Toyota's global sales of its legendary Land Cruiser series have surpassed 10 million units as of August 31, 2019 . The milestone is a recognition of the premium SUV’s standing as a global and regional icon.
“We are grateful to each and every one of our customers for their trust and support in our journey towards achieving this important milestone, cementing it as a remarkable success story over the years,” said Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation. “Since its introduction over six decades ago, the Land Cruiser has evolved into one of the most fully capable premium SUVs, exceeding expectations across successive generations to establish itself as a favourite among the region’s families.”
Launched on August 1, 1951, as the Toyota Jeep BJ, the Land Cruiser is the company’s longest-running vehicle. The production of the world-beating vehicle, which assumed its current name in 1954, has continued for 68 years with nine generations dominating the Premium SUV market across the world.
Full-scale exports of the Land Cruiser began with the 20 series, which was introduced in November 1955, four years after the launch of the first-generation vehicle. Since then, Toyota has consistently developed versions that cater to customer needs, while staying true to its reputation for reliability, durability, and drivability on poor roads – essentially the development concepts on which the Land Cruiser is based.
The Land Cruiser has contributed significantly to increased trust in the Toyota brand around the world and created a foothold for the company to expand its exports.
Owing to its versatile features and capabilities, the thoroughbred four-wheel-drive off-roader is utilised around the world for a broad array of diverse needs. The applications range from carrying out humanitarian assistance operations in remote areas and herding cattle on vast cattle ranches, to facilitating mobility in deep underground mines and harvesting high-elevation crops on steep fields at altitudes as high as 3,400 meters, where even humans have difficulty standing. Indeed, there are many places around the world where it would be impossible to live from day to day without the Land Cruiser.
The vehicle is sold in approximately 170 countries and regions worldwide, with annual global sales standing at approximately 400,000 units.