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The launch of the new mini Hilux, Toyota's powerful and compact pickup truck that hits the market with 16 km/l, has an uncertain future in Brazil due to high production costs
GOODBYE MINI HILUX? Toyota's long-awaited compact pickup truck, known as the “mini Hilux,” launched to compete with models like the Toro and Montana, may have its debut in Brazil compromised. The idea of local production, initially planned for Argentina, faces difficulties due to high costs, which opens up the possibility of importing from Asia as a more financially viable alternative.
The launch of the mini Hilux in the Brazilian market aims to offer an affordable pickup truck, with a focus on efficiency, promising consumption of up to 16 km/l and attributes that make it a strong candidate in the utility segment.
However, the decision on the manufacturing location — whether at the Argentine plant or imported directly from Asia — becomes increasingly relevant, considering the financial and logistical impact it would have on Toyota and Brazilian consumers.
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Toyota faces dilemma over launching mini Hilux in Brazil due to high production costs in Argentina
The pickup truck, whose robust design and competitive price are aimed at winning over the Brazilian public, also faces a challenging economic scenario in the neighboring country. The Argentine peso is appreciating, increasing production costs, which raises a series of questions about the viability of the local project.
The Argentine production of the Toyota Hilux Champ, as it is officially called, was planned to serve the Brazilian market. However, with recent cost calculations, the import of the Asian model seems to be gaining strength in Toyota's assessment.
Sources close to the project indicate that costs in Argentina could increase the final value of the product by up to 25% compared to the imported model. This increase represents a competitive risk in the Brazilian market, especially in relation to already established competitors such as the Fiat Toro and Chevrolet Montana.
Impact on the pickup truck market and the possibility of Asian imports
Toyota's plant in Zárate, Argentina, where production was initially planned, would require specific infrastructure, including the development of essential components such as stampings, coatings and electronic systems.
In view of this, the investment required would be substantial, while importing from Asia proves to be a more economically advantageous alternative for the automaker. This scenario could redefine Toyota's strategy, which needs to balance the desire for competitiveness with the high costs of local production.
Will Mini Hilux come to Brazil or not to end the reign of Toro and Montana?
In addition to the “Argentina cost”, the increase in the value of the Argentine peso was an unforeseen factor, further increasing production costs in the country. One of the alternatives considered by Toyota was production using imported parts kits, assembled in Argentina.
However, local legislation restricts this model to segments with domestic competition, which forced the automaker to discard this option. Thus, the company finds itself needing to reevaluate the future of the project with a focus on more viable alternatives.
This scenario places the project in a phase of uncertainty, where the risk of cancellation exists, although sources close to Toyota indicate that the company has a policy of avoiding definitive cancellations.
Instead, there is a constant reassessment of possibilities, waiting for an improvement in economic conditions and production viability in the neighboring country.
The Hilux Champ's manufacturing in Thailand and its popularity in Asian markets indicate that the pickup truck already has a history of success, which justifies Toyota's interest in expanding its reach in Brazil.
Future of the Hilux Champ: strategic decision with impact on cost-benefit
The launch of the Toyota Hilux Champ in Brazil represents a strategic move for the automaker, but the decision on the production location will have a direct impact on the pickup's competitiveness and accessibility.
If the company chooses to manufacture in Argentina, the model could face increased costs, reducing its competitive advantage over other utility vehicles on the Brazilian market.
On the other hand, importing from Asia, although logistically challenging, appears to be a more economical and less complex option.
Furthermore, economic headwinds in the neighboring country point to a need for flexibility in Toyota's strategy.
The company, which seeks to innovate and expand its pickup truck line, needs to balance the interest of the Brazilian market with the limitations of local production. This scenario will be decisive for the success of the mini Hilux in Brazil.
Toyota Champ pickup truck hits the market equipped with a 2.4 turbodiesel engine, tuned to 150 hp
The Toyota Hilux Champ is a smaller and simpler model compared to the traditional Hilux, and was developed as a functional pickup truck for daily work. If production is maintained in Argentina, the model could quickly be made available in Brazil, strengthening Toyota's presence in the pickup truck segment.
Furthermore, Toyota has already registered the Champ design with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), indicating an interest in securing its intellectual property and eventual entry into the Brazilian market.
Based on the IMV architecture, the pickup truck offers a robust design with a body on a chassis, rear springs and rear-wheel drive or 4×4 options, in addition to being ideal for light loads and urban activities. These features put it in a strategic position to compete in the Brazilian market.
With a robust engine, the Champ version is equipped with a 2.4 turbodiesel engine tuned to generate 150 hp and 40,8 kgfm of torque, providing reliable performance for professional use.
The model offers five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission options, expanding its adaptability to different user profiles.
These technical attributes reinforce Toyota's proposal to offer a versatile, efficient and attractive model to the Brazilian public.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption | City: up to 12 km/l Highway: up to 16 km/l |
| Motorization | 2.0L petrol: 137 hp, 18,6 kgfm 2.7L petrol: 164 hp, 24,9 kgfm 2.4L turbodiesel: 148 hp, 34,9 kgfm |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual 6 speed automatic |
| Dimensions | Length: 5.330 mm Width: 1.855 mm Height: 1.815 mm Wheelbase: 3.085 mm |
| Battery capacity | Up to 1 ton |
| Suspension | Front: Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, stabilizer bar Rear: Rigid axle with leaf springs |
| Brakes | Front: Ventilated discs Rear: Drums |
| Tires | 265 / 65 R17 |
I would really like to be the first to buy, launch a consortium of it
And I get confused
I can only say one thing about this mini Hilux, I've never seen a more **** pickup truck.
For me, the only thing that matters is the price. I already know the rest of Toyota.
I stopped reading here: “Argentine peso is appreciated”…