Volkswagen Jetta

In China, the A2 is still sold as the Jetta, while the A5 is sold as the Bora. . For example, in Mexico, the A4 is still sold as the Jetta, while the A5 is the Bora. I decided that one day I would make a similar kind of 'mobile', something more like an animal or insect than a car, which could do even better". In other parts of the world, this model does retain both names, usually in cases where a previous mark is still sold. We have many classic shrines with stairs leading up to them, and these cars simply climbed up those steps. The model range returns to using the Jetta name on the continent, rather than Bora or Vento. and how they could climb up and over obstacles.

Volkswagen announced the Jetta in Europe in late May 2005. "Growing up after the war, I was really impressed by the US Army personnel's Jeeps.. While critics embraced the overall vehicle, they claimed the styling was too Japanese (with similarities to the Toyota Corolla), and that it is too high-priced for the highly competetive compact car market. Toyota designer Kazuo Morohoshi interviewed in the South African Car magazine explained the background to the birth of the Land Cruiser. 2005 sales of the New Jetta were dissappointing in the US. In many places, the term Land Cruiser has almost become a generic term for an off-road vehicle. The new Jetta was designed by Walter de’Silva. The Land Cruiser has been produced in a number of different versions, including successful flat bed pickup trucks predominantly used as technicals.

A GLI version was released as a 2006 model in North America in the late summer of 2005. Design of the Land Cruiser began in 1950, and production began in 1953. In North America, the A5 Jetta went on sale in March 2005, as a 2005 1/2 model, overlapping the final model year of the A4 Jetta. Created as a competitor to other off-road vehicles such as the Land Rover and the Jeep, in many places the Land Cruiser is ubiquitous and has almost eliminated other 4WD vehicles from the market. A DSG gearbox, stability control, and electro-mechanical steering are also new innovations. Its widespread use as the transport of choice for militia units and irregular forces in the third world have served as a testament to their reliability and toughness. There is also a diesel powerplant, a 1.9 L TDI engine producing 74 kW (100 hp DIN) and 177 ft·lbf (250 N·m) of torque. The Land Cruiser is widely used around the world in areas which require durability, reliability and off road performance.

Replacing the venerable 1.8 T is a turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve I4 rated at 147 kW (200 hp DIN). Originally, they were strictly utility vehicles, but they now are available as SUVs. This new 20-valve DOHC engine is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10, sharing a similar head design and the same bore and stroke dimensions (82.5 x 92.8 mm). The Toyota Land Cruiser is a series of popular four wheel drive automobiles from the Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan. The base engine is a 2.5 L (2480 cc) I5 producing 110 kW (150 hp DIN) and 168 ft·lbf (228 N·m) of torque.
. One major change is the introduction of the first independent rear suspension in a Jetta. It features bodywork reminiscent of the classic FJ40 but is based on a Land Cruiser Prado/4Runner frame and has a modern V6 engine.

Built in Puebla, Mexico and exported to North America and Europe where the A5 is called again Jetta, is larger than the fourth generation, with more upscale styling and greater interior room. Early 2005 - Toyota exhibits the "FJ Cruiser" as a 2007 model to debut in early 2006. The fifth-generation Jetta debuted at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. GX models now have seating for 8, dual airbags to supplement the ABS brakes and electrically adjustable rear view mirrors - a redesigned dashboard with satin silver trim is also included. A high performance version of the A4 Bora sold in several countries had 4 motion all wheel drive and a VR6 engine. Minor exterior changes have been made (essentially comprising of more chrome look plastic). The engine block was not changed. 2002 - Face Lift 100 Series - Face Lift versions of the 100 Series GX and VX models were released in late 2002.

This was a 30-horsepower improvement over the previous 150 hp 1.8T and was accomplished with a slightly larger turbocharger (K03S instead of K03) and a slight change to the engine programming. VX models also feature Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control to enhance vehicle stability under difficult off-road conditions. Starting with the 2002.5 model year, all Jettas equipped with 1.8T engines, regardless of trim level, produced 180 horsepower ("AWP" engine code). Together with a Torsen limited slip central differential, Active Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control provide outstanding mobility on almost any terrain. Later models of this higher trimmed GLI were available with a five speed automatic transmission with tiptronic. Dual fuel tanks, with a total capacity of 180 litres, extend the Prado's range. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 sec with a top speed of 146 mph. The centre of gravity has been reduced by 30 mm, ensuring better stability.

