Photo Caption
L-R: Chairman of Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, Mr Mike Ochonma; Mrs Bukki Ogunnusi of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, and Dr Oscar Odiboh, during the recent presentation of the Auto Company of the Decade to Toyota (Nigeria) Limited at the NAJA Awards in Lagos
Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) ended the 2024 business year on a high as it emerged as the Auto Company of the Decade.
It received the honour at the Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards held in Lagos on Wednesday December 11, 2024, bagging one of the biggest awards at last year’s event.
It was the first time any automobile firm in Nigeria would be receiving such major honour at the annual Awards, which entered its 13th edition this year.
This is the second landmark honour bestowed on the TNL at the close of the 2024 business year.
Just a few days earlier, the company was named as one of the top 50 brands in Nigeria, an annual assessment of top brands in the country.
TNL commenced operations in 1996 as a wholly indigenous and privately owned company, after it was appointed by Toyota Motor Corporation as its sole distributor in Nigeria.
The company, in partnership with its seven accredited dealers, has remained a forerunner in the marketing of Toyota products in the Nigerian automobile industry, providing exceptional services in auto sales, services, and distribution of genuine parts.
The firm has over the years consistently won many NAJA awards and other top-rated laurels for its quality products and services in the automotive industry.
Apart from vehicle sale, the company says it has invested heavily in after-sale service delivery by constructing a global Standard Service Centre in Lagos, which also doubles as a Dojo Centre, (a Japanese word for a place of immersive or experiential learning) for specialised services to customers and on-the-job training for its dealers.
The firm recalled its efforts in building the brand, noting, “In its early days in Nigeria, the Toyota brand had to strive for acceptance, particularly in the face of stiff competition from the established brands at the time.
“The ingenuity and resourcefulness of the board of directors under the indefatigable chairmanship of Chief Michael Ade. Ojo OON, coupled with his vision, industry, and tireless commitment to the brand for over 50 years, paved the way for the acceptance and success of the Toyota brand in Nigeria.”
Reacting to the honours including being rated as one of the top 50 brands in Nigeria this year, Managing Director of TNL, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, said the company was excited and he attributed the success of the company to its loyal customers.
“I am quite elated and grateful to our esteemed customers as we celebrate a remarkable achievement – being recognised as the top automotive brand among the Most Popular and Top 50 brands in Nigeria (powered by Brand Nigeria).
“This could not have been achieved without the patronage and loyalty of our customers,” he said.
The Toyota (Nigeria) boss also said this was a recognition of the company’s latest huge investment in innovation and new technologies in the auto industry.
Apart from adequately stocking quality spare parts, it also has continued to raise topnotch workers in the face of challenging economy.
“As a matter of fact, our success would also not have been possible without the significant investments we have made vis-à-vis our well-stocked spare parts stores, latest technologies in the industry and most importantly, our people.
“Our team of dedicated professionals; from our skilled technicians to our committed staff members and accredited dealers, are the driving force behind our achievements.”
