2009 Land Cruiser = Turbo Diesel! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

[DaveInDenver]

But...what business-wise is the risk today of having a diesel option with parts and processes that already exist?

Toyota's aware of the stigma of underpowered and stinky cars, even though that was mid 1980s Rabbits, Mercedes and 2L powered trucks. Their reputation here is efficient, eco-friendly cars and my guess is their market research indicates that the problems from the 1970s and 80s are still casting a negative opinion of diesels to enough people.

I mentioned converting my truck to a 2L-TE to my wife and her first questions were will it make it up the hills and is it gonna be loud. I think the idea of diesels to many people is still bad, between the old VWs and testosterone-fueled lugheads with 6" exhausts and 36" Swampers on their crew cabs. I know that VW has done well with the TDI, but mostly I'd bet the average person wouldn't recognize them as a modern quiet, powerful and fuel efficient diesel as it drove past.

Toyota is doing fine in NA and the increased marketing time and effort along with adding complexity to your options lists and model outfits means less time selling the vehicles they already offer. They are focusing on domestic production and any diesel engines brought in would be made at first in Japan. Maybe they don't have the production capability to support the demand? I dunno, Toyota doesn't do anything unless it's gonna sell more cars at increased profit. If the market is there, they will offer cars and trucks with diesels, but very rarely do they really direct the market. Hybrids are a good example, GM and Honda pushed them, Toyota followed and refined them. They didn't make the market, they just exploited it. My guess is they will let Ford or Nissan make the first move, let them spend the money selling the advantages and then open the gates.

 

[Pskhaat]

Dave, all valid points. I argue still however that it'd be no risk to Toyota USA. I doubt that a 10 minute overview of engine options to a luxo buyer would cause that much overhead on comission. Even if they made them available through order only and thus higher prices.

I come back to the grocery store example. Just because natural peanut butter may net a smaller margin, does that mean the store doesn't carry the product? instead just sell `regular' peanut butter? The grocery store actually could be just fine selling regular PB. No! They sell both kinds because you want all consumers in the door to be loyal customers, and you'll sell other things too.

It'd be one thing if Toyota really had to go through R&D or if diesel LHD vehicles weren't even produced. For Toyota, that just isn't the case. Repeat argument on Hiluxen, 70 series', Camry wagons, et al.

 

[DaveInDenver]

You make a good argument, my main point is I guess mainly that Toyota is a very conservative company and not prone to taking many risks. It didn't go well the first time and I think the market has to be proven for them to try again. Toyota NA is held under pretty tight reigns by Japan. The FJ Cruiser was something California saw a market for and Japan agreed to try it. So maybe it's a question of trust by the top brass? The idea of an by-order only option is intriguing. If you come in and ask for a diesel, it's available, but not something pushed or necessarily marketed heavily. Then there's the question of parts and service chains, I think to convert the system to support diesel is not a cheap decision.

 

[navara-au]

They have just released the new 70 series Landcruiser with a V8 turbo Diesel In Australia.
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/toyota-landcruiser-70-series.htm

 

[Pskhaat]

I'd still rather have the good 'ol I6, but total drool over that 70 series!

 

[98roamer]

I was thinking about the hiden cost of service and parts for a very small market. We all know that Toyota is retooling most of their service bays for the larger Tundra, I'm sure that will have to finish before they would bring in a whole new class to service and stock parts for.
I would really like to see the option, now that the US is coming up to standards of low-sulfur diesel.

I can wish in one hand and and spit in the other and see which one fills up first. :costumed-smiley-007

 

[SOAZ]

really in all likelyhood, we should see a slew of Diesel rigs next year with all the talk about the regulations finaly making European motors smogable here in the states. Bout time too since I've been home from Australia I've been missing my TD HJ75 quite alot.

SOAZ: Is this Mt. Bike race DH? IF not skip it, Spandex and Skinny tires are for Euro's :26_7_2:

Hahaha! I love passing the DH guys on the trail trying to go up hill and the most fun is passing the ones that suck on the down hill!
If I could have several bikes I'd definately have a DH bike, but its WAY to impracticle to ride every day after work.

 

[navara-au]

I'd still rather have the good 'ol I6, but total drool over that 70 series!

Yep a lot of people over here have been drooling over the V8 turbo diesels as well.
Maybe there testing them out in preparation to release them in the states? For the Tundra that is I dont think you'll be getting the 70 series any time soon.

 

[Pskhaat]

I dont think you'll be getting the 70 series any time soon.

Bloody shame isn't it?

 

[navara-au]

Bloody shame isn't it?

I dont think I'll getting one soon. I would imagine they cost around the 60 grand mark (aussie dollars).
I'll go ask the handbrake now...........when they roll there eyes and dont answer you....that means no....doesn't it ?

 

[devinsixtyseven]

They have just released the new 70 series Landcruiser with a V8 turbo Diesel In Australia.
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/toyota-landcruiser-70-series.htm

There's a guy at TS with pics of dune bashing in UAE with one of those rigs, username is Sandcruiser...really nice looking!

Too bad they don't bring them here ...

 

[Diesel Joe]

That will never come here. Toyota dosent give a **** about the United States. I give to you the FJ Cruiser! RALPH!