Fraser Hart takes over the helm at Manawatu & TRC Toyota

Fraser Hart will replace Debbie Hart as Chief Executive Officer at Manawatu Toyota from June 1, 2024.

Fraser started at Manawatu Toyota in 2003 as Used Vehicle Sales Consultant and worked his way through various sales and branch management roles before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2023, shadowing Debbie Hart in preparation for his step up to CEO.

Debbie and her husband Brendon Hart bought Manawatu Toyota in 2004, with Debbie becoming Chief Executive at that point after working for the previous owners of the business since 1991. Subsequently, Brendon’s brother Fraser and his wife Sam purchased a share of the business in 2010.

Under Debbie’s tenure Manawatu Toyota grew significantly, purchasing three TRC Toyota stores (Feilding, Masterton and Levin) in 2012, and then purchasing Whanganui Toyota in 2021. The company now has a team of 150 staff across five locations serving customers across the wider Manawatu, Horowhenua, Whanganui and the Wairarapa regions.

Fraser Hart says he will be looking to build on the solid foundations and will ensure the business carries on with its high levels of customer experience and service.

“The vehicle industry is experiencing a lot of change, but we are well equipped heading into the future. We have great people, fantastic new products, a great brand with Toyota and many loyal customers,” he says.

Manawatu Toyota enjoyed significant success over the years under Debbie’s leadership. Most recently in 2020 when it won the President’s Award for Customer Service at the Toyota Dealership Excellence Awards. It won the Toyota Supreme Award for two consecutive years and Debbie won the Leadership Award in 2016 and 2017. 

“Debbie’s leadership over the years was inspirational as one of the first female Toyota Store CEOs she blazed the trail brightly for other aspiring female leaders in the auto industry.  She also shone the Toyota light brightly in the wider Manawatu region as long-term supporters of many local sports and community groups, which I am proud to continue,”  he adds.

Debbie and Brendon Hart have retained their ownership interest in Manawatu & TRC Toyota and will continue to support Fraser in the wider business until late 2025.