World Landcruiser Day

[Mojo]

Is there one?

Year 2021 brings up 70 years of the Toyota Jeep BJ
Year 2025 brings up 70 years for 'Landcruiser' with the 55 series

It's just that there is a lot of chatter on the web (not from Towpack's clutch) as it's 70 years of Landrover today...and acclaimed as World Landrover Day.

Maybe this club could start something rolling to build up towards celebrating in the future, besides sounds like another good excuse for an outdoor party...just need an 'annual day'.

 

[StarCruiser]

Not from Towpack's clutch

 

[StarCruiser]

Is there one?

Year 2021 brings up 70 years of the Toyota Jeep BJ
Year 2025 brings up 70 years for 'Landcruiser' with the 55 series

It's just that there is a lot of chatter on the web (not from Towpack's clutch) as it's 70 years of Landrover today...and acclaimed as World Landrover Day.

Maybe this club could start something rolling to build up towards celebrating in the future, besides sounds like another good excuse for an outdoor party...just need an 'annual day'.

I have to say I think this is a brilliant idea. Maybe contact Toyota themselves perhaps?

 

[IRLGW]

I say that in order to celebrate world landcruiser day a Landrover should be sacrificially burnt? If the owners refuse to get out- well that's up to them isn't it?

 

[StarCruiser]

I say that in order to celebrate world landcruiser day a Landrover should be sacrificially burnt? If the owners refuse to get out- well that's up to them isn't it?

Nah, happens too regularly to Range Rovers as it is…

 

[clivehorridge]

“Chatterbox”

Shame on us...

 

[StarCruiser]

“Chatterbox”

Shame on us...

True. I really do feel for TP on this one. I’ve been there with other things and HATE doing things twice!!

 

[rellyboy_me]

so any date has been finalized????

 

[Rodger]

On 24th June 1954 the name 'Land Cruiser' was chosen by Toyota in response to Willys suggesting that 'Toyota Jeep' was an infringement of their trademark.
So in just over a month Land Cruiser will be 64.
In response to the question, 'Will you still love me when I'm 64?' The answer is a resounding 'yes'!

Regards,
Rodger

 

[Rodger]

If the 1954 date does not satisfy then July 1953 should/could be suitable as the anniversary of the BJ being driven to checkpoint 6 on Mount Fuji by test driver Ichiro Taira.

Regards

Rodger

 

[Rodger]

Being retired, I probably have more available time, so I have written to Toyota. The body of the letter is below:

As the owner of a 1977 BJ40 Land Cruiser for the last sixteen years, I am a member of various Land Cruiser forums and recently discussions have started regarding a potential event/s to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the launch and subsequent success of the Land Cruiser.

However there is some debate as to which date to choose:
1. 2021 - 70 years since the launch of the Toyota Jeep BJ
2. 2023 - July 1953, BJ to checkpoint 6 on Mount Fuji
3. 2024 – 24th June 1954 naming of Land Cruiser

With the worldwide success of the Land Cruiser, many of us feel that, whichever date is chosen, it should be marked by events in various countries/continents e.g. Europe, USA, Australia, etc, and that the arms of Toyota in those locations should be involved. Obviously for individuals to organise and coordinate a worldwide event is impossible, even with today’s communications, but the Land Cruiser has over the years impacted significantly on every continent and, as such, that unparalleled contribution should be celebrated. As we are all aware Land Cruisers have a loyal following worldwide and they have, in the past, been the flagship that has opened up new markets for the company i.e. America.

During my career, before retirement, I had been involved in national event organising in the UK, Europe and America so I appreciate the level of time and effort involved but believe this to be a fantastic marketing opportunity for Toyota and the Land Cruiser, aside from re-affirming the ongoing relationship with existing and enthusiastic owners.

Does Toyota have any embryonic plans to celebrate 70 years of the Land Cruiser? Which date, of the three above, is preferable or is there another significant date which we have overlooked?

Regards,
Rodger

 

[uHu]

Fantastic Rodger. Where did you send it?

 

[Rodger]

Thanks. In post tomorrow to Marketing department, head office, Toyota Europe.

If I don't get a response, within a reasonable time, I shall send copies to Head Honcho in Toyota Europe and Japan, slightly altered of course, explaining my disappointment at the lack of a response. I've always figured to give the right department the chance and, in the event of no response, then go to the head man.

I shall keep this thread informed.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[GeekOKent]

It may also be worth talking to Toyota Gibraltar. They seem to have a direct line to the mothership.

 

[Rodger]

In the absence of any acknowledgement or response to my original letter I have today written to Akio Toyoda, President in Japan and to Takashi Hirobe, President at the European HQ. As suggested by GoK a copy will go to Gibraltar once I have found the right name, so probably tomorrow.

Rodger

 

[Rodger]

Gib done and sent.

 

[Rodger]

On July 31st I received the following email:

We thank you for your letter addressed to our marketing department . We are sorry for the delay in replying to you.

We wish to thank you for your patronage of the Toyota products.

We have been informed by our colleagues from marketing that Currently they are not planning any LC 70 years celebration.

Once again, we thank you for considering Toyota.

Kind regards,

************************************

Customer Relations Department

Customer Experience

Toyota Motor Europe

Then a couple of days later this reply from Japan:

Regards,

Rodger

 

[Higgy]

Well, At least they had the decency to write to you to tell you their not going to do anything.. Shame really

 

[MarkW]

Manufacturers don’t often get involved with sort of thing. More often it’s the owners clubs who get the ball rolling and occasionally the manufacturers get involved.

This year marks 60 years of the ford escort and the only celebration has been at the big ford shows with support from the owners clubs.

I don’t think landrover were involved with the 70th anniversary parade at Goodwood this year. But I didn’t see that, too busy looking at proper cars

 

[Mojo]

Thanks Rodger for the updates..at least Toyota are aware that this club may do something. And yes the onus is probably back on the club, with support from a local dealership.
Not sure about a parade but a viral picture is the way to go. One idea I had whilst drinking Tsing Tao Chinese Beer was spelling out Landcruiser Club or World Landcruiser Day with enough LC vehicles in some green field/dramatic scenery - and take a drone shot (also an excuse for a massive meet up). May even have to invite are European neighbours to come across and join if we don't have enough cars! Would have to keep it secret incase the 'Rover' Club decide to sabotage it and change the lettering.
Sure there are plenty more ideas out there...