By THEODORE OPARA
TOYOTA Nigeria Limited, last Thursday proved its supremacy in Nigeria when it dominated the Nigerian Auto Journalist Awards (NAJA) held at the Sheraton Hotels Lagos. Toyota picked three awards at the event, the highest by any company at the annual award by Nigerian Auto Journalists.

Toyota Corolla won the Prestigious Car of the Year Award, while  Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was crowned  the Sports Utility Vehicle of the Year. The best after sales network of the Year also went to Toyota Nigeria Limited. Toyota’s eight accredited dealers with at least more than three outlets in different parts of the country each helped the company to grab the award.

While receiving the awards on behalf of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mrs Buky Ogunusi, the company’s image maker, dedicated them to their customers, saying,  “they are the reason behind our success  in Nigeria and without the customers we won’t be standing here today.”

She pledged that Toyota would continue to offer quality products to Nigerians at all time. Ogunusi described the Toyota as very strong brand that offers value for money in all segments.

The Toyota Corolla it should be recalled  has consistently dominated the Car of the Year Award in Nigeria in the last five years. The Nigerian Motoring  writer explained that the Corolla was chosen for its rich features, drive quality, comfort and safety packages.

Also the Corolla accounts for the highest number of sales in its class where the Civic, Elantra, and Cerato are also strong contenders.

The Toyota Prado however is receiving the award for the first time for superb on-road and off-road-handling.

For the first time however, the Toyota Hilux was displaced in the Pickup category by the Ford Ranger which is gradually taking the lead from the Toyota Pickup. The Ford Ranger which is marketed in Nigeria by BriscoeFord and Coscharis Motors has gained more converts in the last two years including the military and para-military for its ruggedness and overall performance.