Toyota's popular Hilux has grabbed the crown as Australia's best-selling car with an emphatic victory revealed by sales figures released recently.
A total of 3,565 customers bought a HiLux in April, marking a return to normal supplies of the popular workhorse following shortages caused by natural disasters in Japan and Thailand.
The victory margin of well over 500 vehicles placed HiLux more than 18.6 per cent ahead of any other vehicle on the local sales chart.
It is the sixth time HiLux has been the top-selling vehicle in Australia – and it is the only ute to have achieved this landmark. HiLux led a strong Toyota result in April with the brand cementing market leadership with 16,568 deliveries – more than 8,800 ahead of its nearest rival.
Toyota outsold the combined totals of its nearest two competitors, bringing its 2012 sales tally to 63,945 vehicles – an overall lead of more than 27,000. In addition to HiLux 4x2 and 4x4, Toyota vehicles that led their segments were Yaris, Camry, LandCruiser Prado, LandCruiser 200 Series and HiAce bus.
Prado moved into the national top 10 (seventh) with 1,725 deliveries, joining HiLux (first), Corolla (third) and Camry (eighth). Prius c debuted with 405 sales.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said HiLux was the most desirable vehicle of its type and had the highest awareness among people looking to buy a 4x2 or 4x4 ute.
“Consumers rate HiLux above any other vehicle for its off-roading capability and other attributes, including performance, lifestyle and value,” Mr Callachor said.
“Almost one in two HiLux buyers already own a Toyota while more than half say they are likely to choose another Toyota for their next vehicle,” he said.
Toyota has been market leader for 83 of the past 85 months – a run broken only by production disruptions caused by last year's Japan tsunami.
Click here to find out what makes the Hilux Australia's number 1.
The launch of 3.5-litre V6 quad cam Toyota Aurion has completed the roll-out of Toyota's portfolio of new locally made models.
The substantially upgraded five-model Aurion range has been capped at a price beneath $50,000#. It is Toyota's locally made flagship and is being promoted as an attainable luxury car.
Aurion's distinctive styling and occupant comfort levels provide clear differentiation. Second generation Aurion is the most powerful Toyota made in Australia. It generates 200kW at 6200rpm on 91 octane fuel.
Aurion delivers the best fuel economy in the 3.5-litre class in the large passenger segment - six per cent better than the first generation*. Tailpipe emissions have been reduced by eight per cent*.
Aurion is lighter and slightly larger than the vehicle it replaces. It incorporates technology advances in drivetrain and active and passive safety strategies which have only recently been developed.
Aurion, like its locally made stablemates, benefits from new computer numeric control (CNC) machines at Australia's Altona plant which allow even more precise manufacturing techniques.
Panel fit in many instances has been reduced from tolerances of 5mm to just 3.5mm - the domain of a very few true luxury cars.
Interior quietness will be a hallmark of second generation Aurion. The articulation index of interior audibility has been improved by more than 10 per cent.
Ride and handling has been improved in all areas as a result of extensive local testing and development.
User-friendly modifications have been made in many small but important ways. The centre console storage area is longer, and the boot loading lip is lower to the ground for easier loading.
Interior dimensions have been increased to provide even more legroom, and in particular, greater headroom for rear seat occupants.Seats have increased in size while being made even more supportive.
Toyota has sought to refine its value proposition to Aurion buyers. As well as capping Aurion's recommended retail price beneath $50,000, it has further improved its popular capped price logbook servicing proposition to four years/75,000km (whichever occurs first) up to the first five service periods^.
"Aurion has become a favourite amongst experienced motorists," Toyota's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said. "Since its launch in 2006 Aurion has become something of a hallmark for private buyers who do not see the need to enter the market above the luxury car tax threshold, but who still want distinctive luxury features.
"Toyota's goal with second generation Aurion was to even better meet those requirements. There will not be a current generation Aurion owner who will not appreciate the improvements in the new vehicle and who won't be tempted to trade-up."
Mr Callachor described second generation Aurion as an expansionary vehicle. "Styling, technical and manufacturing improvements all point to Aurion expanding its market appeal," he said. "There is a strong market for a powerful prestige vehicle. Aurion is rightly, and discretely, earning a reputation as a vehicle of quality. Second generation Aurion will enhance that position."
Owners can choose to emphasis the sporty lines of their Aurion with optional Toyota Genuine Accessories, including 17-inch alloy wheels, body side mouldings with chrome and a rear spoiler lip.
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Toyota has succeeded in its aim of recapturing the classic sports car experience in its new 86, according to the expert judges of the 2012 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards.
The global panel of specialist engineers, technologists and journalists have named the sports coupe Car of the Year (jointly with the Subaru BRZ) and honoured its chief engineer Tetsuya Tada as Dynamicist of the Year, alongside Toshio Masuda, his Subaru counterpart on the project.
Toyota's commitment to producing cars that are more rewarding to drive, championed by its president Akio Toyoda, has also earned it the accolade of Dynamics Team of the Year.
The Toyota 86 arrives in Australia next month as a standard bearer for a revival of Toyota's sports car heritage, a machine that has been designed in every aspect to be a true driver's car.
Its character is determined by its classic front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration and the use of a compact, lightweight, free-revving 2.0-litre “boxer” petrol engine. Combined with a low centre of gravity, low inertia and overall light weight, the result is pure driving pleasure.
Vehicle Dynamics International magazine’s editor Graham Heeps said this simple approach helped earn 86 its Car of the Year status.
“In the face of rising power outputs and ever-greater levels of complication in the drivetrain, suspension and steering, cars from major manufacturers that take a less-is-more approach and offer fun at legal speeds have been thin on the ground,” he said.
Among the judges' comments on the Dynamicist of the Year title, Matt Joy, the Press Association's motoring editor, said: “By sticking to a tried and tested formula, Tada and Masuda have created a car that enthusiasts have been crying out for one that eschews the never-ending quest for ultimate grip in favour of balance, response and driving pleasure at realistic road speeds.”
The judging panel gave much credit to Akio Toyoda for inspiring a new direction in dynamics in both Toyota and Lexus models. Phil Morse from the USA said: “A quick look at Toyota's vehicle line-up should remove any doubt that there is a fierce competitor in the company driver's seat, and that the tenets of motorsports – superior technology and the enjoyment of driving – serve as his guiding light.”
Click here to register your interest in the 86.
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