Toyota Seeks Feedback From Oz LandCruiser Owners

The global chief engineer for Toyota LandCruiser vehicles visits Australia to ask owners to provide input for the automaker’s future all-wheel-drive models.

Sadayoshi Koyari met more than 200 owners at an event organized by the Toyota LandCruiser Club of Australia that brought together owners of the SUV produced for more than 40 years.

Owners from across Australia drove to the event near Canberra in everything from the iconic FJ40 to the current 200 series, 70 series and Prado.

Koyari, a 28-year Toyota veteran, has been chief engineer for the LandCruiser 200 series, 70 series and Lexus LX since 2007. In 2010, he added the Prado and Lexus GX to his portfolio.

He says a key part of his visit is to gather feedback for the future from end-users and to reflect their requirements in vehicle improvements.

“Customers have so much experience to contribute because they use their vehicles every day,” he says in a statement. “It was great to drive with them over some rough terrain, listening to their advice on how Toyota can make the LandCruiser family even better.

“There were some great ideas that we will definitely evaluate.”

Club President Andrew Boyd says members regard Koyari as part of their extended family.

“We live and breathe LandCruiser, so it’s amazing that we can meet Koyari-san and share our ideas with the man who can make things happen,” Boyd says. “Listening to the customer has always been a great Toyota strength. It's not just a marketing slogan; this event shows it really happens.”