Toyota Land Cruiser – 60 years of glory

Toyota Land Cruiser – 60 years of glory

TOKYO : August 1, 2011 - It has been exactly 60 years, when Toyota’s legendary 4x4 model was revealed to the public as the Toyota BJ on 1st August 1951. Originally introduced for military purposes, the vehicle evolved into an incredibly capable, extremely reliable and unstoppable all-wheel drive machine that conquered the Arctic and the Antarctic, crossed deserts and rain forests, worked in mines, helped to save lives in faraway places and has been the best companion of many who circumnavigated around the globe.

There are no boundaries, no obstacles that could stop it. The Land Cruiser is one of the toughest four-wheel drive vehicle the world has ever seen offering a unique combination of outstanding off-road capability and on-road driving pleasure attracting more than 6 millions customers over 190 countries worldwide since its launch.

The Toyota Land Cruiser’s long-lasting success story goes back to the introduction of the BJ model – originally based on the SB-type truck chassis - which was the first vehicle to be driven to the sixth hill station of Japan’s Mount Fuji, at an altitude of 2,500 metres. In 1955 the latest version of the BJ was given the generic name ‘Land Cruiser’, a combination of words that became synonymous for a reliable and durable 4x4 with the highest standards of quality and comfort.

In the 50’s and 60’s as a part of Toyota export strategy the emphasis was put on emerging markets like Middle-East and South America where Land Cruiser became a real success model leading the company’s development and reputation.

Originally designed as a Heavy Duty vehicle, two additional body types were introduced to cater for different customer needs. In 1966 Toyota launched the FJ55, the first Station Wagon type model – predecessor of the current LC200 V8 – in response for the increasing demand for people and cargo carrier. In 1984, the company saw the need to create the Light

Duty type version which delivered the combination of easy manoeuvrability, uncompromised off-road capabilities while bringing more refinement and comfort.

The launch of the current Land Cruiser raised the bar even higher in the fields of quality, durability and refinement, for which the model remains respected throughout the world.

Today Toyota proudly celebrates the 60th birthday of its iconic Land Cruiser model and also looks confidently ahead to offer further unique innovations in the future.

Video : Toyota Land Cruiser - 60 years of glory

[Source : TOYOTA]