As consumer expectations rise and dealer inventories shrink, automotive OEMs are under greater pressure than ever to deliver vehicles with speed, transparency, and precision. For Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI), this meant rethinking how vehicles were tracked, how dealers were kept informed, and how data could drive performance at scale.
To meet this challenge, TCI turned to ICL’s Vehicle Logistics Management System (VLMS). What began as a response to fragmented systems and manual processes has evolved into one of TCI’s most trusted digital platforms — enabling real-time visibility, predictive ETAs, and streamlined dealer communication across its Canadian network.
The Challenge
Before VLMS, TCI managed logistics across a patchwork of systems and manual workflows. As sales accelerated and dealerships became more reliant on precise vehicle arrivals, these limitations became more apparent. Inventory control teams were left chasing updates. Dealerships had limited visibility into inbound stock. And operations lacked the ability to anticipate delays or prioritize high-demand models in real time.
Compounding the challenge was the company’s rollout of a broader enterprise-wide system — which, while powerful, wasn’t purpose-built for the nuanced demands of finished vehicle logistics.
What TCI needed was a solution that could integrate with existing systems, provide end-to-end supply chain visibility, and deliver trusted, actionable data to everyone from corporate logistics to frontline dealers.
The VLMS Solution
ICL’s VLMS platform provided a direct answer to those needs — and more. By consolidating logistics data from all transportation modes and partners, VLMS became TCI’s single source of truth for vehicle movement across Canada. Its predictive ETA engine, real-time updates, and seamless integration capabilities positioned it as a mission-critical tool inside TCI’s logistics stack.
According to Julie Wingender, Manager of Inventory Control at TCI, “VLMS is very easy to use, and no other system delivers the level of precision, accuracy, and real-time data. Without it, I’d be challenged to find all of that live data with just a few clicks.”
Measurable Impact
Since adopting VLMS, TCI has achieved significant and quantifiable improvements across its supply chain:
- Over 90% ETA accuracy across vehicle deliveries
- Real-time VIN-level tracking from plant to dealer
- Dynamic dealer updates with proactive delay flagging (e.g., weather, congestion)
- Integration with ERP and finance systems for streamlined workflows
- Full automation of invoice audits, eliminating billing errors and improving cost control
Beyond the metrics, VLMS has transformed the day-to-day operations of TCI’s logistics and inventory control teams. Every morning, the system is used to validate production forecasts, assess dealer allocations, and set clear expectations with downstream partners.
Empowering Dealers Through Data
Dealer satisfaction has been a key driver of the VLMS implementation. Many of TCI’s dealerships operate on a just-in-time model, carrying little inventory and relying on accurate ETA data to schedule customer deliveries and service prep.
With VLMS, dealers gain access to:
- Forecasted arrivals by order and region
- Insights for sales-to-service coordination
- Real-time notifications of risk events or shipment updates
- Support for vehicle trades and inter-dealer transfers
These features have helped TCI’s dealer network enhance customer experience, reduce delivery surprises, and better align sales commitments with inbound pipeline visibility.
Looking Ahead
As Toyota Canada continues its digital transformation, VLMS remains a foundational tool in its logistics strategy. One major development on the horizon is the rollout of ICL’s redesigned Dealer Portal — a modern interface that will give dealerships real-time map-based tracking, on-demand reporting, and a more intuitive view of vehicle movement across the country.
Julie Wingender is enthusiastic about this next phase, noting that “access to transparent, real-time vehicle data empowers dealers to operate more efficiently and deliver a better customer experience.”
Download the Full Case Study
Want a deeper look into how Toyota Canada implemented VLMS and what lessons other OEMs can take away?
We’ve documented the full story — including TCI’s challenges, transformation process, measurable KPIs, and the roadmap for continued innovation.
Final Thought: Take the Next Step Toward Smarter Vehicle Logistics
Toyota Canada’s success with VLMS proves that real-time visibility, predictive ETAs, and proactive dealer communication are not just aspirations — they’re achievable outcomes with the right technology partner.
If improving ETA accuracy, reducing manual updates, and building stronger dealer relationships are priorities for your team, now is the time to explore what VLMS can do for your network.
You can learn more about VLMS here — including how the platform supports OEMs with VIN-level tracking, invoice auditing, dealer portals, and dynamic ETAs.
Or, if you’re ready to explore your logistics challenges in depth, contact our team to start the conversation about how ICL can help improve your finished vehicle delivery performance.
