
Toyota celebrates 50 years in New Zealand
In 1966 Toyota made a modest entry into the New Zealand car market, the 50th anniversary of which was marked by the planting of a native Puriri tree at the National Customer Centre in Palmerston North last Friday.
Although a great deal has evolved, a constant theme remains in Toyota’s business that is as prevalent today as it was 50 years ago.
“Toyota New Zealand entered the New Zealand market with the aim of leading the way to the future of mobility; that remains our mantra 50 years later,” says Alistair Davis, CEO of Toyota New Zealand.
“Recognising the 50 year journey is not only taking a moment to reflect back on the challenges and the triumphs but largely an opportunity to celebrate, motivate and prepare for the next 50 years.”
Toyota announces 2015 dealership champions. The official press release.
Toyota New Zealand CEO, Alistair Davis (left) pictured with Tony Bowater, CEO of Bowater Toyota, holding the Dealer of the Year cup.
Bowater Toyota has been announced the 2015 Toyota Dealer of the Year at the annual Toyota Dealer Awards ceremony in Nelson over the weekend. This is the 2nd year in a row that the dealership has won the coveted award for overall excellence in all aspects of dealership operations.
Toyota New Zealand has been hosting a Dealership Awards ceremony for more than 30 years to recognise the continuous commitment and high level of performance that Toyota dealerships deliver, with this year’s celebrations also marking Toyota’s 50 year journey in New Zealand.
Bowater Toyota - which operates in Nelson, Richmond and Motueka - claimed the top award over fellow finalists Wanganui Toyota and Manawatu Toyota.
The company’s CEO, Tony Bowater, believes the award reflects the Bowater Toyota team’s collective understanding of their objectives and ability to stay focused and motivate one another to achieve.
“I am very proud of our team and humbled to receive this recognition on their behalf,” says Bowater.
“They have maintained focus in knowing what our expectations and goals are; to support and assist our customers, ensuring they receive the best service and reward us with a smile.
“To be recognised as Dealer of the Year, back to back, for a network as successful as Toyota is massive, it shows just how good our team is. For us, it is like winning the World Cup.”
Bowater Toyota delighted to win 2015 Toyota Dealer of the Year.
Tony Bowater (centre) on stage to collect the Dealer of the Year trophy for 2015. Click to enlarge.
It has been a huge year for Bowater Toyota.
Imagine the surprise felt by all at the Bowater Toyota table when Tony Bowater got the call to stage as winner of the 2015 Toyota Dealer of the Year at the annual awards held on Friday 19th February in Nelson at the Rutherford Hotel.
The surprise was justified. As reigning Dealer of the Year and current holders of the much coveted Yokoi Cup there was no expectation that the Bowater Toyota team COULD win it again, but there it was, on the big screen! Bowater Motor Group chairman Rodney Bowater and his wife Helen were lucky enough to be at the table as well, and could not help but be filled with pride. Imagine that. Toyota Dealer of the Year two years running, and awarded the prestigious title in our home town!
Being the reigning trophy holders as last years Toyota Dealer Of the Year there came with it a hefty responsibility and an obligation to perform as champions. At our celebration dinner last year we heard from 3 time Adventure Racing World Champion Nathan Fa'avae on what it takes to carry the mantle of World Champion and convert that pride and excitement into a motivation to built on the successful practises that got you there in the first place, so that you could better your performance and remain at the top of your game. This attitude to success has certainly paid off in a big way.
Back to back winners of Toyota Dealer of the YearTony Bowater was very proud of the team and humbled to receive this recognition on their behalf on Friday Feb 19th at the annual Toyota Dealer awards that were being held right here in Nelson. With the spotlight already shining on us, and being the reigning Toyota New Zealand Dealer of the Year, Tony went into the awards with no expectations, imagine the excitement of winning the ultimate award back to back!
Posted by Bowater Motor Group on Wednesday, 24 February 2016
The Toyota Festival is coming to the South Island - registrations open
![]() |
![]() |
Are you ready for the sheer excitement, and track-based brilliance of the annual Toyota Festival? If you love speed, super-hot Toyotas and the sound of tyres on tarmac, this is your must-attend event of the summer.
The annual Toyota Festival is back, and for the first time ever down South. It’s bigger than ever before - all it needs now is YOU.
This fun filled event is packed with on and off-track thrills and excitement, making it an unmissable day out for any Toyota enthusiast with a burning desire for speed.
More Articles ...
- If you love Chamber Music you need to come and see us Wednesday 17th Feb
- Meeting the new 2016 Toyota Prius with Adrien
- Toyota dealers cut power use – save over $125,000
- Toyota New Zealand is pleased to announce their commitment to the TVNZ home renovation hit series, Our First Home, for a second season.
- Auto Techs - are you looking to join a great team?
- Get creative with your kids with this years Toyota Dream Car Art Contest
- Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series adds more for 2016.
- New 2016 Toyota Hilux to meet all market demands, and demanding markets!
- Excitement at Frankfurt as Toyota C-HR SUV to go into production
- Toyota invests $US 50 million in artificial intelligence research