Hilux is a monument of Toyota, a pickup truck with a career spanning more than 50 years, sold everywhere and known for being indestructible. But did you know that the Hilux existed indirectly thanks to… Renault? After the Second World War, Japan had to rebuild the country and the economy. Local manufacturers are encouraged to join forces with other foreign brands to motorize the country and develop the economy. Here’s how that Hino, the historic Japanese truck manufacturer, is joining forces with Renault to produce its first passenger car: the Hino 4CV (1953-1963), our licensed French 4CV. What does this have to do with the Hilux? Well, Hino will turn the 4CV into a family sedan with help Countess (1961-1964), taking on foundations and mechanics. How Dauphin with Japanese sauce! Released in 1961, the Contessa will be produced as a Hino pickup truck: Bryska. A few years later, Toyota would acquire Hino, and from 1967, Briska received the Toyota badge. Building on the success of this pickup, Toyota will release its own model a year later : Hilux was born!

Effective “Grand Lux”!

Since 1968 and this first version, the Hilux has been discontinued in seven generations. abbreviation ” High luxury “, “Grand Luxe” in French, it’s not actually a premium pickup like the (late) Mercedes Classe X, but good all-rounder. Ladder frame, leaf springs, diesel engine: this is the main recipe for Hilux success for more than fifty years. Ahead of its anniversary in 2018, Toyota has released some stunning sales figures since its first generation: 17.7 million units ! Exported to over 180 countriesThe Hilux has been flat for a while sold with Volkswagen logo: Taro. Now it is the eighth generation, which was released in 2015. In the summer of 2022, Toyota gave him GR Sport version, with more sporty attributes. Already closer to the original term “HiLux”! But its ninth generation is still waiting… The first images of Tacomaequivalent of the Hilux in the United States, have already leaked online…

The first images of his successor

Although the two models are slightly different, they are always represented similar design and philosophy. The rendering of the future Tacoma already tells us more about the future of the Hilux! This new version, expected in 2024 (or even 2025), will change everything. Probably, it will be a Tundra for short, a large full-size pickup truck that Toyota sells primarily in the United States. Thus, his style will become sharper, less loose than the current one. But the pictures speak for themselves. Tacoma will initially offer two units: a gasoline and hybrid. The first will be a four-cylinder 2.4 with a capacity of 265 horsepower, which is already equipped with the Highlander. The second will start from the same unit, equipping it with additional electric motors to bring power to 366 horsepower (Lexus RX 500h unit). Europe obliges, the Hilux versions here should be less powerful, but a hybrid version is in the program. 100% electric Hiluxwhich is already a concept, will appear in the coming years…