Toyota Launches Hilux Champ In Thailand And Why Not Malaysia
In November 2023, some 2 years ago, Toyota’s vehicle sales and production company in Thailand, held a launch event in Bangkok for the new commercial pickup truck which was introduced earlier at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023.
It was called the IMV series and was developed under the leadership of Akio Toyoda, then Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Region and current Chairman of the Board. The IMV series was developed with local engineers in the spirit of genchi-genbutsu, in hopes of contributing to the Asian economy together with the people of Asia.
Since the launch of the new pickup truck in Thailand in 2004, it has been introduced in more than 180 countries and regions around the world and has evolved to meet the needs of the era and the local community.
In Thailand, the IMV series is regarded as a local favorite, integral to daily life. IMV has contributed to the Thai economy, with domestic sales totalling more than 2.7 million units and exports totalling more than 4 million units.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve and customer needs diversify, the lifestyles of Thai customers also continues to change.
For the IMV series, Toyota decided to return to its origins to create an IMV pickup truck that is truly affordable and meets the needs of customers. Local engineers led the development of the IMV 0 after thoroughly researching customer lifestyles.
Meanwhile, the Hilux Champ make your business vision come true through customisability. At the launch in Thailand, 11 customised models (pictured below) were introduced and they are even more on offer.
TMT offers eight grades with an emphasis on covering a variety of business styles and uses. There are short and long-wheelbase versions, three engine types which is a 2.0L petrol engine, 2.7L petrol engine and a 2.4L diesel engine and there is an unequipped type with a flat deck also available.
Prices range from 459,000 to 577,000 baht (which is about RM59,500 to RM75,000). So imagine having this commercial pickup truck on sale in Malaysia?
The deck has bolt holes at various locations so that custom accessories can be easily attached using bolts and nuts. In addition, for those customers who request customisation, TMT can provide information on more than 100 accessory manufacturers so that each customer can enjoy personalised customisation. TMT will produce the model at the Samrong Plant.
