Toyota is earning their fanbase the old-fashion way

For a lot of us, car purchases are emotionally driven. Buying a vehicle is more than just ‘buying a vehicle’, it’s a show of support for the brand. Throughout my life, I’ve formed strong emotional connections with several brands for several different reasons. And although I’ve always admired Toyota’s spirit & engineering capabilities, strangely, I’ve just never been that emotionally drawn to Toyota vehicles. However, these days my stance is shifting… quite dramatically actually.

My foremost testament was the new Toyota Sequoia…

Recently redesigned off the new Tundra with a bold robust aesthetic, the Sequoia (especially the TRD Pro) hits the bullseye with its vibrant, commanding presence, and edgy-yet-refined details. Its flagship presence set-off the design language & energy that was coming through the Toyota 4×4 lineup. Then…

Toyota revealed the now-current Tacoma…

A capable midsize pickup carrying-on a proven legacy of Toyota trucks. In a world of authenticity-compromised new vehicles, the Tacoma stays loyally true to the adventurous, action-packed midsize pickup. And the absolute cherry on top – you can buy a new Tacoma with 4WD, a 4-cylinder TURBO, and a MANUAL transmission! That’s a timeless killer-combo for any car enthusiast or fun/adventure seeker. Then…

Toyota kept it going with the new Land Cruiser…

The momentum was impossible to miss at this point. And my intrigue only intensified when I laid eyes on the 1958 & First Edition models with those round headlights. There’s something timelessly alluring about this new Land Cruiser’s retro/rugged 4×4 styling. It tugs at my heartstrings & brings me back to my car-loving center. Toyota’s sense of identity is clear & strong in the new Land Cruiser. And – the refined, shared-chassis Lexus GX 550 flexes a twin-turbo, NON-hybrid V6 with a 10-speed transmission. Something for everyone. But Toyota didn’t stop there. We all knew it was coming, but…

Toyota dialed-up the heat even further with the new 4Runner…

It’s energizing to see new models actually feel energizing again. The 6th-generation 4Runner redesign set new design standards the instant it was unveiled… while simultaneously & brilliantly honoring the 4Runner’s rugged roots. It’s a modern true SUV that offers more than just mindless commuting. Rather, it’s a ticket to an enriched lifestyle of outdoor adventures & experiences. Offering something beyond the screen in front of your face. Most modern SUVs completely miss that mark… despite whatever adventurous name they have on their tailgate.

Akio’s MK4 Supra

Modern Toyota is wholeheartedly embracing ‘the lifestyle’ of vehicles…

And doing so while adhering to the 1:6:90 rule established by Toyota engineers. 1% market-leading breakthrough, 6% significant enhancements, and 93% proven technology. That’s the formula. And it’s a formula that ensures reliability & a rewarding ownership experience… while still allowing for striking developments that connect drivers to all ‘the intangibles’ that make vehicles emotional. But wait, there’s more. If you like the cars that go zoom…

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup…

Exemplifies Toyota’s commitment to timeless performance & driving excitement. Cars that bring JOY to driving. Over the last few years, we’ve watched Akio Toyoda & Koji Sato speak automotive truth to the people… while other carmakers CEOs spoke lies. We’ve watched Akio Toyoda & Koji Sato celebrate the spirit of driving… while competing CEOs turned their backs on it. Car enthusiasts paid attention, and Toyota has earned our allegiance.

That’s how you earn a fanbase…

Toyota doesn’t need government incentives or mandates to sell cars. They’ve earned loyalty by being true, unmistakable lovers of cars. Drivers in an age of ‘mobility’. Toyota is in-touch with their customers & in-tune with our diverse needs & passions. All while making vehicles that provide many years of fulfilling ownership experiences. Toyota continues to steer in a direction that resonates with a lot of us in this day & age, and honestly, I find myself all-in for the journey. If you took the car-enamored kid-version of myself, and showed me this Toyota of the future, I’d be psyched for it. Childhood dreams really do leave a lasting impression.