Tundra Full-Size Pickup Sets Record for Fastest Sales Start in Toyota History
11 June 1999
Tundra Full-Size Pickup Sets Record for Fastest Sales Start in Toyota History TORRANCE, Calif., June 10 -- In its first week on the market,
the full-size V8-powered Tundra pickup recorded the fastest sales start of any
new product in Toyota history.
Launched nationally on June 1, Tundra sales tallied 4,565 units through
June 7, a selling rate of 650 units per day. Demand is stronger than current
supply, as Toyota dealers report an additional 5,000 units are already on
order.
"We are pleased to see such an early, positive indication of success,"
said Jim Press, senior vice president and general manager of automotive
operations for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
"The magnitude of this fast start is put in perspective when you consider
that in just 31 months, Toyota moved from breaking ground for a new
manufacturing plant to building its first full-size pickup," he said. "It
also reaffirms our emphasis on the importance of this truck to our overall
vehicle lineup."
Tundra is built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI),
an all-new $1.2-billion facility located in Gibson County, near the city of
Princeton. It rides on an all-new chassis that helps set a full-size pickup
benchmark for handling, ride comfort and interior noise isolation.
In preparation for the launch, nearly 15,000 dealer sales associates
participated in one of the largest and most rigorous training programs ever
conducted for a new Toyota vehicle. Held in 52 cities nationwide,
participants were educated on the inner workings of Tundra's sophisticated
technology through intense classroom-style product-knowledge seminars and
competitive driving sessions.
Featuring the most sophisticated powerplant ever offered in a full-size
pickup, Tundra's optional i-Force 245-horsepower 4.7-liter engine is the first
double-overhead cam, 32-valve V8 ever offered in the segment. It is also one
of the first V8 engines in the segment to achieve an L.E.V. (low emission
vehicle) emissions classification from the EPA, and achieves good fuel
efficiency.
Other firsts-in-class include four-caliper front disc brakes and a one-
piece frame rail chassis with eight cross members for uncompromised strength.
Tundra can tow up to 7,200 pounds and has a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds.
Available in three grades -- base, SR5 and Limited -- Tundra is powered by
either a V8 or V6 engine. It is available in two- or four-wheel drive,
two-door regular cab with an eight-foot bed or four-door Access Cab with a six
and-a-half-foot bed.
Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) range from $14,995 for a base
4x2 model to $27,830 for a top-of-the-line Limited 4x4. A well-equipped SR5
4x2 Access Cab powered by the i-Force V8 is priced at $22,250.
