The first half of 2008 has been a good one for Toyota. It not only became the first car company to sell over 25,000 vehicles in Australia in a single month, but it was also named the world’s most respected company and Australia’s most trusted automotive brand.

Survey results

Toyota was ranked first on the list of the world’s 1,000 most respected companies in a new global survey of consumer attitudes. 60,000 people in 27 countries completed the survey, which ranked companies by perceptions of trust, esteem, admiration and good feeling. It was the only automotive company to score in the top tier. Toyota was followed by Google, IKEA and Ferrero.

Locally, Toyota also topped the annual Australian Reader’s Digest poll as the most trusted automotive brand in the land. According to respondents, Toyota earned top spot because it consistently produced high quality models, delivered safe, reliable and economic cars and backed its product.

25,624 Toyotas sold in June

Toyota became the first car company in Australia to sell over 25,000 cars in a single month. Despite high interest rates and the rising cost of petrol, it sold 25,624 cars in June alone – the highest monthly tally ever achieved by a car company in Australia.

June’s sales took Toyota’s tally to 127,400 vehicles sold in 2008 – 60,000 more than the second-placed manufacturer. Its market share for the first half of 2008 sits at an impressive 23.5 per cent, with the Corolla being Australia’s best selling car so far this year.

Is Toyota the benchmark for car companies?