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Toyota Australia has today clarified its position on LandCruiser 300 Series deliveries, with the brand confirming the production nightmare it currently finds itself in has forced it to essentiality scrap existing pre-orders to start again when production becomes available.
While some 500 LC300 models are either in or on their way to Australia, those vehicles will be used exclusively as demonstrator models across Toyota's hundreds-strong dealership network, and won't be able to sold – at least in the short term.
Parts supply issues and the resurgence of Covid-19 across South-East Asia has rocked Toyota's production schedules across its entire line-up, with few models as heavily impacted as the LC300.
As a result, Toyota has today announced it is essentially cancelling existing pre-orders and will re-process them when they are able to match an order against confirmed production. The brand wouldn't be drawn on how many orders they've got on the books, other than to say "it's healthy". The brand says it hopes the order of the queue won't change, though that will fall onto individual dealers.
"We've taken the step to cancel the pre-orders right now, temporarily," says Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley. "The reason we've done that is so we can re-input them and match them with a production month to give certainty to the customer."
At this stage, the brand hopes Australian right-hand-drive production will return in November (though it can't confirm it), but it won't commit to when we might see those vehicles in Australia, or how long someone that orders today might have to wait for their new LC300. The brand does point out that customers are still able to order the LC300, and place deposits, but that those orders won't be confirmed until stock can be allocated, and at this stage, it's unsure how long that will be.
"Unfortunately, customer deliveries have been delayed as the factory is unable to produce any right hand drive LandCruisers in September or October," Mr Hanley says.
"Right now, we're expecting production for our market to resume in November, this is an evolving situation. To support our guests and dealers, we will not be confirming orders until they can be matched to a specific production month.
"Right now, we will receive an update on November production later in October. Given this is an evolving situation, we are continuing taking pre-orders, but to ensure the best customer experience, we will not confirm delivery timing until they can be matched to a specific production month."
Mr Hanley also took the opportunity to apologise so Toyota customers, of the LC300 and the rest of the range.
"Toyota understands your frustration, and I sincerely apologise for these delays," he says.
"I want to thank you for your patience and assure you we are doing everything we can to get you behind the wheel of your new Toyota as soon as possible."
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