Latest Maps Version for Prado Navigation System

[OzDriver Member Find all posts View Profile Close OzDriver]

This seems to be the full list of Toyota numbers: http://www.toyota.com.au/toyota/comp...fice-locations
Along with an email, we could also try calling 'en-mass' to the Toyota Guest Experience Centre, Ph: 1800 869 682, (Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5:30pm AEST)
They might enjoy the 'experience' of getting a large number of calls around the same time on the same topic.
Interesting that this thread has one of highest viewings of specific issues - which indicates the level of concern.

[OzDriver Member Find all posts View Profile Close OzDriver]

... and yes the email address for TC is [email protected]

[OzDriver Member Find all posts View Profile Close OzDriver]

...plus the Marketing Manager [email protected]

[LeadWings Member Find all posts View Profile Close LeadWings]

As expected I got a pathetic response from Toyota:

"Dear Malcolm,

Thank you for your recent email received by the Toyota Guest Experience Centre in relation to your 2015 Prado.

We wish to advise you that the system does not automatically upgrade, however as you have been informed by your selling Toyota dealership there may be an upgrade available in the near future in the form of a disc or SD Card at a cost to you.

At the time your vehicle was built it was installed with the latest software which is upgraded every 18 - 24 months.

We regret that the issue regarding your Satellite Navigation System has caused you disappointment. We would like to pass this information on to the relevant department and wish to assure you this matter has been recorded for future reference.

Thank you for contacting Toyota and allowing us the opportunity to respond.

Regards,

Rachel
Consultant
Guest Experience Centre"

So they really don't get that the maps system they have subscribed to is issuing maps that are out of date when they issue them, and that they are shafting customers by charging them every time they want an update.

Time for some mail bombing. Thanks for the contacts above. I'll also be writing to some 4WD/car mags - while they don't like conflicting with the car manufacturers, every so often one of them publishes a letter that may warn others before purchase - and I reckon that will get Toyota's attention.

[JohnLynn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnLynn]

I have looked at the my.toyota.eu website again. European customers just need to "register your vehicle" then click on "download services" then go to the "map updates tab" The example in the "how to" shows a 2106 map. Why does this system not apply to Australian customers?

Thanks to the posters above for confirming the email address of some senior figures in the company. I suggest that we write to customer experience centre with a cc to as many others as we can find asking a few questions such as:

Why are Australian vehicles sold with two years out of date maps?
Why can European customers easily download a more up to date map?
Why are Australian customers charged $300 for a two year old map every 18-24 months?
If it takes Toyota Australia two years to "integrate a map to a vehicle" how can other Australian car companies manage to provide up to date ones?

Any other questions and/or suggestions to add to our email would be much appreciated.

[cuda Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close cuda]

Just sent an email to Tony Cramb. I outlined the issues being faced with the outdated maps and directed him to look at this Web group. Hopefully something positive might happen.

Thanks
Doug

[JohnLynn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnLynn]

I doubt it but no harm in trying. I have sent emails to three people in Toyota but not to the "guest experience centre" as I am struggling to find their email address, I could only find the phone number. Perhaps LeadWings or other kind person could post it here.

[Kapitan Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kapitan]

What is Toyota Guest Experience Centre e-mail address?

[wv1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wv1]

What is Toyota Guest Experience Centre e-mail address?

[email protected]

[LeadWings Member Find all posts View Profile Close LeadWings]

My e-mail response came from this address: [email protected]

[JohnLynn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnLynn]

Many thanks I will send them an email.
I have received a prompt reply from Mr Tony Cramb promising to "be back in contact shortly"

I still feel that if enough people tell Toyota of their disappointment something may eventually happen. I fear that many customers just assume that being a Toyota their vehicle will be fitted with the latest maps, some may not even know which menu to check. I once approached a complete stranger getting out of his (obviously new) Prado and asked him about his navigation system. He assured me that it was up to date, luckily he allowed me to show him the menu proving that his maps were two years out of date, the same as mine.

I would urge the many people reading this thread, if you agree that Australian customers should be able to access up to date software as supplied to other markets, to send a few emails to Toyota.

[LeadWings Member Find all posts View Profile Close LeadWings]

Many thanks I will send them an email.
I have received a prompt reply from Mr Tony Cramb promising to "be back in contact shortly"

I still feel that if enough people tell Toyota of their disappointment something may eventually happen. I fear that many customers just assume that being a Toyota their vehicle will be fitted with the latest maps, some may not even know which menu to check. I once approached a complete stranger getting out of his (obviously new) Prado and asked him about his navigation system. He assured me that it was up to date, luckily he allowed me to show him the menu proving that his maps were two years out of date, the same as mine.

I would urge the many people reading this thread, if you agree that Australian customers should be able to access up to date software as supplied to other markets, to send a few emails to Toyota.

Just sent emails to the two people above and the customer care unit. I would hold my breath but life is too short as it is....

[cuda Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close cuda]

I suggested Tony Cramb have a look at this group and see the complaints for himself. He responded with "He would pass onto the service department to investigate".

[JohnLynn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnLynn]

Well done I have emailed customer experience with cc to guest (should be mug) experience centres.
The Toyota (presumably) executive that Senator Muir's office contacted several months ago must be a Mr Robert Langridge. I sent emails to robert. etc which was returned as address unknown but a cc to [email protected] has not been bounced back yet!

This is a copy of my latest email to guest experience:

From John xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
Golden Bay 6174
WA

Dear Customer Experience Centre,

I am writing to tell you as a Toyota customer that so far my "experience" regarding my out of date maps factory fitted to my new Toyota has been atrocious!

In December 2015 I bought my first Toyota, a Prado from Big Rock Toyota.
Before driving my new vehicle home from the dealership I entered my home address into the factory fitted navigation unit and was amazed to find that the estate where I have owned a property for three years did not exist according to the new vehicle's maps.

Ever since I have been attempting to find the reason that Australian customers seem to be treated differently to the European, American, Japanese, Russian and other markets.

My previous contacts with you resulted in what I considered to be a patronising reply, with my following emails receiving no response at all.

Many people are complaining about this issue on Toyota owners forums, I wonder how many of us need to tell you of our disappointment before you take any action to address the issue?

Please would you answer the following questions:
Why are new Australian Toyota vehicles sold with two years out of date maps?
Why can European customers easily download an up to date map?
Why are Australian customers charged $300 for an already two year old map every 18-24 months?
If it takes Toyota Australia two years to "integrate a map to a vehicle" how can other Australian car companies, often offering much cheaper vehicles, manage to provide up to date maps?

Finally how does Toyota Australia get away with this?

Kind regards, John.

[JohnLynn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnLynn]

I suggested Tony Cramb have a look at this group and see the complaints for himself. He responded with "He would pass onto the service department to investigate".

Yes if we just get the pass the buck response would it be worth posting some google reviews?
I did look into this before and think that I was unable to post a review directly onto the main Toyota website, however individual dealer websites can have a google review. Would others be willing to do this?