The eighth generation Toyota Hilux, reputed to be the top-selling vehicle in its segment, has arrived in T&T and ready for the road.
Officials of Toyota T&T Limited recently unveiled the newest version of the popular 4 by 4 at the company's Barataria showroom and Nicholas Mc Donald, general manager, Sales, Service and Spare Parts said the vehicle continued to distinguish itself.
"The new Hilux represents a new era for pick-ups. It inherits the core values of durability and reliability and still it takes these facets to yet another level.
"We are sure this new generation will again become the new benchmark for this segment as it easily surpassed all other vehicles it (was) tested against with performance and SUV-like comfort," he said.
"Our aim with this new model is to deliver the Toyota brand promise that is: a sense of real excitement, a superior performance, with peace of mind," he said.
Mc Donald said Toyota's ability to adjust to market demands combined with the brand's legendary performance over the last 40 years had helped make the Hilux "the best selling pick-up in the world today."
At the launch existing and prospective customers were told about the pickup's features and functionality, including smart start capability that allows the driver to open the vehicle on approach; a tablet-styled stereo with Bluetooth; modifications to the tray which make it not just deeper and longer, but wider, too. The vehicle's automatic transmission is now up to five speeds, with manual mode tiptronic, intended to achieve exceptional performance.
Bari Khan, sales manager at Toyota T&T Limited, said: "The Hilux is sold on six continents; 170 countries (with) over 15.6 million units sold since 1978.
"The Hilux is a true legend. It has completed expeditions both at the north and south poles. It has been featured in Life Magazine. It is used in the Amazon rainforest. It is also used by many farmers in Sangre Grande.
"The Dakar Rally is known as the toughest rally in the world. It's a 9,000-kilometre race around Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. The Hilux finished in three places in the top ten overall positions in this rally.
"I could go on and on about the heritage of the Hilux, but now that you all have gotten the Foundation of the Hilux and now know where we came from and let's get ready to see where we are going."