Toyota New Zealand

Toyota New Zealand is the Toyota group's New Zealand importer and distributor for new Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Its activities extend beyond importation: the company supports nationwide sales and dealer operations, distributes parts, provides after-sales service infrastructure, imports selected used vehicles from Japan, and refurbishes eligible vehicles for resale. Its principal headquarters and National Customer Centre are in Palmerston North, with a national sales and import-administration presence in Auckland and a vehicle-operations facility in Thames. The company has roots in New Zealand's locally owned vehicle-import and assembly structure. Toyota vehicles began reaching the New Zealand market through Consolidated Motor Industries, incorporated in 1965 and later renamed Consolidated Motor Distributors. During the late 1960s, Toyota vehicles were assembled from completely knocked down kits by Steel Motor Assemblies in Christchurch and Campbell Motor Industries in Thames. Toyota gradually increased its ownership of the relevant businesses and completed the acquisition process in 1992, with the operations subsequently operating under Toyota New Zealand-related names. Local assembly continued for roughly three decades and covered a broad range of passenger cars, four-wheel-drive vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and trucks. Models assembled in New Zealand included the Starlet, Corolla, Corona, Crown, Cressida, Hilux, LiteAce, Land Cruiser, and HiAce. New Zealand-made content included components such as tyres, seats, trim, glass, car audio equipment, and consumables. Assembly ended in Christchurch in September 1996 and at Thames in October 1998. The final closure occurred amid the removal of tariffs on fully built-up imported vehicles and the wider restructuring of New Zealand's vehicle-assembly industry. After assembly ended, the Thames site was retained for vehicle refurbishment. Toyota New Zealand uses the facility to inspect and prepare used Toyotas sourced from Japan, while ex-lease Toyota vehicles that were originally sold new in New Zealand can be refurbished and marketed through the Signature Class program. The company therefore combines official new-vehicle distribution with a certified used-vehicle operation. Toyota New Zealand's new-vehicle portfolio is supplied from several production locations. Depending on model and generation, vehicles have been sourced from Japan, Thailand, Austria, and the United States. The portfolio has included passenger cars such as the Corolla and Yaris, sport-oriented models such as the GR Yaris, GR Supra, and 86, sport-utility vehicles including the RAV4 and Highlander, commercial vehicles such as the HiAce and Hilux, and larger vehicles including the Land Cruiser. Lexus vehicles are also imported and distributed through the company's New Zealand operations. The brand's market proposition is built around Toyota's reputation for durability, reliability, broad model coverage, resale support, and an extensive dealer and service network. Toyota New Zealand has also been associated with sustained strength in the New Zealand vehicle market; the company reported celebrating 27 years of market leadership in 2014. Its current role is primarily that of a national automotive importer, distributor, dealer-network partner, certified used-vehicle operator, and after-sales-services organization rather than a local vehicle manufacturer.

