About Us

Welcome to your local Toyota Centre. Whether you're looking for a new or used car, or would like to use our professional, competitively priced after care services, we can help you meet your motoring needs.

Opening Hours
Sales
Mon - Fri:
08:30 - 18:00
Saturday:
08:30 - 17:00
Sunday:
10:30 - 16:30
Service
Mon - Fri:
08:00-17:30
Saturday:
08:30-12:30
Sunday:
Closed
Business
Mon - Fri:
08:30-18:00
Saturday:
08:30-17:00
Sunday:
10:30-16:30
Motability
Mon - Fri:
08:30-18:00
Saturday:
08:30-17:00
Sunday:
10:30-16:30

Meet the Team

John Allan
Centre Principal
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John started working for Howards in January 1988 as a Trainee Sales Executive for Nissan. He was promoted after 3 years in 1991 to Sales Manager at Howards Peugeot WSM before moving to Howards Peugeot Taunton for several years. In 2006 John became Sales Manager of Howards Toyota WSM and was then promoted to Centre Principal in 2007. John is proud to work in partnership with the Toyota Brand, the relationship being both rewarding and inspiring with new technology being developed and introduced all the time. Out of work he enjoys being in the open countryside for relaxation and has a few animal friends to take care of which keeps him busy outside of work.
Paul Rengert
Sales Manager
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Joined Toyota in 2007 having entered the industry in 2001. Through this time promotion has seen a rise from Trainee Sales Executive at the tender age of 20 to the current position of Sales Manager in 2006. This progression has enabled Paul to experience all levels within the sales department giving him a deep understanding of the business and more importantly the need for exceptional customer service. When he's not working Paul enjoys pursuing his interest in road cycling for which this takes up much of his time as well as spending time with his family.
Tony Nichols
Sales Controller
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Tony started in the Motor Industry in 1997 and has gained a wealth of knowledge throughout his career. From a young age he always had a passion for cars and driving them, so selling and working with them was a natural choice. Tony Joined Toyota as a Sales Executive in July 2010 and within a short period of time was promoted to Sales controller. Tony enjoys his role within the team as it gives him the flexibility to sell which he really enjoys, look after his long standing customers as well as assisting with the running of the department. Outside of work Tony is bit of a movie fanatic and likes a frequent visits to the cinema, early morning runs and spending time with his daughter.
Marcus Urch
Sales Executive
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Marcus joined the car industry in 2006 with Toyota, his previous career mainly involved within the Travel industry both as an overseas rep and in later years a travel agent. After travelling to the far flung corners of the world he decided to settle down and in his words “get a proper job”. He loves the fact that Toyota have happy customers and an ever changing and improving product range with a well earned reputation for reliability. Alongside retail Marcus also specialises in Motability and Fleet sales. Outside of work he has a keen interest in the local carnival circuit and spending time with his family
Steffi Vaughan
Handover Specialist
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Steffi joined Howards Toyota as Handover Specialist in 2016 for a change in career after working in childcare previously. Steffi thoroughly enjoys her position within the company as it gives her the opportunity to work closely with our customers and she takes great pride in ensuring they all receive great customer service and a wonderful experience. Outside of work Steffi enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going on holidays. Steffi also likes to eat out, attend concerts, going to the theatre and shopping!
Melissa Morton
Product Specialist
Melissa joined Toyota in 2017 as a product specialist and is keen to learn new and exciting skills within the business and the industry as a whole. Melissa had been a beautician for a few years prior to starting at Toyota and has a passion to grow within the business. Melissa gets great satisfaction helping customers with their enquiries and promoting each and every range of Toyota, making sure that every customer is cared for individually. Outside of work Melissa enjoys spending time with family, day trips out and catching up with friends.
Becky Norman
Sales Administrator
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Becky joined the motor trade in 2002 as a trainee sales executive, after 10 years working for Toyota as one of the 'originals' she then took some time out to start a family before returning to a job share roll which handles the administration side within the sales department. This roll now gives her the flexibility to still be part of the Toyota family whilst looking after her 2 sons. In her spare time she enjoys going to the cinema, concerts and spending time with her family.
Sue Hewson
Sales Administrator
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Sue joined Toyota in 2013 with 2 years of experience in motor industry administration, initially covering maternity leave, which has since become a permanent job share role. Following a long career in catering management, Sue changed direction and moved into administration roles rising from Receptionist to PA to Managing Director in a matter of years. Since moving to Weston with her husband in 2010 Sue now enjoys working in the motor industry, being part of the Toyota team and likes the challenges of working to deadlines and the ‘buzz’ as the new plate changes approach. Sue and her admin colleague work well as a team and run an efficient department which benefits both the Sales Team at Toyota and our customers. Sue has many hobbies and has joined local craft groups, volunteers at The Playhouse Theatre and plays in the Mixed Cribbage League in Weston. She now has young grandchildren so is often returning to Oxfordshire for ‘Nanny visits’.
Daniel McGuinness
Service Manager
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Daniel joined the industry in 2004 joining Howards Group in their Peugeot franchised dealership in Taunton as a customer advisor. After priding himself in excellent customer service, hard work and creating good working relationships within the team he saw promotion to Senior Customer Advisor in 2007, Workshop Controller in 2009/2010 and Assistant Manager in 2013. He has recently seen promotion again joining the Toyota family in July 2015. Daniel enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys watching Football, Rugby and Formula 1.
Lois Erasmus
Customer Advisor
Russell Jennings
Master Technician
Russell entered into the industry in 1993 and has been with Howards since 2002. In his time within the industry Russell has seen a lot of changes including the introduction of Hybrid electric cars. Russell is most proud of his achievement in becoming a Master Toyota Technician in 2015, the highest qualification available within the franchise. Outside of work Russell's hobbies include motor racing, going to the cinema and spending time with the family.
Mark Toogood
Technician
Mark started in the industry at the tender age of 15 on a weeks trial. Then through a TYS scheme he stayed on as an apprentice in a Vauxhall dealer in the Forest of Dean. Mark moved to Bristol in 1996 and joined Soundwell College to carry on his apprenticeship with an independent garage, he later qualified and began working with Peugeot and Citroen. Mark moved to Weston super Mare in 2000 and started working with Toyota at the Royal Portbury Docks before joining Howards in 2007. Mark enjoys camping and spending time with his 2 boys, he also likes travelling and going to the cinema.
Martin Owen
Parts Manager
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Martin joined Toyota in 2012 as Parts Manager after a successful 7 years in the motor industry, his journey starting in 2002 for Halfords, a stepping stone to his later career.   Martin was very excited to join the Toyota brand due to their industry leading trade parts program and also an excellent training program to reach the highest standards possible. Martin enjoys working with all the staff in the dealership to give the best customer experience possible. Outside of work his passion is racing RC cars and is ranked in the top 50 in the UK.  He also he loves to spend time with his son when not being a big kid himself. 
Liam Hyland
Parts Advisor
Liam joined Toyota in 2017 as an apprentice having had an interest in cars and motorsport from a young age, after a few jobs in various retailers it seemed like the perfect opportunity for him. Liam has a keen interest in numerous sports such as football, cycling and American football and enjoys playing them when possible. Since working for William Hill Liam has developed a love for horse racing and gets to the racecourse when he can. As well as his interest in sports Liam also enjoys Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.
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Latest Updates

