The Yokoi Cup for Dealer of the Year is awarded for overall excellence in dealership operations, market leadership and dealership facilities.

Manawatu Toyota - which includes TRC Toyota in Masterton, Feilding and Levin - claimed the top award at a glittering black tie event ahead of five-time finalist Manukau Toyota, and two-time finalist GWD Toyota, Southland.

The company's CEO, Debbie Hart, says winning a second title in a row - and third in total -reflects the Manawatu Toyota team's ongoing commitment to ultimate customer service and sales performance.

"It starts with a genuine family culture. Having my husband Brendon as General Manager, and his brother Fraser managing the new and used divisions, creates a supportive environment which the team of about 80 can achieve success in," says Debbie Hart.

"We pride ourselves on our connection to all four communities we operate in, and each member of our team believes they are going to make a difference to their customers every day."

Among other coveted awards: Giltrap City Toyota, Auckland, won the President's Trophy for outstanding customer satisfaction, and the Toyota Finance Dealer of the Year; and Lexus of Auckland City was named Lexus Dealer of The Year.

Steve Prangnell, General Manager New Vehicles and Dealer Operations, says the Awards are an opportunity for Toyota New Zealand to thank dealers for their consistently high level of performance.

"The support and commitment of dealers around the country contributes to the ongoing trust and loyalty in the Toyota brand in New Zealand. We have topped the sales charts for 24 years, and it is important for Toyota to acknowledge the contribution dealers make to this achievement," says Steve Prangnell.

"Having clear Awards criteria gives dealers targets to aim for, and every year the competition seems to be more intense as dealers aim for continuous improvement."

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For more information, please contact:

Steve Prangnell, Toyota New Zealand General Manager of New Vehicles and Dealer Operations, (06) 350 3460 or 029 287 8866 or email: steve.prangnell@toyota.co.nz.

Award winners in addition to those named above:

Associate/Branch Dealer of the Year - PACIFIC TOYOTA, WHAKATANE

New Vehicle Excellence Cup - BLENHEIM TOYOTA

Used Vehicle Excellence Cup - GILTRAP CITY TOYOTA

Parts & Accessories Excellence Cup - RANGIORA TOYOTA

Service Excellence Cup - MANUKAU TOYOTA

Extra Care Excellence Cup - HAWKES BAY TOYOTA

Platinum Award winners

The dealership must achieve a level of excellence that significantly exceeds that of similar sized dealerships in all areas of operation.

Tasman Toyota; Rangiora Toyota; Manawatu Toyota; Hawkes Bay Toyota; Manukau Toyota; Bowater Toyota; GWD Toyota.

Gold Award winners

The dealership must achieve a level of excellence that exceeds that of similar sized dealerships in all areas of operation.

Cooke Howlison Toyota; Prescott Toyota; Northland Toyota; Giltrap City Toyota; Papakura Toyota; Miles Toyota; South Canterbury Toyota; Rutherford & Bond Toyota.

Triple Crown Certificate winners

Awarded to Dealers with Toyota leadership in Passenger, Commercial and Total New Vehicle sales.

Albany Toyota; Wilmot Toyota; Hawkes Bay Toyota; Rotorua Toyota; Papakura Toyota; Manawatu Toyota; Bowater Toyota; South Canterbury Toyota; Coast Toyota; Pacific Toyota; Manukau Toyota; Rutherford & Bond Toyota; Rangiora Toyota; Giltrap City Toyota; Cooke Howlison Toyota; Tasman Toyota; North Shore Toyota.