Toyota named most trusted car brand in New Zealand

Toyota New Zealand has been named the most trusted car brand in the country for the 18th consecutive year thanks to the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands survey.

The accolades also extended to its used car brand, Signature Class, which took the award for the most trusted brand in the Certified Used Car category for the fifth year in a row.

Now in their 24th year, the Trusted Brand awards are determined by 1700 New Zealanders who are surveyed independently by Reader’s Digest. They were each asked to name the brands they trust the most in 71 different categories, with Toyota being the top pick for new and used cars.

Toyota New Zealand CEO, Neeraj Lala, says he attributes Kiwi’s trust in the brand is all thanks to the company’s new Let’s Go Places vision which is built on the three key pillars of sustainability, mobility, and community.

“Trust is a unique and complex component of our brand. It is built on many facets of our business – our deep community connections through our Toyota Store network from Whangarei to Invercargill; our commitment to operating in a sustainable way; and our determination to ensure all kiwis have access to affordable, reliable, and functional mobility,” he says.

Lala added that the award for Signature Class is a reflection of Kiwi’s concerns about the cost of living but require an affordable, reliable and efficient vehicle to get around.

“We have recently seen a greater interest in Signature Class as used car buyers seek out good value and exceptional quality. Signature Class sources only high-quality hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric Toyotas and refurbishes them at our Thames facility,” he says.

Runner up to the Most Trusted Car Brand award was both Mazda and Nissan which were deemed “highly recommended” brands as a result of the survey.