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Toyota will launch a new Business version of the Land Cruiser 4x4 in July. It seems that, not content with re-launching such iconic nameplates as the Corolla and Camry this year, that Toyota also thought that the time was ripe for the re-introduction of the VAT-friendly Land Cruiser.
I know what you're thinking - weren't these 'Business Edition' big 4x4s legislated out of existence last year by a change in the way N1 commercial vehicle tax was calculated? The answer is yes, but Toyota Ireland has found a way around all that.
Not by doing anything underhanded, it must be noted - the new Land Cruiser Business is cheaper because Toyota Ireland has been able to negotiate a better wholesale price for it from the factory. It will no longer qualify for the commercial rate 13.3 per cent Vehicle Registration Tax, as could its predecessor, and instead will be charged the hefty 34 per cent passenger car VRT on the basis of its CO2 emissions.
However, it does qualify as an N1 commercial vehicle from a VAT point of view, so Toyota is offering the new version at an ex-VAT price of €56,907. That would suggest a VAT-inclusive price of just under €70,000 - not cheap, exactly, but a significant discount from the old regular seven-seat passenger Land Cruiser's price tag of more than €100,000.
Order books are open now, and the new Land Cruiser Business will go on sale in July.
Commenting on the return of the Land Cruiser Business model, Steve Tormey, Chief Executive of Toyota Ireland said: "The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary car in the Toyota line-up, known for its powerful performance and ability to tackle any terrain. It's been a firm favourite of our Irish customers and we're delighted to reintroduce the Business model at a competitive price point. As the only five-seater model in the N1 segment it's a fantastic offering for customers."