Lexpress Cars Magazine N°5 nov 2018 | Page 6

M A G A Z I N E THE LEGENDARY HILUX celebrates ITS 50 th anniversary P ride resonates this year as Mauritians celebrate the 50 th anniversary of our young nation. Intertwined in our country’s history, is a brand many Mauritians hold close to their heart: Toyota. More specifi cally the Toyota Hilux which is also celebrating 50 years of legendary reliability. Let’s drive down memory lane through its glorious periods. 1968-1972 1972-1978 1978-1983 1983-1988 1988-1997 1997-2004 2004-2015 2015-Now 2 nd Generation 1 st Generation 5 th Generation 6 th Generation Decade after decade, part of history The same year and month that the much sought-after independence was gained from the British, the 1 st Hilux generation was launched. It debuted as a new bonnet-type truck that integrated and succeeded the Briska and the Light Stout. The vehicle was conceived by Toyota, and developed and manufactured by Hino Motors Ltd at its Hamura Plant. Three years later, the 3 rd generation Hilux went on sale in September and its model off ered sedan-like specifi cations and equipment. Since then, Toyota has been a witness of all the milestones in Mauritian history – +230 405 6400 6 DEC 2018 N o 5 3 rd Generation 7 rd Generation the 1 st economic miracle of the 1990s as well as the proclamation of the Republic in 1992. Toyota was strong to follow suit by revamping its vehicles and upgrading them with innovative technologies, highlighting the year 1997 with a 6th generation Hilux. The business-use truck line and personal-use sports pick up line easily became Mauritian staples. 50 years as a reliable work partner Leveraging on its success amongst the brand’s lovers, Toyota has kept on thriving as a reliable partner and in tune with Mauritian feats: 1 st Cyber City in 2001; 1 st Olympic medal in 2008 won by boxer Motorway, Riche Terre 4 th Generation 8 th Generation Bruno Julie in Beijing, and a wide range of tourism awards scooped in 2014-15. To match, Toyota introduced us to reinvented toughness, with its 8th generation Hilux that same year. Launched in May 2015, the entire development concept was centred on “redefi ning toughness” while boasting ride comfort. It was developed by teams who travelled the globe, getting direct feedback from customers and driving on a wide variety of diff erent roads. The same customer-centric approach fuels Toyota’s evolution today, helping it go forward, with us in mind. Discover the Hilux’s legendary ruggedness, performance and responsiveness by booking a test-drive! www.toyotamauritius.com