Toyota 'Coaster' Undergoes Model Change After 24 Years

The #coaster was first launched as the "Light Bus" in 1963, in response to increased demand for a minibus that could approximately seat 25 passengers comfortably. In 1969, the vehicle underwent a partial redesign and was later renamed Coaster―a name which it has continued to use for over the past 50 years. The #coaster supports the movement of people around the world. At present, it is for sale in over 110 countries and regions, and total sales have now exceeded 550,000 vehicles. The #coaster is also regularly seen in Japan, where it is used in a variety of situations including the transportation of passengers to and from restaurants, hotels, and kindergartens1.

The current, third-generation #coaster was launched in 1993. While this model has received praise for its outstanding reliability, there have been growing calls for a new design that incorporates the full safety features package. In addition, since the revitalization of the tourism industry is expected to lead to increased demand for minibuses, #toyota has aimed to develop a vehicle that will be cherished and ridden for many years to come. This complete redesign marks a significant evolution from the current model, and features a full range of safety functions, improved comfort, outstanding reliability, and a design appropriate for a new generation of minibuses.

The #coaster is the first vehicle to undergo a complete redesign under the supervision of the CV Company, which was established in April this year to carry out the development of commercial vehicles from the planning to production stages. The CV Company is an in-house company that oversees the development of vehicles that continue to support the lifestyles of people from various regions around the world. Going forward, the company will continue to engage in the creation of ever-better commercial vehicles.

Vehicle Outline

Outstanding body rigidity and a full range of safety equipment
- The #coaster utilizes a ringed body frame which unifies the roof, sides, and floor frame sections. The use of high-tensile steel plates further contributes to a rigid body that complies with the ECE2 Regulation 663 (Rollover) global safety-performance standard.
- VSC, which ensures safe driving by controlling sliding and other movements when cornering, is used in the minibus segment for the first time in Japan.
- SRS airbags are installed in the driver and front passenger seats as standard features. The vehicle also provides passenger safety and a peace of mind for our customers in the event of an emergency through the use of pre-tensioners, which instantly takes up seatbelt slack and secure passengers, as well as the use of force limiters, which reduces the force applied to passengers' chest regions.