Customers continue to trust Toyota

Customers continue to trust Toyota

June sales figures confirm that customers continue to support Toyota despite the US-based negative publicity the company faced in the first few months of the year, says Chief Executive Alistair Davis.

The new vehicle market for the first half of the year was up 16 per cent on 2009, but Toyota sales were up 26 per cent for the same period.

This reflects a strong performance in June, which saw seasonal rental deliveries and a strong Fieldays campaign take Toyota to a 23.7 per cent share of the passenger market, and 34.8 per cent share of the commercial market.

For the year to June, Toyota is a strong market leader with an overall share of 21.6 per cent, almost double the share of second placed Holden.

The strong sales result coincides with two recent independent surveys which confirm Toyota as one of New Zealand’s most trusted companies.

In the latest Attitude New Zealand survey[1], Toyota was named the third most trusted brand, behind two other iconic New Zealand companies Kiwibank and Air New Zealand.

Then days later, Toyota went one better in the Reader’s Digest ‘Most Trusted’ annual survey[2],being named second most trusted brand overall (up from fourth in 2009) and a stand out winner as the most trusted car brand in New Zealand.

“The Attitude New Zealand survey, completed in May, is particularly pleasing for us”, says Mr Davis, “because this strong customer endorsement comes after the global recall issue early this year, which could have dented our hard won reputation here in New Zealand.

“It is immensely pleasing that in the first half of this year Toyota has continued its two decades of market dominance, thanks to our loyal customers.

“But even more humbling is the ongoing trust New Zealanders have that Toyota will continue to improve, continue to give great service, and continue to be innovative.”

“Toyota is proud of its heritage in New Zealand, but we know we have to earn the public’s trust every day, not rely on past reputation.”

Mr Davis says the 700,000 Toyota drivers in New Zealand are the ultimate judge of whether the company is still delivering quality vehicles and service after nearly 50 years.

“Toyota is looking forward to an exciting second half of the year. Highlights will include the start of the Plug-In Prius trial with Massey University, the release of the 2011 Highlander and Lexus IS350, and the arrival here of the FJ Cruiser, which we think will become another much-loved Kiwi legend.”

ENDS

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