Hilux(s) Sighting - AZ

[flyingwil]

On the way to drop my daughter off at daycare this morning, I spotted 2 Toyota Hilux Trucks going the opposite way. Both trucks had manufacturer plates, and one was a double cab, and the other was an Xtra Cab. At first I just thought they we from Mexico, until I saw the plates.

Not sure what they are doing around here. I really haven't seen anything fun like this in a while since they closed the GM proving grounds that is a mile away from our house.

Has there been talks about bringing them in to the US?

 

[Pskhaat]

Funny several years back I saw a few with Michigan plates driving I17...

 

[ywen]

Really what is the real reason why the Hilux can't be sold in US/Canada? Leaving the engine choices out of the discussion for now, do the Tacomas really have a higher profit margin due to the slightly lower specs of durability?

 

[deadbeat son]

Really what is the real reason why the Hilux can't be sold in US/Canada? Leaving the engine choices out of the discussion for now, do the Tacomas really have a higher profit margin due to the slightly lower specs of durability?

The Tacomas probably have a higher profit margin due to being built under NAFTA. Or is the Hilux also built in Mexico?

 

[robert]

The Tacomas were originally built in the US although I think they're all made in Mexico now. They avoided import tariffs that way.

 

[tibaal89]

There are three in Tucson that I see quite regularly... not with any apparent modifications, not sure what their story is.

 

[corax]

Isn't the Toyota proving grounds just outside of Phoenix?

google map link

 

[RHINO]

i dont really see the big deal with the hi-lux over the tacoma because if they were imported we still wouldnt get a solid axle and D4D diesel, lower durability specs or not i'm happy to have the taco.

 

[DaveInDenver]

i dont really see the big deal with the hi-lux over the tacoma because if they were imported we still wouldnt get a solid axle and D4D diesel, lower durability specs or not i'm happy to have the taco.

The diesel would be a nice option regardless of which truck they bolt it in. The Hilux has not had a solid axle option since 1998 anyway. IMHO I'd buy the current Tacoma over the current Hilux all things equal. In fact if there was a diesel option I would buy a Tacoma pretty much right now. OTOH if the Hilux was imported and only had the petrol engine options I would stand pat with my old junk. Might be the weird American in me, but I don't much care for the looks of the current Hilux much. The 1988-1997 and 1998-2005 versions I think looked best. What can I say, I really like the look of my Hilux.

 

[TEJASYOTA]

The Tacomas were originally built in the US although I think they're all made in Mexico now. They avoided import tariffs that way.

WRONG!

Tacoma is alive and well in SAN ANTONIO Texas.
The SA Tundra plant won the bid to build the Tacoma.
The first pilot samples were built today ... ETA for normal production is July.

 

[Dave Bennett]

WRONG!

Tacoma is alive and well in SAN ANTONIO Texas.
The SA Tundra plant won the bid to build the Tacoma.
The first pilot samples were built today ... ETA for normal production is July.

Nice.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Has there been talks about bringing them in to the US?

I have heard talk from a Toyota mechanic, but it might just have been wishful thinking.

 

[deadbeat son]

WRONG!

Tacoma is alive and well in SAN ANTONIO Texas.
The SA Tundra plant won the bid to build the Tacoma.
The first pilot samples were built today ... ETA for normal production is July.

My 2009 was built in Tijuana. Others were built in Freemont, CA. It's nice to hear some production for the new models will remain in the US. I notice you didn't say they won the exclusive bid.

Although my question remains. Is the Hilux built in Mexico?

 

[RHINO]

Isn't the Toyota proving grounds just outside of Phoenix?

google map link

yes it is, been there, seen it.

 

[SOAZ]

I want a job here: