Toyota New Zealand has cemented its status as a corporate leader, topping the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index for the second year running. The automotive brand has once again emerged as the most reputable company in the country, earning top marks across key pillars such as trust, leadership, fairness, and responsibility.
Kantar Measures Trust and Leadership
The Corporate Reputation Index, developed by Kantar and Wright Communications in 2015, evaluates consumer perceptions of New Zealand’s 50 top businesses. Using Kantar’s RepZ framework, the Index measures companies across four key pillars: Trust, Leadership, Fairness, and Responsibility.
Toyota led the Index in Trust and Leadership while ranking among the top performers in the remaining categories. The result reflects Toyota’s consistent delivery of customer satisfaction and a values-driven business model.
Credits Workforce and Customers for Recognition
Toyota New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Tatsuya Ishikawa, attributed the recognition to the dedication of Toyota’s workforce and the loyalty of its customers.
“Toyota is a brand for all New Zealanders. Every day, we work hard to earn their trust, in every interaction we have with them,” Ishikawa said. “This award belongs to the people who bring Toyota to life every day… and the thousands of customers who choose Toyota and give us the opportunity to earn their trust through every interaction.”
Ishikawa emphasised that Toyota’s ambition is broader than manufacturing vehicles.
“Our ambition has always been to be more than just a car company. We want to be a trusted partner in our customers’ lives and a responsible contributor to New Zealand’s future,” he said.
Strengthens Regional Presence and Local Engagement
Toyota’s deep-rooted community engagement is supported by 60 Toyota Stores across Aotearoa, a National Customer Centre in Palmerston North with 350 team members, and a Vehicle Operations Plant in Thames. These hubs contribute not only to operations but also to local employment and community resilience.
“Toyota Stores don’t just invest in their businesses; they also invest in the communities they’re part of,” Ishikawa explained. “From supporting local sports clubs to mental health and wellbeing initiatives, local conservation efforts to youth development, our Stores are committed to making a meaningful difference.”
Toyota recognises these efforts through its Citizenship Awards each year, while national programmes aim to promote safer roads and stronger communities.
Toyota Advances Sustainability and Future Mobility
Toyota continues to invest in sustainability, advancing towards its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. They included continuing the fleet electrification and a reimagining of what mobility can look like in New Zealand.
“We’re focused on helping communities thrive, not just through economic investment but by shaping a more sustainable future,” Ishikawa noted.
“At our core, we’re a mobility company… How we look after our customers after a purchase is so important to us… being truly customer-focused means taking responsibility and putting things right quickly, and with care.”
Toyota also embraces kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement.
“It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one. We believe reputation is earned one decision, one relationship, one interaction at a time.”
Toyota’s reputation continues to accelerate, with the company claiming two major accolades: the top spot in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index and a 20th straight win as Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Car Brand in New Zealand.