Tribune News NetworkDohaA Toyota Hiace that hit the road in Qatar in 2014 has racked up 1 million kilometres — and it is still running strong, according to its owner The Pearl-Qatar-based United Readymix Company.This milestone is being touted as a testament to Toyota’s quality, durability and reliability.“We have been using the minibus in our fleet for the last seven years. We are amazed that it lasted this long… and in (near) perfect condition,” said Firas Saideen, the General Manager of United Readymix. The longevity of the Hiace, which is being maintained by the AAB Service Centre, has strengthened the company’s trust with and loyalty to Toyota, he added. Upendra Magaju, the man behind the wheel of the mile-muncher, likes being in it as the vehicle "is not tiresome to drive".“It is reliable, manoeuvrable and confidence-inspiring,” he said.

 

Since the launch of the first-generation Hiace in 1967, it has become one of Toyota's representative global vehicles, with more than 6.5 million units having sold in over 150 countries. The Hiace has demonstrated its prowess with its high durability and reliability.  Trisha Murielle, Communications Coordinator at United Readymix, said, “The Toyota Hiace minibus gives us comfort whenever we use it as our means for transportation. We trust our driver and Toyota to keep us safe wherever we go."Abudulla Abdulghani and Bros, the distributor of Toyota vehicles in Qatar, said, “Toyota vehicles are known to have the utmost build quality on which one can rely. The brand promise of Toyota — Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) — doesn't fall short when it comes to its cars. Toyota brand promise is built on two pillars — ‘Peace of mind’ and ‘Waku Doki’. which translates to a feeling of heart-pumping excitement. These cars are fun to drive, stylish in every aspect, connected to youth and are a mirror reflection of Kaizen or the innovation.”A dedicated commercial vehicles service centre with an area of 3,000 square metres opened in January 2020 on Street 6 in Industrial Area. The service centre is equipped with the state of the art diagnostic tools, Toyota genuine parts and certified Toyota-trained technicians.United Readymix was founded in the year 2006 with its headquarters in the island adjacent to the Pearl Qatar. United Readymix is a joint venture between United Development Company QSC and Besix/Six Construct, the biggest Belgian group specialized in the construction of buildings, infrastructure, environmental projects and roads.