Company History

The Toyota brand was introduced into Tanzania by the Karimjee family through International Motor Mart.

The family have a long and established history in East Africa stretching back to 1825 when they first arrived as traders from the area of Cutch, in India, to the island of Zanzibar.

International Motor Mart was originally set up as a trading company in 1927 and independently registered in 1942. In the 1950`s it represented US, and British motor companies, such as Willys Jeep, Nash Rambler, Commer Trucks and Rootes Group products like Humber, Hillman, and Sunbeam. IMM was also the distributor for BSA Motorcycles, Michelin Tyres, Kelvinator products, Singer Sewing machines, etc. IMM was also the representative of International Harvester for tractors and agricultural machinery. It was this agency that added International to the company`s name.

In 1965 the Toyota distributorship was awarded to International Motor Mart.

In 2000 International Motors Ltd changed its company name to Toyota Tanzania Ltd.

In addition to the commitment shown by the name change, there has been significant investment to build and expand Toyota in Tanzania. Extensive modernisation of the workshop and Parts department in the mid 1990`s, the new Body and Paint shop to be opened in early 2006, and a widespread national network of 16 dealers and 3 branches throughout the country indicate the long term strategies in place for Toyota in Tanzania.

In 1992 Toyota Tanzania Ltd was appointed as the distributor for Yamaha motorcycles, which are marketed through the subsidiary corporation of City Motors Ltd. In 2001 TTL was awarded the distributorship for Daihatsu vehicles. This expansion in the model line-up has strengthened the Company`s ability to offer a wider range of vehicles to different market segments.

The Toyota brand and the Karimjee family share a common set of values: Honesty, integrity and hard work. These common values, in addition to a trusting working relationship, have proved to be a solid base for a thriving business that has the potential to grow long and successfully into the future.

Future growth will be driven by the organisation`s commitment to the development and training of its 300 Tanzanian employees who are continually sent to Japan, South Africa and Kenya for training. Investing in people is and will continue to be an important part of the Toyota Tanzania`s philosophy.