Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series may be in short supply

If you thought record Australian sales of the outgoing 200 Series V8 were extraordinary, the all-new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series could take things even further.

Pre-orders in Japan have reportedly been temporarily halted after more than 22,000 examples were earmarked for eager local customers.

Toyota Australia began taking expressions of interest for the first new LandCruiser in 14 years last month, before it announces local pricing and specs in August and commences first deliveries later this year.

But we know that some local Toyota dealerships are already taking cash deposits from customers to secure their place in the queue, despite the fact prices are expected to increase by at least $6000.

We also understand the Australian launch is still on track to take place as early as October, when the new off-road ready GR Sport version is also likely to be confirmed for local release.

According to our sources, Toyota Australia’s initial allocation of vehicles is locked in and, despite the huge global demand for the Japanese brand’s new flagship SUV, the first few months of local supplies are guaranteed.

So even if other markets – including Japan – request more stock, it’s unlikely to affect initial Aussie deliveries.

However, once the first few shipments have been sold, if global demand continues to increase the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series could be hard to come by.

And that looks likely given the booming immediate demand for the new LandCruiser in regions like the Middle East, where it made its global debut and where Toyota sent its first batch, and the fact the LandCruiser is consistently among the top-selling vehicles in places Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Japanese production of the current 200 Series LandCruiser has already ended and the remaining stock of new – and used – vehicles in Australia is commanding ridiculous prices.

But as the global semi-conductor shortage continues to affect most mainstream car-makers and their ability to replenish new vehicle stocks, asking prices for the new LandCruiser 300 Series could also  skyrocket as speculative buyers seek to profiteer.

Japanese website Creative311.com has published a contract signed by one LandCruiser 300 Series customer in Japan, which essentially prohibits them from on-selling their vehicle within the first 12 months as the domestic market waiting list for the 300 Series reportedly already spills into 2023.

It’s unlikely such a contract will be required in Australia , where Toyota is still struggling to meet customer demand for some models including the popular RAV4, which continues to command delivery waiting times of several months.

The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will be available in Australia only with a new 227kW/700Nm 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel that outpowers the V8 diesel it replaces and retains its 3500kg towing capacity.

The downsized six-cylinder 300 Series will come with a new 10-speed automatic and all the off-road features expected of Toyota’s flagship large off-road SUV.

What do you think – will Aussie speculators push new LandCruiser prices to record heights as demand outstrips supply? Have your say in the comments below.