Maki Shiraki

TOKYO (Reuters). Toyota Three people confirmed that Motor Corp (NYSE:) Corp will launch a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) version next year of the Crown sedan. This is a major overhaul to a model that’s been a standout in Japan for almost seventy years.

They said the Crown’s SUV, available in hybrid, full-electric, and plug-in versions, is an attempt to become more popular as people shun sedans.

The hybrid sales are anticipated to begin in summer 2023. They will also include North American and Chinese exports, while the plugin hybrid is intended only for the domestic market.

According to two people, the launch of the electric car is expected to occur in 2024. The automaker still has not finalised export plans.

According to people, Toyota will release a completely redesigned sedan version of its Crown this summer as part of the revamp.

Toyota City in Japan will manufacture both the SUV as well as the sedan.

Toyota representatives declined to comment.

The Crown, which was largely sold on the Japanese market throughout its history, was the first car built and developed entirely in Japan. This marked a crucial moment in Japan’s growth to be a major automaker.

This was also the very first Toyota vehicle to be shipped to the United States in 1958. Toyota stopped exporting it two years later because the engine couldn’t handle the speed required for American freeways.