T<\/span>oyota\u2019s<\/strong> three new \u201chalo\u201d Hilux variants due in April this year have a strong Aussie accent due to an extensive development program carried out by the company\u2019s Melbourne-based designers and engineers.<\/p>\n Aimed at off-road enthusiasts, the comprehensive upgrades that result in the new HiLux Rugged and Rugged X variants were designed, engineered and validated in Australia with support from the parent company in Japan and Toyota in Thailand.<\/span><\/p>\n The development program involved computer simulations, prototype manufacture, bench testing and real-world evaluation to confirm strength and durability of the vehicle and individual components.<\/span><\/p>\n Heading the new models, HiLux Rugged X lives up to its name by incorporating a high-tensile alloy bash plate, winch-compatible steel front bar, LED driving lights, recovery points, rock rails, load-carrying sports bar and other heavy-duty components.<\/span><\/p>\n It is joined by HiLux Rugged, which is focused on toughness and off-road performance. It provides enthusiasts with an ideal vehicle for getting off the beaten track that its aggressive front-end design, including a steel bull bar.<\/span><\/p>\n A third new model, the premium and sporty HiLux Rogue was styled by the Australian design team and developed in close collaboration with Toyota engineers in Thailand.<\/span><\/p>\n The dynamic and recreational styling of the Rogue is tailored to many markets around the world \u2013 another example of the strong capability that exists within Toyota\u2019s local operation.<\/span><\/p>\n Toyota Australia\u2019s product planning and development general manager Rod Ferguson said the HiLux project highlighted the local team\u2019s capability to develop engaging models that address the specific requirements of Australian buyers.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur team understands local customer usage and tastes, the extremes of our local environment as well as requirements for off-road use, unsealed roads and the challenges of dust and water crossings,\u201d Mr. Ferguson said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThey have developed these high-strength components and integrated them fully to build on the strength and durability of HiLux while maintaining the performance of key safety systems,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cFor example, the Rugged X bash plate is made from high-tensile alloy, significantly improving protection from rugged terrain while minimizing weight increase. Local engineering and testing also ensures it works in conjunction with the steel front bar and existing underbody protection.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr Ferguson said the project was a logical extension of the local team\u2019s work in producing the HiLux Tonka concept, unveiled in March last year.<\/span><\/p>\n He said the new models also benefited from the Australian team\u2019s extensive involvement in developing the current-generation HiLux, including suspension, underbody protection, tuning of electronic safety systems and 650,000km of local testing.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt was natural for our team to focus on HiLux: it\u2019s Australia\u2019s best-selling vehicle and owners customize their HiLux more than any other model in our range.<\/span><\/p>\n For more Logistics News,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Follow us on TWITTER <\/strong><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Follow us on FACEBOOK<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIn the spirit of the concept car, we\u2019ve further enhanced the off-road toughness of the already highly capable HiLux.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAustralian buyers will also appreciate the peace-of-mind knowing that these new vehicles have been developed to Toyota\u2019s rigorous standards, will be certified to Australian Design Rules and attract full warranty coverage,\u201d Mr. Ferguson said.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 2018 Toyota Hilux Rogue Rugged and Rugged-X Australian engineered – the current-gen Hilux underwent 650,000km of local testing. Toyota\u2019s three new \u201chalo\u201d Hilux variants due in April this year have a strong Aussie accent due to an extensive development program carried out by the company\u2019s Melbourne-based designers and engineers. Aimed at off-road enthusiasts, the comprehensive…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":10113,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1,47],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10112"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10112"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10115,"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10112\/revisions\/10115"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"http:\/\/moovafrica.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Sameday-Cargo-Delivery-1.jpg\")
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