TME announced the winners during a virtual ceremony held on the 26th of June 2020.
Ichiban in Japanese means ‘Number One’. The Toyota Ichiban award is exclusively reserved for retailers across Europe who excel in terms of customer service.
A Customer First philosophy has always been a focus of Toyota and is part of the company’s DNA. As part of this principle, the Ichiban Award is reserved for Retailers across Europe who best capture the hearts and minds of their customers. Ichiban in Japanese means ‘Number One.’ This year over 2,500 European Retailers competed for the honour to be one of the 45 Ichiban winners, each of whom demonstrate a unique approach to and commitment to a Customer First mind set.
Since joining the Toyota family in 1978, Frank and Maureen Parsons, in conjunction with their daughter Helen Quinlan who now runs the dealership, their daughter Hilary Parsons who works in Aftersales, and together with their entire team in Parsons Garage have achieved tremendous success through an exclusive focus on the experience they provide to each and every one of their customers.
Helen was a participant in the Best Retailer in Town programme that took place in Japan in 2018 and since her return, she has introduced a host of Kaizen initiatives to the organisation – improving ways for staff and customers alike, delivering high levels of customer loyalty and satisfaction in all areas of her business.
During the ceremony President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, Dr Johan van Zyl, recognised all Retailers assembled for their outstanding achievement. He stressed the importance of creating a memorable and superb experience for each and every customer who is interested in the brand. The Ichiban winners were congratulated for their energy, dedication and passion which is noticed and felt by their customers every day. For that they are an inspiration to the entire European Toyota network.
Steve Tormey, Chief Executive of Toyota Ireland added,
“We are extremely proud of the work of Parsons Garage in Tuam, Galway. In an ever changing world, particularly the current pandemic, their philosophy of Customer First has kept Parsons Garage to the forefront of their customers motoring consciousness and I’m sure all their loyal customers would agree that their focus on customer needs and requirements are second to none. It’s fantastic that this has been recognised with an Ichiban Award from Toyota Motor Europe.”