Vaitohi Enterprises celebrated World Automobile Day on Wednesday, becoming the first company in Tonga and reportedly the Pacific region to officially recognize the event.
The global occasion marked on January 29 every year honours the role of automobiles in daily life, highlighting their impact on transportation, connectivity, and economic growth. Vaitohi Enterprises marked the day with a special promotion for customers.
“A day to celebrate our journey with the vehicles or machines that move us, connect us, and make destinations possible,” the company said in a statement.
This is the first time the event has been observed in Tonga, reflecting the nation’s growing automotive industry. Motor vehicle registrations on Tongatapu rose by 15% in 2024, reaching 3,307, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Vaitohi Enterprises has played a key role in modernizing Tonga’s vehicle sector, making history as the first company to introduce Tesla electric vehicles to the country.
While Tonga embraces advancements in transportation, it also faces challenges in managing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), which now exceed 30,000 on Tongatapu. Environmental efforts, led by groups like the Tonga Recyclers Association, aim to address the growing issue.