Toyota Auto Body ( Japanese : トヨタ車体 ) is a manufacturing subsidiary of the Toyota group based in Japan. It is headquartered in Kariya, Aichi and was established in 1945. The company has plants in the Mie and Aichi prefectures and other facilities around Japan and abroad.
114-441: The company was formed through a corporate spin-off from Toyota. In its early years, it produced auto bodies. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, it centred on truck production, before slowly switching focus to light vehicles (mostly vans) from the late 1960s onwards. In the 2000s, it absorbed the vehicle manufacturing operations of sister companies Araco and Gifu Auto Body. As part of Toyota, Toyota Auto Body develops and produces
228-613: A badge engineered model, the S400 series derived from the Daihatsu Gran Max manufactured in Indonesia. A semi- cab-over-engine body continued, but now with the engine mounted underneath the front seats. The van offers only a standard roof (low roof), and the truck comes with a high deck. Toyota imports models fitted with the 1,495 cc 3SZ-VE engine and five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive
342-463: A transfer case with low and high ranges (automatic models lacked a low range). All trim levels starting in 1986 had a cornering lamp system. Toyota's advertising campaign referred to the passenger vans (DLX and LE trim levels) as the "Wonderwagon" while the CRG trim level was referred to as the "Cargo Van". Deluxe and LE (Limited Edition) versions were offered as well as an ice maker/refrigerator between
456-406: A 2/3/3 arrangement, including fully reclining seatbacks for the second and third rows. Options included dual-zone air conditioners, a four-speaker audio system, and aluminum wheels. The high-roof GXL wagon grade also offered a moonroof option. Truck versions now included a "just low" model—created by fitting 10-inch double tires to the rear wheels (as opposed to 13-inch for the front wheels) to lower
570-667: A CD player, and parking sensors . The model line was discontinued during August 2002. This generation was also sold as the Daihatsu Delta Van/Wagon between October 1996 and November 2001. The grille treatments were as per the TownAce (van) and TownAce Noah (wagon) styles. The latest S400 series of LiteAce and TownAce van (S402M/S412M) and truck (S402U/S412U) was released to the market in Japan in February 2008. Now
684-429: A business to a parent company, a subsidiary company or a fellow subsidiary. One of the main reasons for what The Economist has dubbed the 2011 "starburst revival" is that "companies seeking buyers for parts of their business are not getting good offers from other firms, or from private equity". For example, Foster's Group , an Australian beverage company, was prepared to sell its wine business. However, due to
798-453: A different, more luxurious interior. As with previous generation, LiteAce and TownAce were differentiated by their front grille designs. Vans were badged DX (for cargo purposes) and GL (dual purpose). Noah models received standard anti-lock brakes and optional twin moonroofs (the Skylite roof was discontinued). To meet new occupant safety regulations, the cab-over , mid-mounted engine
912-549: A firm, a university, or another organization. Spin-outs typically operate at arm's length from the previous organizations and have independent sources of financing, products, services, customers, and other assets. In some cases, the spin-out may license technology from the parent or supply the parent with products or services; conversely, they may become competitors. Such spin-outs are important sources of technological diffusion in high-tech industries. Terms such as hive-up, hive down or hive across are sometime used for transferring
1026-491: A flagship FXV grade joined the range and new second row seats with a swivel function to face either the forward or backwards position became optional in the wagon. In 1981, a "handy-cab" version that could accommodate a passenger in a wheelchair was introduced. A Montana package arrived in January 1982, complete with removable loft beds and electric curtains. Simultaneously, an eight-seat version with rear-facing second-row seats
1140-483: A high roof, a high roof with panoramic moonroof ( Skylite roof), and a high roof for the SW grade. Dimensionally, body width increased at the expense of length. Improvements to stability and ride comfort were courtesy of an overhauled rear suspension type from a semi-elliptical leaf spring design to a four-link type with a Panhard rod . Further improvements were made by switching to rack and pinion steering. The interior
1254-485: A legacy product from Araco). In December 2022, Toyota Auto Body signed an agreement by which it planned to sell shares of Toyota Body Seiko to Toyota Boshoku , a minority shareholder, by October 2023, increasing the latter's ownership to a 66.4% controlling stake. After the transaction was completed, Toyota Body Seiko became a subsidiary of Toyota Boshoku instead of Toyota Auto Body and changed its name to Toyota Boshoku Seiko. Toyota Boshoku may turn Toyota Boshoku Seiko into
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#17327902656421368-680: A moonroof, alloy wheels, an ice box, and from October 1984— cruise control and front seat armrests. Gasoline models received an engine upgrade in March 1984 to the 2.0-liter 3Y-C rated at 65 kW (87 hp) and 162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft) (designated YR21), with the DX and GL now gaining the option of a three-speed automatic. With an October 1985 facelift, the MasterAce Surf styling updates were specified—thus twin headlamps and bulky bumpers now featured alongside trim and equipment upgrades. At
1482-408: A new electrically-retractible moonroof (the manual version continued in some grades). In conjunction with this facelift, the scope of the wagon was expanded, reflecting the rising demand for this one-box vehicle type in the market. For example, by adding three-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmission models, sliding second-row seats that could be made to face either forward or backward, and
1596-591: A new high-roof wagon model. The nine-seater wagon was retired in 1975 as it did not satisfy new Japanese emission standards . Later in October 1976, the TownAce (R10) was released—a larger model heavily based on the M10 series LiteAce. Design-wise, the front-end was distinguished by vertical, black resin grilles above each headlamp . A single chrome recess held both the lamp and the black panel in place; this extended from