The interior was black with aluminum trim, including black upholstered Recaro bucket seats with red "GLI" lettering embroidered on the backrest (instead of the headrest), a black headliner with associated black trim, European gauge cluster, leather wrapped three spoke steering wheel, sunroof, Aluminum pedals (similar to Audi TT / Beetle Turbo S pedals), and a Monsoon 8-speaker stereo system with in-dash CD player and tape deck. A new ladder frame chassis, combined with a revised suspension provide outstanding durability and off-road ability. The GLI was available in Black Magic Pearl, Platinum Gray, Tornado Red, and Blue Lagoon. The new Prado's body has 60% more torsional rigidity, leading to improved off- and on-road performance, lower noise and better quality. The GLI came equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to improve vehicle handling and safety in low-traction road conditions. Both models now come with 17 inch (432 mm) wheels limiting tyre choice and enough electronics to build your own Federation Death Star. There were no options available. From April 2003, a new 4 litre V6 petrol engine will be available, delivering 183 kW and 382 N·m.

VW also installed a chrome exhaust with a single tip 2.25" in diameter. This oil burner produces 96 kW and 343 N·m of torque. The car received a stiffer and lower suspension (Eibach springs 20% stiffer than stock, 21mm front sway bar, 23mm rear sway bar, gas Monroe shocks, and upgraded rear bushings resulting in a 30mm drop in the ride height), body kit (consisting of a front valance, sideskirts, and a rear valance), larger brakes (12.3" vented discs in front, 10" vented in rear), mildly smoked headlights and smoked taillights (R/SCC/R/SCC), and 18" (457 mm) BBS RC wheels equipped with low profile 40 series high-performance summer tires (Goodyear Eagle F1). 2002 - All New Prado Released (120 Series station wagon simply Toyota Land Cruiser in the UK market) - the new Prado was released late in 2002 in both GX and VX turbo diesel form utilising the an intercooled version of the 3 litre KZ-TE engine found in the Hilux. The Anniversary Edition offered a 180 hp 1.8 L inline-4, linked to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Troopie is still not available in South Africa but appears very common in Mozambique, Lesotho and is not unusual in Botswana. In 2004, Volkswagen offered the GLI in two versions; the 'standard' GLI and the limited edition 20th Anniversary Edition GLI. Optional front and rear diff lockers.

In 2004, the GLX model was dropped. (As for the VX and Australian GXL but without the intercooler) snorkel is standard. The GLI offered sport suspension, six-speed manual transmission, and the 200 hp (150 kW) VR6. 2002 - Turbo Troopie introduced into Australia - (79 Series station wagon) with 1 HD-FTE 4.2 litre 6 cylinder 122 kW 389 N·m 24 valve turbo diesel. It was available in the GLX and the new-for-2003 GLI model. 2001 - Upgrade to high spec IFS Cruisers, various trim and equipment enhancements. In 2003, the VR6 engine moved to a drive-by-wire 24-valve design rated at 200 hp (150 kW). 2000 - High spec Cruisers and 90 Series (Prados/Colorados) get active traction control (Active TRAC), vehicle skid control equipment (VSC), and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) systems as standard equipment in some markets.

The GLX was the luxury model, with leather seats, wood grain trim, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and other amenities. Total Global production to date 3.72 million. This line offered all engine choices until 2003, when the VR6 choice was dropped. 2000 - 50th Anniversary of the Cruiser total sales of Cruisers this year is over 191,000. The GLS was a step up, with options for leather seats and a sport package. The rear leaf springs are longer for more travel and a better ride. The GL was the base model, powered by a slightly revised 2.0 L 8-valve four based on the previous models, a 1.9 L TDI (Turbo Direct Injection turbo diesel), and from 2003 on by the turbocharged 1.8 L engine. Some of those 200 mm are taken up in stretching the cab by 120 mm to increase interior room.

