Toyota on Friday unveiled a new line of its long-running Crown series of luxury vehicles, revealing four new models, including crossover and sport utility variations.
In a shift from the traditionally sedan-only offering since 1955 focused on the Japanese market, the new lineup, which also includes a sedan and a hatchback, will be sold in more than 40 different countries and regions from the fall with an annual target of 200,000 units, Toyota said.
The crossover type will be the first model to become available this fall, with prices starting from ¥4.35 million ($31,000) and coming with a choice of two hybrid powertrains.
Amid declining sales, partly due to diversifying consumer needs with SUVs and minivans gaining popularity in Japan, Toyota said it is trying to expand its customer base.
In 2021, Toyota sold about 21,400 Crowns in Japan, down 3.4% from the previous year, according to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.
Toyota first launched the Crown in 1955 and the series became emblematic of luxury sedan cars in Japan, with over 200,000 units sold in 1990 alone. The Crown model was last renewed four years ago, and the latest version will be the 16th generation in the series.