Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. are gearing up for keener competition in the minivan market, auto industry officials said Tuesday.
Toyota on Wednesday was to take the wraps off the new Alphard, a day after Nissan released its restyled Elgrand.
The rivals are eager to win over the hearts and wallets of Japanese drivers with their new minivans, as the category enjoys growing popularity with families, and also carries higher profit margins than smaller vehicles, the officials said.