Toyota embarks on three-year rebrand as red identity is dropped

LONDON - Toyota is introducing new branding across its European dealer network as part of an overhaul that will see the Japanese marque's iconic red identity dropped.

A silver metallic symbol designed by Dalziel and Pow will be rolled out from April across Toyota's European retail network of more than 3000 sales and service points.

The rebranding, which is expected to be completed in 2007 to coincide with the company's 70th anniversary, is intended to give the car giant consistency right across the brand, with new badging and brand signature being introduced to the cars and marketing campaigns at the same time.

Toyota's aim is to increase customer awareness and recognition of the brand, and at the same time give it a fresh, more premium image.

The overhaul is only Toyota's third revision of its image since it was established in Europe in 1963, and is being introduced to dealerships nationwide.

The move follows the dropping of its famous "The car in front is a Toyota" strapline last year, which was replaced by "Today, Tomorrow, Toyota".

The current "three ellipse" symbol was introduced worldwide in 1989.

Later this summer, Toyota will make its first foray into the growing micro-car sector with the launch of the Aygo.

The brand is eager to give itself a more youthful edge and hopes to establish the Aygo as the leading urban car across Europe, although it will face strong competition from DaimlerChrysler-owned Smart and French rival Peugeot Citroën, whose 1007 will launch in June.

The UK micro-car sector is currently led by Smart, which has a 0.4% share of the total market.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .

Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Advertising Intelligence Market Reports.

Find out more

Enjoying ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s content?

 Get unlimited access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s premium content for your whole company with a corporate licence.

Upgrade access

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an alert now

Partner content