1710-461: A part-time four-wheel drive model was added to the model lineup. Truck variants of the third generation LiteAce and TownAce launched in October 1986, designated M50/M60/M70/M80. These came installed with the 1998 cc 3Y-U gasoline engine or the 2C diesel. TownAce trucks were sold in two levels of trim, the unbadged DX and the more expensive Super X. In a minor model change in August 1988,
1824-400: A range of minivans , SUVs , light commercial vehicles and auto parts. Toyota Auto Body was established on 31 August 1945 as a corporate spin-off of Toyota Motor Industry 's Kariya plant with the name Toyota Auto Body Industries ( トヨタ車体工業 , Toyota Shatai Kōgyō ) . At first, it produced auto bodies for Toyota. In 1951, the company became the first Japanese manufacturer in producing
1938-545: A renamed corporate entity. Many times, the management team of the new company are from the same parent organization. Often, a spin-off offers the opportunity for a division to be backed by the company but not be affected by the parent company's image or history, giving potential to take existing ideas that had been languishing in an old environment and help them grow in a new environment. Spin-offs also allow high-growth divisions, once separated from other low-growth divisions, to command higher valuation multiples. In most cases,
2052-399: A response to the growing popularity of one-box vehicles, Toyota released the higher-end MasterAce Surf at the same time sold only at Toyota Store locations—although it was mechanically identical to the lesser TownAce with minimal cosmetic changes. The TownAce used a front mid-engine layout where the driver and front passenger sat directly above the front axle ; optional four-wheel drive
2166-437: A sell-off, where a company sells a section to another company or firm in exchange for cash or securities. Spin-offs are divisions of companies or organizations that then become independent businesses with assets, employees, intellectual property , technology , or existing products that are taken from the parent company . Shareholders of the parent company receive equivalent shares in the new company in order to compensate for
2280-1088: A stamped auto parts producer. In 1988, it formed a joint venture with Toyota Motor Thailand called Toyota (formerly Thai) Auto Works. The venture is focused on producing the HiAce. Toyota Auto Body owns a 63% stake. Both Thai ventures have plants in Samutprakan : the Samrong plant (Toyota Auto Body Thailand) and the Teparak plant (Toyota Auto Works). In 2004, Toyota Auto Body established a joint venture called Thai Auto Conversion aimed at producing specially equipped vehicles. Toyota Auto Body also has various joint ventures in Indonesia. In 1995, it established, along with other Toyota subsidiaries, Sugity Creatives, an Indonesian joint venture headquartered in Cikarang Bekasi and aimed at producing resin components for cars. From late 2012 to 2016 it produced vehicles, including
2394-547: A translucent garnish that gave the appearance of a large, single headlamp. Rear styling also differed between the commercial vans and passenger wagons, although both models used the same rear-end regardless if badged LiteAce or TownAce. Toyota Australia released the TownAce commercial van in April 1992, with the eight-seater passenger wagon model arriving in October 1993 as the Toyota Spacia. The powertrain fitted comprised
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#17327902656422508-464: A truck body made completely of steel. In 1953, the company adopted its present name. In January 1957, it opened an assembly facility in Kariya for mass-producing trucks. In November 1959, it created a vehicle conversion subsidiary, Kariya Painting (later renamed Tokai Utility Motor). In the early 1960s, Toyota gave clear functions to some of its then itaku (subcontracting) companies: Toyota Auto Body
2622-524: A wholly owned subsidiary at a later date. In the early 2020s, the company opened specialty stores for customising and selling accessories of its produced vehicles. In January 2023, it pre-opened a Land Cruiser customisation and services store in Kariya, operated by Tokai Utility Motor, and called Land Cruiser Base ( ランクルBase ) to be fully operational by mid-2023. In June 2023, it opened another for its commercial vehicle range in Fukagawa, Tokyo (within
2736-606: Is Toyota Auto Body wholly owned research and development subsidiary. It is headquartered in Kirishima, Kagoshima and was established in 1990. Toyota Auto Body made design and development work for Toyota from the early 1960s, and, together with Toyota and sister itaku companies, formed part of ATODE (All TOyota DEsign), a group formed in December 1960 aimed at securing a consistent styling for Toyota-badged vehicles. The Toyota Auto Body's design branch became an autonomous part of
2850-585: Is a Gifu-based vehicle manufacturer. It was established in 1940 as a truck body manufacturer. In 1959, after receiving a big order of military vehicles from Toyota, it associated itself with the latter, producing bodies for light trucks such as the Dyna and the Stout. In the 1960s, Gifu Auto Body hand-built the Land Cruiser FJ45V, a long wheelbase variant of the third-generation Land Cruiser . Up until 1967,
2964-569: Is a development centre in Toyota, Aichi (Kotobuki New Development Centre). The head offices are in Kariya, Aichi. Additional offices are located in Tokyo and Osaka . The Fujimatsu plant covers a 436,700 square metres (m) area and was established in January 1964. The present Kariya plant, covering 99,100 m, was established in 1957. Both plant produce vehicles, but Fujimatsu is mostly focused on minivans and Kariya on electric vehicles . As of March 2017,
3078-609: Is called Chun Shyang Shin Yeh (Industry) ( Chinese : 春翔欣業 ; pinyin : Chūn Xiáng Xīn Yè ) and was established in 1997. It is a joint venture between Toyota Auto Body and Chun Yuan Steel , a Taiwanese steel manufacturer . The joint venture produces pressed parts, vehicle doors and suspension components for Toyota cars. Toyota Auto Body owns a 51% stake. In Thailand, Toyota Auto Body's first Thai operations began in February 1978, producing stamped parts for Hilux pickups. Toyota Auto Body Thailand officially started activities in 1979, as