In some European markets, the station wagon version was marketed as a Golf ("Estate" in the UK and Ireland, "Break" in France, "Variant" in some areas) and had a Golf grille, headlights, bumper, and fenders. 1999 - The wheel-base has been extended by 200 mm to 3180 mm (125 in) putting it up there with the Defender 130. The A4 came in four different trim levels, and was also offered as a wagon. Australian Troopies use disks - more effective and less prone to sand ingress, which plays havoc with brake drums. The rounded shape and arched roofline serves as the new Volkswagestyling trademark, abandoning traditional sharp creases for curved corners. The South African version to this day still has drums at the back. Known as the Bora in Europe, the fourth-generation Jetta debuted in late 1998 after its larger sibling, the Passat, with which it shares many styling cues. It now gains the 100's live front axle and coil springs, which also brings a wider track and four pot caliper front disc brakes.

For those who preferred the GLX's looks, the GT and Wolfsburg Edition offered GLX accessories without the venerable VR6. Indeed the 79 still has leaf springs at the rear. Motivated by the renowned VR6 SOHC six-cylinder, the 172 hp (128 kW) powerplant was able to catapult the Jetta to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, the fastest Jetta to date. 1999 - The 70 Series had persisted with leaf springs all round for a lot longer than its main competitors — the Nissan Patrol and the Land Rover Defender and Discovery. By far, one of the most exciting trim levels was the GLX, replacing the GLI designation. The diesel is matched to a new manual transmission from the 100 Series with and a shorter final drive ratio — to improve performance. The diesel engine once again made its comeback with VW's revolutionary 1.9 L TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) 90 hp (67 kW) diesel engine and was offered as a separate trim level. 1999 - Toyota Australia launched the Land Cruiser 78-series, updating the trusty, not to say rustic, 70-series with the addition of a coil-sprung front axle and a choice of petrol and diesel motors from the 100 series — the trusty 1HZ diesel (96 kW at 3800 rpm, 285 N·m at 2200 rpm) and 1FZ-FE petrol engines (165 at 4600 rpm, 387 N·m at 3600 rpm).

All were powered by a 2.0 L I4 making 115 hp (86 kW). 1999 - High-spec Cruisers get independent rear automatic climate control system for added convenience and passenger comfort. The Jazz Edition was a GL with a 6-disc CD player standard. This vehicle in petrol guise won Australian 4WD Monthly 4x4 of the year award for 3 years in a row until Toyota dropped the petrol-fueled version due to forthcoming stricter emission control regulations. The City was a minimalist Jetta without a radio or air conditioning, while the 1994 Limited Edition and 1995 Celebration packages were value-priced GLs costing some $600 less than standard. The South African spec GX is supplied standard with 3 diff locks. The K2 was a similar package, but in place of the bike was a K2 snowboard or a pair of K2 skis. The Australian Standard wagon with part time 4x4, manually lockable free-wheeling front hubs, plastic carpets, no ABS, manual windows and barn door rear — a very basic utility vehicle.

The Trek was a special trim that included a bike rack, a Trek bike, spoiler, rocker panel covers, alloy wheels, and in 1997, other accessories and options available for the top-of the line GLX, save for the VR6 engine. Badged as the RV and the South African model badged as the GX (full time 4x4 with ABS very similar to Australian RV wagon). The GL was the base trim while the GLS was the luxury trim with leather seats and power locks, windows, sunroof, etc. 1998 - Toyota released solid axle versions of the 100 Series for markets with great tracts of wild territory including Australia. Exterior changes to the A3 through its production run were subtle, such as a new grille, body-colored rub strips, and different wheel covers. These 100 Series equipped with an independent front suspension were initially available with the 4.7 L V8 and later on, the 1HD-FTE 4.2 L 6-cylinder 24 valve 151 kW, 430 N·m turbo diesel. Though only offered as a four-door sedan, the A3 spawned more trim levels than any other Jetta line. Indeed the British, American and other markets only get 100 Series with an independent front suspension, and still do to this day.

