Toyota’s long-serving Hilux has another trophy for the cabinet, having bagged the sixth International Pick-up Award.
The award for the best medium-sized pickup was presented on the 17th of November at the Solutrans 2021 automotive exhibition in Lyon.
Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the International Van of the Year Award, which organises the competition said:
“Every other year since 2009, the International Pickup Award has been presented to the most efficient one-tonne pickup truck in business today. As a multi-functional vehicle produced and sold globally, the product – and its marketplace – continues to evolve.”
Around since 1968, the Hilux has continuously built a reputation as a dependable workhorse and a compelling ally to leisure and lifestyle buyers. In that time, drivers have gone from Pole to Pole, up erupting Icelandic volcanoes, won the Dakar rally, and crossed the Australian Outback, all in a Hilux.
On the evidence of the awards it continues to rack up, nothing’s changed. To date, in its 53 years on sale, it has some 18 million unit sales to its name in 180 countries and regions, making it the most popular pickup in the world.
Didier Gambart, Toyota Motor Europe’s vice president of sales said:
“With more than 50 years of heritage, Hilux has always stood for outstanding quality, durability and reliability, as well as very capable off-road performance. With the latest Hilux, we have expanded the engine line-up with a 2.8-litre diesel that offers even more refinement and power, allowing it to meet the needs of customers wanting not only a workhorse, but also a leisure vehicle. So, for us, this award is a recognition of Hilux’s inherent qualities and its extended capabilities.”
Yet still, Toyota has further ambitions for which the Hilux will be instrumental, including reaching a 5% LCV market share in Europe by 2023, aided by the new Proace City compact van, and the electric Proace and Proace City vans. In the UK, a Corolla-based petrol-hybrid van will launch next year.
Previous winners of the International Pickup Award included the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger (both twice) and the Nissan Navara.
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