Toyota seeks customer input

TOKYO: Toyota Japan is asking its customers to help develop more user-friendly new cars. Its Raum compact multi-utility car, released late last month, is a result of such efforts.

Toyota invited various people, including housewives, the elderly and children, to ride in trial models. They were asked for their comments and advice on how to improve the car.

The result? Well, prospective buyers wanted optional poles on both sides of the bumper for gauging clearance and a warning sticker on the rear sliding doors to protect passengers from jamming their fingers.

Remember, this is the Japanese market.