“Ichiban” in Japanese means “Number One”. This is also the name of the prestigious award which Toyota Motor Europe (TME) awards every year to only few retailers.
Over 2,500 European Toyota Retailers compete for the honour to be one of 47 Ichiban winners each year, demonstrating a unique approach and a commitment to become the “Best Retailer in Town”. This year, we have 47 retailers from 32 European countries winning this coveted award.
We were delighted to reward our Best Retailers in Europe, not only for their sales performance and customer experience but also for going beyond in areas of sustainability, mobility services and contributing to society.
The event was celebrated at Schloss Elmau, an exclusive Castle resort in the German Alps where G7 summits are held.
The winning retailers were invited to join the wider discussion, with access to Toyota Executives and inspiring guest speakers throughout the event.
Special guest speakers shared their passion and vision for the future with our Ichiban Winners. Victorien Erussard, founder and captain of Energy Observer, explained how his dream of a sustainable future and ecological transition turned into reality with the first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission vessel. Natalie Berg, retail expert, enlightened the audience with a vision of the future of retail and the evolution of customer behaviour.
