Pick-up award goes to a legend

Pick-up award goes to a legend

The Japanese all-round model Toyota Hilux has won the prestigious “International Pick-up Award” primarily because of its versatility: With the combination of a powerful drive train, good handling and legendary durability, the Hilux is equally suitable for leisure and business.

The IPUA, presented as part of the French transport and mobility trade fair Soultrans, recognizes the most efficient pick-ups on the market every two years. The multifunctional vehicles are constantly evolving and meet ever higher standards of performance, safety and comfort.

More than 50 years under its belt

The now award-winning Hilux is a long-seller: the first model generation came onto the market on March 21, 1968, first in Japan and then a year later in Europe. Since then, the pick-up, which is produced in six different countries, has been successively further developed and has now sold more than 18 million units worldwide. The fact that nothing seems to be able to stop the Hilux is also demonstrated by its expeditions to the North and South Poles as well as to Icelandic volcanoes and numerous podium finishes in the Dakar Rally - the toughest rally in the world. This limitless driving pleasure results from the
exceptional vehicle quality.

"With its more than 50-year history, the Hilux has always stood for outstanding quality, longevity and reliability; not to mention excellent off-road capability," explains Didier Gambart, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Customer Experience at Toyota Motor Europe. "For the current model year, we have expanded the engine range with a 2.8 liter diesel, which offers even more smoothness and performance. In this way, we meet the needs of customers who not only want a workhorse, but also a leisure vehicle. The new award honors all of these qualities that have always distinguished the Hilux.''