Michael Debono / Toyota Malta

Debono Group on Friday commemorated the work and legacy of Founder and motor vehicle industry stalwart Michael Debono, in the week of the 24th anniversary since his death.

The company's origins start in 1952, when he set up a coach body building business operating from a garage in Freedom Avenue in Żebbug. Afterwards, he built the Debono Service Station in 1958, and just two years later, imported the very first Toyota vehicle – a Toyopet Crown Deluxe – that was sold in Europe.

The move earned him the reputation as the entrepreneur who “changed the Maltese mobility industry”.

He passed away in 1999 at the age of 69, and the family business is now headed by Geoffrey Debono as CEO, having taken overall responsibility of the company in 2006.

“He is remembered fondly and missed by his family, friends, and all of Debono Group. May he rest in peace,” the company added.

Debono Group has now grown to become more than just a Toyota dealership, delving into various areas including the selling and servicing of commercial vehicles and motorcycles. It also invested in an engineering and a technology company, and has recently turned its attention to the development of shared transportation solutions.

Featured Image:

Debono Group Founder Michael Debono / Toyota Malta

Related

David Curmi

Airline costs ‘likely to remain under pressure’ – KM Malta Airlines’ David Curmi

13 August 2026
by Kevin Schembri Orland

Pressures can be mitigated through greater operational efficiency, among other things, he says.

‘We are so focused on efficiency that we lose experience’ – Mauro Miceli on iGaming redundancies

13 August 2026
by Julia Falzon

Mauro Miceli questions the drivers behind iGaming’s latest redundancy wave, from AI and rising costs to margin pressure and lower-cost ...

Marina Di Valletta hosts massive 106.7m Black Pearl superyacht 

12 August 2026
by Tim Diacono

The superyacht has a dancefloor, a movie theatre, underwater lights, a beach club, a gym, and a deck jacuzzi.

‘More than a business leader’: Hamilton Travel pays tribute to Norman Hamilton

12 August 2026
by Tim Diacono

Norman Hamilton set up the travel agency Hamilton Travel in 1992.