Toyota moots DM review

Toyota Motor Company is poised to call a review of the direct marketing account for the Toyota marque. It comes just weeks after it called a review of the direct and digital business for Lexus.
It is thought that the Toyota pitch will be overseen by Agency Insight, which is also handling the Lexus review.
It is not clear if there is an incumbent agency on the Toyota DM account. CHI&Partners handles its advertising while media planning and buying is by ZenithOptimedia. It is not thought that either will be affected by the review.
The Lexus review is already underway with incumbent Partners Andrew Aldridge pitching against Archibald Ingall Stretton and Kitcatt Nohr Alexander Shaw.
In April, Lexus promoted Belinda Poole to run the marque in the UK. She was previously general manger of operations for Lexus Europe. She has replaced Steve Settle who moved to Toyota last year (MW, December 20).
Toyota models include the Auris, Avensis, Aygo, together with the Toyota car range and commercial vehicle range. It is also understood the DM account will include work with Toyota dealers.