Michael Debono Ltd, official representatives of Toyota, is marking its 50th anniversary of the first Toyota car ever sold in Europe – the Toyopet Crown Deluxe. This vintage car was sold by the Company’s founder Michael Debono to Mr Publio Farrugia in 1960. Today this car has been beautifully restored in UK.
Michael Debono & Co was set up with Magro Bros and Mr Eucharist Zammit, and appointed by Toyota of Japan as their sole importer and distributor for Malta on 7 October 1960, becoming their first distributor in Europe.
Michael Debono began his business as a coach body building in a garage in Zebbug in 1952 and six years later he established the Debono Service Station in the Zebbug.
Japanese cars were a totally new trend for Malta at the time and eventually became very well established. It soon became apparent that Debono Service Station was too small for coach body building and the sales of Toyota cars. Displaying acumen in business strategy, Michael Debono embarked on another major project – the building of a new showroom. In 1968, Michael Debono inaugurated the Toyota Showroom in Zebbug.
In the early 70’s Michael Debono became the sole trader and focused on his Toyota franchise. Toyota sales flourished in Malta and he started to import Toyota Industrial equipment.
Michael Debono Ltd was formed with Michael and his only son Philip as its shareholders. Sales of Toyota vehicles increased in the early 1990s making the Company the Number One vehicle importer in the early 1990s. During the 80s and 90s, Philip was the driving force behind the success of the company as he took over most of the responsibilities.
Following the demise of Michael Debono in 1999, and barely three years later the tragic death of Philip, negotiations began for Toyota GB to assist the Maltese company with the necessary resources. In 2005, Toyota GB signed a formal agreement with Michael Debono Ltd and established Toyota’s proven working practices, and modernised the business.
A brand new Toyota Retail Concept Showroom with underground parking and enlarged Parts Sales area was completed in 2007. A fully computerised business management system was installed together with a review of management and staffing levels and ‘Toyota Way’ working practices.
The Company continued to expand the Toyota business by optimising its After Sales offer while launching a specialist Repair Centre that is fully equipped with the latest facilities and accident repair technology.
In March 2009, the Company launched its Toyota Quality Used Cars operation housed in another new showroom in Zebbug, and became the official representative of the Toyota Material Handling Equipment.
Today, the founder’s grandsons Geoffrey and Michael Debono, manage the overall business. Assisted by a good management team, they look ahead to the challenges and developments, and to continue to provide security to their employees and excellent service to their customers.
Geoffrey Debono, Managing Director, said: “The vision and determination of our grandfather and father will continue to inspire us all throughout the years ahead. We look ahead to further expansion and new opportunities, which will always remain linked to our core business, Toyota.”