Last Wednesday, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the launch of the all new Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 in Namibia. Being part of the CHANGECARS team made this possible, and I honestly can't thank everyone enough for giving me this opportunity.
At 23 years old, this was my first Toyota event outside of South Africa and my first time travelling overseas for work. I'll be honest, I was excited, but I was also pretty nervous. I was going to spend three days in another country with people I'd never met before. Looking back now, I had nothing to worry about because everyone made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived.
The invitation itself meant a lot to me. Being invited by Toyota at 23 years old to attend an international launch was something I never expected, and it's an opportunity I'll always be grateful for.
As soon as we landed in Namibia, we jumped into the new Hilux and drove about three hours to Desert Grace Hotel. What a way to start the trip! The scenery was unbelievable, and it was the perfect opportunity to experience the Hilux properly.
One thing that really stood out over the three days was the people from Toyota. Leon Theron the stand out Vice President of Toyota SA and Glenn were amazing hosts. They took the time to chat with everyone, including me, and you could ask them anything about the Hilux. They didn't just talk about the vehicle, they genuinely wanted to hear what everyone thought. You could tell they really care about customer feedback and making sure they're building the best product possible.
I also had the incredible opportunity to meet Anyarat Sutthibenjakul, the Region Chief Engineer from Toyota Motor Asia in Thailand. Meeting someone who plays such an important role in developing Toyota vehicles was a special moment for me. What stood out the most was how approachable, humble, and passionate she was. Even with her level of experience and responsibility, she took the time to speak with us, answer questions, and share her knowledge about the Hilux. It showed me that the passion behind Toyota comes from the people who are involved at every level of the company.
Day two was honestly one of the best days of my life.
We started the morning with a hot air balloon ride, which was a first for me. I thought there was no way the day could get any better... but I was completely wrong.
After breakfast, we got to meet the Toyota Gazoo Racing team and experience the Dakar Rally car. I honestly don't even have the words to describe what that felt like. It was one of those moments where you're just sitting there thinking, "Is this actually happening?" It's something I'll never forget.
Later that day, we did a self-driving course in the Hilux, and between the track, the vehicle, and the incredible Namibian scenery, it was just an unreal experience. Toyota really went above and beyond to make every part of the day memorable.
Even the dinners each night were special. It never felt like Toyota was just hosting an event, they genuinely wanted everyone there to have a great experience. Every member of the team made time to chat, answer questions, and make sure everyone felt included.
On the last day, we drove the Hilux back to the airport. Throughout the three days, we were paired up with different people, which gave me the chance to meet some genuinely awesome individuals. One of the best parts of the trip was getting to know people who share the same passion for cars.
After spending three days with Toyota, I finally understood why Michael Pashut, the owner of CHANGECARS, rates this brand so highly.
Michael has always had a huge amount of respect for Toyota, and after experiencing this event myself, I can understand why. For him, Toyota is not just about the vehicles they produce, it is about the values behind the brand. The reliability, the trust they build with customers, and the way they treat people are some of the reasons he believes Toyota is such a special brand.
One of the biggest things Michael values is that Toyota puts customers first. He believes a great brand is not only measured by the products they sell, but by the relationships they build and the experience they create for the people who support them. Toyota's commitment to listening to customers, taking feedback seriously, and always looking for ways to improve is something that really stands out.
After seeing this firsthand in Namibia, I could see exactly why Michael speaks so highly of Toyota. The team didn't make anyone feel like just another guest, they made everyone feel valued. They took the time to connect with people, answer questions, and genuinely care about our opinions. That customer first approach is something that clearly runs through the entire Toyota brand.
I now understand why Toyota is such a loved and respected brand. It is not only because of the reliability and reputation of their vehicles, but because of the people, the culture, and the way they treat their customers.
I went to Namibia excited to experience the new Hilux, but I came home with so much more than that. I left with amazing memories, new friendships, and an even greater appreciation for what Toyota stands for.
A huge thank you to Toyota and the entire Toyota team for making my first Toyota event outside of South Africa so unforgettable. Thank you for the trust, the hospitality, and for looking after all of us over those three days.
It's an experience I'll never forget, and I hope it's the first of many.
Thomas Warmback — Proudly representing CHANGECARS