3192-445: Is reached through a small hatch beneath the front seat; this does not open very wide and the limited access came in for some complaint. Engines fitted to the van/wagon included the 1486 cc 5K-U (70 PS or 51 kW) and 1812 cc 2Y-U (79 PS or 58 kW) gasoline engines and two 1974 cc diesels—the 2C (70 PS or 51 kW) and the turbocharged 2C-T (82 PS or 60 kW). In October 1985,
3306-637: Is standard (S402), with the option of full-time four-wheel drive (S412) arrived in July 2010. The TownAce received a facelift in June 2020 with a newer 1,496 cc 2NR-VE engine along with the discontinuation of the "LiteAce" nameplate due to integration of Japanese Toyota dealers. The pickup has also been marketed and produced in Taiwan since November 2021 under the Town Ace name, and has also been marketed in
3420-534: The 3C-TE (KH-CR40/50G) with 94 PS (69 kW). Transmission were either a five-speed manual with a floor shifter or a column-mounted four-speed automatic. In January 1998, there were minor improvements, including a navigation system that became optional for the Noah, and an increase in performance of diesel engines. In December 1998, the Noah passenger models were facelifted with reshaped headlamps, new grilles and front bumpers , plus clear turn signal lamps for
3534-614: The Araco name in 1988. In 1995, the company began assembling Lexus vehicles. In 2004, Araco activities were split and the auto body and vehicle production operations became part of Toyota Auto Body. The vehicle interior business was merged into Toyota Boshoku. A different Toyota subsidiary established in 1974 as Kyoei Sangyo ( 協栄産業 , Kyōei Sangyō ) was renamed as Kyoei Araco in 2004 and as Araco in 2015. This Araco specialises on seats for Lexus vehicles. Gifu Auto Body Co. Ltd. ( 岐阜車体工業株式会社 , Gifu Shatai Kōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha )
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3648-795: The LiteAce M20 . The TownAce was also sold as the Daihatsu Delta Wide (B10 series) between October 1976 and October 1982. Originally, this series came as a van/wagon supplied with the 3K-J (KB10) and 2T-J engines (TB10). The 4K-J (KB11) replaced 3K-J in February 1978—updated as the KB12 alongside a revised 2T-J (TB11) in October 1979. A model with the 13T-U unit entered production in September 1978 (TB15). The second generation TownAce van/wagon arrived in November 1982. As
3762-633: The MiniAce that had been introduced in 1967. In effect, LiteAce filled the gap between the smaller MiniAce and larger HiAce whilst keeping within Japanese vehicle size regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement. This meant that buyers would not be liable for additional taxes for a larger vehicle as they were with the HiAce. LiteAce had also been developed following the growing popularity of affordable cab-over-engine trucks that could carry up to 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb). Whereas
3876-609: The Toyota BJ , and later the successive Land Cruisers. The Arakawa-assembled Land Cruiser was the main export product from Toyota in the late 1950s and early 1960s (28% of all vehicle exports in the period 1956–1964). In 1960, it entered into production the RK160B (Coaster). The company opened two new plants around Toyota City during the 1960s: Kotobuki (1960) and Yoshiwara (1962). It was renamed as Arakawa Auto Body Industries ( 荒川車体工業 , Arakawa Shatai Kōgyō ) in 1961, before adopting
3990-525: The Toyota ToyoAce medium-duty truck sold starting 1956. The "Lite" in LiteAce refers to its light-duty capability, and the "Town" in TownAce alludes to the suitability of the model for urban areas. The LiteAce was developed by Toyota Auto Body , a Toyota's subcontracting subsidiary. Toyota released the first generation LiteAce M10 truck in November 1970 as a larger, upscale model line to sit above
4104-405: The handball team Toyota Auto Body Brave Kings. As of 2024, Gifu Auto Body is sponsor of FC Gifu . Corporate spin-off A corporate spin-off , also known as a spin-out , or starburst or hive-off , is a type of corporate action where a company "splits off" a section as a separate business or creates a second incarnation, even if the first is still active. It is distinct from
4218-556: The rebodied R20 series, the truck line was not renewed until the S400 series in 2008, leaving the M50/M60/M70/M80 model in production until July 2007. Toyota issued a minor front-end facelift in November 1996 with a redesign of the single-piece plastic panel surrounding both headlamps—this now included the attachment of the modern-day Toyota logo. More substantially updated LiteAce and TownAce trucks were released in June 1999, with
4332-417: The windshield to just above the bumper . The van/wagon featured a top-hinged back door, and ornate resin panels were placed above the tail lamps in accordance to the similar design upfront. The LiteAce was designated KM10 when fitted with the 1166 cc 3K inline-four engine producing 68 PS (50 kW). In February 1978, this was replaced by the larger 1290 cc 4K-J engine (KM11). At
4446-499: The 1.8-liter 2Y-C gasoline engine rated at 57 kW (76 hp) and 140 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) (designated YR20). The 2.0-liter 2C diesel giving 48 kW (64 hp) and 118 N⋅m (87 lb⋅ft) arrived in July 1983 as an option for the DX trim (designated CR21RG). Five-speed manual transmission was standard, with four-speed automatic on the GLS model that also added power steering , dual zone air-conditioning, power windows,
4560-516: The 1290 cc 4K-J inline-four engine with 69 PS (51 kW), the 1626 cc 1Y-J inline-four giving 84 PS (62 kW), and the 1998 cc 3Y-U with 88 PS (65 kW) had been made available. Some markets gained the option of the 1974 cc 2C diesel engine with 72 PS (53 kW) in May 1983. In May 1983, the 1998 cc 3Y-EU engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) rated at 97 PS (71 kW)
4674-539: The 1587 cc 12R-J engine (80 PS or 59 kW), until October 1979 when emission standards compliance necessitated the fitment of the 1770 cc 13T-U motor shared with the wagon. At the same time, the "just low" model adopted 10-inch double tires for the rear wheels, lowering the bed floor to the same level as that of light trucks. December 1980 introduced a small facelift with rectangular headlamps, plastic bumpers, and other adjusted trimmings—along with further suspension refinements, an optional cool box, and
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4788-583: The 1812 cc 2Y (YM21; 95 PS or 70 kW) while proving a new 1839 cc 1C diesel option (63 PS or 46 kW) across the various body variants range (CM20). When the second generation R20/R30 series TownAce van/wagon arrived in November 1982, the M20 LiteAce truck became the donor model for the next TownAce truck, with minor trim changes distinguishing the two. The subsequent generation of LiteAce van/wagon arrived in September 1985, but M20 manufacture continued until October 1986 when
