The Toyota Land Cruiser is an iconic vehicle that has been around for over 70 years. It was first introduced in 1951 and has since become one of the most popular SUVs in the world. The Land Cruiser has been produced both inside and outside the Americas, and its VIN can start with either a letter or a number. It was initially commissioned by the Japanese government to produce a light truck for the military, and later, in 1989, the 80 series was launched at the Tokyo Auto Show.
The Land Cruiser is manufactured at the Yoshiwara and Tahara plants in Aichi (Japan) and at the Sichuan plant (China). The body is assembled and painted at Arakawa Bankin Kogyo KK, now known as ARACO, which is a subsidiary of Toyota Auto Body Company. The United States government ordered 100 vehicles with the then new Willys specifications and commissioned Toyota to manufacture them. The Land Cruiser offers a ride that is more in line with the driver's intentions, as well as a luxurious experience if you opt for the Sequoia top version.
It has also participated in the Dakar Rally for more than 25 years, competing in the production car category. However, some people believe that its design is outdated compared to its rival models from other premium brands. Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. For 70 years since its launch, the Land Cruiser has been appreciated by customers around the world, who have also helped cultivate the model in harsh environments.
If Toyota were to return the Land Cruiser to its roots and focused less on moving up the market and standing on Lexus, it could be even more successful.