auto dealer in black and red 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.

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.

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.

More Dealer Ops

hands making protective frame over red car, Risk Reality Check, Be Proactive, Auto Dealer Today logo
DigitalApril 1, 2026

Managing Risk Effectively Through Changing Times

The variables influencing risk pricing have changed significantly over the past five years. Being proactive and responsive to emerging trends is not optional but essential.

Read More →
Car key, stacks of coins, and a paper car cutout with AutoPayPlus logo, representing auto financing, loan terms, and vehicle affordability trends.
Dealer Opsby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Survey Reveals What Won't Fix Forces Breaking Car Sales

AutoPayPlus says extra-long auto loans are trapping consumers and threatening the dealer trade-in cycle, and that the industry is leveraging the wrong tools to combat high MSRPs.

Read More →
Headshots of two male executives
Dealer Opsby StaffMarch 24, 2026

IA American Appoints Two Execs

Senior vice presidents of the company's agent and dealer channels chosen to support general agents and help auto dealers with sales and performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dealer Opsby StaffSeptember 8, 2025

Cox Automotive Acquires Inspection Firm

Full ownership of Alliance Inspection Management, or AiM, meant to unlock growth for Manheim inspection capabilities

Read More →
Dealer Opsby StaffAugust 26, 2025

Assurant Expands Partnership With Holman

Extended collaboration delivers training, products and performance development to 30 newly acquired Holman dealerships

Read More →
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 26, 2025

Franchises, Throughput Down in First Half

A handful of states see franchise growth through June, while EV sales per store boost overall business in U.S.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SalesAugust 25, 2025

How to Build a High-Performance Sales and F&I Team

Performance and profits start with people chosen and led the right way.

Read More →
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 19, 2025

Buy-Sells Up in Q2

Kerrigan metrics show there’s plenty of demand, though many sellers are waiting to pull the trigger.

Read More →
Graphic for July 15, 2025 webinar “Driving Directions to Your Secure Auto Destination,” listing vehicle theft, vandalism, insurance losses, and other security risks with a laptop meeting image.
Dealer Opsby StaffAugust 14, 2025

Webinar Gives Driving Directions for Vehicle Security

Free on-demand session shares solutions for securing vehicle storage and parking facilities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dealer Opsby Hannah MitchellAugust 7, 2025

Own Your Missteps

We all mess up from time to time, but it’s how we address the mistakes that really matters.

Read More →