The “move like magic’’ Kinto campaign, launched by Toyota Australia in March 2021, is competition for Uber and Hertz rental, neither of which operate in Kyabram.
It is the only operational hire car service in Kyabram, the Kinto car rental business initially having two vehicles available for hire.
Ian Isaac, Albion Motors dealer principle, said it was not only an option for people who were having their vehicle serviced, but also for warranty work.
“Anyone who is having warranty work done will be able to use the Kinto vehicles free of charge,” Mr Isaac said.
“After approaching some of the local panel beaters and other businesses there seems to be a need out there.”
There will be a Hilux four wheel drive utility available for hire, along with a Yaris cross hybrid (a small SUV vehicle) at a later date.
Mr Isaac said the vehicles could be booked 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“It is all done via an app on the phone,” he said.
But people do not need to be Albion Motors customers to use Kinto, anyone can use the service.
They just need to download the app, put in all their details and book a vehicle.
“When people are within distance of the car, they will receive a code to open the vehicle,” he said.
The service is operated completely from a smartphone app, including sign up, booking, access and payment. Unlocking and locking of the vehicle is done via buttons from within the app.
The Kinto vehicles will be stationed in the yard beside the showroom, complete with signage and line markings.
“This is unique for Kyabram, we have done the research and it is something we think the town needs,” Mr Isaac said.
Other dealers in regional Victoria are also offering the new service, which comes with a daily rate and kilometre rate.
The bottom line is that there is now somewhere people can hire a vehicle in Kyabram.
"People can hire the vehicles through the app for an hour, daily or even yearly. Whatever they need,“ he said.
"And there is the potential for more cars if there is a need. All vehicles will be less than two years old.“
The name KINTO is derived from kintou, a Japanese word meaning “flying nimbus” – a magical cloud that appears quickly when necessary to provide transport.
KINTO details, terms and conditions are available at https://www.kinto.com.au/ or by calling 1300 4KINTO (454 686).
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