By Theodore Opara

TOYOTA Motor Corporation has announced the reintroduction of the Hilux into the Japanese market after a 13-year hiatus, alongside the debut of the partially redesigned Land Cruiser Prado, both of which were launched through Toyota dealerships across Japan earlier this week. The special specification FJ Cruiser model will be launched through Toyota dealerships across Japan next month.

Since its initial launch in 1968, the Hilux has been sold in approximately 180 countries and regions worldwide. It enjoys popularity around the world, with cumulative global sales reaching 17.3 million units. In introducing the Hilux to the Japanese market, chief engineer Masahiko Maeda, who serves as the product’s development manager, noted that “while sales in Japan ended in 2004, there are still around 9,000 owners who mainly uses the Hilux for work. Many people have called for its reintroduction, and we wanted to properly respond to their needs and those of similar customers.

“Furthermore, I would like to propose to customers not only the functional value of objects but also their conceptual value, in terms of special experiences gained by having them in your possession. We realize that for various practical reasons, the Hilux can be a difficult vehicle to choose for example, being a class one vehicle, it requires annual inspection, and it is subject to slightly higher expressway tolls.”

Mr. Maeda remarked that he “believes the Hilux is a vehicle that embodies the joy of owning something special, due in part to its dignified appearance, together with a toughness forged in the real world, and hopes the vehicle appeals to the on-the-go spirit of the baby boomers, a customer segment that wants to embrace an active lifestyle.”

The partially redesigned Land Cruiser Prado, sporting a new, refined exterior that lends an air of strength and innovation to the vehicle, also now comes with the Toyota Safety Sense P collision avoidance support package as standard in all grades.

The latest model of the FJ Cruiser marks the vehicle’s special specification “Final Edition” model and features a special shade of beige throughout the interior and exterior of the vehicle that creates a distinctive sense of modernity.