Hybrid Toyota HiLux could be here in 2021
An electrified version of the top-selling Toyota HiLux could be on-sale in Australia as soon as 2021.
A mild hybrid version of the workhorse ute is due to go on-sale in New Zealand by the end of 2021.
The mild hybrid HiLux was confirmed by the boss of Toyota New Zealand during a media call mid-August.
Toyota Australia senior management have subsequently said they could not rule out bringing the model here.
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“Will Australia get this model?” Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley asked rhetorically when questioned about the mild hybrid during the virtual media launch of an update to the eighth-generation HiLux that’s been on-sale here since 2016.
“It is something we would surely not rule out given it is well understood.”
The ninth-generation HiLux due in 2024 is expected to have orthodox hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology as part of its drivetrain armoury.
But until TNZ chief executive Neeraj Lal spoke up, the mild hybrid based on the current HiLux had been a well-kept secret.
“We hope to have HiLux hybrid enter the market before the end of next year,” Lala told Kiwi motor-noters.
However, Lala would not clarify if the mild hybrid set-up would assist a petrol or diesel engine, saying only the electrified model would still “do everything a Hilux needs to do”.
In Australia, hybrid technology has become an increasingly important part of Toyota’s model line-up. Apart from the hybrid-only Prius, there are also electrified versions of the Yaris, C-HR, Corolla and Camry on-sale.
Hybrid Kluger, Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross models have also been announced.
Hanley said the pressure to bring hybrids to Australia had become even more important as internal and external emissions reductions pressure have risen.
“There is also the need to get our emissions down considerably, especially now we are entering this period of self-regulation within the industry,” he said.
“Toyota’s hybrid credentials are well understood, we have been in the hybrid space nearly 20 years in Australia.
“Hybrid vehicles represent over 20 percent of our sales mix now, which we are incredibly encouraged by.
“Would we ever rule out a hybrid Hilux? No we would not.”