4902-518: The 1998 cc 3Y-EU gasoline or 82 PS 2C-T turbo diesel engine). For exports, the 2237 cc 4Y-E engine arrived with the August 1985 facelift and provided 75 kW (101 hp) and 180 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft). Toyota released the Estima in May 1990—a larger vehicle than the TownAce and MasterAce Surf. While the R20/R30 models were typically discontinued in export markets in 1990 with
5016-611: The 1999 fiscal year, all Toyota Auto Body plants got the ISO 14001 certification. The company's plants use the Toyota Production System . Toyota Auto Body's Gifu Auto Body headquarters and facilities are in Unuma Mitsuike, Kakamigahara, Gifu . Its facilities cover 163,000 m. As of March 2019, the company had 2,565 employees. Toyota Auto Body Research and Development ( トヨタ車体研究所 , Toyota Shatai Kenkyūjo )
5130-537: The 2.2 gasoline engine (YR31). By early 1987, escalating sales led to the introduction of a budget-conscious RV 2.2-liter gasoline manual (rear-wheel drive). By 1988, the optional three-speed automatic had completely made way for the four-speed unit on the DX (YR21), GLi (YR22) and GLi Xtra Trak (YR31). In late 1988 the GX gained the 2.2-liter engine to become the GXi; at the same time a series of refinements were implemented across
5244-438: The 2.2-liter 4Y-E with 75 kW (101 hp) and 180 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) paired to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Equipment levels were sparse, although basic amenities like power steering, cloth trim and a radio/cassette player were fitted. As with the original B20 series, Daihatsu Delta Wide van/wagon versions continued to use TownAce body work (and front-end styling). This B20/B30 update
5358-561: The BXD10 military vehicle called BXD20 ( Mega Cruiser ), and it was assembled by Gifu Auto Body. Production ended in August 2001. By 2007, Gifu Auto Body was producing the HiAce and auto parts (pressed parts and truck seats). That year, it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Auto Body through stock swap . In July 2015, Gifu Auto Body transferred its auto parts business to Toyota Body Seiko in order to focus on commercial vehicle assembly. In December 2016, Toyota Auto Body moved production of
5472-526: The Coaster from its Yoshiwara plant to Gifu Auto Body. An Araco team entered Land Cruisers into the Rally Dakar from 1995 onwards. In 2005, the team was renamed as Team Land Cruiser · Toyota Auto Body (TLC) . As of 2024, it has achieved eleven consecutive victories in the diesel production car class. The company entered a HiAce into the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge. The HiAce rally version
5586-599: The Japanese market into Toyota Auto Body by moving the assembly of the LiteAce/TownAce Noah and its successor ( Noah ) from Daihatsu . In 2004, Toyota Auto Body incorporated the auto body and vehicle production businesses from Araco. In 2005, the Kariya plant was repurposed for converting vehicles instead of producing trucks. In the fiscal year ended March 2007, Toyota Auto Body achieved its largest production volume, with about 745,000 vehicles produced during
5700-482: The LiteAce retailed at Toyota Auto Store dealerships, with the TownAce sold at Toyota Corolla Store dealerships. The LiteAce and TownAce have been commonly exported to Africa, Asia and Australia. Over the years, select LiteAce/TownAce models have also been available with Daihatsu Delta badging in Japan. Originally sold as the Delta 750 based on the LiteAce truck, later versions have been badged Delta Wide and based on
5814-1064: The Malaysian auto parts producer Toyota Auto Body Malaysia (established in 2005) and the American Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi (established in 2011). As of 2022 vehicles assembled by Toyota Auto Body include: the Alphard, the Vellfire, the Voxy , the Noah, the Land Cruiser, the HiAce, the RegiusAce , the GranAce , the Coaster , the electric vehicle COMS , the Lexus LX and LM. Araco Corporation ( アラコ株式会社 , Arako Kabushiki-gaisha )
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#17327902656425928-439: The MasterAce Surf when compared to the TownAce included larger US-style bumpers and rectangular quad headlamps. In the Japanese market, a wide range of accessories were available, including a refrigerator with ice maker, a seven-speaker audio system, and a color television. The Catalina package for MasterAce Surf included a removable loft bed that became bunk beds with the second- and third-row seats laid flat. Toyota facelifted
6042-500: The MasterAce Surf. The 2.0-liter 3Y-U EFI (87 hp or 65 kW) came at launch, but was replaced with the 2.2-liter 4Y-E engine with 102 hp (76 kW) for the 1986 model year facelift. Rear-wheel drive versions were sold in the United States between 1983 and 1989, while four-wheel drive models were sold between 1987 and 1989. The four-wheel drive models came with skid plates, with manual transmission models including
6156-695: The MiniAce truck had just a 500-kilogram (1,100 lb) payload capacity, the LiteAce truck offered 750 kilograms (1,650 lb) with a three-seat front bench . The cargo bed was available in high- or low-deck. Toyota later released a one-box van/wagon version of the LiteAce in February 1971. Initially featuring just a single sliding door on the passenger side (curbside), the van/wagon was offered in three seating configurations, of one, two, and three rows—providing for three (van), six (van), and nine (wagon) passengers, respectively. A five-door, dual sliding door version arrived in September 1973 as an option, along with
6270-587: The Noah (rebadged as NAV1). Toyota Auto Body owns an 88.52% of the venture. Toyota Auto Body also has stakes in the joint ventures Toyota Auto Body-Tokai Extrusion and Resin Plating Technology, both producing auto parts. As for China, Toyota Auto Body has a 65%-owned Chinese joint venture, Tab Minth Mobility Equipment, to "sell assistive components". The rest of the Toyota Auto Body's overseas affiliates are wholly owned subsidiaries. These are
