Toyota Australia this month exported its one millionth vehicle to the Middle East.
The company has been supplying Camry and Aurion vehicles to the region since 1996.
During this time, the number of orders has gradually increased and peaked in 2008 with 97,153 export vehicles.
Toyota Australia Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Buttner said the milestone was testament to the quality of vehicles built at Altona.
“Toyota Australia is really proud to be able to supply vehicles to the Middle East for the past 17 years,” Mr Buttner said.
“We could not have achieved one million exports to the region without the support of the local dealers and customers who have continued to buy our vehicles.
“Exports play a vital part in our balanced business model and we will do everything we can to continue to support our export customers.
“To ensure we understand the needs of the market, Toyota Australia has key support employees living in the region to constantly talk to our customers and distributors about their needs and reaction to our products.
“Through this information and our extensive knowledge of the Middle East, we are able to build high quality and durable vehicles that can withstand all weather conditions and local terrain.
“We hope that we can continue to supply vehicles to this very important export market for many more years to come.”
Last year, Toyota Australia exported 72,899 Camry and Aurion vehicles. Of these approximately 97 per cent of vehicles were sent to the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
In addition to the Middle East, Toyota Australia also exports vehicles to New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands.
Toyota Australia reached one million exports to all of its overseas markets in August 2012, which was a first for a local manufacturer.
Exports account for approximately 70 per cent of Toyota Australia’s local production.
