I already explained my personal -sentimental- reasons of acquiring a Toyota Hilux to tour Africa.
BUT! There are other -practical and obvious- reasons why I opted for this specific car model.
Back in 2020, when I was overlanding through Southern Africa, I could notice this white pick-up truck literally EVERYWHERE on the road.
When back in Europe, and looking for my ideal expedition vehicle, I did some research about the adequate 4x4 to roam in Africa. Again: not to roam in the world but specifically IN AFRICA.
And yep! The Toyota Hilux is the leading car model in Africa! And it’s very funny because when I decided to buy mine in Europe, people from there seemed very doubtful: ‘it doesn’t look good, go for a …! (-other brand)’
- I was NOT looking for a GOOD-LOOKING car BUT for a RELIABLE 4x4 (and a LOCAL vehicle!).
OR: ‘you will get noticed in that truck in Africa! ‘ -so, please, go to Africa and tell me again if I’ll get noticed in my Hilux amongst the thousand other (nicest!) Hilux we can spot on the road there (and not only, in very small villages as well!). Well, maybe I can get noticed with the stickers now.
WHY IS TOYOTA HILUX SO POPULAR IN AFRICA?
‘Toyota has built up a reputation of rarely being the cause of those sort of life-or-death situations, and that's why Africans continue to buy the Hilux in vast quantities. It's South Africa's best-selling car and best-selling pick-up, shifting over a quarter more than the Ranger, its nearest rival.’
So, dear some European people, do you better understand my choice now?
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