTO is a car subscription with a monthly fee covering both the vehicle price and upkeep costs, including insurance, inspections, and maintenance. The fixed monthly fee eliminates the worry of sudden expenses, along with the hassle of paperwork such as insurance and taxes.

By combining this with Toyota’s latest services, KINTO Unlimited seeks to create an even more attractive monthly subscription that goes beyond existing offerings.

Over the past decade, the length of time that Japanese car buyers keep new vehicles has increased by 30%. This has been matched by a 30% jump in vehicle prices, partly due to advanced safety features becoming standard.

These prices are forecast to rise further with the integration of technologies such as electrification and autonomous driving.

KINTO overcomes the limits that stand in the way of affordable vehicles offering long-term peace of mind. That’s the meaning of “Unlimited.”

Feature I: Upgrade

KINTO Unlimited is built around two key concepts: Upgrade and Connected.

Despite the dizzying pace of progress in car safety technology in recent years, users have not been able reap the benefits until they traded up to a newer vehicle.

KINTO’s solution is Over The Air (OTA) technology that allows online software updates, just like a smartphone. For the first time, Toyota has also made advanced safety features such as the Advanced Emergency Braking System available as upgrades.

In addition, the service also facilitates hardware upgrades (starting mid-2023), which were previously highly labor-intensive and difficult to implement.

This is made possible by Toyota’s Upgrade Ready Design, which factors much of the upgrading work into the vehicle’s construction for easy retrofitting.

As a result, installation processes have been greatly streamlined; a Blind Spot Monitor system, for example, can now be fitted in 3 hours instead of 13.

Feature II: Connected

The other key feature of KINTO Unlimited is Connected technology. The Connected Driving Trainer analyzes driving traits from a wide array of vehicle data, including how the brakes and steering wheel are operated, and indicator timing.

KINTO stays connected with drivers through a dedicated app, guiding users toward safer, more fuel-efficient driving.

The vehicle itself is also looked after through Connected Car Care.

This feature suggests the optimum maintenance timing for each vehicle based on its condition, which varies according to use.

For example, the app uses information about travel distances, driving style, and the external environment to track engine oil deterioration, ensuring that users are notified of the optimal time for oil changes.

How do we add value while lowering prices?

The true merit of KINTO Unlimited lies in the service’s ability to add value while offering lower fees for users.

How is this possible? Firstly, the Upgrade feature raises the car’s value at the end of the subscription period.

At the same time, by encouraging safe driving the Connected feature can also reduce accidents, as well as maintenance and repair costs.

Assuming that the car’s value is maintained, the value that would otherwise be lost is passed on to customers with affordable monthly usage fees.

Since the monthly fee covers everything including software upgrades, Connected Driving Trainer, and Connected Car Care, the subscription also eliminates additional costs.