Toyota Century could be sold outside of Japan

The charming new Toyota Century has been well received the world over since it was revealed online a week or two ahead of its official unveiling at the 2017 Tokyo motor show. Unfortunately, the third generation is once again a Japan-only affair, though there is a glimmer of hope the new one will make it to some other markets. Rumours at the 2017 Tokyo show have suggest the company is keen on the idea of selling the hand-built Century in additional countries, but only if it’s sure there is enough demand.

While that’s certainly good news, don’t get too excited since the company expects to sell a mere 600 units at home in Japan per year, so these numbers would be significantly lower in other regions of the world where only a few people have heard of this car. In a segment dominated by the German trio (Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8) and the Lexus LS, we’re afraid Toyota’s luxobarge would struggle in Europe.

It may have seats covered entirely in wool and a desirable body with seven layers of paint that remind us of Toyotas from yesteryear, but we’re not so sure these features would be enough to lure in buyers that would otherwise go for one of the mainstream prestige models. The previous Century – sold for about two decades – was even more special as it had a V12 engine whereas its replacement has been downsized to a hybrid V8.