About
Auto Timor
Leste

Established in 1972 as “Bengkel Akam” in Akadiruhun, Dili, the business originally focused on providing high-quality motor and machinery repairs for both government and private clients. A pivotal shift occurred in 1986 when the workshop merged with UD Palma to become an official branch of Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), ensuring high service standards by sending technicians to Jakarta for specialized training. Following UD Palma’s 1992 decision not to co-develop a showroom, Bengkel Akam independently constructed a Toyota-compliant facility between 1994 and 1997 and rebranded as “PT. Auto Timorindo.” Operating as an official TAM agent offering genuine parts, servicing, and early models like the Toyota Kijang and Dyna Truck, the company’s reputation for technical excellence, honed by TAM training, eventually secured them significant government service contracts and solidified their evolution into the modern Auto Timor Leste.

Triggered by mass rioting and demands for democratic reform following the resignation of President Suharto, newly appointed Indonesian President Habibie under intense pressure from Australia, Portugal, and the EU announced a referendum for Timor-Leste’s self-determination. Amidst rising domestic tensions, the August 1999 UN-officiated vote resulted in an overwhelming majority for independence, which sparked a violent “scorched earth” campaign by Indonesian soldiers and pro-integration militias. This period of devastation led to significant loss of life, the displacement of 300,000 refugees, and the systematic destruction of the nation’s infrastructure, including its schools, water systems, and nearly 100% of the electrical grid. PT. Auto Timorindo was a direct casualty of this violence; its showroom and workshop were torched, and its entire inventory of new vehicles and spare parts was looted, leaving the business in ruins.

Timor-Leste officially became an independent country on May 20th, 2002. With the dust settling and the lease agreement terminating, PT. Timorindo sought authorisation from TAM to operate as an official Toyota agent in the new independent country. However, it was not possible as TAM operates only within the territory of Indonesia. Similar results were met when approaching Bridge Toyota. Throughout the years of 2003 to 2006, Toyota Motor Corporation surveyed the situation in Timor-Leste, for an opportunity to open an official workshop in the newly independent country. 

During these years, PT. Timorindo implemented processes, equipment, and training to certify technicians to meet the service station standards as set by Toyota. Recognised by Toyota Motor Corporation, PT. Timorindo, upon officially becoming a Toyota Authorised Service Station in Timor-Leste, changed its name to Auto Timor Leste in March 2006.

Now operating as an official Toyota Dealership, a status granted in 2023, seventeen years after its 2006 grand opening Auto Timor Leste (ATL) remains dedicated to its mission of providing the government and people of Timor-Leste with Toyota’s signature reliability, durability, and peace of mind. With a vision to be the nation’s automotive market leader, ATL provides brand-new vehicles specifically engineered for local driving conditions alongside a complete range of aftersales support. Their comprehensive services include periodic maintenance, mechanical and body repairs, and specialized health checks for hybrid models, all exclusively utilizing Toyota Genuine Motor Oil, parts, and accessories. By offering everything from warranty processing and roadside assistance to expert installation of genuine accessories, ATL continues to advance its capabilities to ensure a top-quality experience for every customer.