Toyota Australia is to develop a right-hand-drive (RHD) of the Tundra full-size pick-up truck, with the possibility of this version being available locally in 2024.

The company has confirmed an extensive development program in Australia for the Tundra, acknowledging that local experts are to re-engineer the pick-up in a RHD format and evaluate the vehicle against Australian conditions. The company has partnered with Walkinshaw Automotive Group to develop the model.

Prototype testing on public roads will begin in September this year and Toyota says that starting from the fourth quarter of 2023, it will deploy around 300 of the Tundra models as part of the final stage of the re-engineering program.

The Tundra will be equipped with a new inline hybrid system featuring a twin-turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6. In the United States, the Tundra Hybrid variant delivers 326kW and 790Nm.

Despite the extensive testing and development program, however, Toyota is not guaranteeing the Tundra will make it to Australian showrooms with the company saying that the model ‘faces further checkpoints in Toyota’s global approval process before its retail introduction can be confirmed.’

“This is a dedicated re-engineering program, led by Toyota Australia and made possible by our global partners and is closely supported by our parent company and Toyota North America,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations.

“It will utilise OE levels of design, development, testing and componentry rooted in Toyota’s deep commitment to quality, durability and reliability.

“This project shows just how serious we are at Toyota about quality, and a RHD Tundra will not be available for sale in Australia until we are totally satisfied.

“We are really excited to get such a significant project to this stage and look forward to seeing development prototypes on our roads and test tracks in the weeks and months ahead.”

If the Tundra does make it here, then it will join other full-size factory-approved RHD-converted trucks from Dodge and Ram, as well as the Ford F-150 which is due next year.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (September 2022) 

19 September 2022