The third-generation series was criticized for its "boxy" design. Independent front suspension appeared for the first time in the large Land Cruiser (first appearing in the 90 Series and Prado), causing complete consternation amongst purists: "We will never forgive Toyota for going independent at the front with the mighty 4.2 turbo-diesel" - Australian 4WD Monthly. Hailed as the "Poor Man's BMW", it was designed in-house under Herbert Schafer. Displacing 4.7 L, the DOHC engine produced 173 kW and 434 N·m on the flywheel. The Vento debuted in 1991 while the Jetta debuted in 1993. At launch it featured the first V8 engine in a Toyota car — the 32-valve 4.7 L 2UZ-FE engine. Known in Europe as the Vento, the A3 was a refined evolution of the previous-generation Jetta. It is nevertheless more fuel efficient, generates fewer emissions and is considerably quicker.

The A2 Jetta went on to become one of the first Volkswagen models produced in China. The 100 Series Land Cruiser was notably larger, heavier, structurally more solid, substantially more powerful and with better brakes than the 80 Series. In the UK the A2 series Jetta fell into the small executive saloon car class along with the Vauxhall Belmont, Rover 213/216, Daihatsu Charmant, Audi 80/90, and the Ford Orion. 1998 - Toyota introduced the 100 Series Land Cruiser station wagon, to take over the 80 Series. The A2 Jetta Carat model sported luxury trim but it did without many of the performance upgrades of the GLI. Troop Carriers are seen almost ubiquitously in television news, which are used as aid vehicles, by the UN, as ambulances and such like in the most rugged inhospitable parts of the world. The 2.0 L 16-valve was equipped with the CIS Motronic engine management system. The station wagon version was known affectionately as the "Troopie" in Australia, with the name derived from the term Troop Carrier as a result of its military utilitarian heritage.

The GLI became a serious performance contender in 1990 with the addition of the 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve four rated at 134 hp (99 kW). 1996 - The 70 Series still remains the workhorse utility vehicle of choice in the world. In 1987 VW introduced it's first twin-cam engine, a 1.8 L DOHC 16-valve that made 123 hp (92 kW). Many Land Cruiser purists were outraged at the Prado, saying that the Land Cruiser had strayed from its orignial ethos. The sportier GLI model was first powered by the standard 1.8 L gasoline four with 100 hp (75 kW). All Prados had an independent front suspension — wishbones and torsion bars giving a better on road ride. The ECOdiesel made 59 hp (43 kW) and 81 ft·lbf (109 N·m) of torque. The Prado was available in three-door short wheelbase and five-door long wheelbase versions with a choice of the 5VZ-FE petrol engine (24-valve V6, 3378 cc, 132 kW, 298 N·m) or 1KZ-TE turbodiesel (4-cyl, 2982 cc, 92 kW, 295 N·m).

Three diesel engines were offered in the A2 series: a 1.6 L naturally-aspirated diesel with 52 hp (39 kW), a 1.6 L 68 hp (51 kW) turbo diesel, and a 1.6 L ECOdiesel that was sold for two model years, 1991 and 1992. The Prado was clearly aimed directly at the Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun in the UK) niche, which has very successfully cornered a good chunk of the burgeoning SUV leisure market. Base and GL-model A2 Jettas were powered by a 1.8 L gasoline I4 rated at 100 hp (RV code Digifant engine management with a single outlet exhaust manifold) (75 kW) and later 105 hp (PF code Digifant with a freer-flowing dual outlet exhaust manifold) (79 kW). 1996 - Introduction of the 90 Series Prado (known as the Colorado in some markets such as the UK). External changes throughout the A2 series' run were few: the front-quarter windows were eliminated in 1988, larger, body-colored bumper covers and lower side skirts were added from 1990 to 1992 and there were various grille and side-cladding changes. 1996 - All American and British 80 Series models are given anti-lock brakes and airbags as standard equipment. Like the A1 series, the A2s were offered as two-door coupes or four-door sedans; coupes were limited to base, diesel and "Wolfsburg" trim levels. 1996 - In the Granada-to-Dakar Rally, a pair of Land Cruisers finished first and second in the unmodified production class.

