The Toyota Hiace is taking off in Cambodia.

Sales at the Toyota Cambodia Boeung Keng Kang Branch have soared so far in the second half of the year compared with the same period last year.

Branch manager Dor Tivea said he has never seen a jump like this before.

“Since the second quarter of this year, the number of Toyata Hiace customers has increased some 300 per cent. And it is the amazing figure for the branch” Tivea said. 

In the past, Tivea said customers might buy a secondhand car or a cheaper model than a Japanese import. But through their experience with Toyota, they learned to trust the brand.

Cambodia’s expanding economy has also given customers more purchasing power, according to Tivea. Customers are looking to upgrade to better and safer cars from what they may have bought in the past.

“The increase is caused by economic factors and Cambodian living standards have improved,” Tivea said. 

All Toyota cars sold in Cambodia are made to suit the country’s geography and climate, and with safety in mind.

“Some customers told us that after using a Toyota van to transport passengers, they trust our brand even more. They do not spend as much money or time in repairs as before. Using Toyota to transport passengers is not only safe, but it also promotes their businesses, because the passengers trust the Toyota brand too.”

Most customers buy Toyota cars to use at home with their families, according to Tivea. Hiace’s Toyota Cambodia imported vehicles from Japan include 12-seat, 15-seat and 16-seat vans. The 16-seaters were the most popular in Cambodia, he added.

Customers are also taking advantage of Toyota’s Tususho Finace option. The conditions are that the customer must be 18 years or older, possess proof of residency, proof of income, and that they are able to pay monthly installments of $637 per month for 60 months.