Liam McNally
The local post-mistress, Ida Porter, bought a yellow Toyota Crown with a black roof. That’s the first car Melton Toyota founder Keith Harrison recalls selling, half a century ago.
Mr Harrison recalled the story at Melton Toyota’s 50th anniversary celebration and new showroom and workshop unveiling in High Street on February 9.
After Mr Harrison’s story, around 200 guests fluttered into the showroom of the new 4,500 square metre building, and were greeted with food and drinks to help them mingle among new and vintage show-cars.
Mr Harrison’s son, who now runs Melbourne’s oldest family-owned dealership, Grant Harrison said he was feeling “excited and proud” before he gave the welcoming speech.
“We like to think that we’re not only keeping up with the Jones, but keeping ahead of the Jones, so we’re really excited to show the public that,” he said.
After Grant Harrison’s speech, Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) chief executive Geoff Gwilym, and later Toyota Australia sales and marketing executive vice president Sean Hanley also gave speeches.
Mr Gwilym thanked the Harrison family for supporting the VACC for so long.
“The automotive industry needs businesses like this to support us to go to the government to make sure that the industry is looked after for a long time… so thank you very much,” he said.
Mr Hanley congratulated the Harrisons on their “outstanding” journey.
“Great products need great dealers and great organisations… and it’s definitely people like the Harrisons and the workers in their dealership that drive those outcomes,” he said.
After the speeches, founders Keith and Joan Harrison were interviewed about watching the dealership grow and change over the decades, before guests were offered a tour of the inner workings of the new workshop building.
Melton deputy mayor Julie Shannon said she’s always seen the Harrison family working in the Melton community.
“They are ethical, they are wonderful, they support their community, they are great business people… and I wish them all the best for the next fifty years,” she said.
