2008 Toyota Highlander

kdhspyder

There is your answer!

IMO nothing but nothing gets in the way of this launch. There's not a word on anything other than the Tundra. This is Toyota's biggest risk ever so whatever buyers are in the market are going to hear about the Tundra this year.

Everything else takes a back seat. I'm guessing though that the NAIAS show will give us a lot more info on other vehicles.

On the Highlander it's understandable because this is the opportunity for the RX350 to shine and gain all the attention.

cubssoxs

Yeah, you are right because I was checking the NAIAS website and at this momeent there are only 10 cars making their world debut. Their website said that there should be 50-60 inroductions. So it is not just Toyota that is being quiet it is other auto manufacturers that are being quiet.

cubssoxs

Hey has anyone heard anything new yet about the 2008 highlander.

cubssoxs

hey it has been quiet around here has anyone found any new info yet.

kdhspyder

Even more interesting is that with the new Tundra just a few days away there is total embargo on all the specs and data on the new vehicle... even though they are already being built and on the way to storage yards for shipment in January. The data on Toyota's internal computers simply says 'xxxxxxx' for all the specs.

Until the Tundra is released nothing is coming out about any other vehicle.

cubssoxs

You are probably right Toyota will not release anything new until mid January when the North American International Auto Show takes place.

gasman1

Toyota plans this year to be a BIG year for them, possibly ending as number ONE. Say you want to be #1 and you have new product (Tundra, Highlander, Corolla, and possibly a surprise). Do you show your cards or do you hold them tight and reveal them one at a time?

The Tundra had to be known for several reasons: a) a huge new plant in San Antonio for this truck; b) stock holders want to know where the capital is being invested and what chances there are for future returns on this investment; c) showing the Tundra could cause people that would purchase a new GM pick-up to wait and consider the Tundra.

The Highlander and Corolla both have current models selling well. Now if you show your cards on these models, current model sales could slow. That would work against that #1 goal. Sell what you have while you have it...make a BIG splash with each new product to create excitement and energize sales to build on that #1 target.

Edmunds readers know about Future Models. However, how many buyers still don't research before they go to the dealer and shop. I know that's hard to believe and good that you find it shocking...

Toyota knows what they're doing. They know their market, their product, and their competition.

toyotagal

I wonder if Toyota will be cutting production on the 07 Highlander soon if the 08 is coming out in April or May as many say. i.e. reducing their inventory in anticipation of not having too many 07 on the lot come Spring.

I see the factory rebate is down to $1,000 now.

kdhspyder

They always do reduce production of the older model as the newer one approaches especially if there is a major change forthcoming; Camry, Highlander, Tundra, etc.

But one benefit of Toyota's overall supply system is that that dealers rarely have more than 30 days inventory on hand with another 30 days enroute. Thus when they shut down a plant, like Princeton now to make the new Tundra, whatever is in the system will be gone just as the new model arrives. Expect the same from the Highlander. It's surprising how often the last 'old' model is sold the day after or the week before the new one arrives.

gasman1

They are normally very good at judging demand to clear current model inventory. The HL could be a challnge as it's still made in Japan. I doubt that they'll have a huge inventory at the '08 HL new model release.

They will discount the '07 HL, but shouldn't require huge incentives to move them. I'd also expect limited incentives on the new '08 model, possibly a low APR, if anything.

cubssoxs

Also Toyota is being quiet about their future scion vehicles. The 2006 Scion XA and XB are due to be replaced with new models for spring 2007 as 2008 models. So Toyota is not just being quiet about the highlander they are being quiet about other future vehicles too.

dicaprio

According to a dealer in town, he said he saw pictures of the Highlander and it included many changes. I have great respect for Toyota and from this dealers reaction and non-reaction it sounded like the Highlander was not that far away. Has anybody seen one? I have been looking at the new Rav4 , however, the Highlander is a larger vehicle. Thanks/Tony D.

cubssoxs

I have not seen any pictures of the redesigned highlander. From what most signs indicate it will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Toyota has been really quiet on their future models so one they can shine the spotlight on the redesigned Tundra that comes out in feb. 07 supposedly.

willsc

I saw a site earlier and didn't pay attention to it but this site, has some nice photos and maybe the highlander isn't going to be called that anymore....
http://www.toyota.com.ph/cars/new_cars/fortuner/index.asp

toyotagal

Forget it! I suppose that we are also going to have a Hilux, Prado, Imnva, Vios and Avanza as well...........................LOL

cubssoxs

Hey I checked what cars are supposed to be revealed at the NAIAS and I did not see any Toyota's being revealed except for a sports concept model. So I guess the new highlander will be revealed at the chicago auto show.

nippononly

That's the 4Runner variant in that country. AFAIK, the only place they use the 4Runner name is in the States.

