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Toyota’s Century model might go on sale in Australia for the primary time after an emotionally charged unveiling of its newest idea on the Japan Mobility Present by chairman Akio Toyoda.
Final month Toyota introduced the Century model – pitched as a Rolls-Royce rival to sit down above its Lexus premium division – would develop globally for the primary time.
The primary Century was produced in 1967 – so named to commemorate the 1867 delivery of Toyota firm founder Sakichi Toyoda – as a luxurious sedan, and has been pushed by presidents and VIPs ever since.
In 2023 an SUV mannequin was launched forward of a brand new coupe idea proven in Tokyo, introduced by present chairman and nice grandson of Sakichi, Akio Toyoda.
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“It’s a really proud heritage for the [Toyoda] household – you noticed Akio with lots of expression, emotion about that historical past,” Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas mentioned throughout a press briefing in Japan attended by CarExpert.
“We’d like to ensure we’re very rational concerning the ‘why’ and ‘how’ we’re going to do that,” he added.
“We’ve no agency plan proper now to convey Century into Australia, however we’re at present finding out whether or not we consider that Century model has a spot within the Australian market to enrich the Lexus model.
“Century is clearly the head of the manufacturers from a hand-made, totally crafted automobile [perspective] – and since it’s hand-made, hardly any automobiles are being produced every day, as a result of they’re totally customised as effectively.
“If we noticed a chance the place we felt like this could sit inside our market – to be able to complement the Lexus model and the entire Toyota household – we’d positively be taking a look at it.”
Toyota Australia vice chairman of gross sales and advertising, Sean Hanley, informed the identical media group there’s potential for Century in Australia.
“Yeah, in fact, I believe so – I believe there’s a purchaser for Century in Australia, I do,” Mr Hanley mentioned. “It most likely sits effectively above the Toyota model, I’d counsel.”
“It [the presentation of Century] was simply such a press release of intent and confidence … each considered one of these manufacturers [in the Toyota group] now has a definition; it defines what we’re in its personal proper.
“Whether or not we promote one, two, three of 4 – it’s incidental to me; it’s what it stands for.”
Mr Pappas mentioned plans for Australia are a great distance off, giving no timeframe for when an analysis can be full – or when the primary Century could possibly be offered right here if given the inexperienced gentle.
He was additionally upfront about whether or not Century can be provided by way of Lexus’ Australian seller community or by its personal channels.
In China, one of many few locations outdoors Japan the place Century is already provided, its automobiles are offered by Lexus.
“They’re actually nice questions we don’t have solutions for but … there must be lots of water go beneath the bridge; there must be lots of work achieved to grasp this feasibility,” he mentioned.
“After we’re able to make that decision, along with headquarters right here in Japan, then we’ll make these obligatory bulletins.”
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