Toyota owners will be glad to know that their MyToyota app could function as a valuable tool for tracking down stolen vehicles.
The MyToyota Connect system, which works through a smartphone app and an integrated SIM inside the vehicle, offers several innovative features and is available in almost all modern Toyota cars sold in recent years.
Among its features are in-car WiFi, a battery health checker, roadside assistance, service bookings, a digital logbook, driver ratings, and, importantly, a GPS locator.
Last line of defense
A TopAuto reader recently purchased a Corolla Cross from an accredited Toyota dealer in Gauteng and, knowing that theft is a real concern for Toyota customers, the salesman told them that the company often sees more success with stolen vehicle recoveries through the MyToyota app than it has with third-party tracking devices.
They explained why, but it would be better for that information to stay out of the public domain as it could be exploited by the wrong people. Just know that it’s not because aftermarket devices are ineffective.
After the now-happy Corolla Cross owner relayed his experience to TopAuto, we got in touch with Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) in an effort to verify these claims.
Riaan Esterhuysen, Senior Manager of PR and Corporate Communications at TSAM, said that without being present when the conversation took place, the company “cannot comment or confirm the veracity of the specific claims.”
“However, Toyota is committed to leveraging the collaborative power of multiple technologies to benefit our customers.”
He said that the MyToyota app is a complementary value-added service designed to elevate the Toyota ownership experience through digital integration.
“In today’s age of connected car telematics, the MyToyota app offers enhanced driving and ownership experiences featuring advanced security features integrated into our cars,” said Esterhuysen.
“Our Future Toyota division is dedicated to continuously developing and integrating cutting-edge digital tools into our vehicles, ensuring innovative mobility solutions for all.”
Esterhuysen emphasised that the MyToyota app is not a substitute for vehicle tracking devices and that the fitment of such trackers remains at the discretion of the customer and their insurer.
It’s therefore advised that Toyota owners and prospective customers see the MyToyota app as more of a complementary feature that could act as a last line of defense to retrieve their stolen vehicle should all else fail.
It’s worth mentioning that Toyota isn’t the only vehicle manufacturer with connected services that include GPS locators, so it might be worth finding out if your car, or one you are interested in buying, has similar abilities.
Loading ...
