Cooke Howlison Toyota takes out the top spot at the 2025 Business Excellence Awards
We're incredibly proud to announce that our Cooke Howlison Toyota team has been recognised for their outstanding results and dedication to the local community in 2025, at the Toyota New Zealand Business Excellence Awards (BEA), held on Saturday 28 February 2025. The team were awarded the Supreme Award, the highest honour of the evening, placing them as the #1 store of the #1 vehicle brand in New Zealand.
Toyota New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Tatsuya Ishikawa says the Business Excellence Awards recognise the commitment of Stores to customers and communities which underpins Toyota’s position as New Zealand’s mobility leader. The awards are divided into two categories – Excellence Awards for specific operational areas such as Service and New Vehicles, and Premier Awards for all-round performance within the Toyota Store network.
“Our Stores are part of their communities,” Mr Ishikawa says. “Customers see them as trusted destinations for sales and service, and that trust is what sustains Toyota’s leadership in New Zealand.”
“Cooke Howlison Toyota should feel very proud. Their commitment to serving their region, supporting local initiatives and caring for customers is what defines Toyota in New Zealand.”
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One of the longest established businesses in Dunedin, Cooke Howlison has been selling cars since 1907, and Toyota since 1989 when it acquired the Wrightcars Toyota dealership. The business is deeply rooted in mobility as it began selling and making bicycles in 1895, before the first cars arrived in New Zealand.
Cooke Howlison Chief Executive Matthew Downing says his team are excited and proud to win the Supreme Award as it reflects their dedication, delivering Toyota values and service to their customers and the people of Otago.
“We are thrilled! Our motivated team are invested in the Toyota brand and with our community partners. They wish to do well for the business and for the Otago community we serve,” Matthew Downing says.
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The Toyota Supreme Award recognises all-round leadership and excellence in every aspect of Toyota operations and includes no less than 30 criteria covering every aspect of store operations.
A heartfelt congratulations and thank you to the entire Cooke Howlison Toyota team, customers and community partners.
Read the full Toyota New Zealand press release here.