For the first time in the Sri Lankan automobile history, two concept cars were on display, along with a next-generation line up of vehicles at a gala event organized by Toyota Lanka (Private) Limited recently at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre. ‘Za Toyota Sho’ which loosely translates from Japanese to mean ‘The Toyota Show’, was held in all the glamour and intensity of an international auto show with stunning vehicle displays, fabulous entertainment and a thrilling atmosphere.

The event was graced by loyal customers as well as long-standing business partners and showcased a proud legacy to its most valuable asset of any business entity; its customer base.

Delivering his speech, Mr. Yoshiaki Kato, Managing Director of Toyota Lanka said, “I am very pleased to tell you that we are now ready with three brothers of Hybrid cars - Camry, Prius and Prius C; the completely new Corolla; Yaris and RAV4, a face lifted Prado and the fascinating sports car GT 86. This evening we have gathered all of these attractive new models so that you can enjoy the evening experiencing and looking at them in a cozy atmosphere.”

A forerunner in the Sri Lankan automobile industry, Toyota Lanka is always keen on keeping Toyota fans abreast on the latest technology and vehicle models. During the last year several new models were introduced while some flagship models went through changes further bolstering Toyota’s strong product line-up. As the financial year of 2013 / 2014 draws to a close, Toyota Lanka gives a panoramic view of what the coming year has in store for its dedicated patrons.

With a strong belief that each customer segment has unique value, Toyota Lanka has ensured that there is something for everyone. A year in which competitiveness of the automobile industry reached new heights, Toyota Lanka responded with the launching of the Toyota 86, the new generation lightweight sports car; Toyota Corolla, with its cutting-edge functionality and advanced Corolla DNA; the sleek and compact Yaris Sedan; the Land Cruiser Prado with its superior on & off-road performance and interior versatility; the fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 with a level of refinement never seen before; the Prius, answering the needs of an environment-conscious world; the Prius C, delivering the hybrid promise of green mobility together with greater fuel efficiency and lastly the Camry Hybrid with its all-around exclusivity and class, ensuring a luxuriant ride with the added advantages of the hybrid synergy drive.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Manohara Athukorala, Chief Operating Officer / Executive Officer of Toyota Lanka stated, “The Toyota Show is a milestone in the Sri Lankan Automotive industry as the first automobile integrator to unveil 10 amazing models including the TOYOTA FT 86 Open and NS4 concept vehicles for the first time in Sri Lanka. Further, in order to maintain the highest quality, driven by the durability and reliability in performance, our world class after sales services at Toyota Lanka continues to grow nation-wide with new expansion of services facilities, high tech services, express maintenance etc.”

The two concept cars were specially shipped to Sri Lanka to be displayed at this exclusive event. The Toyota NS4, Toyota’s vision for an advanced future plug-in hybrid saloon, with a focus on connectivity and safety, boasted a stunningly futuristic design and was the show stealer. The Toyota FT-86 Open Concept which is designed to combine all the lively, performance and highly engaging, readily exploitable dynamic abilities of the GT86, is ready to provide greater levels of driving pleasure derived from open-topped motoring.

Also speaking at the event, Eshan Coorey, General Manager - New Vehicle Sales of Toyota Lanka said “We thought it appropriate; to formally launch our new and enhanced line-up at the same time to give our valued clientele an idea of what the future holds. The present market conditions are such that we have to continuously evolve to remain dominant in a highly competitive environment. The introduction of concept cars in Sri Lanka is yet another symbol of our effort to further enhance our commitment to our customers and superior value creation.”

As its closing statement, Toyota Lanka invited all its loyal customers across the country to experience the revolution of quality and performance, traits that are inherent to Toyota and be part of the grand legacy that will no doubt remain to be a moving force in the decades to come.

Photo caption: (left) Eshan Coorey, General Manager- New Vehicle Sales of Toyota Lanka, (centre) Yoshiaki Kato, Managing Director of Toyota Lanka and Manohara Athukorala, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Officer of Toyota Lanka