‘He is remembered fondly’: 24 years since passing of Debono Group Founder Michael Debono

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.