For the sportier or racing customers out there, the good news is that the first Toyota Gazoo Racing dealership has opened its doors.
Toyota South Africa Motors, in partnership with its dealer network, announced first of its kind Gazoo Racing Dealer Zone, located at Motus Toyota Bedfordview in Gauteng.
This pilot programme aims to bring the “world of GR” to fans’ backyard and build on the racing success achieved by Toyota Gazoo Racing on a global scale in formulas such as Rally Raid, Dakar, WRC, WEC, GTC and local Rally championships.
The aim is to continue to grow GR as an iconic, global performance brand and provide customers with a tailored performance motoring experience. The GR Zone concept follows on the GR HQ building at Zwartkops Raceway as part of the ever-expanding GR portfolio in South Africa.
Utilising bespoke shop fitment, merchandise area, digital features and a race-like environment, the GR Zone will be the one-stop-shop for motoring enthusiasts to come and experience the GR Brand in their community.
The GR Zone will be easily identifiable through bespoke external signage that will appeal to passers-by and signal the dealership’s GR credentials.
It will feature state-of-the-art technology that takes advantage of the broadening GR and GR Sport product offerings and provides an interactive space where guests can engage with the GR product line and brand.
At present, the GR product line-up consists of three bespoke GR models (GR86, GR Supra and GR Yaris) and three GR Sport models (Corolla Cross GR-S, Hilux GR-S and Land Cruiser 300 GR-S). The exhilarating GR Corolla with 221 kW pumping from its three cylinder-engine, is due to make its local debut later this month, which will give fans a total of seven GR models to choose from.
Fundamentally, the GR Zone will also host specially trained technical and sales personnel to support guests interacting with the brand for the first time.
The first GR Zone dealership opened on 6 May at Motus Bedfordview with a fun-filled day for petrolheads. A variety of GR models were on display alongside official TGR race machinery, as well as 86 and GR Supra car clubs, plus more.
More points are being considered across the country and neighbouring TSAM-affiliated markets. This will be an exclusive opportunity and limited to a select few dealers who are strategically located to grow the GR Brand.
The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) has expressed concern over the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump to introduce additional tariffs on all imported products under what has been termed ‘Liberation Day’ trade measures.
Despite potential headwinds, South Africa’s automotive industry remains committed to long-term growth and resilience.
South African consumers demonstrated a strong appetite for new passenger vehicles in March, according to figures released by the Automotive Business Council (naamsa).
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Dealerfloor chats to Jaun Marais (photo), Operations Executive at the Hatfield Motor Group, about their recent expansion of GWM dealerships and his plans and passion for the Chinese brand, which has become a vital part of the group’s product offering and business success.