I have a feeling the next HL will use the same name, as this name has some brand equity now.

cubssoxs

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/AutoshowArticles/articleId=118802?tid=edmun- ds.il.home.photopanel..2.*

This website shows the unveiling schedule for the NAIAS which as I said I dont see Toyota revealing any production models such as the 08 highlander.
So everyone here is saying it supposed to be released in May of this year than is Toyota going to reveal the 08 highlander at the chicago or new york autoshows.

toyotagal

Our local Car Czar got a chance to get a sneak peak in Detroit before the Media Day kicked off on Sunday. And he noted the new models catching his eye. And there was no mention of a Highlander. So, I think you are right, no Highlander for Detroit.

cubssoxs

As I said I guess we will have to wait for the next auto show which in this case is the Chicago Auto Show.

cubssoxs

Hey I have just checked the website for production debuts at the detroit auto show. And according to their website around 12:00pm this Sunday Toyota is unveiling a new production model. I dont know if it is the highlander because the picture that is given is just a car with a drape over it.
I do know one thing I think I am sure of is that the model that Toyota is debuting is either one of the following models Highlander, Corolla, Sequoia, and possibly landcruiser.
Stay Tuned

stever

Inside Line has the 2007 Detroit Auto Show Unveil Schedule posted.

They even have a pic up of the Toyota offering:



:shades:

With everyone ignoring the press embargos, I'm surprised we haven't seen more leaks about the Toyota offerings at Detroit. I've seen reports of a new Corolla and Tundra SuperCrew to be shown.

kdhspyder

That's the official unveiling of the new CrewMax Tundra with all the specs about the 5.7L.

There's the hybrid sports car concept also but that's it for Detroit this year.

Tundra, Tundra, Tundra, .......

cubssoxs

It is not a production model it is that sports concept model that Toyota is unveiling. I goofed because I saw the sports concept model to the right of the mystery model. But I later read somewhere else that Toyota is unveiling their sports concept model this Sunday.
So you were right because they want the Tundra probably to get all the spotlight in Detroit because it is going in production next month.
So because everyone here is saying the highlander is going into production in May I belive then it will be unveiled in Chicago or New York.

drfill

Since it is a larger show, and less truck-oriented, expect it to show up at the Javitz Center in April.

DrFill

cubssoxs

That mystery car that was revealed at the auto show was the Toyota Tundra Crewmax. So no new highlander in Detroit.

cubssoxs

Also I checked chicago auto show website and I saw no signs of the redesigned Highlander. So I believe it will be revealed in New York.

webgood

Looks like maybe the FT-HS hybrid sportster concept.

beamup

I spoke to a Toyota salesperson a week ago, and he informed me that a newly redesigned Highlander will be on the sales floor in the spring--possibly March or April.

cubssoxs

Hey if you see that salesperson again ask him when Toyota is going to reveal what the new highlander is supposed to look like. Also is it going to be revealed at the New York Auto Show or the Chicago Auto Show

nippononly

has many times in the past revealed a new model mere weeks before it was ready to go on sale. Indeed, look at the Tundra. When did we have a production-ready model at an auto show? They have been building it for a number of weeks already! V-6 and 4.7L models will be at dealers in just a few weeks. And the 5.7L models won't be later than March to make their first appearance.

cubssoxs

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=119131
New Toyota plant is going to build the next gen highlander plus a new crossover wagon called the Ace

nifty56

The plant won't be up and running until 2009. So the new 2008 Highlander will be built somewhere else and tranfered to the new plant?

cubssoxs

Yes, I know that the plant wont be running till 2009

toyotagal

A good point! Originally "they" were talking of building the next model year Highlander in the U.S. But that isn't going to happen for couple of years it seems. Hence the 2008 styled Highlander will need to be built in Japan in 2007 and 2008.

Or is it possible that all the hoopla about the 08 Highlander coming out early is nothing but baloney sandwiches?

