Toyota claims reputation three-peat

In its 60th year in New Zealand, Toyota has once again been named the country's most reputable company, claiming the top spot in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index for the third year running.

The achievement builds on more than a decade of consistently strong performance. Toyota has ranked in the Top 10 every year since the Index was established and has placed in the Top 5 in all but one year, a reflection of the trust and confidence New Zealanders continue to place in the brand.

The 2026 result saw Toyota increase its overall score to 112 points, improving across all four reputation pillars: Trust, Leadership, Fairness and Responsibility.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Executive Tatsuya Ishikawa says the result reflects Toyota's long-term focus on building trust through every customer interaction and is particularly meaningful because it reflects the views of everyday New Zealanders.

"This recognition belongs to the generations of New Zealanders who have chosen Toyota and trusted us to be part of their lives.

"Trust is not something a company can claim. It is something customers give you, and something you must earn every day.

"Whether someone is buying a new or used vehicle, bringing it in for a service, ordering parts, financing a purchase or dealing with one of our Stores, every interaction shapes how they feel about Toyota.

"To be recognised as New Zealand's most reputable company for a third consecutive year is a reflection of the incredible work of our Stores and team members across the country, and the trust our customers continue to place in us."

Toyota led the Top 10 on Trust and ranked second for both Leadership and Responsibility, while also strengthening its Fairness score compared with last year.

“We are particularly proud to see our Fairness score increase as we’ve been working hard to deliver value for our customers across all business streams from new and used cars to service and accessories,” Ishikawa says.

While the result reflects six decades of relationships, Ishikawa says Toyota's focus is firmly on the future.

"We are incredibly grateful for the trust New Zealanders have placed in us over the past 60 years, but this recognition is not about looking backwards. It is about the responsibility that comes with continuing to earn that trust into the future.

"Mobility is changing rapidly, and our role is to help shape that future in a way that works for New Zealand. That means making mobility more accessible, more sustainable and more tailored to the needs of Kiwi drivers."

Toyota continues to evolve its multi-pathway approach to mobility, offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and conventional powertrains to meet the diverse needs of Kiwi motorists, giving customers greater choice as they transition to lower-emissions transport.

Beyond its products, Toyota continues to invest in communities across New Zealand through its nationwide Store network, local initiatives and national partnerships.

"Whether it's supporting local communities, helping reduce emissions, improving safety, or delivering great customer experiences, our ambition is to contribute positively to New Zealand's future.

"Our 'Let's Go Places' philosophy is about moving forward together with our customers, communities and partners. We see this recognition not as a destination, but as encouragement to keep improving and keep earning trust every day."