6384-433: The R20/R30 featured a sharply sloped front, in contrast to the upright flat found in the larger Toyota HiAce . Three roof heights were available (low, medium, high) and for the latter two, a dual moonroof was optional (the front tilted and rear opened fully). As with the TownAce wagon, the MasterAce Surf came equipped with either the medium- or high-roofed body with dual moonroof options for both. Exterior design differences of
6498-502: The SG, SE, and flagship SQ. Both gasoline and diesel engines could be specified, with automatic transmission available with the gasoline version. Updates including facelifts were as per the TownAce. Toyota distributed the R20/R30 model worldwide under several names with either TownAce or MasterAce frontal styling depending on market. North American markets called it the "Toyota Van" (VanWagon in early press materials), while Australia referred to
6612-410: The TownAce and MasterAce Surf in August 1985, restyling the headlamps and garnish between them. In addition, the tail-lamps were reshaped and the strip above the license plate was extended to the edges of the back door. A "Skylite" roof model arrived with this update, further increasing model variations. A second, more extensive facelift and full interior update arrived in August 1988 for Japan only which
6726-439: The TownAce receiving extra headlamps adjacent inside to the main units and a small air intake slit. The LiteAce did not have this intake, but instead had additional grilles where the extra lamps in the TownAce were. Passenger wagons of both models had different styling again. Here, the LiteAce front end featured two separate headlamp units that tapered inwards towards the Toyota logo. TownAce wagons had headlamps that sat flush with
6840-439: The TownAce van. For the final Delta retailed between 1996 and 2001, the "Wide" suffix disappeared. The LiteAce followed the introduction of the more compact MiniAce and larger HiAce in 1967, acting as an intermediacy between these two models in size and carrying capacity. By the mid-1970s, the MiniAce had been retired and the HiAce had grown, thus creating a void in the market resumed by the TownAce. The "Ace" moniker references
6954-712: The ToyoAce, the Dyna ) rose to 116,000 trucks, comprising 90% of Toyota's truck production and 27% of all vehicles. In January 1964, Toyota Auto Body opened a second assembly facility in Kariya, the Fujimatsu plant, which produced the first Japanese hard-top car during the 1960s, the Corona Hard-top . The company also became the first itaku in assembling mass-produced passenger cars. The production percentage of passenger cars and other light vehicles would increase for
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#17327902656427068-654: The Toyota Mobility Tokyo store), which is called Cargo Base . In April 2024, Toyota Auto Body fully resumed production after several of its assembly lines were halted for over a month as a result of an investigastion into Toyota Industries -supplied diesel engines. Toyota Auto Body was a public company until late 2011, when Toyota made it a wholly owned subsidiary and delisted its shares. Toyota Auto Body assembly plants are Fujimatsu (Ichiriyama, Kariya, Aichi ), Inabe ( Inabe, Mie ), Yoshiwara (Yoshiwara, Toyota, Aichi ), Kariya (Showa, Kariya, Aichi). There
7182-541: The bed floor by employing radial tires which had smaller diameters despite the identical 13-inch wheel size. Each of the three models offered standard- and long- wheelbase versions, the latter with as much space as the larger HiAce truck (albeit with a lower payload) and carrying the RR20 /RR21 chassis codes—confusing, since the R20-series was generally reserved for the second generation TownAce. At first, trucks received
7296-486: The bed floor further. Toyota fitted the 1290 cc 4K-J inline-four engine (designated KM20 with this engine) with 69 PS (51 kW) to the van and truck initially, with the wagon receiving the 1770 cc 13T-U inline-four (TM20) good for 92 PS (68 kW). Both engines were teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. Updates to the wagon in December 1980 brought an optional three-speed automatic or five-speed manual as well. Further to these revisions,
7410-576: The company during the following years. In the late 1960s, Toyota Auto Body led the development of a small van with a one-box design, similar to European ones at the time, but, according to former Toyota senior employee Akira Kawahara, something yet unseen in the Japanese industry. In 1967, Toyota Auto Body began producing the van, named as HiAce . It became the most produced model from the company with more than 6 million units as of April 2017. Toyota Auto Body would continue developing and producing one-box design vans. In 1970, Toyota Auto Body production
7524-462: The company in 1978. The present Toyota Auto Body Research and Development subsidiary has a 5,719 m building and 403 employees. Tokai Utility Motor has facilities in Anjō , Kariya, and Inabe. Toyota Auto Body has subsidiaries in Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, China and the United States. Most Toyota Auto Body's affiliates outside Japan are joint ventures . The Taoyuan -based Taiwanese affiliate
7638-408: The company's production was focused on the Land Cruiser model and light trucks. That year, Toyota consolidated all Land Cruiser assembly in Japan into Arakawa Auto Body Industries. From 1967 onwards, the main focus of Gifu Auto Body became the production of light trucks and the HiAce until Toyota transferred truck production to Hino Motors in 1998. In January 1996, Toyota launched a civilian version of
7752-515: The drivers and passengers doors that said "Spirit of 86" inside a globe. For the Australian market, the Tarago eight-seater launched in February 1983. Like European models, Tarago frontal styling mirrored the TownAce rather than MasterAce Surf—therefore single-unit headlamps and slimmer bumpers were on offer. At launch, three levels of trim were on offer—base DX, GL and luxury GLS—all fitted with
7866-710: The existing door-mounted wing mirrors . This series was manufactured at the Honsha plant Toyota, Aichi until December 2001, before switching to a Toyota Auto Body plant in January 2002 until end of manufacture in July 2007. Toyota Australia offered the KR42R series TownAce commercial vans from January 1997 to 2003, with a 1999 facelift. TownAces featured the 7K engine with 56 kW (75 hp) and 142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) and five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Eight-seater passenger vans were released in Australia as
