Toyota Surprises 1 Millionth SmartPath Customer With Free RAV4

Rhea-AI Summary

Toyota (NYSE:TM) celebrated a significant milestone as its SmartPath digital retail platform reached its one millionth customer. Philadelphia-area resident Dorianne Malone, who visited Ardmore Toyota to purchase a RAV4, was surprised with a complimentary vehicle to commemorate the occasion.

Launched in 2020, SmartPath enables customers to transition smoothly between online research and in-dealership shopping. The platform has become a key differentiator for Toyota's retail strategy, reflecting the company's commitment to modernizing the car-buying experience. Toyota's U.S. presence includes nearly 1,500 dealerships and 48,000 direct employees, with operations spanning 11 manufacturing plants that have produced over 35 million vehicles.

Positive

• Reached significant milestone of 1 million vehicles sold through SmartPath platform
• Successfully implemented digital transformation in retail sales since 2020
• Strong U.S. presence with 1,500 dealerships and 48,000 employees

Negative

• None.

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota's SmartPath digital retail solution reached a milestone moment when Dorianne Malone, a Philadelphia-area mom and school administrator, became the 1 millionth customer to purchase a Toyota using the innovative retail technology.  

On Aug. 19, Malone arrived at Ardmore Toyota in suburban Philadelphia to purchase her brand-new RAV4 through SmartPath. What she didn't know was that Toyota representatives were waiting with a check to pay off her vehicle in recognition of the SmartPath milestone.

"Reaching 1 million vehicles sold is a huge milestone for SmartPath and a testament to the hard work of our dealers and teams," said John Myers, general manager of Retail Transformation for SmartPath Sales at Toyota Motor North America. "SmartPath has become a true differentiator for the Toyota brand, and we are excited to be shaping the future of the car buying experience." 

Introduced in 2020, SmartPath was designed to let customers move seamlessly between online research and in-dealership shopping. For Malone, that meant convenience and peace of mind while purchasing her third Toyota — only this time, she drove away without a car payment. 

Media Contact
Ed Hellwig
edward.hellwig@toyota.com 

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota's plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. 

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved communities near the company's U.S. operating sites. 

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com. 

 

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

FAQ

How many vehicles has Toyota sold through its SmartPath platform?

Toyota has sold 1 million vehicles through its SmartPath digital retail platform since its launch in 2020.

What is Toyota SmartPath and how does it work?

Toyota SmartPath is a digital retail solution that allows customers to seamlessly transition between online research and in-dealership shopping, streamlining the car-buying process.

How many dealerships does Toyota have in the United States?

Toyota operates nearly 1,500 dealerships across the United States.

How many employees does Toyota have in the United States?

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the United States who contribute to design, engineering, and assembly operations.

What did Toyota do for its 1 millionth SmartPath customer?

Toyota surprised its 1 millionth SmartPath customer, Dorianne Malone, by paying off her new RAV4 at Ardmore Toyota in Philadelphia.