It still for some reason doesn't sit completely comfortably with me that the 08 Highlander will come out as soon as April when the 07 just were released a couple months back.
And they do not have the Plant where it was "supposed" to have been built.

I don't think I have ever seen a 6-7 month model year for a Highlander. I suppose it is possible but................

cubssoxs

There will be a new redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander which will be built at a another plant. I admit it seem weird that it will come out in April because that is only a few months away.

Of course there are two more auto shows in
Chicago and New York.

I bet though for sure that Toyota will release the new highlander sometime between Spring and Fall.

I just cannont imagine Toyota keeping the current design for 2008. So the new highlander is coming but the big question is WHEN.

kdhspyder

The dealer principals/owners have 'seen' the new Highlander already so it's ready...for whatever time frame Toyota deems correct. But like everything else it's zipped up tighter than a drum.

stever

zipped up tighter than a drum

Wonder what that is?

Who was that under the Toyota Tundra? and Detroit Auto Show: Lutz Explores the Tundra

webgood

These things take time...they're just trying to get all their ducks in the pond.

gasman1

The original Highlander (2001) wasn't a full year model. I'm not sure when it came out, but beleive it was Jan/Feb '01. It's not uncommon for a short year on the out-going model. The '08 early-intro in Sring '07 could mean a long-run until Fall of '08 for the '09 model. That's also common with several vehicles.

Anything's possible, but we should see the '08 HL this Spring.

toyotagal

You may well be correct. That is what everyone is saying, i.e. a Spring 07 release date.

I am getting into the 07 mode now but of all things it is the only Toyota Model in these parts without Dealers pushing them. i.e. Dealer discounts, advertising etc.

Either the 07s are quietly still hot or they have cut back production drastically. Or a little of both.

The only thing of note in the papers around here, as it relates to Highlanders is the 1K factory rebate.

cubssoxs

I have a feeling the new highlander will still come out the spring of this year.

People here have been to Toyota dealerships and they have said it will come out spring of this year. Also I keep hearing the samething from other sources.

But the interesting topic is whether Toyota will reveal the highlander at one of the two upcoming auto shows which are chicago and new york. Thats the question spring ain't that far away and there is no new info on the new highalander

toyotagal

"Whether" has been circulating for some time. First we had someone say it would come out in LA. Then we had those who said since it did not come out in LA it should be available in Detroit. Now we have Chicago and New York. However, I would not be surprised at all if it did not come out at either of those shows as well. For what it is worth.

And although nearly everyone is saying April or May for it to be on show room floors, personally, I would not place any bets on that either. JMO

kdhspyder

April/May would still be putting it in the way of the Tundras and that's not going to happen this year. Also the Rx350 still is 'owed' it's full year in the spotlight.

July/August is my estimate.

cubssoxs

Fall 2007, would seem right in my opinion but who really knows because as I said spring is not far away.

nxs138

The only thing of note in the papers around here, as it relates to Highlanders is the 1K factory rebate.

I think Toyota is being very smart about this: they don't have to leak pictures or info, since the Highlander is already well established and a hot seller. So might as well wait until the last minute to reveal the redesigned model, while still charging full price on the old one. I'm surprised they are even offering rebates.

Many new crossovers are coming out now and in the next month or so: the GM Lambdas, the Mazda CX-9, the Hyundai Veracruz, the Ford Edge...it would make sense for Toyota to hold back for a few more months so that the initial excitement from all the other crossovers has dissipated; that way it will only compete with the Pilot redesign (assuming that comes out around the same time) and not get lost in the crowd.

lucky_777

Don't forget about new Murano, it is due for redesign this year as well.

cubssoxs

Yes, but at least there are acutual spy photos of the new Murano. There are ZERO spy photos of the redesigned Highlander.

cubssoxs

I was at a local Toyota dealership and the salesperson told me there is supposed to be a new Highlander and new Corolla coming out in the middle of this year.

He told me though he has not seen any photos of these future vehicles. He said not even the sales people get much info on future vehicles because of course Toyotas wants to keep their sales high.

kdhspyder

The second item is true. Manufacturers doesn't want buyers holding off and waiting 'til next year to buy. Today's buyers are more important than next year's potential buyers.

Mid year 2008 MY for the Highlander but 12 months for the new Corolla, prolly as a 2009 MY.