Toyota NZ tops trust poll

Toyota has been named the country’s most reputable company, claiming first place in Kantar’s corporate reputation index for the third year running.

It has ranked in the top 10 every year since the index was established and has placed in the top five in all but one year.

This year has seen its overall score increase to 112 points, improving across the four reputation pillars of trust, leadership, fairness and responsibility.

Chief executive Tatsuya Ishikawa, pictured, says the result reflects Toyota NZ’s long-term focus on building trust through every customer interaction and is particularly meaningful because it reflects the views of everyday Kiwis.

“This recognition belongs to the generations of New Zealanders who have chosen Toyota and trusted us to be part of their lives,” he adds. “Trust is not something a company can claim. It is something customers give you and something you must earn every day.

“To be recognised as New Zealand’s most reputable company for a third consecutive year is a reflection of the incredible work of our stores and team members across the country, and the trust our customers continue to place in us.”

Toyota led the top 10 on trust and ranked second for leadership and responsibility. It strengthened its fairness score compared with last year.

“We are particularly proud to see our fairness score increase as we’ve been working hard to deliver value for our customers across all business streams from new and used cars to service and accessories,” says Ishikawa.

“This recognition is not about looking backwards. It’s about the responsibility that comes with continuing to earn that trust into the future.

“Mobility is changing rapidly, and our role is to help shape that future in a way that works. That means making mobility more accessible, more sustainable and more tailored to the needs of Kiwis.”

Toyota says it continues to evolve its multi-pathway approach to mobility by offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and conventional powertrains to meet diverse needs, giving customers greater choice as they transition to lower-emissions transport.

Beyond its products, Toyota continues to invest in communities through its dealerships, local initiatives and national partnerships.

Ishikawa says: “Whether it’s supporting local communities, helping reduce emissions, improving safety or delivering great customer experiences, our ambition is to contribute positively to New Zealand’s future.

“Our Let’s Go Places philosophy is about moving forward together with our customers, communities and partners. We see this recognition not as a destination, but as encouragement to keep improving and keep earning trust every day.”

Established by Kantar and Wright Communications in 2015, the corporate reputation index uses Kantar’s RepZ framework to assess standardised reputation attributes of a business.

Toyota NZ took the number-one spot this year ahead of second-placed Pak’nSave and AA Insurance was third.