7980-401: The front and rear of the van/wagon were redesigned, increasing the body length by 75 mm (3.0 in). This facelift was for Japan only. At the same time, Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) was employed for the first time in a one-box wagon, and the output of the turbocharged diesel engine was boosted to 85 PS (63 kW). In September 1989, the new Super SW specification
8094-584: The front seats. The Van also offered dual air conditioning, captains chairs (LE for the 1986 to 1989 model years), twin sunroofs , digital clock, satellite radio controls (LE for the 1987 to 1989 model years), fog lights (LE for the 1986 to 1989 model years with power window package), tachometer, power locks, power windows, and a tinted glass privacy package. LE models had color matched bumpers and front grille along with power mirrors, chrome headlight bezels, and chrome Toyota emblems. Base models came with black bumpers and grill with white Toyota emblems. Base models have
8208-439: The front section of the body and dashboard thoroughly redesigned—however, the design of the doors and all parts rearward carried over verbatim. The optional four-wheel drive switched from part-time to full-time configuration, anti-lock brakes were made standard, and airbags an option. The gasoline engine was upgraded to the 1781 cc 7K-E , and the 2C diesel engine made way for the 2184 cc 3C-E which remained in
8322-470: The lack of a decent offer, it decided to spin off the wine business, which is now called Treasury Wine Estates . According to The Economist , another driving force of the proliferation of spin-offs is what it calls the " conglomerate discount " — that "stockmarkets value a diversified group at less than the sum of its parts". Some examples of spin-offs (according to the SEC definition): Examples following
8436-481: The larger TownAce van/wagon that derived from the LiteAce; a TownAce truck arrived later in 1978. Between 1982 and 1992, the series accommodated the MasterAce Surf —an upscale TownAce passenger wagon. The two model lines existed separately until 1982 when TownAce trucks became rebadged LiteAce trucks—then in 1992 LiteAce vans became rebranded TownAce vans—thus unifying the once separate vehicle lines. In Japan,
8550-403: The limits of the "number five" category, and standard- and high-roof heights were on offer. Noah passenger models had three-row seating with either six, seven, or eight occupant positions—made up by having either three rows of two bucket seats , two rows of buckets and third-row bench seat , or buckets up front and benches for the two back rows. A flat floor allowed for walk-through access between
8664-443: The loss of equity in the original stocks . However, shareholders may then buy and sell stocks from either company independently; this potentially makes investment in the companies more attractive, as potential share purchasers can invest narrowly in the portion of the business they think will have the most growth. In contrast, divestment can also sever one business from another, but the assets are sold off rather than retained under
8778-610: The market until discontinued in August 2004. From December 2004, production switched from the Honsha plant at Toyota, Aichi to the Hamura, Tokyo plant operated by the Toyota-owned Hino Motors . The first TownAce (R10 series) made its sales debut in October 1976 as a widened and lengthened version of the LiteAce (M10) , still using the same doors and some other panels. In the Toyota model hierarchy, TownAce occupied
8892-431: The method in 1979. The improvements of Toyota Auto Body on QFD influenced Ford into adopting it. In 1992, the company established Toyota Body Seiko, an auto parts subsidiary, and began investments to increase the production of one-box vehicles, as the rest of its passenger car business was in decline. In December 1993, Toyota Auto Body opened the van-focused Inabe plant. By the mid-1990s, Toyota Auto Body ventured into
9006-457: The parent company or organization offers support doing one or more of the following: All the support from the parent company is provided with the explicit purpose of helping the spin-off grow. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission 's (SEC) definition of "spin-off" is more precise. Spin-offs occur when the equity owners of the parent company receive equity stakes in the newly spun off company. For example, when Agilent Technologies
9120-578: The period. In 2007, Gifu Auto Body became a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Auto Body. In November 2018, Toyota announced it would transfer all van development to Toyota Auto Body. In 2019, Toyota Auto Body announced it would produce the first Lexus-badged passenger van at its Inabe plant, the Lexus LM , a badge engineered Alphard, the second Lexus product coming from the company after the Land Cruiser-based Lexus LX (the latter
9234-408: The plants had a combined workforce of 3,139 (281 of them working at the Kariya plant). The Inabe plant is the main minivan production hub of Toyota Auto Body. It covers 800,500 m and was established in December 1993. As of March 2017, it had 2,266 employees. The Yoshiwara plant produces body-on-frame vehicles. It covers 196,200 m and was established in 1962. As of March 2017, it had 2,337 employees. By
9348-514: The position in between the LiteAce and HiAce . At first three- or six-seater vans were offered, the more popular TR10 receiving the 1588 cc 2T-J engine (93 PS or 68 kW), although the smallest KR10 has the 1166 cc 3K-J (64 PS or 47 kW). Eight-seater wagons have the desmogged 12T engine rather than the 2T-J (TR11G chassis code rather than TR10V), and therefore lower power at 85 PS (63 kW). The second and third rows of seating could be laid fully flat, and
9462-681: The production of high-end one-box passenger vans derived from the HiAce. In 1995, it started producing the Granvia , a HiAce-based semi-bonneted van made to comply with European safety regulations. From the Granvia the company developed the Alphard which was launched in 2002. In 2008, it introduced an Alphard twin vehicle, the Vellfire . In May 2001, Toyota announced it would consolidate all production of one-box Toyota-badged cars intended for
9576-544: The range. For the Chinese market, licensed production of the TownAce was carried out by Golden Dragon as the XML6390. The TownAce was one of the few products that Golden Dragon bought from Toyota, alongside the later HiAce H100 and the third generation Toyota Coaster . The rebodied R20/R30 was introduced in January 1992 and produced until September 1996. For this series, the mechanicals were largely carried over (hence
