Toyota and Lexus merger on cards

Toyota is mooting a restructure of its marketing division as part of wide-ranging review of it business. The company is understood to have put the review of its direct marketing account for Toyota on hold as a result of the changes.

It is understood that the restructure could lead to a merger of the European marketing departments of Toyota and its luxury sister brand Lexus. It is thought the move could lead to some job losses but it is not clear how many.

A Toyota spokesman admits that the carmaker is reviewing its business, but is unable to comment further on the marketing changes.

He says: “Due to the volatile business conditions affecting the car market at the moment, Toyota is reviewing all of its business needs. That will include our marketing work. We will be unable to make any decisions on any aspect of business until these reviews are complete.”

He adds that the outcome of the review will not be known until the early New Year.

Before the review of its direct marketing account was halted, Toyota was understood to have shortlisted Elvis and Stephens Francis Whitson.

Sources say that the carmaker postponed the pitch while “strategic decisions” were made by the company. It is understood the delay has already gone on “for months due to an internal review”.

According to a senior source, Toyota is looking “carefully” at the overall structure of the whole company and is seeking ways to streamline operations and cut costs.