New Corolla Launched - Aug 20, 2008 The new model Corolla was launched on August 19, 2008 by Indus Motor Company at an impressive ceremony held at the Expo Center. There were over 600 guests at the occasion which included customers, senior management from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan, Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC), Daihatsu Motor Corporation (DMC), House of Habib, the Indus Team, Dealers, Vendors, Government and a cross section of society. Speaking on the occasion, Akira Okabe, Senior Managing Director, TMC stated that, ‘Over 32 million Corollas have been sold in 140 countries for over 42 years since its introduction in 1966, making it the most popular vehicle in the world.’ While thanking customers and congratulating Indus, he mentioned that 2007 Corolla sales in Pakistan exceeded 35,000 units, which was the second consecutive year that Pakistan had achieved the number one position for Corolla sales in Asia. Okabe highlighted that the new model Corolla being launched today has been reborn as a luxurious car, with advanced features and even more modern and stylish design while retaining the Toyota DNA of QRD (Quality, Reliability and Durability). Mr. Ali S Habib, Chairman, Indus Motor in his address mentioned that behind this New Corolla, there has been tremendous efforts by the Indus Team and the company’s vendors, especially in localization of Parts and Quality. He also stated that Toyota, who has confidence in the Pakistan auto market, has recently increased its share holding to 37.5% which augers well for the company and country. It also reflects Toyota’s long term commitment to the automotive industry in Pakistan. Prior to the launch, Indus Motor held its 17th Annual Dealer Conference, with the theme, “One Aim”. In the conference, Indus Motor announced record sales and production for the year ended June 30, 2008 which were 50,802 units and 48,222 units respectively. To recognize dealers’ efforts, awards were presented to the best performers in the three regions. The Sales and Service Awards were won by Toyota Faisalabad Motors. Toyota Multan Motors won the Parts Award while Toyota Walton Motors won the Customer Relations Award. The overall Nationwide Best Performance Award was bagged by Toyota Faisalabad Motors for the third consecutive year.