The current-generation of the Toyota HiAce, which was initially sold in South Africa as the Quantum, has been in production for the last 17 years which makes it the longest running generation of its 54 year history. A representative of Toyota Japan has explained why the brand believes it has been such a popular product.
Speaking to Best Car Web, the representative from Toyota stated that “The HiAce is selling steadily. In addition to [commercial] customers, it is also popular as a [passenger vehicle] for [other tasks] such as transporting motorcycles. The van has an extremely large interior so, it can be used for passengers. It is not comparable to a minivan and is also used as a base car for camper vans. The engine of a passenger minivan is a normal type and a hybrid, but the HiAce has a turbodiesel in a wide range of grades. [Owing to this], it has become more popular among customers.
“It has a lot of demand for used cars not only in Japan but also overseas. As a result, the price of used cars has risen and the price at the time of sale has risen. For example, a car that has run 150 000 km and is 10 years old usually does not have a price, but if it is a HiAce, you can buy it at a reasonable price. Some corporations own multiple units. It is becoming even more popular because it also has the benefit of preserving asset value. ”
The big question that is being asked at the moment is how Toyota Japan has still been able to produce the HiAce for close to two decades when lifecycles of most cars only last around seven years. The Japanese publication explains that this is because the Japanese model has recently enhanced its safety equipment, such as adding autonomous brake intervention in 2017 and adopting a parking support brake in 2020.
Speaking on the full model change for the van, the spokesperson clarifies that no news has been provided by the manufacturer. “The HiAce is improving almost every year, enhancing safety equipment and adding special specification cars. Moreover, because it can be sold at a high price, many customers are willing to respond when they make a transfer proposal. Therefore, HiAce’s sales are stable and we do not feel the need for a full model change. “