9690-412: The release of Grand Extra model with its lavish cabin. Furthering this, a campervan package titled "Canyon" came to the market in February 1982, featuring a moonroof, loft beds , powered curtains, and bronze-tinted glass. When this generation was replaced in November 1982, the TownAce van/wagon and truck range parted—the former based on the new R20/R30 series and the truck becoming a rebadged model of
9804-417: The release of the flagship "Custom Extra" grade with manual sunroof. October 1979 changes adjusted the trim surrounding the headlamps, introduced a revised dashboard , and resulted in the "Custom Extra" being renamed "Super Extra". Truck body styles were added to the lineup in October 1978 (having entered production the previous month), including low-deck, high-deck, and "just low" models—these further lowered
9918-497: The release of this new model (usually badged Previa overseas), for Japan, production continued until January 1992. The reason being that unlike the R20/R30, the Estima did not fall under the "number five" tax bracket regarding Japanese vehicle size tax legislation . To comply, dimensions had to remain under 1,700 mm (66.9 in) for width and 4,700 mm (185.0 in) in length, plus 2000 cc for engine displacement. It
10032-399: The retention of the R20/R30 chassis codes), but the styling fully refreshed. At this time, the LiteAce van became a derivative of the TownAce line, sharing the latter's body work. Thus, from this time, the entire LiteAce and TownAce range (van and truck) were unified. The rebodied R20/R30 had a much more streamlined design. The LiteAce and TownAce commercial vans were very similar, differing by
10146-556: The reverse lights incorporated into the tail light assembly whereas the LE models had them incorporated into the rear hatch. In 1986, a special EXPO86 version was available in Canada only. The 1986 model year Espirit model was finished in a unique light blue color with a white wave pattern on the lower half on the side profile. A unique bronze colored plaque was affixed to the B-pillar behind
10260-492: The rows. Vans were supplied with several gasoline engines, including the 1486 cc 5K (discontinued in July 2002) and two 1781 cc units, the 7K and 7K-E . Diesel options were the 1974 cc 2C until June 1999 and after this, the 2184 cc 3C-E . Powertrain options for the Noah twins comprised either the gasoline 1998 cc 3S-FE good for 130 PS (96 kW) or turbocharged diesel 2184 cc 3C-T (KD-CR40/50G) with 91 PS (67 kW) or
10374-512: The same bodywork as the LiteAce. As per the donor Toyota, this was later updated in 1978 to the 4K-J engine (and now receiving the KD11 chassis code). A double cab pickup truck was also available of the KD11. Second generation LiteAce van/wagons and trucks were released to the Japanese market in October 1979. Widely exported for the first time, the M20 included seating for up to eight in the wagon with
10488-480: The same time, the YR21 GL became the GX, and a series of 2.2-liter 4Y-E gasoline models with 75 kW (101 hp) and 180 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) appeared in the new manual-only GLi and updated automatic GLS (YR22). The GLS also gained a high-roof skylight and individual second row chairs, which reduced its carrying capacity to seven people. A new GLi Xtra Trak four-wheel drive also arrived in October 1985 with
10602-480: The same time, there was a small facelift including a design change to panels above the headlamps and new badging. This model (truck only) was also marketed in a slightly different badge engineered form as the Daihatsu Delta 750 (D10 series) from March 1971. Still with the 3K engine (and the chassis code KD10), this received a small front grille and other detail differences and was available with most of
10716-574: The second definition of spin-out: An example of companies created by technology transfer or licensing: Toyota LiteAce#R40 The Toyota LiteAce and TownAce are a line of light commercial and derivative passenger vans produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota . These vehicles originally utilized the cab-over-engine configuration, although since 1996 a semi-cab-over arrangement has featured instead. The LiteAce launched in 1970 as light-duty truck, with commercial and van / wagon body variants added in 1971. In 1976, Toyota released
10830-564: The single-grade Spacia in January 1998. With the 3S-FE rated at 94 kW (126 hp) and 180 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) and five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, the Spacia offered standard dual front airbags , power door locks , power steering, windows and mirrors. Anti-lock brakes and second-row air-conditioning were optional. Facelifted models arrived in January 1999 and the Value Pack of 2000 and 2001 added dual air-conditioning,
10944-496: The tail-lamps and revised wheel trims. Vans were facelifted in June 1999 with new grilles and clear turn signal new tail-lamps. In November 2001, production of the LiteAce Noah and TownAce Noah models ended in favor of the new Toyota Noah / Voxy . Diesel engines were discontinued in August 2004 as they did not comply with emissions standards. Vans were again facelifted in July 2005, with fender mirrors added in conjunction with
11058-426: The third-row seats could be folded to expand the luggage compartment. The 4K-J motor with 69 PS (51 kW) replaced the 3K-J in February 1978. That October, the wagon engine was uprated to the 92 PS (68 kW) 1770 cc 13T-U (TR15), and high-roof models with heights of 1,975 and 1,990 mm (77.8 and 78.3 in) were introduced. Further changes in October 1978 included suspension revisions,
11172-467: The truck variant came to the market. Like the previous M10 series, the M20 TownAce again provided the base for the rebadged Daihatsu Delta 750 (D20 series) truck sold between October 1979 and October 1982. The 4K-J engine was fitted and designated KD20. The third generation LiteAce van/wagon (M30/M40 series) were placed on the market in September 1985 with four roof variations—a standard roof,
11286-425: The van models were retailed in 1300 and 1600 forms—in-line with their engine displacements. The 1300 model had three-seater bench with 600 kg (1,300 lb) cargo payload. The 1600 increased this to 750 kg (1,650 lb), unless a second row of three seats was fitted which reduced this to 500 kg (1,100 lb). Passenger wagon models offered four levels of specification, the entry-level SD, followed by
