Toyota Sharpens Best-Selling Prado Range

Toyota's LandCruiser Prado has retained its best-seller status ahead of a comprehensive model upgrade that is soon to arrive in Australia.

The revamped Prado will be sold exclusively as a five-door wagon, reflecting overwhelming customer preference for this body style.

Prado has defied the odds in 2013 by continuing its reign as Australia's most popular large SUV in the lead-up to the release of the revised range.

Australian motorists have bought more than 11,300 Prado wagons in the nine months ended September 30 – a figure that is 8.8 per cent higher than its nearest rival.

The strong result this year follows record sales of 17,045 vehicles in 2012 when Prado also topped local sales of large SUVs.

Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said imminent changes to the Prado range would build on its strong appeal.

"While customers who have bought the three-door Prado tell us they love its off-road and towing capabilities, there is an overwhelming preference for the five-door body style," Mr Cramb said.

"SUV customers, who appreciate the Prado's rugged credentials, have made it clear they also want the added space, flexibility and convenience made possible by having two extra doors," he said.

"New Prado also benefits from expanded driver guidance and technical support features, as well as a bolder exterior, a more refined interior, added safety and even sharper handling."

Prado's cumulative sales in Australia exceed 200,000 units, a milestone achieved early this year.

While Prado remains the top-selling large SUV, Toyota also offers Kluger (9,113 sales so far in 2013) and FJ Cruiser (2,010 sales) in the same segment.

Combined sales of these three vehicles at 22,482 units so far this year represents a Toyota share of almost 28.2 per cent in the large SUV segment (<$70K) – better than one out of every four vehicles sold.

Toyota is also the best-selling brand across all SUV segments with RAV4, Prado, Kluger, FJ Cruiser and the LandCruiser 200 series topping 42,400 sales in 2013 – almost 20,000 ahead of the nearest rival.

Toyota has sold more SUVs than any other carmaker in each of the 10 years since the category was formed – a decade that corresponds with Toyota being the best-selling brand.

Toyota is on track to extend those market-leading runs to 11 years in 2013, for both SUVs and total vehicles sold.

In the past decade, Toyota has delivered almost half a million SUVs to Australian customers, of which LandCruiser Prado has accounted for almost 30 per cent or more than 147,000 vehicles. (Note: 10 years Oct 2003-Sept 2013)