Toyota scores with 2 wins at Middle East Car of the Year Awards

Toyota has once again achieved success in the 2016 Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) Awards, the premier annual award for the region’s automotive industry, winning the award in the ‘Best Midsize Sedan’ category for its popular Camry model, while also securing the ‘Best Midsize Truck’ award for the Hilux. The awards were chosen by a jury of 12 independent motoring journalists from leading automotive publications throughout the Middle East. 

Toyota raised the bar in the mid-size sedan segment with a bold redesign of the Toyota Camry to add a new chapter in the illustrious history of one of the world’s most popular cars in the mid-size sedan category. With a striking new design, new model grades and more dynamic handling, the new model puts the Camry in a league of its own which was illustrated by the decision of the judging panel to select it as the best in its category. 

The introduction of the eighth generation of the Hilux in the Middle East adds to its stellar reputation over the years for its quality, durability and reliability (QDR). The new model is a complete redesign of one of the world's best-known and best-loved nameplates with numerous changes in response to guest demands and feedback to exceed all their expectations. The latest Hilux model while improving on the model's characteristic ruggedness and performance, also impressed the judges by being more occupant-focused and easier to drive. 

Expressing his delight for this win, Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative of Middle East & North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “Winning both these awards is a significant achievement and reflects the success of our approach in developing vehicles that have an emotional appeal while surpassing expectations on the rational element with better quality, durability and reliability. From the design to the overall driving experience both in terms of performance and comfort, we have managed to create a strong impact in terms of the Camry and the Hilux. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our guests for their support and feedback, which have played an integral part in helping us create ever better vehicles.” 

“The recognition of the Camry and the Hilux by MECOTY is something we are glad about, especially as these are two of the most admired cars on Saudi roads today,” commented Hassan Mohammed Jameel, Abdul Latif Jameel’s Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Board. “The popularity of these cars is just one example of the unique attention Toyota pays to our market and the safety- and environmentally conscious innovations continually developed and made to its vehicles”. 

Hassan Jameel said the success of the two brands locally builds over decades of relationship with Toyota Motor Corporation and a shared vision in which safety, efficiency and alternative energy solutions are main priorities in the vehicles brought to Saudi Arabia.

Since its debut in 1982 and subsequent evolution over six generations, Camry has come to be embraced by large number of people around the world for its excellent performance, ride quality and its high level of QDR. The car has established an unshakeable presence in the standard mid-size sedan market – both in the Middle East and around the globe – selling more than 15 million units worldwide. 

The car features a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 178 horsepower and 235 NM of torque coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to deliver an advanced engine performance and quietness. The new Toyota Camry blends an improvement of the car’s values – such as comfort, efficiency, reliability and safety – with a more appealing design and engaging driving experience. The new, upscale interior features premium, soft-touch materials throughout the spacious cabin, and advanced instrumentation with intuitive controls helps keep the driver’s eyes safely on the road ahead. With its striking hood lines and statement-making front grille, the car is designed for those who dare to be bold, and combines refinement and performance like never before. 

The all-new Toyota Hilux features tougher refreshed styling, a newly developed frame structure, an SUV-like interior and better core performance. It now features a 6-speed automatic transmission making it more efficient and more economical while boasting a low total cost of ownership in its segment. Available in single and double cabins, the all-new Hilux comes in 2-litre and a 2.7-litre petrol engines, or a 2.4-litre diesel engine, and in 4WD and 2WD choices. The new transmission translates into enhanced fuel economy figures of up to 15 per cent over the last generation Hilux – depending on the choice of petrol or diesel engines – while the redesigned tougher rear suspension makes for better reliability to support the Hilux’s enhanced deck usability and towing capacity. It is also equipped with a vast array of safety features that highlight Toyota’s focus on occupant and pedestrian protection. 

 Based on a policy that always puts the guest first and demands nothing short of excellence, Abdul Latif Jameel’s provides support for the great ubiquity of Toyota vehicles in the Saudi market through a sprawling network of strategically placed sales and service centers, which provides happy motoring and peace of mind to guests wherever they might be in the Kingdom.