The award presentation

By Daniels Ekugo

In a recent article published on The News Magazine online platform titled Re-jigged Toyota models on the prowl, the magazine carefully did analyse why and how the models would garner laurels at the recently concluded Nigerian Auto Journalist Award, which was held on 13 December 2018.

According to the article “Now to the cash cow of the Toyota Nigeria Limited, the Corolla. With more than 46 million Toyota Corollas sold globally since its introduction in 1966, it would be difficult to find a driver who did not recognize the name. Everyone, it seems, has a Corolla story. Many though are going to be doing double takes when they see the reimagined and reconfigured Toyota Corolla. And that is exactly the point.

The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), transforms both Corolla styles into drivers’ delights while also bolstering the model’s renowned value and reliability. Both draw from the same DNA and share powertrains. It is no surprise then, that the Corolla sedan dramatically elevates this models’ focus on comfort and refinement while also infusing it with the Corolla feisty personality.

The Toyota Corolla sedan’s bold new look is a perfect reflection of the bumper-to-bumper, wheels-to-roof transformation that has taken place.

The TNGA platform means an available engine that produces more power than its predecessor yet delivers better fuel efficiency. TNGA imbues the Corolla sedan with greater agility, yet also with its smoothest, quietest ride. TNGA also means an elevated feeling of quality in every surface, switch and control the driver sees and touches. And critically, TNGA delivers on Toyota’s commitment to driver and passenger safety with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active safety systems – standard on every Corolla sedan model.

Analysts are of the opinion that Toyota are poised to go further and retain its position as the number one car brand in Nigeria with different recognition when the Nigerian Auto Journalist’s Association’s Award shall bequeath to Toyota that longstanding world championship belt, during its annual award night on the 13 December, 2018, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suits.”

And it came to be that three models won awards in different categories.
“Toyota Hilux and Toyota Hiace clinched the Pick-up of the Year award and Mini Bus of the Year awards respectively, while Toyota Camry won the most outstanding design of the year.”

In his welcome speech, Mike Ochonma, the newly elected Chairman of NAJA, said that NAJA award is the most prestigious and only recognised auto award in the country.

Stating that awards is the only recognised award nationally and internationally, and that the winners were arrived at after an exhaustive, but objective evaluation of competitors in each of the categories

He said that, the award winners which was arrived at through members’ votes, will among other things, provide consumers with sound, comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market.

According to Moses Ebosele, Chairman of the Award Committee, the annual event always provides an opportunity for all stakeholders in the sector to come together to celebrate and exchange ideas especially in the areas of manufacturing, efficiency, innovation and corporate social responsibility.

The award recognizes Toyota for its track record of sustainability achievements which places the world’s largest automaker ahead of respected companies. This year’s score improves upon Toyota’s past performance on the ranking, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to green initiatives.

“Toyota is proud to be recognized by NAJA with these myraid of awards” Corporate Affairs Manager of Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), Mrs Bukola Ogunnusi “We are continually working to develop and improve technologies for our operations and vehicles. Our aim is to reduce the impact on the environment, while maintaining affordability for our customers, and position our company as an industry leader in sustainable mobility.”