Home » Articles » Notebook

Toyota Zambia officially opens Nangwenya Toyota and celebrates 50 years of operations in Zambia
Nangwenya Toyota was officially opened at a colourful event that took place on 16th August 2013 by Dr Guy Scott vice president of the Republic of Zambia, represented by the minister of Commercial, Trade and Industry. The event was attended by over 790 invited guests from various sectors of the economy among them senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior executives from corporate customers, competitors and suppliers.

In his opening remarks, Toyota Zambia CEO John Connell thanked all the guests for giving up their valuable time to be with Toyota to celebrate Toyota’s 50th year in Zambia and the official opening of Nangwenya Toyota. Connell informed the guests that new Toyota vehicles authorized by the Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan were first sold in Zambia in 1963 by a company started by Derrick Friend in partnership with Lonrho.

Today, Toyota Zambia is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan, and we are very proud and excited to be opening our fourth dealership in Zambia.

Speaking at the same event, Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC), executive officer, Naoki Takeuchi said ‘Zambia is one of the most important and promising market in Africa’.  

He further stated that the foundation of TTC is the automotive business and he was glad that Toyota Zambia is strong. Takeuchi informed the guests that besides the automotive business, the company comprises of 6 major commodity divisions such as metals, machinery, food and so on. The company’s 2020 vision sets out to develop new ventures in the field of ‘mobility, ‘earth and resources’ and ‘life and community’, while enhancing cross-field cooperation. He further informed the guests that in order to accomplish its goals, Toyota Tsusho Africa approved to establish a liaison office in Zambia, namely Toyota Tsusho Zambia in June 2013. The company has since been registered as of 9th July 2013.

The Japanese ambassador to Zambia H.E Akio Egawa congratulated Toyota Zambia for the official opening of Nangwenya Toyota and for its 50th anniversary. He emphasised that quality motor vehicles are a must for development and economic growth.

Egawa stated that as Zambia continues to record economic growth, the demand for quality motor vehicles continues to grow. He expressed confidence that Toyota Zambia will continue to be at the driver’s seat for Zambia’s economic development. The ambassador informed the guests that the government of Japan has placed a priority on construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges in its development corporation with Zambia, as the improvement of transport infrastructure is crucial for economic development.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Commerce minister, Dr Scott said the company demonstrated clear commitment to a long standing relationship with both the public and private sector in the country.

‘No wonder, Toyota, is the most popular vehicle brand on the Zambian market. ‘As vice president of the Republic of Zambia, I am delighted to be part of this occasion and congratulations’, Dr Scott said.

The vice president further explained that the investment we are witnessing today is evidence of a conducive and competitive business environment that his government has instituted. The opening of Nangwenya Toyota is a clear demonstration that Toyota is government’s partner in wealth and job creation.

Category: Notebook | Added by: Mutale (20 February 2014)
Views: 8401 | Rating: 2.0/1
Total comments: 0
avatar
Address
Creative Group
27 Mwambulwa Road
P.O. Box 36607 Lusaka, Zambia



+260 211 292 046 commercegazette@gmail.com