Toyota is the undisputed chief for hybrid expertise within the Australian market, however it has but to supply any electrification on its top-selling HiLux ute. That’s set to alter.
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vp of gross sales, advertising and franchise operations, hinted the HiLux vary will broaden additional this yr.
“After all, we’re not standing nonetheless with our HiLux line-up,” Mr Hanley mentioned. “Final yr we launched the [updated] HiLux Rogue, and it has been very warmly acquired. Within the third quarter of this yr, we’ll launch HiLux GR Sport.”
“Past that, we may have extra motion on HiLux within the second half of the yr.”
“Our purpose all the time is to deal with market alternatives and buyer wants with HiLux. In some unspecified time in the future, that can embody a type of electrification, though I don’t intend to enter the precise particulars of that in the present day,” he added.
When requested a follow-up query about that assertion, Mr Hanley mentioned:
“We clearly have to have a look at industrial autos between now and 2030. So, what sort of electrification we apply to that, we’re not able to say in the present day. However it’s actually one thing that we all know we’ll have to do.”
Toyota hasn’t confirmed whether or not the HiLux will undertake a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain as used throughout a lot of its automotive and crossover line-up, or a diesel-electric hybrid, mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
“Hybrid, plug-in hybrid – there’s all kinds of variants. We’re taking a look at H2 (hydrogen) conversions, we’re taking a look at BEVs, we’re taking a look at all the things. That is precisely what we’re saying – Toyota received’t put all of its eggs in a single basket,” mentioned Mr Hanley.
“The important factor for us in Australia is match for function. And I do know I’ve mentioned this advert nauseam. Some individuals get it, and a lot of the silent majority really get it. However in fact, everybody has received completely different views, and I respect everybody’s completely different views, as a result of they’re not all fallacious, and never all proper, both.
“We’ve by no means mentioned for one second that we received’t do electrification, that we received’t do BEVs. We’ve merely mentioned there’s a couple of choice then simply going with BEVs. To get to carbon impartial and be capable to take prospects on that journey, you’ve received to supply a selection. It’s so simple as that.”
The corporate has beforehand confirmed it intends to have hybrid variations of its HiLux, LandCruiser Prado, LandCruiser 300 Collection and HiAce by 2030.
Toyota bolstered its dedication to supply three totally electrical autos in Australia by 2026, along with the hydrogen fuel-cell Mirai which is offered for fleet orders.
It has beforehand revealed an electrical HiLux idea in Thailand, and confirmed it is going to produce prototype hydrogen fuel-cell variations of the ute within the UK.
MORE: Every little thing Toyota HiLux