Japanese Prime Minister Chooses Toyota Century SUV as Official Car for First Time

On June 23, 2024, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi became the first to use the SUV variant of Toyota’s “Century” brand as her official state car, breaking the long-standing tradition of prime ministers using sedans. Launched in 2023, the Century SUV starts at ¥27 million (approximately RMB 1.132 million), ¥4 million more than the sedan version. The Japanese government has declined to disclose specific performance details, citing security concerns. Measuring over 5.2 meters in length, the Century SUV offers a spacious interior equipped with a “Rear Comfort” mode designed to minimize ride disturbances. Its rear seats can be fully reclined and feature foldable, swiveling tray tables for convenient in-car work. The vehicle is offered exclusively with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, enabling quiet, all-electric driving for short distances and hybrid operation for longer journeys. Sales of the Century SUV are limited to select Toyota dealerships, where certified brand advisors provide bespoke customization services. Monthly production is capped at 30 units. Since its debut in 1967, the Century brand has served as the preferred official vehicle for Japanese prime ministers and top corporate executives, positioned as a competitor to the Mercedes-Maybach but at a relatively lower price point. Toyota plans to elevate Century into an independent ultra-luxury sub-brand, placing it at the pinnacle of its product lineup to underscore a premium image of Japanese craftsmanship.