Toyota, the world’s leading automaker by sales, revealed its first-ever hybrid variant of the iconic Land Cruiser, set to debut in North America and other key markets. The production of this historical model, tracing back to 1951, along with a smaller, newly introduced variant, will be carried out at two Japanese factories for subsequent overseas distribution. Toyota plans to cater to diverse market needs by offering gasoline or diesel-powered Land Cruisers in other regions like Europe and Australia.
Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota’s chief technology officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to meeting customer demands while reducing overall carbon dioxide emissions. Notably, Land Cruiser models and others like the Alphard van contribute significantly to Toyota’s profitability due to their size and pricing.
Toyota Expands Land Cruiser Availability and Launch Timeline
Slated for release in Japan in the first half of 2024, the new Land Cruiser will arrive in the United States by spring. The anticipated starting retail price for the American market is in the mid-$50,000 range. Moreover, Toyota will introduce gasoline and diesel-powered variants of the new Land Cruiser in markets across Western and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. A smaller Land Cruiser version will also be launched in Japan during winter.
As of last month, the combined sales of the Land Cruiser and Lexus LX and GX, Toyota’s luxury SUVs, have reached 11.3 million units, underscoring their enduring popularity and significance for the brand.
