Japanese legacy automaker Toyota, through its Thai arm, announced plans to finally deliver an electric version of the popular Hilux pickup truck as early as next year, Reuters reports.
Toyota announces Hilux e-pickup launch in 2025
Toyota Thailand President Noriaki Yamashita reportedly told reporters on the sidelines of the recent Bangkok International Motor Show that the company will introduce the all-electric Hilux pickup by 2025.
Interestingly, Toyota’s announcement comes just several days after the Thai government revealed Suzuki’s plans to produce an all-electric D-MAX pickup in the country by 2025. However, Toyota President Yamashita omitted from sharing the production location of the upcoming Hilux electric pickup.
Target market
President Yamashita announced that the electric Hilux will undergo testing in the resort town of Pattaya in eastern Thailand. Toyota will deploy 12 units of the electric pickup to the town as early as next month to test them in public transport across popular tourist destinations.
Thailand will receive the electric Hilux deliveries first. However, it must be noted that Toyota is also eyeing the European market for the electric pickup. It is unsurprising, considering the company currently holds about 30% of the region’s pickup market.
Emmanuel Beaune, Toyota Europe’s Commercial Vehicle Division Head, said the company is exploring the potential of bringing the electric Hilux to the region.
About Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is undoubtedly a tremendous deal in many parts of the world, as it is one of the most popular pickup trucks among customers.
Toyota produces the Hilux in six countries and has sales operations across 180 countries and regions.
In hindsight, the Japanese automaker introduced an electric concept of the popular pickup truck in 2022 to celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary in the Thai market, according to Car Scoops.
At the time, the company shared that they partially developed the model’s prototype in Thailand, Southeast Asia’s automotive manufacturing hub.
All that said, the imminent arrival of the electric Hilux will undoubtedly aid Toyota in its electrification efforts. It will also enable the company to compete with incoming electric vehicle rivals, especially with the arrival of Isuzu’s D-MAX electric pickup.
This year, Toyota aims to sell a total of 250,000 vehicles in the Thai market. It currently accounts for a third of the country’s overall auto sales. However, it may lose its ground amid the increasing adoption of electric vehicles there. Therefore, the Japanese automaker must match the pace of the country when it comes to electrification. Thailand aims to have electric vehicles account for 30% of its total vehicle sales by 2030.
