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Toyota announced at its recent Kenshiki Forum, where it reveals future plans for its Toyota and Lexus brands to the press, that it sold 1.17m Toyota and Lexus models globally in 2023. That is 100,000 more than last year, and 2024 is looking equally optimistic, as the company also shared that it has a strong 300,000 order book going into the New Year.
Simon Humphries, member of the board of directors, operating officer, revealed that among the highlights from the Lexus side are the Lexus LM, which we're told has a higher order take than even the company predicted. Another new model expected to make an impact in 2023 is the baby LBX, which the company says will attract new customers and is seen as a key conquest model.
On the Toyota side, we understand the new C-HR is making a big impact on sales, and the Japanese manufacturer is particularly happy that it's shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Car of The Year award. Elsewhere, our 'Best Small Car', the Toyota Yaris, and its sister car, the Toyota Yaris Cross, will receive a minor facelift. However, the real Toyota launch highlight is the latest retro-styled Land Cruiser, which also includes a 48-volt hybrid version.
With its percentage of electrified models growing from 66% in 2022 to 71% this year and expected to go up to 75% in 2024, sales of HEV and PHEV models remain strong and key to the group's multi-path performance. Although Toyota and Lexus will both be zero emission by 2035.
Also, despite reports to the contrary, Toyota reaffirmed its commitment to hydrogen power, with Yoshihiro Nakata, CEO, Europe Region, stressing continued support for its Mirai model, with 500 being added to its 1,000 strong Paris taxi fleet, along with other BEV, HEV and PHEV models, which total 2,674. All of these will be sent to France in time for next summer's Paris Olympics, for which Toyota is the official mobility partner. Toyota also showed a zero-emission truck - part of the fleet that will be used for its European logistic operations.
It was also a chance for Toyota to reveal its next two models from the already confirmed 'six for 26' EV model plan.
The first is its smallest, and is dubbed the 'Urban SUV', which is B-SUV sized, like the Yaris Cross, and will be available in two and four-wheel drive versions. Andrea Carlucci, director of marketing and product development, said: "This is the category that is growing, we have the number one position in the market, in the ICE market Yaris Cross, so we want to be there with an EV."
Outside, the Urban SUV concept is clearly an SUV, thanks to its proportions and height. The most distinctive parts of the design are the stance and sharp shoulders, while the front gets another version of the latest family 'hammerhead face', already seen on the new C-HR.
The other Toyota EV concept confirmed for production appeals to a completely different customer, because the Sport Crossover Concept is not an SUV - it's a stylish hatch. We can't help seeing the links between this and the BZ4X, but this is a more attractive, curvier fastback design.
Sport Crossover Concept design highlights include the sculpted sides, sharp panel detailing, and defined front arches. Carlucci went on to say about this car: "We wanted to deliver through this vehicle a really authentic style, something that's closer to the new design cues, with more sportiness - especially at the back.
A production version of the Urban SUV concept is expected next year, with the production version of the Sport Crossover Concept further off in 2026. We will bring you more details as soon as we have them.
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