By THEODORE OPARA

TOYOTA Nigeria Limited has promised to introduce more new exciting models into the Nigeria market this year to consolidate its position as the number one auto brand in the country.

Toyota ended the year 2012 with close to 20,000 new vehicles, which accounted for about 40 per cent of the total new vehicle import into the Nigeria last year.

Speaking at the ninth edition of company’s annual awards ceremony at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade Ojo said “some new models in Toyota line up will be introduced into the market this year, beginning with the all-new RAV4.

The chairman, whose speech was presented by the company’s Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Ade Ojo explained that some new models were introduced into the market the previous year to broden the choices of their customers.

“On a positive note, the year witnessed the introduction of key models into our line up. While we increased our model portfolio by introducing the Fortuner in the Fabric seat and leather seats versions, we also brought in the Hilux automatic transmission to complement the Hilux model line up,”he said, adding that the Avanza also underwent a full model change.

The Toyota boss further explained that all these were aimed at meeting the expectations and yearnings of their valued customers across the country.

The chairman also pointed out that the company expanded its scope of operations so as to fulfill its ultimate responsibility of satisfying its customers by completing its world class Body Paint Training Centre in Lagos.

This ultra modern facility, according to him, will serve as training centre for its dealer technical staff on body and paints training.

On the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, the Toyota boss said they have remained resolutely committed to their policy of affecting and imparting positively on the society.

Apart from donating two Hilux Pickup vans to the Oyo State government last year for crime fighting, they ensured the participation of Nigerian children in the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. The winning entries, from among those who participated in the contest in Nigeria were sent on annual basis to Japan to contest at the global level with other winning entries from other parts of the world.

Chief Ade Ojo however explained that though, the company made some progress last year, they also had their challenges.

Said he: “Last year like any other was quite eventful in the annals of our dear organization. The year began on a nervy note with the fuel subsidy crisis. This was followed by flood disaster in many parts of the country. Security issues and sundry fiscal challenges made the economic landscape quite unfriendly for smooth business operations, making business very extremely daunting.

“Nevertheless all these limitations notwithstanding, we remained resolute and focused, by dint of hardwork and dedication, we managed to finish the race reasonably well. This modest achievement was made possible by the immense goodwill of our customers and dedication of our dealers,”he stated.