Local News Roundup

Hawaiian elegance adds to parts facility opening

Parts supply is critical to industries such as collision repair and it is essential that requirements are on hand in what the manufacturing industry describes as 'just in time delivery".

Repairers generally don't delve into how parts are ordered, handled and delivered, yet they would be reassured to know that efficient parts suppliers today know that their reputation depends on it. Such a case evolved in Brisbane in early March when Downtown Toyota opened its new parts and pre delivery centre at Hemmant near the port of Brisbane. A large contingent of representatives from across the motor industry was present to observe the opening by the President of Toyota Australia, Max Yasuda and the CEO of Servco Pacific, Mark Fukanaga.

Downtown Toyota is one of the biggest parts dealers in Australia. The new centre is the state of the art, purpose built-facility that will enable better parts operations with greater efficiencies as the business continues to grow.
The centre had outgrown the previous facility, and is now equipped to provide faster service with better value and better service.
"To meet customer expectations, we must exceed them." Fukunaga said.

The new complex covers 6048sq.m, with 2500sq.m under cover: lt took six months to complete and according to Dealer Principal and Managing Director of Downtown Toyota, Nick Pappas, the site is large enough to meet the needs of tomorrow. There are 37 employees in the new working environment. The site is also able to store about 90 new vehicles and has the facilities to add ancillary equipment like tray bodies.
An added bonus is that parts deliveries, inwards and outwards, can take place overnight without staff being on hand and ready for the next day. Pappas said the move from the old premises to the new took place over one weekend.

Servco Australia, in partnership with equity Dealer Principals, currently owns three dealerships in Queensland and one in New South Wales. It is one of Hawaii's 20 largest corporations with more than 90 years history and a range of products from automobiles to insurance to appliances and garage doors. Their product offerings include global brands Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, Scion, Chevrolet, GE, Bosch, Raynor and Bridgestone, as well as local brands such as First Insurance.

Customer service is as much a priority today as when they first opened for business.

What Mr Fukunaga preached is still practised today: "Provide the best products and services available, in order to meet customer needs".

Servco Pacific Inc. is a long-established member of the global Toyota family, as indicated by the number of guests outside of Brisbane who attended the opening ceremony; is a privately-owned company and is the distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Hawaii. Its corporate head office is based in Honolulu.

Servco Australia Morningside Pty Ltd, trading as Downtown Toyota, is a member of the Servco Pacific group of companies. It is jointly owned by Australian and Hawaiian-based shareholder directors.

Locally, Downtown Toyota's goal is to be the most successful and most respected automotive dealership in the marketplace.

The founder way back in 1919 applied three basic principles to build his business - principles that continue to form the foundation of Downtown Toyota today: Satisfy customers, have dedicated employees and make a personal commitment to hard work.

During the official part of the opening ceremony, the president of Toyota Australia, Max Yasuda, said Servco Pacific has a strong relationship with Toyota since 1958 and symbolises confidence in the road ahead. "Additionally, Toyota has had eight consecutive years of leadership in the Australian new car market, and Downtown Toyota is Australia's largest parts dealer, with more than 300 parts customers," he said.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Toyota Logo and Calabash, part of the Hawaiian culture and diet, made from a rare Hawaiian timber called Acacia Koa. It is beautifully grained hardwood found only in the Hawaiian Islands. In ancient times, the Hawaiians carved canoes up to 70 feet long from the trunks of the magnificent trees. Fine craftsmen have long been inspired by the Koa's beauty and excellent quality, shaping it into everything from sacred ceremonial vessels and ukuleles to missionary-era furniture. Today, Koa continues to be cherished for it beauty, rarity and cultural value. The Calabash is used to serve Poi, from which everyone shares.