After more than four decades in the Toyota business on the West Coast, Alastair Hamilton has witnessed irst-hand how local knowledge and reliable vehicles combine to create enduring customer relationships. The sales manager and co-owner of Coast Toyota, the region's sole Toyota dealership, embodies the deep-rooted local connections that have made the Greymouth-based business a cornerstone of the West Coast automotive sector. "Most of our customers know at least one of us," says one of the owners Alastair Hamilton. He owns the business with Pauline Gilbert (CEO) and Guy Nicol (operations and leet sales manager) and all are born and bred West Coasters. Their local heritage has helped forge strong relationships across the vast territory they serve, stretching from Karamea to Haast - a distance equivalent to that between Auckland and Wellington. The personal touch is evident in multi-generational relationships the dealership maintains. Local Knowledge Drives West Coast Toyota Success "For example Darren Richardson from MBD Contracting, his grandfather was the service manager at the Toyota dealership when Darren was a baby. I can still remember him coming into the dealership as a child. Toyota is bred into him and you don't change from a product that does what it says it will do," says Alastair. Operating from its Herbert Street premises in Greymouth since 1992, it provides new, used, and Signature Class vehicles, backed by comprehensive service facilities sta ed by Toyota-trained technicians and a well-stocked parts department. The business has grown to employ a service manager, parts assistant and six technicians. When asked about Toyota's enduring appeal, particularly in the challenging West Coast environment, the answer is straightforward. "In a word - reliability. We're not looking to sell someone a car every few years because it will break down," says Alastair. Despite being the smallest Toyota dealer in New Zealand, it maintains an impressive inventory. "Coast Toyota has the best range of new vehicles available in New Zealand. We have the same range of stock as the biggest. No matter what your budget or needs we'll have something to do the job," says Alastair. The company's commitment to quality extends to its used vehicle stock, sourced through Toyota New Zealand's dedicated buyers in Japan who select only the inest vehicles available. Regular community engagement remains a priority, with the business team frequently attending A&P shows and local events throughout the region. "We do a lot of driving," says Alastair. The business also supports many community groups and events including Da odil Day and Greymouth Lions Club and also o ers a courtesy coach for sporting and community groups. It has also sponsored a vehicle used by the Canterbury West Coast Rescue Helicopter. The same local owners have expanded their automotive interests to include two complementary businesses. They operate the RAD Rental Car franchise, part of one of New Zealand's largest independently owned rental car networks, which has been operating successfully for nearly three decades. They also own Coast Tyres, which has quickly established itself as Greymouth's latest tyre specialist, o ering Cooper Tires with cutting-edge technology in tread design and construction. The business prides itself on going the extra mile for customers' vehicle needs, providing tyres designed for strength, safety, stability, performance, and value for money. The success of Coast Toyota and its sister businesses demonstrates how local knowledge, commitment to quality, and understanding of regional needs can create a thriving automotive enterprise. From its base in Greymouth, it continues to serve the West Coast community with the same dedication and personal touch that has characterised its operations for more than 30 years. Coast Toyota Coast Toyota is the West Coast's only Toyota Dealership, it's locally owned and is located at 12 Herbert Street Greymouth. We are your source of New, Used and Signature Class Vehicles. Coast Toyota can also arrange finance and more. Coast Toyota has a Service Department with Toyota trained Technicians to service your vehicles and an awesome Parts Department to back up this service and help you accessorise your new car. 03 768 0822 12 Herbert Street, Greymouth, 7805 www.coast.toyota.co.nz Newmodel Prado & Hybrid Hilux available now!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=