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Toyota Hilux Champ Accessible Project Faces High Costs in Argentina; Asia Importation or Specific Model Development for Brazil Are Considered.
The arrival of the new Toyota Hilux Champ in Brazil, speculated since last year, faces uncertainties. Production of the pickup at Toyota’s factory in Zárate, Argentina, which seemed to be the natural path, is being reconsidered.
Sources linked to the project claim that the high costs involved in local manufacturing may make the initial plan unfeasible. This casts doubt on the arrival of the affordable pickup to the Brazilian market as expected.
The IMV0 Project: High Costs Put Toyota Hilux Champ Manufacturing in Argentina in Check
The development of the Toyota Hilux Champ in Argentina, known as the IMV0 Project, has faced financial obstacles. Internal calculations indicated that producing the pickup in Zárate would result in a cost 15% to 25% higher than importing the finished model from Asia. Local production would require the development of many components in Argentina, from body parts and interior finishes to headlights and electronics.
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An unexpected factor that complicated the equation was the appreciation of the Argentine peso. This variable, not foreseen at the project’s outset, made local manufacturing less advantageous. Toyota considered producing the Champ with imported parts kits (CKD), as it does with the Hiace van. However, Argentine legislation prevents this regime for products that already have locally manufactured competition, as is the case with pickups.
Canceled Project? Toyota’s “Be Ready” Strategy
Despite the difficulties, the project for the Toyota Hilux Champ in Argentina has not been canceled. According to sources linked to suppliers, Toyota’s strategy is to continuously assess the cost equation. The idea is to always be prepared to start production if the economic scenario becomes favorable. Even without a defined date, the goal is to keep the project ready to be activated when convenient.
What Is the Real Hilux Champ?
The Hilux Champ, already produced in Thailand and sold in Asian markets, has a clear proposal. Toyota itself describes it as an urban commercial vehicle. It is smaller and simpler than the traditional Hilux. Its focus is work, with great adaptability for different tasks. The pickup uses a simplified version of the Hilux IMV platform.
This means it has a body-on-frame construction. It features leaf springs in the rear suspension. The drive can be rear (4×2) or 4×4. Using the same base, it can be assembled on the same production line as the mid-size Hilux.
The 2.4 Turbodiesel Engine of the Hilux
In the markets where it is already sold, the Toyota Hilux Champ uses a well-known engine. It is the 2.4 turbodiesel engine, the same found in some versions of the traditional Hilux. For the Champ, it is calibrated to deliver 150 hp of power and 40.8 kgfm of torque. The transmission options are a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
Brazilian Market
If production in Argentina were to go ahead, the Hilux Champ would easily reach Brazil. However, its positioning would be different from initially speculated (against Strada/Saveiro). With its characteristics as a work vehicle on a frame, it would compete more directly with utility vehicles such as the Kia Bongo and Hyundai HR. Toyota has demonstrated interest in the Brazilian market by registering the design of the Champ with the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property).
However, uncertainty regarding Argentine production and high costs make the arrival of the new Toyota Hilux Champ in Brazil an unknown. The possibility of importing from Asia or developing a specific model for Brazil in the future is also considered by the brand. The expectation of an affordable price, perhaps around R$ 150 thousand, will depend on the solution found by Toyota.
os cidadãos de bem lamentam o sofrimento causado pela exploração dos políticos Brasileiros … Tudo é barrado pelos interesses dos corruptos!!! 😵💫O Brasil pede socorro 🇧🇷🇮🇱
Está Toyota é a Diesel. Pelo porte do veículo, o preço tá salgado.
Tomará que dê certo a vinda para o Brasil…Vai vender muito!