The “multi-functional” Toyota Hilux has scooped the 6th International Pick-up Award (2022/2023).
Organisers of the awards – which honour the most efficient 1-tonne pick-up truck in the business – announced the winner at the Solutrans 2021 exhibition in Lyon, France, yesterday (Wednesday, November 17th, 2021).
The contenders for this title included:
- Toyota Hilux;
- Isuzu D-Max;
- Jeep Gladiator;
- SSangYong Musso.
Hilux
The multi-award-winning vehicle received this latest accolade from a panel of members of the International Van of the Year jury.
Judges pointed to the vehicle’s “powerful and smooth” powertrain along with its “ever-increasing appeal” in the world’s growing dual-usage work and leisure markets.
Didier Gambart, Toyota Motor Europe vice-president of sales, said:
“With more than 50 years of heritage, Hilux has always stood for outstanding quality, durability and reliability, as well as very capable off-road performance.”
With the latest Hilux, Gambart said Toyota has expanded the engine line-up with a 2.8-litre diesel to offer “even more” refinement and power.
He said this allows it to meet the needs of customers wanting a workhorse and a leisure vehicle.
“So, for us, this award is a recognition of Hilux’s inherent qualities and its extended capabilities.”
The first Hilux was launched in Japan on March 21st, 1968 and one year later was introduced to the European market.
It has since become one of the most successful models in the Toyota line-up.
According to Toyota, the “unstoppable” pick-up is renowned for its quality, durability, and reliability.
They believe the vehicle has proved its invincibility “time and again”.
6 global locations, 180 countries
Today, Toyota manufactures Hilux in six global locations and sells it in 180 countries and regions.
Toyota claims that with more than 18 million sales to its credit, it is “the world’s favourite pick-up,” Toyota claims.
Beyond Hilux as an individual model, the award highlights Toyota’s focus on developing its LCV performance in Europe.
“Hilux’s revitalised profile with its 2.8-litre engine and improvements in both on and off-road performance further contributes to Toyota’s ambition to reach a 5% LCV market share in Europe by 2023.”
In the UK, the Toyota Professional portfolio of models is also set to include the new Corolla Commercial Hybrid Van. Toyota plans to launch this next year.
Other articles:
. The first Hilux was launched in Japan on March 21st, 1968.){kind=link}