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Turkmenistan Welcomes a Fleet of All-White Toyota “White Edition” Hiace and Corolla Cars in a Bid to Tackle Traffic Woes

Turkmenistan is about to witness a striking automotive transformation as a significant number of “White Edition” Toyota Hiace and Corolla cars make their debut on its roads. With traffic congestion becoming an increasingly critical concern, this move aims to address the nation’s serious traffic situation while adding a touch of elegance to its streets.

The Land of White: Toyota’s “Corolla Sedan” Makes its Mark

Sumitomo Corporation, a prominent Tokyo-based trading conglomerate under the Sumitomo Group, has taken the initiative to revolutionize Turkmenistan’s transportation landscape. In an announcement made on December 19, 2022, Sumitomo Corporation revealed its ambitious plan to ship a staggering 2,110 taxis and buses to the Turkmenistan Motor Vehicle Agency, located in the heart of Central Asia.

Remarkably, every single one of these 2,110 vehicles is none other than a Toyota model, showcasing the Japanese automaker’s dominance in this transformative venture.

Immaculate White: The Elegance of the Toyota “Corolla” and “Hiace” Shines Through

The spotlight of this transportation evolution falls on the iconic Toyota “Corolla Sedan,” which is set to grace Turkmenistan’s roads with its refined presence. Sumitomo Corporation, with its diverse array of businesses spanning trade, import, export, and investment, has solidified a sales and purchase agreement for these 2,110 vehicles and their accompanying spare parts, destined for the discerning motorists of Turkmenistan.

Out of this impressive fleet, 780 units will don the persona of taxis, while 1,330 units will take the form of buses, effectively marking a significant influx of new vehicles that the country has seen in a year. The financial commitment for this extensive endeavor amounts to a staggering $115 million (equivalent to approximately 15.1 billion yen), further emphasizing the magnitude of this transformative move.

Traffic Woes and Mobility Dreams: Addressing Turkmenistan’s Transport Conundrum

Turkmenistan has long grappled with the challenge of limited automobile imports due to governmental currency conversion restrictions that came into effect in January 2016. This scarcity has led to a rise in non-government-sanctioned cabs, utilizing vehicles imported from neighboring nations, thus impacting the ease of mobility for its citizens.

In response, Sumitomo Corporation initiated negotiations with the Automobile Agency as early as 2018, with the goal of enhancing the nation’s transportation capacity while curbing foreign currency outflow. These talks culminated in a comprehensive agreement that effectively covers the lion’s share of cab and bus imports for 2021 and 2022. This strategic move is poised to alleviate the scarcity of government-endorsed taxis in Turkmenistan, ushering in an era of secure and reliable transportation options for its residents.

A Parade of Elegance: Unveiling the “White Edition” Toyota Lineup

In conjunction with this momentous announcement, Sumitomo Corporation has unveiled a captivating lineup of the actual vehicles destined for Turkmenistan’s roads. The breakdown showcases an impressive amalgamation of automotive prowess, featuring “780 Turkish-made Corollas,” “300 Japanese-made Hiace models,” and “1030 Japanese-made Coasters.”

Of notable mention is the Hiace’s distinction as a “300 series,” tailored exclusively for international markets, while the Coaster embodies the concept of a microbus, a familiar sight in Japan for its role as a courtesy vehicle. The visual presentation leaves a lasting impression, depicting immaculate white exteriors, even down to the grille, symbolizing both elegance and a commitment to change.

In a final touch of individuality, the Corolla Sedan wears a distinguished green checkered pattern on its flanks, complemented by a roof-mounted green lantern that unequivocally signifies its identity as a cab vehicle.

As Turkmenistan opens its arms to this fleet of “White Edition” Toyota Hiace and Corolla cars, it not only anticipates a shift in its traffic dynamics but also embraces a newfound sense of sophistication that these vehicles bring to its bustling streets.