Celebrating 60 Years of Toyota in Mauritius
A Journey of Growth and Innovation
Toyota Mauritius proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary, last Tuesday, an occasion that highlighted not just the brand’s longevity, but its significant contributions to the Mauritian automotive landscape and the lives of its citizens. The event took place at the Riche Terre complex and was graced by distinguished guests, including Prithvirajsing Roopun, President of the Republic, whose presence underscored the importance of this landmark celebration.
Mr Arvind Issur, Managing Director of Toyota Mauritius, delivering his speech on the occasion of Toyota’s 60th anniversary in Mauritius
In a heartfelt speech, Managing Director Mr Arvind Issur recounted the remarkable journey of Toyota in Mauritius, starting with his late father, Mr Karumchand Issur. The seeds of this journey were sown in 1963 when Mr Issur came across an advertisement in Reader’s Digest featuring Toyota vehicles and announcing that the company was seeking distributors worldwide. Curious about the possibilities, he wrote to Toyota Japan, initiating a series of negotiations that ultimately led to a distributorship agreement between Toyota Motor Corporation and The Beechand Company Ltd. This agreement culminated in the arrival of the first Toyota cars in February 1964, marking a new chapter for the local automotive market.
Mr Issur vividly recalled the initial struggles of the business. The local car market was heavily dominated by European makes, making the early days of Toyota challenging. Yet, the dedication and perseverance of the Toyota team paid off. As they worked tirelessly to establish the Toyota brand, sales began to gain momentum. By the late 1960s, the leadership of The Beechand Company recognized the need for greater visibility and customer engagement, prompting a strategic move from Vacoas to Port Louis, where they established a modern showroom in 1970.
Milestones and Achievements
Reflecting on the past six decades, Mr Issur shared statistics that illustrate Toyota’s growth and impact in Mauritius. From a humble annual sale of just 100 vehicles in the 1970s, the company experienced a remarkable surge, achieving over 2000 units sold last year, including Hino trucks. The financial growth was equally staggering; the company’s turnover increased from 25 million rupees in its early days to more than 3 billion rupees in the last financial year, a testament to its robust market presence and consumer trust.
A pivotal moment in the company’s evolution came in April 2006 when a joint venture with Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Japan, was formed, leading to the establishment of Toyota Mauritius Limited. This partnership not only streamlined operations but also reinforced Toyota’s commitment to the region. In 2008, Toyota further cemented its position as an innovator by launching hybrid electric vehicles in Mauritius, making it the first company to do so. Today, it proudly holds the title of the leading brand in the hybrid segment, having sold over 450 hybrid cars last year alone.
Commitment to Sustainability
As the global focus shifts towards sustainability, Mr Issur emphasized Toyota’s commitment to environmental stewardship. With an ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality in new vehicle sales by 2035 and full carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, Toyota is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint. This vision, termed “Beyond Zero,” aims to not only meet the demands of modern consumers but also to contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
Mr Issur elaborated on the roadmap towards carbon neutrality, highlighting Toyota’s multi-technology approach. This strategy includes the development of versatile hybrid electric vehicles that minimize carbon emissions while enhancing fuel efficiency without the need for charging stations. As the readiness for full battery electric vehicles grows, Toyota is committed to supporting this transition, ensuring that no customer is left behind on the journey towards sustainability.
Honouring the Visionaries
The evening was not only a celebration of achievements but also a moment to honour the visionaries behind Toyota’s success in Mauritius. Mr Issur paid tribute to the founding fathers of The Beechand Company, Mr Sookdeo Issur and Mr Karumchand Issur, whose foresight and dedication to bringing mobility to the Mauritian people laid the foundation for what Toyota has become today. Their legacy is carried forward by a dedicated workforce of over 200 employees who are committed to upholding the values of quality, durability, and reliability that have become synonymous with the Toyota brand.
As Toyota Mauritius enters its next chapter, it does so with a firm foundation built on decades of experience, a commitment to innovation, and a vision for a sustainable future. The values that have driven Toyota for 60 years will undoubtedly guide its journey ahead, ensuring that it continues to be a leader in the automotive industry and a trusted partner for the people of Mauritius.
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 20 September 2024
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