There is a better way to buy a new car

The opening of the new Toyota showroom by Michael Debono Ltd in Zebbug marks the introduction of an appealing new way to buy a new or used car in Malta.

It is called the Toyota Retail Concept and has been developed by the world's largest carmaker, Toyota, to create an attractive environment and new experience for their customers.

Michael Debono Ltd and Toyota go back a long way. In 1960 Michael Debono, the founder of the firm, approached Toyota and asked them if he could be authorised to sell their cars in Malta. Toyota were impressed with his forthright attitude and later that year signed him up as their first official dealer in Europe.

The very first Toyota sold in Europe was to a Maltese gentleman from St Venera. Toyota now sell in excess of one million new cars a year in Europe and have never forgotten how they first started here 47 years ago.

It is, as a result of their respect for Malta and the huge support they enjoy here, that they have helped Michael Debono Ltd in the creation of their new showroom complex and the introduction of Toyota Retail Concept.

The magnificent new showroom is already seen as an icon in the local motor retailing industry. The all steel and glass structure is a stunning statement of style and modern technology. At night it can be even more impressive, with the large interior area and dramatic, powerful lighting.

The Toyota Retail Concept was developed very much with customers in mind, by putting them in control from the moment they arrive. There is ample parking next to the showroom for up to 50 cars, a real plus since lack of customer parking is a big issue for most businesses.

The entrance into the showroom is clearly identified and highly visible by the giant, five-metre Toyota entrance sign, which you walk under before the automatic doors open in front of you.

As soon as visitors walk in, they will notice the difference immediately and realise that this is no ordinary car showroom. There is plenty of brightly lit space to move around in comfort, adding to the already positive experience. The colours chosen for the interior walls and the reception area are vibrant and lively.

The cars themselves are laid out like a small motor show, all facing in towards you, enabling you to quickly appreciate the full range of Toyota vehicles. Both individual product and pricing information is readily available on attractive 'scene setters' and through a range of sales brochures. It is so easy to gather information without the need or perceived pressure from a sales consultant.

In most car showrooms the world over, there are two extremes: you are either pounced on by an over-enthusiastic salesman or totally ignored. Sadly, the latter is far too often the case. This is certainly not the Toyota way.

They provide a hostess as a key part of their Retail Concept experience. Visitors to the showroom are approached by the Toyota hostess who will enquire after the nature of the visit and direct them to the appropriate area.

Toyota aim to provide all customers with the same satisfying experience. So whether enquiring about a new or used car, or wishing to book your existing car in for service or repair, business is transacted through the showroom. Only trade and retail parts sales remain in a separate area.

After the hostess's welcome, customers are free to browse around the showroom or relax in the central lounge area. Tea or coffee is available all day, together with PCs connected to the Toyota Intranet, the very latest PlayStation (PS3), newspapers and magazines. There is also a separate area where young children can play or watch television.

From the counter in this lounge area visitors may book their Toyota in for a service or obtain a quotation on a repair from the experienced service advisor.

The workshop and VRT areas are fully visible from the lounge and, as Michael Debono offer a while-you-wait service programme, customers can relax in comfort while their vehicle is worked on.

For more specific information on a particular vehicle or to discuss a possible purchase, the hostess will introduce visitors to one of the sales consultants in a 'consultation pod' fully equipped with an online PC and full product range details, including colour and trim combinations.

When visitors are ready to take delivery of their new Toyota, they are introduced to the aftersales staff before leaving from the special drive away area.