Introduced in Europe in 1984 and in North America in 1985, the second-generation Jetta proved to be a sales success for Volkswagen, outnumbering Golf sales two-to-one and securing the title of best-selling European car in North America. The 80 Series VX is still highly desirable to this day. The A2 series is the longest reigning Jetta so far. It was not avaliable with intercooler, though many fit them themselves. Additional engine choices were a diesel 1.6 L four making 50 hp (37 kW) and, in 1984 (the final year of the A1), a "GLI" high-performance version was offered, powered by the 1.8 L engine and close-ratio transmission from the Rabbit GTI, which made 90 hp (67 kW) and 105 ft·lbf (142 N·m) torque. The turbodiesel model gained four-valve heads and a power boost to 125 kW. In 1981, the engine was upgraded to a 1.7 L producing 74 hp (54 kW) and 90 ft·lbf (121 N·m) torque. 1995 - Driver and passenger side airbags, adjustable shoulder-belt anchors introduced in some models together with anti-lock brakes.

Powering the base A1 Jetta and GL trim in 1980 was a standard 1.6 L four-cylinder producing 78 hp (57 kW) and 83 ft·lbf (113 N·m) torque. 1993 - The introduction of the turbodiesel now sporting a 24-valve, DOHC inline six-cylinder engine displacing 4.2 L. In some markets such as in Mexico the A1 Jetta was known as the Volkswagen Atlantic. Still produced today, the 1FZ-FE engine was a DOHC 4076 cc unit peaking at 160 kW and 372 N·m. A version of this model, known as the Volkswagen Fox, continued in production in South Africa until the late 1990s. 1992 - Petrol unit replaced by the new 1FZ-FE petrol engine. Styling was penned at ItalDesign, by Giorgetto Giugiaro. 1990 - 2 million sales mark is passed.

The first-generation Jetta appeared in the North American market in 1980, available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. Later the same year, wagon versions had a complete makeover. . 1990 - Introduction of new-generation diesel engines, the five-cylinder, SOHC 1PZ and six-cylinder, SOHC 1HZ diesel — still current with minor modifications to this day. The mechanicals are shared with the other Volkswagen A platform cars. The differential was lockable in 4HI and automatically locked in 4LO. This proved to be a wise move on Volkswagen's part, as the Jetta became the best-selling European car in the United States. From 1992 onwards, vehicles with anti-lock brakes had a viscous coupling that sent a maximum of 30% torque to the non-slipping axle.

Similarly, in South Africa, the Jetta remains more popular than the Golf. Series 80s produced between 1990 and 1991 had an open center differential which was lockable in 4HI and automatically locked in 4LO. The model was developed due in part of the Volkswagen marketing group's observation that the North American market leaned more towards the sedan shape as opposed to the Golf's hatchback configuration. In Africa and Australia, a part-time system was still available, with the South African version badged the GX. Until 2005 the name was only used in North America and South Africa, as it was dropped in Europe in 1991, when it was replaced by the Vento, which was in turn replaced by the Bora in 1998. 1989 - All 80 Series Cruisers sold in North America and Europe now have a full-time four wheel drive system. It is essentially a sedan version of the Volkswagen Golf. Initially the 80 was offered with a choice of three engines, the 3F-E six-cylinder petrol unit, the 1HD-T direct injection turbodiesel (120 kW, 362 N·m), and a normally aspirated 6-cylinder diesel.

The Volkswagen Jetta is an automobile manufactured by Volkswagen. Solid or beam axles front and rear, introduction of coil springs and trailing arms. 1989 - 80 Series station wagon introduced — replacing 60 Series. It was also available in a G version, allowing it to be sold in Japan as a passenger car. 1988 - The petrol engine was uprated, with the new 3F unit displacing 3955 cc and generating 108 kW.

