Just some reasons why Toyota Hilux is a legend

• Its name is derived from the words “high” and “luxury” – something it’s lived up to till this day.

• The world’s best-selling pickup, Hilux passed the 13 million sales figure in 2013.

• As of 2014, the only countries in the world that do not sell the Hilux are Japan, United States, Canada, North Korea, and South Korea.

• Market leader in South Africa for 43 years. 969 933 units sold in South Africa as at September 2014.

• Currently holds an average 34% share of the South African 1 ton market (1994 to 2014).

• The longest active model range of any vehicle in South Africa.

• Proudly South African, Hilux is built at the Prospecton Plant in Durban. Local content is 50%.

• Six generations of Hilux models have been built at the this plant. 156 302 Hilux units built at the Prospecton plant in 2013.

• Toyota SA exported 72 877 Hilux units to 67 countries in 2013.

• Hilux currently offers the widest range of models to choose from – 21 in total.

• First to offer a long-wheelbase in 1972 (second Generation).

• In 1979 Toyota was the first manufacturer to offer a 4×4 variant (third Generation).

• The inclusion of a 2,2-litre diesel engine in the model line-up in 1979 was another first for Toyota in this market sector.

• First to offer a double-cab variant in 1984 (4th Generation).

• In 1986 Toyota became the first manufacturer to offer a five-speed transmission on its one-ton pickups.

• In 1989 this range was further expanded when the first diesel 4×4 one-tonner offered in SA was added to the Hilux line-up.

• First to market with ABS brakes in 1998 (5th Generation).

• First light commercial vehicle to offer dual front airbags – also in 1998.

• Raider became a household name and established a new benchmark for full-house spec on a bakkie. Never before had a top-end sound system, electric windows, air conditioning as well as the aforementioned safety kit been offered on a pick-up.

• The 5th Generation also saw the introduction of the new 5L 3-litre diesel engine with extended service intervals. This would be the first time buyers in this segment were offered this size of diesel engine with 10 000km service intervals.

• Made motoring history in 2003 by setting the first-ever speed and endurance records for light commercial vehicles. Eight Hilux bakkies set 89 records in 72 hours at the Gerotek facility near Pretoria.

• The Legend name was first adopted in 2003 to celebrate 35 years of market presence. This special edition was called the Legend 35 and became an instant success helping Hilux achieve 32% market share in that year despite the emergence of newer competitors.

• In 2004 the South African motoring media were treated to an adventure of a lifetime – the island of Madagascar was the backdrop to showcase the talents of the Hilux Legend 35. A total of 18 Hilux units traversed the stunning scenery of this island paradise.

• The 7th Generation Hilux debuted in 2005. Making this Hilux unique is that it’s based on Toyota’s IMV or International Multi-Purpose Vehicle platform which facilitates building four different models on essentially the same line. New Hilux therefore launched together with Fortuner which also became an instant hit. It was later joined by Xtra Cab and Innova.

• In the BBC Top Gear series of 2006, a Hilux was again chosen by Clarkson as his platform for creating an amphibious vehicle, redubbed the “Toybota”. It was driven by Clarkson over several miles by road and 3,2km across open water, before capsizing (three metres away from the finish) during an over-ambitious turn.

• Then in 2007, Top Gear ran a special programme in which Clarkson and James May raced a customised 2005 model Hilux to the 1996 magnetic north pole from Northern Canada against Richard Hammond using a dog sled, and won. This episode, known as the Top Gear Polar Special, made the truck the first motor vehicle to make it to the magnetic north pole.

• 2009 – Buddy makes his Hilux debut. In this memorable TV commercial Buddy abandons any attempts to behave with sophistication and grace. Instead, he has fun on the farm mocking the sheep he encounters and making bad jokes, while recognising the Hilux’s toughness.

• Then in 2011 two Hilux AT44 6×6 and two Hilux AT44 4×4 vehicles originally built in the Prospecton plant and thereafter converted to AT44 specification at TSAM’s Sandton workshops saw a team from Extreme World Races (EWR) set another new world record for the fastest time to reach the Pole.

• Their journey started on 16 December and the Pole was reached on 18 December 2011 – only 47 hours (less than two days) later, of which only  17,5 hours was spent driving.

• Hilux established a Guinness World Record for assembling the largest number of Hilux 4×4 bakkies in one place. A total of 495 Hilux 4×4’s came together on Saturday 30 October 2010 in the Atlantis dunes north of Cape Town.

• 2010 also saw Toyota launch the Man-up Challenge, one of the most successful interactive marketing campaigns ever attempted by a motoring company. The gist of it was that participants had to prove how tough they were by collecting “Man” points in order to win a Hilux.

• Hilux spearheads Toyota’s Enviro Outreach Programme. In this annual scientific study programme which seeks to safeguard South Africa’s natural wealth and reduce biodiversity loss, one of the main aims is to tag fauna and flora in ecologically sensitive areas of Southern Africa.

• Giniel de Villiers becomes a household name thanks to Hilux and his success at the Dakar Rally. He places third in 2012, 2nd in 2013 and narrowly misses a podium finish by placing fourth in 2014. After his recent excellent performance at the Morocco Rally he’s confident that he’ll be back on the podium in 2015.

• Another motor-sport milestone is the Toyota 1000 Kalahari Desert Race and yes, you guessed it, in 2014 Anthony Taylor piloting a Hilux was the victor. This was the 37th time that Toyota has sponsored this memorable race.

• Anthony Taylor is also on track to win the Cross Country Championships in a Hilux of course! This will be the third successive title for Toyota Hilux.

• A Toyota institution for the past
23 years, Rust de Winter is a firm favourite with off road aficionados. Hilux is, of course, the star of this rough terrain family event weekend.

• Fostering new talent in farming circles, Toyota has sponsored the annual New Harvest and Young Farmer Agricultural awards for the past 11 years. This dual competition recognises excellence in the farming arena and has seen 22 young farmers become the recipients of brand new Toyota Hiluxes.

• October 13, 2014 – the Legend 45 is welcomed into the Hilux fold. This is the third model in the Legend Series.

• October 23, 2014 – Hilux is an integral part of the Giant Flag Project in the Graaff-Reinet area.