Nobuyuki Negishi appointed as Chief Representative for the region
Dubai - UAE May 21, 2013: Toyota today announced that it has opened its Middle East & North Africa Representative Office (MENARO) in Dubai due to its favorable geographical location, excellent infrastructure facilities, and it's positioning as a leading regional hub for commerce and industry for multinational and global companies seeking to make inroads into the broader MENA region. The regional representative office of Toyota is located in Dubai Airport Freezone, one of the fastest growing free zones in the world.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni said: "We are delighted that Toyota has selected Dubai Airport Freezone as its base of operation in the region.
On our part, we will ensure that the operation of Toyota will receive our full support and assistance, to enable it to achieve its objectives and commercial goals."
He added: "We welcome Toyota as a valuable member of Dubai Airport Freezone family. This will add great value to our membership portfolio and its impressive list of global partners.
The responsibility is now on us to prove to the management of Toyota and its customers that the decision to establish operation in Dubai Airport Freezone is the right decision, and we will prove that through providing Toyota our professional services and facilitate their operations."
Nobuyuki Negishi, a senior executive and industry veteran with 17 years of experience working within the regional sales and marketing function of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in the Middle East, has taken charge of the new office in his official capacity as the Chief Representative. Mr. Negishi will be responsible for operations across 18 countries to further enhance the leadership and perception of the Toyota and Lexus brands among customers in the region. In line with its strong 2012 global sales record (Toyota & Lexus) totaling 8.72 million units, the Middle East region also reported a record year selling 660,285 units, resulting in a YoY increase of 31% as compared to the previous year.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Negishi said, "Having spent several years in the region and nearly three decades with TMC, I can confidently state that the MENA region has huge market potential and represents a strategically important region for us. I am really happy with the opening of our regional office in Dubai, and I am proud to be appointed as the first chief representative to enhance TMC's market leadership."
"I look forward to playing a significant role in leading my team, interacting with our customers and supporting the sales promotions, marketing and communication activities of all Toyota and Lexus distributors in the region to strengthen and consolidate our position as a leader in the MENA automotive industry", added Mr. Negishi.
He further added, "Dubai was the logical choice as our regional office given its state-of-the art infrastructure and a world class business environment. DAFZA in particular was a compelling location for us representing the best of what Dubai has to offer with its unique facilities and services to enable the opening of our MENARO office."
Mr. Negishi brings a wealth of automotive experience to his current role with three years spent as Head of Toyota's Bahrain Representative Office (1997-99). As Chief representative and expert on the region, another key responsibility for Mr. Negishi is to work closely with TMC Japan in strengthening relationships with customers by providing them with appropriate vehicles and outstanding service experience that exceeds their expectations, based on in-depth knowledge and understanding of the ever-changing regional market situation and customer needs.
As part of his efforts to build deeper relationships with the community in Dubai, Mr. Negishi serves as the Chairman of the Japanese Association in Dubai Airport Freezone and as Head of the Golf Club of the Japanese Association of Dubai and Northern Emirates.
In 2012, Dubai Airport Freezone was named number one Free Zone in the World by Foreign Direct Investment (fDi) magazine, moving up from second place in 2011. Previous accolades with fDi include number one Middle East free zone of the Future and number one free zone in the UAE and in the Middle East, in its 2011/12 rankings. DAFZA's commitment to quality is recognized by worldwide ISO certificates for Quality, Environment, Health & Safety and Information Security Management System, as well as Complaints Handling System. In 2010, DAFZA won the Dubai Quality Appreciation Programme award in the service category.
-Ends-
For further information:
Riham Musleh:
+971 50 928 4398
riham.musleh@ketchum-raad.com
Liana Khalaf:
+971 55 235 2859
liana.khalaf@ketchum-raad.com
© Press Release 2013