The diesel engine was offered in the 60 Series luxury VX version generating 100 kW. 1985 - 70 Series diesel introduced. 1984 - The first Land Cruiser with an automatic transmission, the first Japanese four wheel drive vehicle to have one. The 70 Series was initially only available with the 2F petrol engine.

The 70 Series also fulfills its users expectations and soon becomes a classic itself. 1984 - 70 Series introduced — (pickups and station wagons) replacing the stalwart classic 40 Series. Specialist suppliers of aftermarket parts and restorers who return old FJ40s to better-than-new condition replace Toyota dealers as the main source of Land Cruiser expertise. In America, these classic Land Cruisers shrink in numbers each year, but clean examples rise in value.

1983 - The final year of sales for the FJ40. The 60 Series was introduced to South Africa in the 1981 Toyota 1000 km desert race, when a stock Land Cruiser showed its ability to compete on equal terms with competition off-roaders through the punishing wilds of Botswana. The new model also came with a five-speed transmission. A high-roof version was introduced, and a bigger diesel, the 3980 cm³ 2H engine, was added.

1981 - Land Cruiser sales surpassed a million. Consequenlty, the FJ60 owes much of its wide spread use,especially in Africa and Australia, to its reliability. Famed for its reliability, it is not unusual to find Fj60's with a 2F engine running strong past 300,000 miles. The FJ60 powerplant was a tuned-up version of the petrol (2F engine) and diesel (3B engine).

These comforts included:front disc-brakes, air-conditioning, rear-heater, and an upgraded interior. As a result, the Fj60 was given a variety of comforts that its predessesor, the FJ55, did not have. While still retaining the rugged off-road characteristics of previous Land Cruisers, the FJ60 was designed to compete in the emerging SUV market. 1980 - The 2nd-generation station wagon was introduced.

Bodys switched over to the new floorpan in 1979, discbrakes for all and a 3B engine for the Diesel. Diesel models did follow 1978 with a B Diesel engine. 1978 - The First FJ40 and FJ55 models were sold officially in Germany with a 2F engine and drumbrakes in the front axle. In Japan, the Land Cruiser had almost always been available with a diesel engine with an original displacement of 3.2 L, reintroduced a 3.0 L in 1976, and updated to 3.2 L again in 1979 — but was never officially available in the U.S.

1975 - The 3.8 L engine was replaced by a larger and more powerful 4.2 L version. Over the following years, the diesel engine was improved, eventually evolving into the 2B (3168 cc, 69 kW, 16 N·m) and the 3B (3431 cc, 73 kW, 226 N·m). Its introduction boosted Japanese home market sales, as the smaller engine put the diesel-powered Land Cruiser in a lower tax category than its 4.0 L petrol-fuelled sister. A four-cylinder unit displacing 2997 cc, it delivered 63 kW at 3600 rpm and 196 N·m at 2200 rpm.

1974 - The real diesel era for the Land Cruiser began this year, as the B-type diesel engine was fitted to a new BJ version of the 40 Series. 1973 - 300,000th Land Cruiser sold Worldwide. 1972 - 200,000th Land Cruiser sold Worldwide. 1968 - 100,000th Land Cruiser sold worldwide.

1967 - Introduction of the first Land Cruiser diesel for export, an export-only model fitted with the H-type 3576 cm³ engine. The 50 Series is eventually to get a more powerful (4.2 L 2F-type) six-cylinder petrol engine with outputs of 104 kW at 3600 rpm and 294 N·m at 1800 rpm. 1967 - The 50 Series has a longer, 2700 mm wheelbase model, designed with an eye to the North American and Australian markets, where it established the Cruiser's reputation for robustness and reliability over and above the competition - a reputation that continues to this day. The 50 Series or FJ55 — sometimes called 'the Moose', was produced alongside the 40 Series.

1967 - Introduction of a new station wagon Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser was the best selling Toyota in the US. 1961-1965 - Global production passed the 50,000 mark. Mechanically, the 40 was given a new, uprated 3878 cc version of the F-type engine (now producing 93 kW) and the Land Cruiser at last, receives a proper set of low range gears.

