Could everyone please help me out with something?

[mark0]

Hey guys, I was wondering if everyone could help me out with a favor. I was wondering if each person here could send an e-mail to Toyota asking them to bring the Hiace (or whatever would be their largest full-size van) over to the North American market.

[email protected]
http://toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?
http://toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/ask_intercept.php

In detail, could you explain to Toyota how this would be beneficial to both them and the North American market (ALL aspects of NA's full-size van market, even if you have to do a little research) itself? You can list as many reasons as you want. Also, it might be more effective if you beforehand, already acknowledge that they "do not currently have any announced plans to introduce the Hiace" and such, but still press them to consider it.

It would be real nice to see the Hiace here and would make a nice rig for conversions. Nissan is already planning to enter this market.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/nissan-entering-light-duty-commercial-market-in-u-s-with-three/
http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2008/05/28/130801/nissan-pushing-ahead-with-lcv-plan.html

Thanks for your help.

 

[Uneek]

Definitely don't mind helping you out. I'm sure there are people who would love to have a Toyota for their every vehicle need. My dad for one wished Toyota marketed a cargo van, so he didn't have to consider a domestic. I think more people are more inclined to see Toyota market a sports car again and that might be more in Toyota's immediate future. Any how, sent that email and I hope they do expand their line up.

A few reasons why I don't think Toyota will market the Hiace or Nissan will be very successful with LCVs. Toyota and Nissan have barely made a dent in full size truck sales. Toyota did offer a cargo van version of the first generation Sienna. It had to be ordered, but it was possible. I've never seen on on the road. As far as I know, the only fleet sale success Toyota's had are Camry's for taxicabs. The Hiace and Nissan's LCVs success depends on fleet managers and more importantly, the aftermarket upfitters. No fleet manager is going to order several thousand, or even a handful of trucks if they can't have it outfitted to support their trade. Toyota has gotten support from upfitters for the current Tundra, but it's dent into the Big Three's sales is yet to be seen. It was a smart move by Toyota to work with the aftermarket upfitters and get them provide support.

 

[techno]

It would be real nice to see the Hiace here and would make a nice rig for conversions...

A rig for conversions? WTF do you mean exactly... Are we talking about the same Hiace thats a commercial van used for courier type work, hauling crap around or being a mini-bus?

 

[mark0]

Re: Re: Could everyone please help me out with something?

A rig for conversions? WTF do you mean exactly... Are we talking about the same Hiace thats a commercial van used for courier type work, hauling crap around or being a mini-bus?

I meant campers/conversion vans, which the panel and cargo versions are used for. But all of those other uses are essential to the NA market as well.

 

[techno]

Ahhh, ok.... you're talking about something like this

 

[T?@\7]

the onroad surf wagon.

 

[KGB4187]

I've seen them in Mexico when I was in Tijuana for a day.

 

[awdjunkies]

This reminds me of the (VW)Wesfalia my father was in love with a few decades ago.

 

[audiqtr]

I've seen them in Mexico when I was in Tijuana for a day.

I am still in love with those Westfalia's, and when I have money, I am going to build one and do a 1.8T conversion on it...I will of course keep the 4Runner....

 

[Jeff Kleb]

There is a vehicle sold by Dodge (but made by Freightliner) called the Sprinter. I have seen it used as a cargo van by FedEx & UPS -- but it is also sold in a luxury/RV trim and even as a small bus. They offer it with single and dual rear wheels and a Mercedes diesel engine.

Even so, a Toyota competitor would be cool.
:girl:

 

[dwulffusa]

I think the Quantam would do well, may take a while to catch on, being a smaller engined vehicle, but I think thats the way things are going to go here.
My ideal recreational vehicle would be the Dodge (Merc) Sprinter, tricked out with fold down beds, space for canoes, camping gear, motorcycles, mmmmm....

 

[techno]

Here's a Mercedes Sprinter all decked out, similiar to the Hiace I showed earlier....