Industry Report: Toyota Canada Shows Exciting New Models and Concepts at CIAS

Toyota pulls from the past to bring forward its latest design, the Hummer-like FJ Cruiser which debuted in production trim at the

Tony Wearing stands next to the FJ Cruiser, under wraps, as Stephen Beatty announces that the production version will be available in Canada as a 2007 model. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Chicago auto show last week. While the production version wasn't available to show here in Canada, it is almost identical to the concept that showed up in Detroit two years ago, making the Canadian debut of the concept of particular interest.

The concept and production vehicles conger up images of Toyota's original Land Cruiser FJ40, so it is fitting that the new model will ride on a modified Land Cruiser Prado chassis, a model only sold in Europe but available in Canada as the Lexus GX 470, the same undercarriage that supports Toyota's 4Runner. FJ Cruiser is expected to be priced aggressively in

Toyota Canada's President, Ken Tomikawa, was on hand to unveil the FJ concept, presaging the arrival of the production version in 2006. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

order to attract the younger audience Toyota is targeting.

Toyota Canada's President, Ken Tomikawa, was on hand to unveil the FJ concept, presaging the arrival of the production version in 2006.

"The FJ Cruiser is designed to connect two growing markets in North America," added Wearing, "the light truck segment and the youth market...", and in the U.S., is being planned as a way to lure younger Scion buyers back into the Toyota fold. Younger buyers, who already own Toyota Echo Hatchback, Corolla XRS, Matrix and RAV4 models, would be ideal targets too, both in the U.S. and Canada.

Note: Come back tomorrow for Part 2: Lexus Going Through Styling Metamorphosis