Future models - Toyota - Hilux - Revo BEV ConceptToyota HiLux Revo BEV undergoes evaluationLocal engineers assess Toyota HiLux Revo BEV concept as Thai market develops taxi fleet13 Oct 2023 TOYOTA Australia says it has this week marked another milestone in its progress towards zero tailpipe emissions with local engineers and selected industry partners given the opportunity to evaluate its fully-electric HiLux Revo BEV concept.
The prototype model was put through its paces at Toyota’s Altona facility outside of Melbourne, where several “large-volume HiLux customers and other valued clients” were offered the opportunity to join Toyota Australia’s vehicle evaluation team for a series of “confirmation drives”.
Upon completion of the “compressed Australian confirmation program”, the Toyota HiLux Revo BEV concept has been returned to Thailand where it will be further assessed as part of a demonstration fleet of HiLux-based electric share taxis for the domestic market.
According to Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, feedback showed that the HiLux Revo BEV concept confirmed that Toyota was far more advanced in developing battery-electric vehicles than most people anticipated.
“Our evaluation engineers and industry partners have confirmed that this city-focused HiLux BEV – while very much a concept vehicle – looks, feels and drives like a production model,” he explained.
“I’ve also had the opportunity to drive it – and it’s clear the concept vehicle’s all-electric powertrain delivers the impressive torque you’d normally expect from a diesel engine.
“It is further evidence of the broad scope of Toyota’s multi-path strategy for achieving carbon-free mobility, applying different powertrain solutions to suit different user needs and operating environments worldwide.”
Mr Hanley said Toyota Australia was “optimistic” about the prospects for the type of city-focused HiLux BEV envisaged by the concept vehicle and would be keen to bring any such a vehicle to Australia.
“Under the skin, this vehicle is powered by Toyota’s EV-related technologies developed over more than a quarter of a century, including batteries, motors, inverters and power-control units,” he detailed.
“It’s a strong indicator of Toyota’s determination to overcome the challenges of electrifying our commercial vehicles, ensuring there are multiple options that can meet the expectations of end users.”
Mr Hanley said the HiLux Revo BEV concept program is the “latest chapter” in Toyota’s Thai-Australian relationship that was also instrumental in the development of the recently launched HiLux GR Sport.
Thailand is considered the “ute capital” of the automotive world, a “production powerhouse” that builds HiLux and competitor workhorse vehicles for carmakers and markets across the globe.
The Toyota HiLux has been Australia’s best-selling vehicle for the past seven years with more than 64,000 sales last year. It is even more popular in Thailand where demand topped 145,000 vehicles in 2022.
Mr Hanley recently told GoAuto that the HiLux is on track to sell more than 50,000 units in Australia this year, topping last year’s number of 47,329.
“This year’s tally will be above 50,000 units, which also confirms that production and supply of HiLux is indeed healthy,” he said.
Mr Hanley added that the easing of supply chain restrictions would reduce customer wait times while simultaneously giving Toyota Australia its best half-year sales tally in history – simultaneously continuing the HiLux’s upward trajectory.
Over a five-year period, the Toyota HiLux appears to have locked horns with Ford’s Ranger, particularly in the 4x4 ute segment.
Since 2018, the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux have alternated between first- and second place at the top of the new-vehicle sales ladder, with 2023 shaping up as no exception. Read more4th of October 2023 VFACTS: A new record for SeptemberStrong new vehicle sales continue with September up 18.3 per cent to 110,702 registrations25th of September 2023 Market Insight: Ranger vs HiLux battle hots upFord and Toyota strategise in battle for top place on the 2023 Aussie sales ladder12th of September 2023 HiLux uber-flagship to arrive next yearToyota Australia says GR Sport not the end of the line, more HiLuxs to come in 2024All future modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hummer HSV Infiniti Hyundai Jaguar Isuzu Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Lexus LDV Mahindra Lotus Mazda Maserati Mercedes-AMG McLaren MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Peugeot Pagani Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Hilux pricing
Motor industry news |
Click to shareToyota modelsResearch Toyota All future modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hummer HSV Infiniti Hyundai Jaguar Isuzu Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Lexus LDV Mahindra Lotus Mazda Maserati Mercedes-AMG McLaren MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Peugeot Pagani Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Hilux pricing
Motor industry news |
Facebook Twitter Instagram