Photo: Toyota
Despite the fact that consumers are more attracted to car-based crossovers that will see the mall’s parking lot instead of some rocky trail in the woods, body-on-frame SUVs still have their purpose and their age is not over yet.
Toyota executives say the classic-built SUVs are still in high demand in the US and the company won’t stop the production too soon. Last year, Toyota sold 78,457 truck-based SUVs on the American market, 42,598 less than the monocoque models like the Highlander.
"There are multiple customers for us," said Toyota’s truck and SUV chief engineer Motoharu Araya. “Some want to drive off-road, some want to tow with their families, and some want to commute. Towing and durability are very difficult with a monocoque vehicle."
However, the company thinks that the only model that may be discontinued will be the FJ Cruiser. The 4Runner, Sequoia and Land Cruiser body-on-frame models will be kept in production.
Story via Automotive News
"There are multiple customers for us," said Toyota’s truck and SUV chief engineer Motoharu Araya. “Some want to drive off-road, some want to tow with their families, and some want to commute. Towing and durability are very difficult with a monocoque vehicle."
However, the company thinks that the only model that may be discontinued will be the FJ Cruiser. The 4Runner, Sequoia and Land Cruiser body-on-frame models will be kept in production.
Story via Automotive News
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