THE Toyota WA dealer network was recognised for outstanding achievements in front of 530 guests at Perth’s Crown Towers Ballroom for the 2024 Toyota WA Excellence Awards.

Major awards went to Mandurah Toyota (WA metro dealer of the year and president’s award); Dave Watson of Pilbara Toyota (Stan Perron Spirit of Toyota award); Jacob Ellery (apprentice of the year); and Manjimup Toyota (WA rural dealer of the year).

Apprentice of the Year Jacob Ellery

In a historic achievement, six Toyota WA dealers were ranked in the Top 20 national dealers.

The prestigious Stan Perron Spirit of Toyota Award was presented by Toyota WA chair Elizabeth Perron AM to Dave Watson, dealer principal of Pilbara Toyota, for his outstanding contribution to Toyota in WA.

Six WA dealers are now in the national Top-20 dealers

This award honours a dealer principal who exemplifies Toyota’s values of visionary leadership, ethics, community involvement and a commitment to continuous improvement or Kaizen, and is voted on by field managers across different departments.

The awards kicked off with a hilarious opening routine from comedian and MC Dilruk Jayasinha, who set the tone for the evening before introducing his co-host, Toyota WA ambassador Ross Wallman.

(L-R) Toyota WA Parts executive director Gary Nettle; Toyota WA managing director Mark Lauren; WA rural dealer of the year Wally Cybula of Manjimup Toyota; and Toyota Australia president and CEO Matthew Callachor.

Toyota WA managing director Mark Lauren then made a spectacular winged entrance to deliver his opening speech, which celebrated Toyota’s remarkable success in WA and nationwide with a record-breaking year across parts, service, finance and fleet management.

“What a year for Toyota! Number one nationally with over 241,000 sales – a new record,” he said.

Mandurah Toyota dealer principal Steve Butler (left) accepts the WA dealer of the year award.

“Here in WA, we delivered over 29,500 Toyota vehicles, securing a 22.7 per cent market share. In fact, 2024 marks the 35th time Toyota has been number one in WA and the 29th consecutive year at the top.”

Special guests of this year’s awards also included Toyota Motor Corporation Australia president and CEO Matthew Callachor, who praised staff across the WA network for their hard work and dedication.

“Congratulations to all tonight’s award winners and to every dealership and staff member in the WA Toyota network. Your dedication makes Toyota the leading automotive and mobility company in the West,” Mr Callachor said.

The major awards for 2024 included:

• Stan Perron Spirit of Toyota Award: Dave Watson, dealer principal of Pilbara Toyota
• Toyota Finance Australia Dealer of the Year: Goldfields Toyota, accepted by Andrew Inglis
• Gold Parts Excellence (Metro) Award: Mandurah Toyota, accepted by Ashley Thompson
• Gold Parts Excellence (Rural) Award: Busselton Toyota, accepted by Graham Schuts
• 2024 Apprentice of the Year: Jacob Ellery from Maddington Toyota
• WA Rural Dealer of the Year and President’s Award for Excellence: Manjimup Toyota, accepted by Wally Cybula
• WA Metropolitan Dealer of the Year and President’s Award for Excellence: Mandurah Toyota, accepted by Steve Butler.