Safety updates planned for Landcruiser

Toyota has marked 30 years of selling the iconic LandCruiser 70 Series range in Australia by announcing plans for significant improvements to safety. The updates, due to arrive in the second half of next year, are designed to deliver the maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating for the sales-leading 70 Series single cab.

All 70 Series variants — single and double cabs, wagon and troop carrier — will be equipped with vehicle stability control, brake assist and cruise control.

Single cabs will also be fitted with five airbags as part of the improvements — existing driver and front-seat passenger airbags plus the addition of two curtain-shield airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.

Driver and front-passenger airbags were made standard across the range in 2009 with anti-skid brakes added in 2012.

Toyota Australia Executive Director Sales and Marketing Tony Cramb said the updates represent a major breakthrough that will reinforce the position of LandCruiser as Toyota’s heartland vehicle in Australia.

“These updates will support continued strong buyer demand for an unapologetically rugged vehicle that is renowned for its heavy-duty capabilities,” Cramb said.

“It secures the future of the 70 Series for customers who require a vehicle with an unrivalled reputation for class-leading mechanical reliability and serious towing, load carrying and off-road performance,” he said.

“Added safety features build on LandCruiser’s ‘always get you home’ ethos and will be highly valued by people who rely on the 70 Series in harsh and remote work environments around Australia.

“We have worked closely with employers in mining, agriculture, construction, communications support and recreation to develop these improvements.

“Toyota’s commitment to them — as well as to the towns, rural communities and work sites where the LandCruiser’s reputation was born — will further cement the unique bond with customers forged over the past 30 years.”

Since the 70 Series first landed here in 1985, Australians have bought more than 250,000 vehicles.