TOYOTA Motor Thailand has unveiled the eagerly anticipated Hilux Champ, a new model that embodies the spirit of the IMV 0 concept truck.
The IMV 0, unveiled at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, has garnered immense attention for its revolutionary modular design and customizable features. Now, the Hilux Champ brings this innovative concept to life, catering specifically to the needs of Thai customers.
The IMV series, under which the Hilux Champ falls, traces its roots to the philosophy of genchi-genbutsu, emphasizing hands-on experience and deep understanding of local needs. This approach, championed by Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s then Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Region and current Chairman of the Board, has been instrumental in shaping the IMV series’ success.
Results of the IMV platform include the Toyota Fortuner and the Toyota Innova as well as the Hilux pickup.
Since its inception, the IMV series has evolved alongside the changing needs of customers worldwide. With over 180 countries and regions embracing the IMV series, it has become an integral part of daily life, particularly in Thailand. To date, Thailand has witnessed over 2.7 million domestic sales and 4 million exports of IMV series vehicles.
The IMV 0 concept, formally introduced at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, reimagined the pickup truck as a modular and customizable vehicle. The concept featured a flat-bed section that could be outfitted with a variety of add-ons, such as a canopy, a cargo box, or even a kitchenette. The truck was also available with a range of different powertrain options, including electric, gasoline, and hybrid.
However, among the ASEAN Toyota factories, the prototype of IMV 0 was already studied and tested. In fact in the Philippines it was presented as the new Tamaraw at their 35th-anniversary celebration in last month.
The concept truck got varied responses but generally the idea of the full size customizable platform was well accepted. It was also used as the pace car for the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival where Toyota Chairman Toyoda, as ‘Morizo’ the name he uses when he is racing, led demonstration motorsports activities.
The Hilux Champ draws upon the IMV 0 concept’s innovative spirit, offering a high degree of customization to cater to the diverse needs of Thai customers. The truck’s flat deck features multiple bolt holes, enabling easy attachment of custom accessories using bolts and nuts. For customers seeking further customization, TMT provides access to information on over 100 accessory manufacturers, ensuring a truly personalized experience.
TMT offers eight grades of the Hilux Champ, catering to a wide range of business styles and applications. Customers can choose between short and long-wheelbase versions, powered by either a 2.0L gasoline engine, a 2.7L gasoline engine, or a 2.4L diesel engine. Additionally, an unequipped type with a flat deck is available for those seeking ultimate customization flexibility. Prices range from 459,000 to 577,000 baht.
The Hilux Champ will be produced at Toyota Motor Thailand’s Samrong Plant, further solidifying Thailand’s position as a global automotive manufacturing hub. This local production not only supports the country’s economy but also underscores Toyota’s commitment to the Thai market.
The Hilux Champ represents the culmination of Toyota’s commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. By embodying the IMV 0 concept’s revolutionary spirit, the Hilux Champ empowers Thai customers to shape their mobility solutions according to their unique requirements. With its emphasis on personalization and local needs, the Hilux Champ is poised to become a cornerstone of Thailand’s automotive landscape.
The Toyota IMV 0 concept and the Hilux Champ mark a significant step forward in the evolution of pickup trucks. By embracing modularity and customization, Toyota has created a vehicle that is not only versatile but also deeply personal. The Hilux Champ is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, and it is sure to make a lasting impact on the ASEAN automotive market.
And like its original Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) the reinvigorated Tamaraw is intended to be a modular pickup truck that can be customized to meet the needs of Filipino customers. It is expected to be produced in TMP’s Santa Rosa plant and will be available for sale in the Philippines in the coming years.