Toyota New Zealand developed from the vehicle-import and assembly arrangements that served Toyota in New Zealand during the 1960s. Toyota initially worked through Consolidated Motor Industries, a locally owned vehicle-import-licence holder and distributor incorporated in November 1965. The company was renamed Consolidated Motor Distributors in November 1970. In the early phase, Toyota did not operate its own fully integrated New Zealand import, distribution, or dealer system, but progressively sought greater ownership and control of the businesses supporting its market presence. Completely knocked down Toyota vehicles were assembled locally by two principal contractors. Steel Motor Assemblies in Christchurch produced the first locally assembled Toyota, a Corona, in February 1967. Campbell Motor Industries in Thames assembled its first Toyota, a Corolla, in April 1968. Over the following decades, Toyota expanded its participation in these operations and in related businesses. The Christchurch and Thames operations were eventually incorporated into Toyota New Zealand's structure, while local manufacturing used both imported kits and New Zealand-produced components. These components included tyres, seats, interior trim, glass, car audio equipment, and various consumable items. The locally assembled range changed over time but included the Toyota Starlet, Corolla, Corona, Crown, Cressida, Hilux, LiteAce, Land Cruiser, and HiAce. This production allowed Toyota to maintain a significant local industrial presence while supplying vehicles adapted to New Zealand's market and regulatory environment. Toyota completed its acquisition of the relevant businesses in 1992, consolidating control of the local operations under Toyota New Zealand-related entities. The local assembly model became commercially less viable as New Zealand reduced protection for domestic vehicle production. The government’s long-term tariff policy culminated in the removal of tariffs on fully assembled imported cars in 1998. Toyota ended assembly in Christchurch in September 1996 and at Thames in October 1998. The other remaining local assemblers also ended production during 1998, making the change part of a broad industry transition rather than an isolated Toyota decision. Vehicles manufactured in Australia, including Toyota Australia's Camry, had already benefited from duty-free treatment under the Closer Economic Relations agreement between Australia and New Zealand. Following the end of assembly, Toyota retained the Thames facility for vehicle refurbishment and used-vehicle operations. The site became associated with Signature Class, a Toyota New Zealand program for refurbished ex-lease vehicles and selected used Toyotas imported from Japan. Imported used vehicles are inspected and prepared to meet defined standards before being offered for resale. This gave Toyota New Zealand a continuing operational role at the former assembly site while the company's main business shifted toward importing fully built vehicles, distribution, dealer support, and after-sales service. Toyota New Zealand's present operating structure is spread across three principal locations. Palmerston North hosts the National Customer Centre and the company's headquarters. Auckland has the port-of-entry facility, import-administration functions, and corporate sales operations. Thames hosts Signature Vehicle Operations. Together these facilities support the movement, preparation, sale, and servicing of Toyota and Lexus vehicles across New Zealand. New vehicles have been sourced from multiple Toyota production bases. The model mix identified for the New Zealand market has included Japanese-built Corolla, HiAce, RAV4, Yaris, GR Yaris, Land Cruiser, 86, Previa, Prius, and Camry vehicles; Austrian-built GR Supra vehicles; Thai-built Hilux, Fortuner, and Corolla vehicles; and United States-built Highlander vehicles. The precise sourcing pattern varies by model and production generation. Toyota New Zealand sells and supports new Toyota and Lexus vehicles, used vehicles, parts, and service through a national network. In 2014, the company marked 27 years of vehicle-market leadership in New Zealand, reflecting the strength of Toyota's local distribution and dealer system. Its historical transformation—from a participant in local assembly to a national importer, distributor, and vehicle-refurbishment operator—mirrors the broader restructuring of New Zealand's automotive industry.

• 2014

  Market-leadership anniversary

  [1]Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org

  Toyota New Zealand marked 27 years of vehicle-market leadership in New Zealand.

• 1998

  New Zealand assembly ends

  [1]Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org

  Toyota ended assembly at Thames in October, completing its transition from local production to imported fully built vehicles.

• 1996

  Christchurch assembly ends

  [1]Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org

  Vehicle assembly at the Christchurch operation ended in September as the New Zealand industry moved toward fully built-up imports.

• 1992

  Toyota completes acquisition of local operations

  [1]Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org

  Toyota completed its acquisition of the relevant New Zealand assembly and distribution businesses, consolidating control of the local operations.

• 1970

  Distributor renamed

  [1]Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org

  Consolidated Motor Industries changed its name to Consolidated Motor Distributors.

• 1968

  Thames assembly begins

  [1]Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org

  Campbell Motor Industries assembled its first Toyota in Thames, a Corolla, establishing the second major Toyota assembly location in New Zealand.

• 1967

  First Toyota assembled in Christchurch

  [1]Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org

  Steel Motor Assemblies assembled the first locally produced Toyota in Christchurch, a Corona assembled from a completely knocked down kit.

• 1965

  Consolidated Motor Industries incorporated

  [1]Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org

  Consolidated Motor Industries was incorporated in New Zealand as a locally owned vehicle-import-licence holder and distributor serving Toyota's market presence.

A trusted, durable, service-oriented automotive brand offering Toyota and Lexus vehicles through a nationwide New Zealand distribution and dealer network, with additional emphasis on certified used vehicles and long-term ownership support.

• Passenger car

  Toyota Corolla

  The Corolla has been part of Toyota New Zealand's portfolio in both locally assembled and imported forms. It represents the company's mainstream passenger-car offering and has been sourced from Japan and Thailand in different production periods. The model is positioned around practical everyday transport, broad market appeal, and Toyota's established service and ownership network.

• Sport-utility vehicle

  Toyota RAV4

  The RAV4 is one of Toyota New Zealand's principal sport-utility offerings. It serves the high-volume family and leisure-vehicle segment and has been imported from Japan for the New Zealand market. Its role in the portfolio complements Toyota's passenger cars while extending the brand into compact and mid-sized SUV demand.

• Light commercial vehicle

  Toyota Hilux

  The Hilux is a major Toyota New Zealand commercial and recreational vehicle offering. It has historical importance because it was among the Toyota models assembled locally and is also included in the later imported range. The pickup is supported through Toyota's New Zealand dealer, parts, and servicing network and is aimed at trade, fleet, rural, and private users.

• Four-wheel-drive vehicle

  Toyota Land Cruiser

  The Land Cruiser is Toyota New Zealand's large four-wheel-drive offering, associated with durability and demanding-road capability. It was among the vehicles assembled in New Zealand during the local-production era and has also been imported as a fully built vehicle. The model serves private, commercial, rural, and fleet customers requiring a larger off-road-oriented vehicle.

• Van and commercial vehicle

  Toyota HiAce

  The HiAce is a commercial van in Toyota New Zealand's range and was also among the models assembled locally. It supports business, passenger-transport, and fleet applications. In the post-assembly era it has been imported as a fully built vehicle and sold with Toyota's national parts and service support.

• Certified used vehicles

  Signature Class

  Signature Class is Toyota New Zealand's used-vehicle and refurbishment brand. The Thames facility prepares selected used Toyotas imported from Japan and refurbished ex-lease Toyotas that were originally sold new in New Zealand. The program extends Toyota's role beyond new-vehicle distribution by providing a branded pathway for inspected and prepared used vehicles.

• Luxury vehicles

  Lexus vehicles

  Toyota New Zealand imports and distributes new Lexus vehicles in New Zealand alongside Toyota products. Lexus broadens the company's market coverage into the premium automotive segment, using the same national import, sales, dealer, parts, and after-sales infrastructure.

• 2026

  Toyota New Zealand: Camry Display Failure Recall Controversy

  Toyota announced a global recall of about 655,000 Camry vehicles, including 176 in New Zealand, due to a potential fault that can cause the instrument cluster display to go blank at start-up. This may prevent safety indicators such as turn signals, hazard lights and warning messages from functioning. Affected vehicles were produced between December 2023 and July 2026 at plants in the US, Japan and Thailand. The fix involves free software reprogramming at dealerships.

  Source

• 2026

  Toyota recalls about 655,000 Camry vehicles worldwide over display failure risk

  Toyota announced a global recall of about 655,000 Camry vehicles, including 176 in New Zealand, due to a potential fault that can cause the instrument cluster display to go blank at start-up, which may prevent safety indicators such as turn signals, hazard lights and warning messages from functioning. Affected vehicles were produced between December 2023 and July 2026 at plants in the US, Japan and Thailand, and the fix involves free software reprogramming at dealerships.

  Source

Read more

• 1998

  Transition from local assembly to fully built importsStrategy

  Background

  New Zealand's automotive tariff reforms removed the remaining protection for imported fully assembled vehicles and contributed to the restructuring of the domestic assembly industry.

  Action taken

  Toyota New Zealand ended assembly at its Thames plant in October 1998, following the earlier closure of assembly in Christchurch, and shifted its operating model toward importing fully built vehicles.

  Aftermath

  The Thames site was retained for vehicle refurbishment and used-vehicle operations, while Toyota New Zealand became primarily an importer, distributor, dealer-support, and after-sales organization.

  Source

1. 1Toyota New Zealanden.wikipedia.org
2. 2Toyota New Zealand official websitetoyota.co.nz
3. 3Toyota New Zealand: Camry Display Failure Recall Controversynewstalkzb.co.nz