I actually contacted Toyota of Gibraltar (yes, that Gibraltar)
ecom.toyota-gib.com/Default.asp?WCI=ProductDetails&WCE=PID:484 Here's what I wrote...
"Hello,
This may seem like an odd question, and hopefully you may have an answer (or tell me who to direct this question to). Here in the USA Toyota fans have been lamenting the "popularization" of the Toyota trucks here. The "Landcruiser" here is a bloated behemoth that is oversized, underpowered, and hardly worthy of the "Landcruiser" name. I know for a fact that there are thousands of Toyota fans that salivate over something like the HiLux or the Landcruiser 70 series with their diesel engines, etc. Do you have any idea why Toyota doesn't market these wonderful, durable vehicles here in the states? I KNOW they would sell (I know I would probably buy a Landcruiser 70).
Thanks so much
Rich"
Here was their reply...
"Dear Rich,
Many thanks for your message.
Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings Ltd is the authorised Toyota agent for the UN and International Aid Organisations operating in developing countries. Consequently, our stock is not for sale in countries such as the US. As to why the Toyota models sold in the US fall short in terms of performance and ruggedness in comparison to our stock, is something that we are unable to answer, as we have nothing to do with Toyota's sales policy outside our remit. Perhaps the best thing to do is to contact your local Toyota Office as they should have a better answer for you.
Apologies for not being able to assist you any further.
Kind regards
Ricky Rugeroni
Sales Administrator
Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings Ltd.
agents for
Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA
Direct Tel: (+350) 59107
Alternative Tel: (+34) 9567 59107
Fax: (+350) 46262
Alternative Fax: (+33) 1 7091 7963
[email protected] www.toyota-gib.com"
Kinda cool they'd at least take the time to reply to someone in a market they can't sell to.