Japan

Toyota

60014598

1st

Toyopet Light Truck SKB (Toyoace)

Released date : 1954/ 9/--

body type

Truck/Picup

TRUCK/PU

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  • Specification
  • Description
  • Plant
  • Name origin
Grade SKB
Model type
&
weight
Model type SKB
Curb mass(kg) 1130
Dimensions Length(mm) 4237
Width(mm) 1675
Height(mm) 1850
Wheelbase(mm) 2500
Engine Engine code S
Engine type In-line 4-cylinder, OHV
Displacement(cm3) 995
Max. output kW(PS)/r.p.m. -/30/4000
* The specifications are those of representative model grades.
* Max. output represents a net rating. In the above table, digits separated by slashes ( / / ) stand for kW, PS, and r.p.m., respectively.
* The model numbers of these vehicles are SKB.
In September 1954, the Toyopet SKB light truck made its debut with a carrying capacity of one ton. The model was renamed the Toyoace in 1956 in a public naming competition.

At the time in Japan, the small cargo vehicle market was dominated by three-wheeled trucks. However, as three-wheeled trucks were beset with problems in terms of stability, weather resistance, and ride comfort, Toyota developed a small semi-cab-over type truck as an alternative. Its design was extremely simple but practical, featuring a flat windshield and hammock type seats, among other things. Still, the vehicle was initially priced at 625,000 yen, which was far too expensive to compete with small three-wheeled trucks. To bolster sales of the Toyoace, therefore, Toyota inaugurated the Toyopet sales channel and strategically reduced its price. Eventually the price dropped to as low as 460,000 yen, a level that was sufficiently competitive with three-wheeled trucks. This marketing strategy worked, leading to the rise of four-wheeled trucks which eventually replaced their three-wheeled counterparts.
Plant Koromo plant(now Honsha plant), Toyota Auto Body Co.,Ltd.
"Toyoace" is a combination of "Toyota" and "ace."
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This page is part of TOYOTA A HISTORY OF THE FIRST 75 YEARS website. For information on currently marketed vehicles, please refer to the Toyota Motor Corporation website.