STARTING next week, the Spanish Town Road-headquartered Toyota Jamaica will begin construction of a new state-of-the-art facility on Old Hope Road.

The more than two-acre lot, according to managing director Tom Connor, was once occupied by used-car dealer Mack D’s Auto.

“It’s gonna be a modern, modular showroom. Everything will be integrated. You don’t have to walk from the showroom to another building for parts, then to another building for service. Everything will be all under one roof,” the MD told Auto.

“We’ll focus on the three S’s — spare parts, service and sales. And it won’t affect our Spanish Town Road operations,” he continued.

Connor said the construction cost may round out at US$4 million, but was unwilling to disclose how much was paid for the land.

The MD said the decision to build the new complex is a strategic one and will serve customers living or working in proximity to the plant.

“It’s not all about car sales, but serving our existing customers,” said Connor.

“Quite a sizeable portion of our customers come from New Kingston and its environs. Currently, if you want to service your vehicle, you have to come all the way to Spanish Town Road, then get back to work, then come get your vehicle, then get back home. That’s very time-consuming. We want to make it easy for our customers,” he explained.

The building is slated to be opened in January 2016 and will create additional employment for 40 people.

Toyota Jamaica, under Connor’s leadership, has embarked on several initiatives with a view to maintain its number one position in the highly competitive marketplace.

Last year, the company ramped up its commercial operations by distributing Hino trucks and Toyota forklifts. The company also purchased a two-acre plot of land adjacent to its headquarters to display these units. Prior to this, a Montego Bay branch was also opened.

“We’re always looking at ways to improve our overall customer satisfaction,” said the Scotland-born Jamaican citizen.

Connor, who is in his third year at the helm, said he is pleased with Jamaica’s response to the Hino trucks.

“The Hino trucks are coming on well. Last month, we sold eight. We’re planning to manufacture the refrigerated bodies here starting next March. We can provide an aluminium, light-weight, customised body at an attractive price. This would be done in conjunction with an American company,” he said.

“For us, it’s gonna be an exciting year.”