Many of the changes related to production techniques, with Toyota having procured new presses. 1961 - The 20 Series is upgraded to the now classic 40 Series. 1959 - First Toyota vehicles exported to Australia - the initial lot are Land Cruisers for use on the Snowy Mountains Scheme. From this year, an even longer (2,650 mm wheelbase) model, the FJ35V, is produced in both wagon and van body styles.

1958 - The first hardtop Land Cruiser was introduced. The 20 Series still had no low range, only the extra low 1st gear but had synchromesh on the third and fourth ratios. The interior of the vehicle was also made more comfortable, the extra space achieved by moving the engine 120 mm forward. Under the bonnet, it sported the newer, larger, more powerful F-Series six-cylinder engine (3878 cc, 78 kW).

Designed to have more civilian appeal for export than the military-oriented BJ, more stylish bodywork, a better ride thanks to longer, four-plate leaf springs which had been adapted from those of the Toyota Crown saloon. 1955 - The 20 Series Land Cruiser was introduced alongside the BJ. 1955 - The original 85 hp (63 kW) diesel engine was replaced with a 125 hp (93 kW) F-series 3.8 L petrol unit. That is why I decided to call it 'Land Cruiser'," he recalls in an interview with South African Car Magazine.

I had to come up with a name for our car that would not sound less dignified than those of our competitors. "In England we had another competitor - Land Rover. Technical director Hanji Umehara pondered over a new name. Toyota apparently believed that 'Jeep' was a generic name for a four wheel drive vehicle.

The manufacturer of the Jeep, Willys-Overland, objects to Toyota's use of the name 'Jeep', as the BJ was referred to as the 'Toyota Jeep'. 1954 - The Land Cruiser name was born. 1953 - Full-volume production of the BJ began with assembly undertaken at the Toyota Automatic Loom Works Ltd, and painting done at Arakawa Bankin Kogyo KK, later to be known as ARACO, which is now an affiliate of TMC. This acts as a catalyst for subsequent orders from the Forestry and Agricultural Agencies, together with several Japanese electrical power utilities.

Suitably impressed by the feat, the NPA promptly placed an order for 289 units, adopting the BJ as their official patrol car. The test was overseen by the National Police Agency. Fuji, the first vehicle to get this far. 1951 - In July 1951, Toyota's test driver Ichiro Taira drove the next incarnation of the BJ prototype up to checkpoint 6 of Mt.

1951 - Toyota loses a National Police Reserve Force tender, but Toyota had the confidence and tenacity to continue development of the prototype with a view to export markets which was part of the vision and strategy of Kiichiro Toyoda, Toyota's founder. Unlike the Jeep however, the BJ had no low-range transfer case, making do with an extra-low first gear with a 5.53:1 ratio. The BJ had a part-time four wheel drive system like the Jeep. The BJ was somewhat bigger than the Jeep, and considerably more powerful thanks to its 2.2 L four-cylinder L-head engine generating 61 kW at 3000 rpm and 215 N·m at 1600 rpm.

Like the British Landrover Series 1 that appeared in 1949, it has a strong resemblance to the American World War II Willys Jeep. 1951 - The BJ prototype is born in January 1951 called the 'Toyota Jeep'. 1950 - In the second half of the year, Toyota got an opportunity to tender for a contract for a Jeep-type vehicle to be procured by the Japanese National Police Reserve Force. Toyota did not respond to this tender.

put out a request to tender for 100 vehicles - the exact requirement spec is unknown. The U.S. 1950 - The Korean War created demand for a military light utility vehicle, an updated Jeep, on Japan's doorstep. The US Army Jeep arrived in the Pacific in May 1943, so allegations of the later BJ being copied from the Jeep are open to question.

It had a folding windscreen. The truck featured an upright front grille, flat front wheel arches that angled down and back like the later FJ40, and headlights that were mounted above the wheel arches on either side of the radiator. The only known pictorial representations are some rough sketches. There are no known surviving photographs of the AK10.

It was not a success and production run went to Nissan. Toyota developed a prototype, the 2-ton AK10 in 1942. 1941 - The Japanese government tasked Toyota to produce a light truck for their military campaign.