What countries are Toyota Hilux sold in?
The Toyota Hilux, a popular pickup truck, is sold in a wide range of countries around the world. The Hilux is one of Toyota's most globally recognized and successful models, with a reputation for durability and reliability.
Global Availability of the Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is primarily sold in developing markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Some of the key countries where the Hilux is available include:
- Southeast Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam
- Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco
- Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
- Middle East: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey
The Hilux is not as widely available in developed markets like North America and Western Europe, where other Toyota pickup models like the Tacoma and Tundra are more prominent. However, the Hilux is still sold in some European countries, such as Norway and Iceland, where it has a loyal following.
Reasons for the Hilux's Global Popularity
The Toyota Hilux has become a global icon for several reasons:
- Durability and Reliability: The Hilux is renowned for its robust construction and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it a popular choice in developing markets with challenging terrain and infrastructure.
- Versatility: The Hilux is available in a variety of body styles, from single-cab to double-cab, and can be configured for both work and leisure purposes, appealing to a wide range of customers.
- Brand Reputation: As a Toyota model, the Hilux benefits from the company's reputation for quality, dependability, and strong after-sales support, which is highly valued in many markets.
- Affordability: The Hilux is priced competitively in many developing markets, making it accessible to a broader range of consumers.
These factors have contributed to the Toyota Hilux's widespread popularity and success in global markets, particularly in regions where the demand for durable and reliable pickup trucks is high.
Why are Toyota Hilux not allowed in the US?
The Toyota Hilux is not officially sold in the US due to the 25% "chicken tax" on imported light trucks, which makes it economically unviable. Additionally, the model's current design doesn't meet US safety and emissions standards, and Toyota has already developed the Tacoma to specifically meet the needs of the American market.
- The "Chicken Tax": A 25% tariff on imported light trucks makes it too expensive for Toyota to import and sell the Hilux in the US. To get around this, Toyota builds its trucks like the Tacoma and Tundra in America.
- Safety and Emissions Standards: The current Hilux models are not designed to meet US safety and emissions regulations, which differ from those in other countries. Modifying them to comply would be a significant and costly undertaking.
- Market Suitability: The Toyota Tacoma was created to be a more suitable replacement for the Hilux in the US market, as it is larger and more aligned with American consumer preferences for daily-driver trucks.
- Potential for Cannibalization: If both the Hilux and the Tacoma were sold, it could negatively impact the sales of the Tacoma, which was specifically designed for American buyers.
What countries is the Toyota Hilux sold in?
The Toyota Hilux is sold in over 180 countries and regions worldwide, including Australia, Thailand, the UK, South Africa, Argentina, and Japan. It is not sold in the United States, where it was replaced by the Toyota Tacoma in 1995, but it is popular in many parts of the world due to its reputation for toughness and reliability.
- Global presence: The Hilux is sold in over 180 countries and regions worldwide.
- Key markets: Some examples of countries where it is sold include:
- Australia
- Argentina
- Japan
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- South Africa
- Russia
- Malaysia
- United Arab Emirates
- Brazil
- Sweden
- Philippines
- India
- Indonesia
- North American exclusion: The Hilux is not sold in the United States; it was replaced by the Toyota Tacoma in 1995.
- Reasons for popularity: Its reputation for being durable and able to handle tough conditions makes it a popular vehicle in many rugged markets.
Do they sell Toyota Hilux in Japan?
In Japan, the Hilux was joined with the all new Toyota MasterAce, sharing load carrying duties which was sold at Toyota Store locations alongside the Hilux.
What is a Toyota Hilux called in the USA?
The Toyota Tacoma is the US equivalent to the Toyota Hilux, though the two trucks have diverged over time to meet different market needs. The Tacoma was developed specifically for the North American market, while the Hilux is sold globally elsewhere.
Key differences
- Design and features: The Tacoma is slightly larger and wider to appeal to American tastes and features are more focused on comfort and technology. The Hilux is designed for a global, often more utilitarian, market and can be more rugged.
- Engine: Historically, the Tacoma has come exclusively with gasoline engines, whereas the Hilux has been offered with a variety of engines, including many diesel options, which are not popular in the US light truck market.
- Market focus: The Tacoma is built in North America to comply with local regulations, while the Hilux is built in various other countries around the world, like Thailand.
