FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Toyota Debuts New Century

Passengers can relax and enjoy the ride in the luxury vehicle designed with their comfort in mind.

September 11, 2023
Toyota Debuts New Century

The Century model will be  offered to customers globally at a suggested retail price of $170,000.

IMAGE: Pexels

2 min to read


 

Toyota made a name for itself with economical and dependable cars like the Corolla or the Camry. But now the Japanese automaker plans a global debut of its six-figure superluxury flagship car.

The Toyota Century—described by some as the Rolls-Royce of Japanese cars—has long been a favorite among corporate and government leaders in Japan since its debut in 1967, reported The Wall Street Journal. But until now, the Century has been sold only in Japan.

Ad Loading...

Toyota recently unveiled plans to change the game with a new, larger, plug-in hybrid Century that will be available globally.

The hybrid model, “from the start had its eye on the world,” Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said at the vehicle unveiling event in Tokyo.

Nakajima told the paper that the new Century model will be released this year in Japan and offered to customers globally at a suggested retail price of $170,000. Toyota announced some Japanese dealers will sell the model but didn't detail sales plans for other countries, the article noted.

The Century will target the larger, luxury vehicle segment that continues to grow. Until now, Toyota has primarily served the luxury market through its Lexus brand.

Toyota announced production of the new Century models will be limited to 30 per month, besides the continued production of the existing sedan type.

Ad Loading...

The Century model, Nakajima explained, is a means of showcasing Toyota's workmanship. The details of the overseas rollout plans will come later and be based on customers' initial reactions, he said.

The Century’s styling has traditionally been boxy and understated, typically black with chrome accents, reported a Business Insider article. The new models depart from the Century’s original styling and are similar in shape to a sports-utility vehicle and show a range of silver and gray shades.

Despite changes, the Century's interior will still cater to its original purpose of chauffeuring passengers, including rear seats that fully recline, the article noted.

Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries told the Wall Street Journal that the new Century maintains “the highest of Japanese sensibilities,” while keeping changing customer needs in mind. It prioritizes passenger convenience, allowing them to have productive online meetings from the back seat while driving emission-free, Humphries said.

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Showroom

Photo of rear of Mercedes VLE passenger van
Showroomby Hannah MitchellApril 27, 2026

EVs Gain Traction in Europe

First-quarter auto sales increased as more consumers took advantage of government incentives. Hybrid deliveries are leading the way on the electrifieds boom.

Read More →
road winding through redwood trees, California EV Market Cools, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceApril 22, 2026

California Holds EV Lead Despite Annual Decline

At nearly 14%, California had the lowest zero-emission vehicle market share in the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.

Read More →
Photo of Ford F-150 grill with nameplate
Showroomby Hannah MitchellApril 20, 2026

Will Extended-Range Autos Make Inroads?

EREVs, also known as ‘series hybrids,’ may catch on in the U.S., where they currently have barely a toehold, as automakers tilt away from some purely electric models and consumers crave more range.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cars on road in European city
Showroomby Hannah MitchellMarch 30, 2026

Electrifieds Lead EU New-Vehicle Sales

Hybrids in particular lead not only EV market share but all power trains on the continent so far this year as gas and diesel continue their decline.

Read More →
Hyundai steering wheel, black leather
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMarch 30, 2026

Hyundai Expands North American Footprint

Building on a previously announced $26 billion U.S. investment, Hyundai said it will grow its North American lineup and U.S.-based production and parts sourcing.

Read More →
Image of Honda 'H' emblem
Showroomby Hannah MitchellMarch 25, 2026

Afeela EV Brand Fails to Leave the Factory

Sony-Honda venture cancels two planned models, the first of which had been pegged for a mid-2026 California delivery debut. The brand’s direct sales had been challenged by the state’s auto dealers, but the venture cites Honda’s EV retreat.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
row of SUVS in background with red and white text saying inventory with a down arrow and sales pace with an up arrow
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMarch 23, 2026

Used-Vehicle Sales Jump in February

Softening prices, rising credit availability and higher tax refunds could be behind February’s sales pace rise and accompanying dip in inventory, according to Cox Automotive.

Read More →
Graphic showing the wholesale weekly price index for 2- to 6-year-old vehicles
ShowroomMarch 17, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

The wholesale automotive market fared remarkably well given the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, Black Book analysts reported.

Read More →
Photo of line of new cars on a lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellMarch 16, 2026

FTC Targets Auto Dealers Over ‘Deceptive Pricing’

The agency sent warning letters to dozens of auto groups about what it described as illegal practices and urged them to ensure their pricing policies enable transparency with consumers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
row of cars, used vehicle demand spikes, chart showing data spike, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMarch 11, 2026

Used Market Gains Speed

New-vehicle sales fell year-over-year for the fifth month in a row in February, making retail deliveries the slowest they’ve been since 2023, according to a CarGurus report.

Read More →