Land Cruiser 300 Series buyers in Japan are being asked not to resell their cars within 12 months of purchase, in an effort to prevent them falling into the hands of terrorist organizations.
A report by Japanese publication, Creative311, which has been translated into English by Car Expert, claims that anyone considering buying the new 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser must confirm they aren’t purchasing the LC300 for export or resale.
Approximately 20,000 new Toyota Land Cruisers have been pre-ordered in Japan, according to the report. Although the rule isn’t specified in the contract, Toyota Japan customers report that once they receive their new Land Cruiser, they can’t sell it for 12 months, and if they do, they won’t be able to purchase another Toyota. No information is available on how long the ban will last, but serious repercussions do appear to accompany it.
Toyota products are known for their dependability and toughness, making them a favourite among extremists and militias. Back in 2015, U. S. Treasury Department officials had started investigating why ISIS videos featured Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser models so frequently.
In response to the investigation, Toyota USA had issued the following statement:
“Toyota has a strict policy to not sell vehicles to potential purchasers who may use or modify them for paramilitary or terrorist activities, and we have procedures and contractual commitments in place to help prevent our products from being diverted for unauthorized military use.”
“However, it is impossible for any automaker to control indirect or illegal channels through which our vehicles could be misappropriated, stolen or re-sold by independent third parties.”
“We are committed to complying fully with the laws and regulations of each country or region where we operate, and require our dealers and distributors to do the same.”
“We are supporting the U.S. Treasury Department’s broader inquiry into international supply chains and the flow of capital and goods in the Middle East.”
The new agreement policy may be Toyota’s answer to safeguard against the latest Land Cruiser catching the same kind of infamy. The report adds that the company and the dealers can both impose penalties on the customers if violations occur.
