In what could be described within industry circles as a positive response of public expectation of having a comparatively top quality and affordable new car in the country, revelations emerged last week of plans by Toyota Nigeria Limited to set up a local assembly plants in the country.
This piece of information, which comprehensive template is yet to be made was conveyed last Thursday by the Mike Ade.Ojo, chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited (TTNL) during the official launch of the all-new 2013 Toyota RAV-4 inside the Expo Centre of Transcorp Hilton luxury hotel, Abuja.
As the septuagenarian boss of Toyota Nigeria Limited put it in his remarks prior to the unveiling of the Recreational Activity Vehicle (RAV), “We are carrying out all necessary survey, vital information and useful data that will help us explore viable opportunities that will lead to the setting up of a Toyota assembly plant in Nigeria. This is a very serious plan that we hope will materialise when most of the favourable conditions and enabling environment are guaranteed.
Taking a look at the new generation Toyota RAV which comes in 2.0-litre engine and available in manual and automatic transmission with a choice of fabric and leather seats options, Michael Ade.Ojo, OON and Knight of John Wesley (KSW) stated that, TNL’s ultimate goal is to increase options available in the model and to promote a healthy competition in the market place.
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Chandrasheker Thampy, managing director of Toyota Nigeria Limited who stated that, the passion for excellence is hinged on the fundamental belief of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in the philosophy of KAIZEN which in Japanese parlance means ‘continuous improvement’ also added that, the desire for continuous improvement results in each of the Toyota excellent products getting even netter. It is as a result of this that TNL is presenting the upgraded version of the 2013 RAV 4.
According to him, “Our desire for continuous improvement in all that we do is key to our progress and achievement and has for over a decade ensured our position at the head of automobile business in the country.”
In his product presentation, Bayo Olawoyin, marketing manager, Toyota Nigeria Limited had taken time to outline some of the outstanding attributes that makes the RAV4 a must-have in every home. He said that, the current engine of the recreational activity vehicle comes as a 2.0-litre dual VVTI (Variable Valve Timing Intelligence), electronic fuel injection has been designed and built to be rugged, aesthetically appealing and is finished with quality noise insulating materials.
As before, the RAV4 is offered in two trim levels, the former acting as the entry point and offering 17-inch alloys, seven airbags, rear park distance control and an audio system linked to Toyota’s touch-screen Multi Information Display and steering wheel controls. Under Toyota Nigeria franchise-ship, there are eight accredited distributors nationwide and for many years past, the brand has remained on the top spot as the nameplate with the highest number of imports and sales.
The Abuja launch was attended by many high profile government functionaries including the Minister of State for Defence, a serving senator, chief executives of banks, oil conglomerates and member of the international community.
