Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently hosted its national Dealer Network for the annual Dealer of the Year (DOTY) awards. The awards marked a celebration of 46 consecutive years of market leadership, a milestone that reflects the brand’s disciplined execution, customer‑centricity and sustained investment in its nationwide dealer network.
Centred on the theme of Challenge and Innovate, the event welcomed the network to the Sandton Convention Centre for the National Dealer Conference, culminating in the prestigious awards ceremony.
Commenting on the significance of the awards, President and CEO of TSAM, Andrew Kirby said, “The Toyota Dealer of the Year Awards are a cornerstone on our calendar. The awards are aimed at recognising our dealer network whose operational excellence and service innovation translate strategy into measurable growth and enduring customer trust. Anchored on our 2026 theme Challenge and Innovate, the awards underscore Toyota’s commitment to constant improvement in a rapidly evolving, highly competitive landscape. This aligns very well with one of our values: welcome competition, which challenges us to find smart ways of doing things, be inquisitive and continuously strive to get better than before.”
President and CEO of TSAM, Andrew Kirby and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, Leon Theron, conferred the coveted 2025 National Dealer of the Year Awards to the following recipients:
2025 Toyota Dealer of the Year award: Rola Toyota Somerset West
Rola Toyota Somerset West has reflected consistent dedication to delivering exceptional Toyota experiences, advancing professional standards and fostering continued growth in its market. The dealership was recognised for outstanding performance, excellence in customer service and exemplary operational leadership within the Toyota dealer network.
Under the guidance of the Dealer Principal Andries de Villiers, the team has upheld Toyota’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. The dealer achieved exceptional results to improve sales effectiveness and customer service – a reflection of their dedication to continuous improvement. Their operational excellence is supported by their state-of-the-art facility, which positions the dealership as a premier destination for Toyota guests.
Visit Rola Toyota Somerset West here.
2025 Lexus Dealer of the Year award: Halfway Lexus Pretoria
With just a year since it’s official opening, Halfway Lexus Pretoria has demonstrated business performance, significantly growing the Lexus market share in their area of responsibility, both in Sales and Aftersales. Their achievements included a 126% new vehicle sales target achievement, an exceptional pre-owned to new sales ratio of 2:1. A year on year growth in service volume in their area by 166%, accompanied by an impressive 232% increase in parts purchases rounded off an impressive performance.
Their success is rooted in a culture that prioritises Dealer wellbeing, fosters teamwork, invests in personal growth and recognises that a thriving team creates thriving customer relationships.
Visit Halfway Lexus Pretoria here.
2025 Hino Dealer of the Year award: Hino Isando
Despite a highly competitive and demanding year, Hino Isando displayed exceptional performance, unwavering commitment and the drive to advance the Hino brand. The dealership demonstrated consistent effort, genuine passion and an outstanding dedication to Hino customers, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the Hino brand’s performance in 2025.
To this effect, Hino Isando surpassed new truck sales targets and delivered outstanding results alongside exceptional growth in Hino Financial Services.
Visit Hino Isando here.
2025 Independent Dealer of the Year: Upington Toyota
On a second consecutive winning streak, Upington Toyota has established itself as a trusted partner within the community. For decades, the dealership has provided dependable mobility solutions for families, farmers and businesses alike. Upington Toyota has built strong relationships grounded in respect and service and upheld a culture where every customer interaction is handled with care and professionalism.
Their influence extends beyond the showroom. The dealership actively contributes to local development and community well-being, from supporting agricultural initiatives to uplifting local organisations, embodying the town’s enduring ethos of mutual support and progress. It is this spirit of service, heart and purposeful engagement that sets this dealership apart.
Visit Upington Toyota here.
President’s Award: Group MD Divisional
From humble beginnings to becoming a President Award recipient, Marius Claasen has become a respected player in the automotive industry. Guided by his motto, “Services is your best Salesperson”, he inspires his team to consistently exceed expectations and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Marius’ unwavering dedication and commitment to service excellence has grown Rola Motors to greater heights. His forward-thinking leadership continues to drive investment into innovative initiatives that set the standard for what the Dealer of the Future should be.
President’s Award: Group MD
Shane Grant from Halfway Toyota Group embodies leadership that delivers sustainable growth, operational excellence and a lasting positive impact on the Dealer Group including its stakeholders. Shane has spearheaded a culture of continuous improvement, customer-centric service standards and high-performance teams that consistently elevate the Group’s market position. Overall, Shane embodies consistent performance, strategic foresight and a principled leadership style.
President’s Award, Small: Lichtenburg Toyota
Honoured for their exceptional commitment to customer service and community values, Lichtenburg Toyota has become a trusted pillar of progress. In 2025, the team achieved Platinum customer experience status – a demonstration of their continued outstanding performance in redefining excellence within automotive retail.
President’s Award, Medium: CFAO Mobility Toyota Welkom
Celebrated for their exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, CFAO Mobility Toyota Welkom stands as a pillar of service and community impact. Guided by integrity and driven by a passionate team, the dealership consistently elevates customer experience – strengthening local relationships and exemplifying the highest standards of achievement in the region.
President’s Award, Large: Rola Toyota Somerset West
Rola Toyota Somerset West has become a landmark of excellence in their region. Their spirit of resilience, innovation and community cohesion mirrors the values that Toyota embodies. With a state‑of‑the‑art facility, exceptional leadership and a passionate team, the dealership consistently delivers outstanding performance and customer care – setting new benchmarks in automotive retail and strengthening its region’s proud heritage.
President’s Award, Mega: Halfway Toyota Honeydew
Halfway Toyota Honeydew stands as a cornerstone of excellence. The dealership is celebrated for outstanding service, innovation, community upliftment and economic contribution. Guided by visionary leadership and a high‑performing team, the dealership has consistently set new benchmarks, achieving exceptional results, including 128% of sales targets.
“We are incredibly proud of the work that our dealer network has done in the past year. The 2025 Toyota Dealer of the Year Awards were an opportunity for us to show gratitude to our hard-working dealer network partners. The 2025 winners exemplify the spirit of excellence that defines Toyota – combining world‑class performance with heartfelt commitment to their customers and communities. Their dedication, innovation and unwavering pursuit of quality continue to elevate our brand and inspire our entire network. Congratulations to all the winners on their remarkable achievements,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, Leon Theron.
