On June 21, Toyota released new versions of its premium MPV Alphard and Vellfire. The new model enhances the comfort and driving performance of the spacious interior. In addition to gasoline cars and hybrid vehicles (HVS), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVS) will be introduced in the future.
Toyota released the new models of its high-end MPV Alphard and Vellfire on June 21. This is the first comprehensive improvement in eight years. Improved comfort and driving performance in a spacious interior. In addition to gasoline and hybrid vehicles (HVS), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVS) will be introduced in the future. Global sales will be expanded not only in Japan, but also in Southeast Asia, Central and South America.
Elfa and Wylfa are siblings with the same basic construction. From the price point of view, the Elfa is between 5.4 million and 8.72 million yen (about 270,000 yuan to 440,000 yuan), while the Wilfa is 6.55 million to 8.92 million yen (about 330,000 yuan to 450,000 yuan), and they are only sold in two grades. The target monthly sales of the new model are 8500 units. 70% of them will be Elfa.
The vehicle uses a chassis best suited to the MPV, which improves rigidity, in addition to updating the suspension and so on, which reduces the vibration transmitted to the passenger. The interior of the car expands the distance between the seats while maintaining the size of the vehicle, and improves functionality by centralizing lighting, air conditioning and switching functions in the center of the roof. Advanced safety features such as driver assistance at intersections have also been introduced.
The number of countries and regions sold will be doubled. Chief engineer Kenichi Yoshioka said that the new model references European famous cars and improves sports performance, while saying that “this is a symbolic model made by Japanese products.” Toyota executive director Simon Humphries stressed the comfort of the space, saying that “the design that considers all the scenes is filled with the (Japanese) heart of hospitality”.
It plans to introduce plug-in hybrid versions of both cars, which are expected to gain corporate demand. Toyota Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said, we can achieve a very comfortable and vibration-free world.
Elfa was launched as a family car in 2002. Later, with the spacious compartment space most suitable for talk and rest during the movement, the demand for corporate cars and official cars was developed. In the ranking of new car sales compiled by auto industry groups, it ranks fourth in 2021. Even the new models will target the needs of both families and corporations.
Sales of the “Wilfa”, launched in 2008, continued to decline. It is said that some people within Toyota said that it should be eliminated, but they decided to keep it because of the existence of core fans. With dedicated powertrains and rigid components, improving the responsiveness of driving operations and the driving force of the vehicle will meet the needs of customers who want to enjoy driving.
This time, we will launch two different grades, namely the highest end “Executive Lounge” and a slightly lower end new grade. Compared to the lower price, the price is 1.5 times higher than before. In addition to “setting a grade that reflects the improvement” (director), we also hope to avoid a long delivery period by limiting the models.