Hino opens new shop in Okahandja

The newest Hino dealership facility in southern Africa was opened in June and although it is located in a small town, Okahandja, it is of historic significance as it represents the fulfilment of a dream by a Toyota/Hino pioneer, Wolf Ritter, who is a legend in his own lifetime.
Built to the latest standards for a Hino dealership, it is located next to a new Toyota facility. The impressive new building is located on the strategic long-haul transport route from South Africa to Angola. Hino Okahandja is one of only two Hino truck dealerships in the entire country. The ubiquitous Hino truck is a Namibian icon and has been market leader in the medium commercial segment for over a decade now.
“This is one of only two Hino dealerships in Namibia and has a role that will grow in importance as we extend our Hino sales and service into the extra heavy long haul market with the 700 Series truck-tractors,” commented the vice president of Hino SA, Dr. Casper Kruger, who officiated at the opening function.
“We are currently extending the footprint of Hino in southern Africa to ensure we have after sales back up on the major trucking routes and Okahandja is an important town for us to have representation as trade to the countries north of South Africa continues to grow in both volume and importance.
“It is also significant that we are standing here in this new addition to the Okahandja skyline in the year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the arrival of Hino trucks in southern Africa,” added the Hino executive.
“This excellent facility, built to the latest New Retail Concept specification is a tribute to the Ritter’s Toyota group’s vision as well as the founder’s confidence in the Hino and Toyota brands and the growth potential of the Namibian economy,” added the Hino executive.
It was only in 1976 that the group was awarded the Toyota franchise. Meanwhile Ritter’s Autohof had been established in Okahandja in 1970. This facility which was subsequently appointed as a Toyota dealer was granted the Hino truck franchise in 1980.
Ritter’s Toyota’s facility in Windhoek was refurbished to the latest standards two years ago and now the company’s new Hino and Toyota dealership facility in Okahandja, also conform to Toyota’s exceptionally high international standards.
“We at Hino and Toyota in South Africa have the fullest confidence in the Ritter’s Toyota group to continue to build on a successful business recipe”, concluded Dr. Kruger.