Toyota Hilux wins International Pick-up Award (IPUA)

The Toyota Hilux has been announced as the winner of the 6^th International Pick-up Award 2022/2023. The presentation of this prestigious award for medium-sized pick-up trucks was made during the Solutrans 2021 exhibition in Lyon, France.

‘Every other year since 2009, the International Pick-up Award (IPUA) has been presented to the most efficient one tonne pick-up truck in business today’ explained Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year Award jury, which organises the competition. ‘As a multi-functional vehicle produced and sold globally, both the product and marketplace continue to evolve, with many brands setting high standards in performance, safety, and driver and passenger comfort.’

The multiple award-winning Hilux was honoured with this latest accolade by an expert panel from the International Van of the Year jury in recognition not only of its new powerful & smooth powertrain, its fine handling and, of course, its legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR), but also its ever increasing appeal in the world’s growing dual-usage, leisure and urban markets.

Commenting on the achievement, Didier Gambart, Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe Sales, Marketing and Customer Experience, said: ‘With more than 50 years of heritage, the Hilux has always stood for outstanding Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR), as well as very capable off-road performance. Now, with the latest Hilux, we have expanded the engine line-up with a new 2.8 litre diesel that offers even more refinement and power, allowing us to meet the needs of customers wanting not only a workhorse, but also a leisure vehicle. So, for us, this award is a recognition of all the inherent qualities of Hilux, with even more capabilities.’

21^st March 1968 witnessed the launch of the first-generation Hilux in Japan, and one year later the model was introduced to the European market. Since then the Hilux pick-up has become one of the most successful models in the Toyota line-up.

Renowned for its Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR), the unstoppable Hilux has proved its invincibility time and again, having conquered the North Pole, Icelandic volcanoes and the Antarctic continent, and also achieved podium finishes in the Dakar Rally Raid.

Today, Hilux is produced in six different countries and is on sale in 180 countries and regions throughout the world. With more than 18 million units sold globally, it is the world’s favourite pick-up.

Beyond Hilux the Award highlights Toyota’s focus and efforts to develop LCV performance in Europe what is confirmed by recent Toyota’s LCV expansion to new segment with PROACE CITY, new era of commercial vehicles by introduction PROACE ELECTRIC & PROACE CITY ELECTRIC and revitalized Hilux empowered with 2.8 litre powertrain with improved on- and off-road performance.

With all these impressive products, Toyota is aiming to reach 5% LCV market share by 2023.