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

Manawatu and TRC Toyota – which includes stores in Palmerston North, Feilding, Masterton and Levin – claimed the top award at an afternoon function at Palmerston North Convention Centre ahead of runners up, GWD Toyota and South Canterbury Toyota.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer and joint shareholder, Debbie Hart, says winning reflects Manawatu and TRC Toyota team’s relentless commitment to excellence.

“We have a fantastic team who do their jobs exceptionally well. We’re in business to be successful and want to be the best – that attitude has caught on throughout our stores. We couldn’t be prouder of them,” says Debbie.

Tasman Toyota won the President’s Trophy for outstanding customer satisfaction. This premium award reflects the consistent excellence in customer satisfaction.

The Excellence in Leadership Award was awarded to Rutherford and Bond Toyota for exemplary leadership in the advancement of the dealership’s people and the franchise.  Other coveted awards include the Branch Dealer of the Year awarded to Auckland City Toyota: Mt Wellington Branch, and Lexus of North Shore was named Lexus Dealer of The Year.

Steve Prangnell, Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Franchise Development and Used Vehicles 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 consistently topped the sales charts for more than 30 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.”

Award winners in addition to those named above:

New Vehicle Excellence Cup – Manawatu and TRC Toyota
Used Vehicle Excellence Cup – South Canterbury Toyota
Parts & Accessories Excellence Cup – Valley Toyota
Service Excellence Cup – Auckland City Toyota