Few manufacturers can complain that a model that has been in production for nearly 40 years is in more demand than it can meet. This is the case of the Series 70 Land Cruiser, which can no longer be ordered in Australia.
Old rockers never die, they say. In the case of the Toyota Land Cruiser of the 70 Series (or J70), whose commercial life began in 1984, it is currently for sale in those countries where it is possible to sell it. Toyota has remained faithful to a model that has not ceased to be in demand and has been improved over time.
In the specific case of the Australian market, the progressive disappearance of its competitors means that it continues to be attractive, even if it is a base from 38 years ago with numerous modifications. Moreover, he was having such success that orders were piling up beyond its 40th anniversaryin 2024. The dealers feared that there could be problems.
Its veteran 4.5 V8 32-valve diesel engine, with around 200 hp, is a proven and reliable mechanical base.
And indeed, there were. Despite being a model that does not need a lot of microchips to build, the supply crisis also affects it. Toyota representatives in Australia have announced that they will not accept any further orders.until all those that have been accumulating until 2024 can be attended to.
A demand at historical highs
Australians have never been so interested in the Land Cruiser saga. In 2021, 47,932 units were sold, being a record for both the Series 300 (21,299 units) and the Series 70 (13,981 units). The numbers would have been higher, had there been more production. The trend continues in 2022.
The situation in 2022 reached a logistical bottleneck. “Strong demand and supply issues affecting the entire industry mean we can’t fill orders any faster. […] Consequently, we have decided to pause new customer orders for the Series 70 Land Cruiser.”said Sean Hanley, vice president of sales, marketing and franchisees for Toyota in Australia.
In other markets it is still possible to order this model, for example in South Africa. In the month of July, 252 units of the model alone were sold. pick up. Another example, the range is also fully available in Guatemala, from where we have taken the promotional videos.
the australian range
In the Series 70 alone, the Australians had several models to choose from. On the one hand, the basic model Workmate with the typical five-door (Wagon) body. It is followed by the high roof without side doors (Troop Carrier), the pick up single cab (Single Cab) or long chassis and full cab (Double Cab). We leave you a link to the catalog.
The Land Cruiser GX appears only as pick up single cabin, but with more equipment, and the Land Cruiser GXL, which is even more equipped, is available with all the previously mentioned. In addition, numerous accessories were offered to enhance its off-road abilities.
The basic model has cruise control, traction control and ABS, stereo with 6.1″ touch screen, GPS, USB ports, etc. The GX add 16″ wheels, more decoration, oversized fenders and brake locks. optional differential. As for the GXL model, it has electric windows, hill start assistance or central locking with remote control, multifunction clock, full carpeting, fog lights, etc.
The factory will be active almost all of August
The Series 70 Land Cruiser is made in Yoshiwara, Japan, it is not a very large production and therefore expensive. His official name is Toyota Auto Body Co.,Ltdand it is almost as old as the car brand itself, it was founded in August 1945. Toyota does not provide the production volume of its factories individually, nor does it break down by specific models except on specific occasions.
Production line 2 in the factory suspended its activity last Monday, as planned. From the 13th to the 21st you don’t work in Japan, it’s vacation week. Removing those exceptions, the factory will be active during the month of august unless there are new supply interruptions.
Line 1, for Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX 600, will stop for several more days. In other words, Toyota will do its best to get as much production out of it as it can, using all the parts it has.