Car buyers offered cash for ads

Hoping to spur sales among young drivers, Toyota Motor Corp. is offering buyers of some models 60,000 yen if they allow sponsor companies to attach advertisements to their vehicles for 90 days, the automaker said.

The offer, which began this week in Hokkaido and Kanagawa Prefecture, is the first such move by a Japanese carmaker. Toyota plans to sell 65 units in total in three models, targeting young drivers, a group that has been showing declining interest in cars.

The 60,000 yen tax-inclusive incentive will be paid by two sponsors. Ads for Usen Corp.'s GyaO free online video delivery service will appear on 50 cars sold in Kanagawa Prefecture, while ads for Hokkaido Television Broadcasting Co. will be on 15 cars sold in Hokkaido.(IHT/Asahi: July 17,2008)