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By Brian Afuang
CLASSIFIED under Toyota’s
Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) label, the Toyota Innova
multipurpose vehicle, Fortuner sport-utility vehicle and Hilux
pickup top (or at least belong among the leaders) their respective
market segments, a feat the models have achieved and sustained for
years now. On September 22, Toyota Motor Phils. (TMP) demonstrated
it would not be complacent with regard to its best-selling
vehicles’ popularity by introducing the updated models of the IMV
lineup—even as the changes are, for the most part, cosmetic.
After all, why mess with
success?
In the IMV program, Toyota was
able not only to spawn the Innova, Fortuner and Hilux from a single
platform but also share the models’ manufacturing and supply
processes, ensuring efficiency. The result then is complete success
for the IMV project, which is largely credited for the rise of the
Commercial Vehicle (CV) segment in the country. TMP cited that three
years after the IMV’s introduction in late 2004 and in 2005, the
CV segment had grown from around 55,000 units to 76,000 units by the
end of 2007. Before the IMV’s introduction, it was the Toyota Revo
that dominated the CV market, proving Toyota’s expertise in this
area.
“The success of the IMV can be
attributed to four factors—which all three models have in
common,” said TMP President Hiroshi Ito regarding the updated IMVs.
“First, the IMV has a global package and is available worldwide,
being sold in over 140 countries. Second, it revolutionized styling
and comfort in a market where commercial vehicles are either seen as
traditional and utilitarian on the one hand and expensive on the
other. Third, all three vehicles share a solid frame and suspension
with the Toyota Outstanding Platform. Also, they are all engineered
with technologically advanced and fuel-efficient Variable Valve
Timing-Intelligent (VVT-i) system for gasoline engines and Direct
Injection Common Rail (D-4D) system for diesel engines,” Ito said.
Innova: Bestseller gets better
Heading the IMV trio is the
Innova, the country’s top-selling vehicle for the past two years.
TMP revealed that since this model’s introduction in February
2005, it had sold 40,170 Innovas, enough for the vehicle to command
a 30.2-percent share in its segment. TMP added it sells on average
around 850 of these in a month.
“The Innova surpassed
expectations as a business, family and outdoor leisure vehicle,”
Ito said.
TMP said that as its biggest
volume model, the Innova plays a major role because it is
manufactured locally. As such, TMP said “it devoted special
attention to improving the vehicle so it could address the needs of
Toyota customers and to ensure the operational efficiency of the
company’s manufacturing plant and the welfare of its employees.”
In the latest Innova, the
vehicle’s front end received a makeover in the form of a new
bumper and grille which—especially in the V model that flaunts
liberal application of chrome—result in an upscale, even Camry-esque,
look.
In the rear, the reflector lamps
sit on a new spot while nine-spoke alloys tidy up the latest
Innova’s styling further.
Inside the car is a new T-shaped
instrument panel. A light gray/beige color palette brings a
refreshing change, too. Meanwhile, the Innova’s audio system was
upgraded and now has a remote control, auxiliary audio connection
for Apple iPods and steering wheel-mounted audio and
multiinformation display (MID) switches.
The MID reads out cruising range,
average driving speed, outside temperature and compass heading and
current and average fuel consumption levels.
The latest Innova is available in
an astonishing four grades and 12 variants with prices that range
from P783,000 for the basic J variant to P1.174 million for the
top-model V variant.
Hilux: Choices, choices,
choices
TMP said the Hilux received minor
changes in its chrome radiator grille and front bumper, adopting the
theme of Toyota SUVs. New alloy wheels, larger 15-inch ventilated
disc brake rotors in front and a padlock on its spare tire are some
of the Hilux’s latest features. Inside the truck, Toyota fitted
metallic trim and equipment that are also found on the Innova.
The Hilux is powered by
Toyota’s direct injection four-stroke Common Rail Diesel Engine
called the D4-D. The D4-D maximizes fuel efficiency by supplying
high-pressure injections at all speed levels, TMP said.
The biggest news about the Hilux
is the new 4X2 diesel variant that flaunts 4X4 looks. Called the
Pre-Runner, this variant received the improved 2KD–FTV engine that
puts out the same horsepower as the 2.5-liter diesel engine does.
Offered in three grades and five
variants, the Hilux is priced from P807,000 for the basic 2.5-liter
J 4X2 diesel manual transmission model to P1,431 million for the
range-topping 3.0-liter G 4X4 diesel automatic transmission model.
Fortuner: Look of success
TMP said the Fortuner now sports
an executive image more than ever courtesy of the SUV’s new
projector-type headlamps, rear combination lights, redesigned
17-inch alloys and a new grill treatment which TMP said is
reminiscent of that found on the RAV4.
The Fortuner’s interior
features include an in-dash six-CD changer, steering wheel-mounted
audio switch, Bluetooth capability and wood trim for the instrument
panel. The vehicle is also fitted with those equipment found on its
Innova sibling.
TMP bared that since the
Fortuner’s debut in May 2005, it had sold over 22,258 units of
this model. The carmaker added that with an average 450-unit monthly
sales figure, the Fortuner is consistently in the local industry’s
top-five best-selling vehicles list. The Fortuner, according to TMP,
has a 27.1-percent share in the compact SUV segment.
“The Fortuner won the hearts of
many as it made the Filipino dream of owning an SUV closer to
reality. It offered an affordable alternative to the other expensive
executive SUVs at the time without compromising the image of power
and status,” Ito said.
TMP priced the latest Fortuner
from P1.379 million to P1.694 million. The company said the new IMV
lineup is available in all its 27 dealerships across the country.
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