11400-672: The vehicle as the Toyota Tarago (named after Tarago, New South Wales ). In parts of Europe it was known as the "Toyota Space Cruiser", but in Germany, Sweden, Norway, China and some countries of Latin America it was sold as the "Toyota Model F". Export models were partially replaced with the Toyota Previa in 1990. North American market sales started in 1983 for the 1984 model year as the "Toyota Van" with styling shared with
11514-402: Was 149,000 passenger cars and 142,000 commercial vehicles (trucks and buses), although the actual percentage declined to 17.6% of Toyota's total vehicle production. In the 1970s, Toyota Auto Body was one of the first companies in using quality function deployment (QFD), paralleling the initial developments from Yoji Akao at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries . The rest of the Toyota group adopted
11628-406: Was added, and a five-door version with dual sliding doors could be specified in conjunction with the SW grade. The manual transmission increased from four- to five-gears in August 1990 along with the fitment of a center high mount stop lamp . Then in October 1991, the four-wheel drive system became available with the truck body. Although the van/wagon lines were fully redesigned in January 1992 with
11742-483: Was built on a GDH201V chassis modified by Cast (a HiAce tuning division of the Sanko Works company) and it was run by Toyota Auto Body's own team, Toyota Auto Body Team Hiace . Cast had already entered a couple of HiAces into the 2021 All-Japan Rally Championship. Toyota Auto Body has two company teams participating in Japanese national sports championships: the volleyball team Toyota Auto Body Queenseis and
11856-504: Was centred on producing trucks; Kanto Auto Works passenger vans and pickups; Arakawa Auto Body Land Cruisers and special vehicles. In 1960, Toyota Auto Body produced 74,000 trucks (including large trucks, the Stout , the ToyoAce ), an 87% of Toyota's overall truck production and a 48% of its total vehicle production. In 1964, truck production from Toyota Auto Body (large trucks, the Stout,
11970-478: Was designed so that the driver's seating position was virtually the same as in a sedan . Seating options included standard first rows on the cargo van, plus second-row positions on the wagon (five- or six-seater) and optional third-row seats that could be stowed sideways to for additional luggage space. Select trims levels heralded a fully reclining driver's seat and with some, the second-row seats could be turned three-ways (forward, sideways, and backward). The engine
12084-420: Was introduced (being a 2/3/3 configuration). Then in April 1982, a medium roof height body variant with a twin moonroof was introduced. Minor changes to the M20 series LiteAce arrived for November 1982, including a front-end facelift and the adoption of power steering . The van gained the option of a 1626 cc 1Y (YM20) engine with 84 PS (62 kW). Toyota also upgraded the wagon's 13T-U engine to
12198-525: Was introduced in December 1985. Much of the vehicle's mechanicals were based on the Toyota Hilux , including suspension components. The leaf spring rear suspension of the R10 was replaced with a four-link coil rigid suspension with a Panhard rod for the first time among Japanese cab-over-engine type van/wagons. The front suspension was of a double wishbone and torsion bar spring design. Stylistically,
12312-411: Was made available. The following year in May, a high performance specification same engine was released with 115 PS (85 kW) was made available. A new turbocharged 2C-T diesel model displacing 1974 cc and proving 82 PS (60 kW) or 88 PS (65 kW) was introduced in August 1984, followed by part-time four-wheel drive models with a sub transmission in November 1985 (with
12426-495: Was moved in front of the passenger compartment (semi-cab-over), giving the car an all-new look, although a move inline with the vehicle's competitors. Despite the trend among its Japanese competitors of switching to the front-wheel drive layout, the R40/R50 maintained its rear-wheel drive. Full-time four-wheel drive was optional, replacing the part-time configuration from the previous series. Body dimensions remained compliant within
12540-553: Was not until January 1992 that Toyota released smaller, complying versions of the Estima in Japan under the names Estima Emina and Estima Lucida. These cars replaced the high-end MasterAce Surf, with a rebodied version of the R20/R30 TownAce continuing on until 1996. As with the previous generation, the TownAce was sold by Daihatsu as the B20 series Daihatsu Delta Wide van/wagon between November 1982 and January 1992. At launch,
12654-472: Was one of the first manufacturing subsidiaries of Toyota. It was established in 1946 (incorporated July 1947) at Nagoya by a former Toyota Industries sheet metal worker named Gihee Arakawa as Arakawa Sheet Metal Industries ( 荒川鈑金工業 , Arakawa Bankin Kōgyō ) . The company firstly made sheet metal work for Toyota, soon adding vehicle interior parts (including seats) and auto bodies. In 1953, it started assembling
12768-562: Was shared with the MasterAce (although both continued to uphold slight cosmetic differences). This time the option of Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) was made available. Initially, the only available engine was the 1812 cc 2Y-U engine outputting 95 PS (70 kW) in a rear-wheel drive configuration. Transmission choices comprised a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic with overdrive (the first for this type of vehicle). By 1983, additional gasoline engines:
12882-484: Was spun off from Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 1999, the stockholders of HP received Agilent stock. A company not considered a spin-off in the SEC's definition (but considered by the SEC as a technology transfer or licensing of technology to the new company) may also be called a spin-off in common usage. A second definition of a spin-out is a firm formed when an employee or group of employees leaves an existing entity to form an independent start-up firm. The prior employer can be
12996-455: Was strictly badge engineering , with no other material detail changes. Wagon trim levels were the basic SE and better equipped SQ. Fully redesigned for the first time since 1982, the R40 and R50 LiteAce and TownAce appeared in October 1996. Offered in van/wagon configurations only, the van sold as the LiteAce and TownAce, with wagons now designated LiteAce Noah and TownAce Noah and fitted with
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