Seniors, people with disabilities and mobility challenges will now have access to a state-of-the-art mobile bus, thanks to a partnership between the TDC Automotive Division, the Ministries of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities et al, the Ministry of Education and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the donor agency.

At a brief but significant ceremony held on Thursday 3rd April 2025, at the TDC Automotive Division on St. Kitts, Mr. Duran Merchant, the Sales and Service Manager handed over the keys to the brand-new Toyota HZB50 Mobility Coaster Bus to the Honourable Isalean Phillip, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities et al, the Honourable Geoffrey Hanley, Ministry of Education and His Excellency Michael Chau Horng Lin, Ambassador the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the donor agency.

In making his presentation, Mr. Merchant spoke about TDC Automotive Division’s role in the process of procuring the vehicle valued at EC$460,000, and its commitment to providing vehicles for all.

“We believe in driving progress, not just through vehicles, but through partnerships (with the Taiwanese Embassy) that create meaningful change. We’re honoured to contribute to such a worthy cause and to support the Ministry in meeting the transportation needs of our people. This fully customized vehicle was sourced and delivered through the coordination of our sales team, who worked closely with our corporate partner, TOYOTA, to ensure the bus met the unique needs and specifications required for accessibility, comfort, and safety.”

He also highlighted some of the Mobility Coaster Bus, which include power steering, front and rear fog lamps, automatic passenger door, fire extinguishers, ten (10) seats equipped with seat belts (plus 4 wheelchairs and anchors), wheelchair loading door, handrails, auto passenger doorstep, and curtains.

In response, Minister Phillip gave an overview of the journey to procure the vehicle and expressed her appreciation to all the stakeholders for their efforts in making the vision a reality and how the vehicle will benefit the Ministry’s agenda.

“This request was made since last year, just nine months ago. The discussions to get this bus have been ongoing long before that and through the advocacy and work of our Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Geoffrey Hanley, on his visit to Taiwan in 2024. This bus is customized and specialized and intends to support and expand the scope of work of our Ministry by allowing us more flexibility to transport our clients in relation to the Ministry’s programmes. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those for making this possible.”

Immediately following the handover of the keys, the ministers, ambassador, and representatives from the two ministries were given a demonstration of the features and a short tour through the industrial site.

The private and public sector partnership underscores TDC’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development, as the company continues to play an active role in national advancement. The collaboration also aligns with TOYOTA’s “All That Moves You” Campaign, where the international automobile company vision is to create mobility for all its customers.

Picture – Mr. Duran Merchant, the Sales and Service Manager handing over the keys to the brand-new Toyota HZB50 Mobility Coaster Bus to the Honourable Isalean Phillip, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities et al, the Honourable Geoffrey Hanley, Ministry of Education and His Excellency Michael Chau Horng Lin, Ambassador the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

 

 



 

Basseterre, St. Kitts – The TDC Automotive Divisions are continuing its drive to encourage the motoring public
to take advantage of the ongoing Toyota Airbag Recall initiative currently underway in the Federation.

The recall is a critical effort to ensure the safety of owners, drivers, and passengers of the following affected
vehicles:

▪ Toyota Yaris/Belta (2006 – 2012)
▪ Toyota RAV4 (2003 – 2005)
▪ Toyota Corolla (2003 – 2013)
▪ Toyota 4Runner (2013 – 2016)

In the event of deployment, the airbag can rupture, causing metal fragments, and debris to shoot toward the
driver and passengers. These defects have been linked to severe injuries and fatalities globally. Replacing the
airbag for FREE is essential to eliminate the risk and to ensure the safety of the drivers and passengers.

Owners of any of the affected Toyota models are strongly encouraged to take immediate action to replace the
airbags, by contacting the TDC Automotive Divisions, at telephone number 465 2511 in St. Kitts or 469 5430
in Nevis, or via the website, https://www.tdcautoskn.com, as soon as possible.



As the Federation’s authorized dealer for Toyota vehicles, the TDC Automotive Divisions continue to place emphasis on customer safety following the announcement of a Takata Air Bag recall on selected models.

The affected vehicles are equipped with a Takata-produced front airbag, which could potentially be susceptible to deploy abnormally in a crash.

These airbags have inflators that can rupture during deployment and may pose a greater risk when exposed to prolonged hot and humid conditions causing serious injury or even death.

If your Toyota vehicle falls within the following model range, please contact the TDC Automotive Division in St. Kitts or Nevis, who will advise you if the recall is applicable to your vehicle:

  • Toyota RAV4                        2003 to 2005 Models
  • Toyota Corolla                      2003 to 2013 Models
  • Toyota Yaris/Belta                2006 to 2012 Models
  • Toyota 4Runner                   2013 to 2016 Models

Our in-house Toyota Service Advisor will schedule an appointment to perform this FREE repair.

Additional information can also be requested via telephone at 465 2511 (St. Kitts) or 469 5430 (Nevis) or email address, [email protected].



Dear Toyota Owner,

At Toyota, we are dedicated to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. Part of our commitment is to provide important information to you whenever a specific concern or problem may affect your vehicle.

What is the problem?

The subject vehicles are equipped with a Takata-produced front airbag which could potentially be susceptible to deploy abnormally in a crash. These airbags have inflators that can rupture during deployment and cause serious injury or even death. Inflators in vehicles that have experienced prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions pose a greater risk to rupture during deployment.

If your Toyota vehicle falls within the following model range, please contact your Toyota Dealer who will advise you if the recall is applicable to your vehicle.

Toyota Yaris / Belta – Model NCP92R-BEPRK & NCP92L-BEMRK (2005-2013)

Your Toyota Service Advisor will be able to schedule an appointment to have the repairs performed as soon as possible. The replacement of the airbag inflator module is at NO CHARGE to you.

 Dealer Contact Details

TDC AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION

C.A. PAUL SOUTHWELL INDUSTRIAL PARK, BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (869) 465 2511

PINNEY’S INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS                                  (869) 469 5430



Dear Toyota Owner,

At Toyota, we are dedicated to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. Part of our commitment is to provide important information to you whenever a specific concern or problem may affect your vehicle.

What is the problem?

The subject vehicles are equipped with a Takata-produced front airbag which could potentially be susceptible to deploy abnormally in a crash. These airbags have inflators that can rupture during deployment and cause serious injury or even death. Inflators in vehicles that have experienced prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions pose a greater risk to rupture during deployment.

If your Toyota vehicle falls within the following model range, please contact your Toyota Dealer who will advise you if the recall is applicable to your vehicle.

Toyota Rav4 – Model ACA21R-AWPNK (2000-2005)

Your Toyota Service Advisor will be able to schedule an appointment to have the repairs performed as soon as possible. The replacement of the airbag inflator module is at NO CHARGE to you.

 Dealer Contact Details

TDC AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION

C.A. PAUL SOUTHWELL INDUSTRIAL PARK, BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (869) 465 2511

PINNEY’S INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS                        (869) 469 5430