Click now to find out about the tax increase for your Toyota

VED Tax Increase 2017

Find out more about how road tax will be affected and how you can save hundreds of pounds

What is changing?

From 1st April 2017, road tax will be increasing by £140 as a standard rate on all vehicles per year, with an additional charge of £310 for any vehicles worth over £40,000. Further details can be found on the government new vehicle tax rates page.

How will this impact me?

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News

Toyota PROACE named What Van? LCV of the Year

The All New Toyota PROACE has proved itself the pick of the medium duty van market, winning both its category and the overall LCV of the Year title in the 2016 What Van? awards, hosted in London on 13th December 2016.

Speaking for the award judges, James Dallas, What Van? Editor, said: “This outstanding, innovative van represents a leap forward compared to its predecessor and deserves to establish Toyota as a major player in the crucial medium van sector.”

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News

New Toyota Proace Van: first details

Toyota is extending customer choice and opening up a completely new market proposition with its all-new range of Proace Vans. A choice of two grades, three body sizes and two wheelbase lengths are available, together with different body styles that take Proace Van into all areas of the medium duty van (MDV) segment for the first time.

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2016 Toyota Hilux

The new 2016 Toyota Hilux, unveiled at the 2016 Geneva motor show, is the latest link in the chain of exceptional Hilux models dating back to 1968.

It offers an even tougher chassis, enhanced 4×4 capability, practicality and functionality, better safety features and an even more appealing cost of ownership – not to mention the new styling and improved comfort.

Here’s our rundown of exactly what’s changed for the new Hilux compared with the outgoing model.

 

Engine and powertrain

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2016 Toyota Prius to make world debut at Frankfurt motor show

The new Toyota Prius will be the unmistakeable star of Toyota’s presentation at the Frankfurt motor show. The fourth generation of Toyota’s pioneering hybrid car is set to make its world debut on 15 September.

It will be joined on the Toyota stand by the new RAV4 hybrid, making its first appearance in Europe, and by second Toyota C-HR Concept hybrid crossover – another world-first reveal.

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News

5 astonishing adventures in the Toyota Land Cruiser

With its reputation for reliability and true 'go-anywhere' capabilities, the Toyota Land Cruiser holds a special place in the hearts of many. We cast an eye over some of the astonishing achievements that have helped to secure its place in automotive history.

1. Enjoying years of success in the Dakar Rally

 

To rally fans, 'Dakar' means 'Hard'. Fortunately, the Land Cruiser likes a challenge, and consequently, the famously reliable 4x4 has a long history of success in the gruelling 15-day, 5,280 mile desert race. 

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News

8 things you didn't know about Hybrid

  • Over four decades of Hybrid know-how
    For some people, hybrid technology is still thought of as new technology. In fact, even though our first hybrid, the Prius, was on the roads ahead of its time in 1997, we’ve actually been honing our hybrid know-how since the mid 1970s, with gas turbine hybrid models, the Century and Sports 800.
     
  • Not all Hybrids are born the equal
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