Toyota Alphard

Toyota Alphard
Toyota Alphard X (AH30)
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
Also called
  • Toyota Vellfire (2008–present)
  • Toyota Crown Vellfire (China, 2021–present)
  • Lexus LM (2020–2023)
Production2002–present
AssemblyJapan: Inabe, Mie (Toyota Auto Body)[1][2]
Body and chassis
ClassMinivan
Body style5-door minivan
Layout
Chronology
PredecessorToyota Granvia / Grand HiAce (XH10)

The Toyota Alphard (Japanese: トヨタ・アルファード, Hepburn: Toyota Arufādo) is a minivan produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven or eight-seater with petrol and hybrid engine options. Hybrid variants have been available since 2003, which incorporates Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. It is Toyota's flagship minivan.[3]

The Alphard is primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in many Asian countries,[4] Belarus,[4] Russia,[5] and the Middle East.[6] Similar to the Camry, it is often regarded as a luxury car in Southeast Asian markets.

Since the second generation, a twin model called Toyota Vellfire (Japanese: トヨタ・ヴェルファイア, Hepburn: Toyota Verufaia) has also been available, which is marketed as a sportier alternative to the Alphard and exclusively marketed by the Netz Store dealership chain until 2020. Since 2019, a modified and more upscale version of the model has been sold as the Lexus LM.

The vehicle was named after Alphard,[7] the brightest star in the constellation Hydra. Until the third generation, the Alphard wears a special front emblem which depicts the lowercase alpha letter.[8] A prominent design feature of the Alphard is its shield-like grille, which it's had since the launch of the AH30 generation in 2015.

The name "Vellfire" was derived from "velvet" and "fire" to emphasize "smooth" and "passionate" as characteristics of the vehicle.[9] Starting from the AH30 generation, the Vellfire has been given aggressive styling to reflect being the sportier version of the Alphard. As of the AH40 generation, the Vellfire received its own unique insignia in the form of a stylized 'V', in an effort to further distinguish it from its twin.

  1. ^ Suzuki, Masato (26 January 2015). "新型トヨタ・アルファード／ヴェルファイア発売" [All-new Toyota Alphard/Vellfire launched]. Car Graphic. WebCG. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  2. ^ "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd". Toyota Motor Corporation. 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  3. ^ "Toyota 'Alphard' Minivan Reborn with 'Vellfire' Companion" (Press release). Toyota. 12 May 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  4. ^ a b Brindusescu, Gabriel (30 December 2013). "Toyota Alphard Gets Matte Grey Wrap in Hong Kong". autoevolution. Romania. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
  5. ^ "Toyota Alphard Minivan Now Sold in Russia". Wroom.ru. 25 October 2011. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
  6. ^ "Lexus is embracing middle age, debuting the LM minivan in Shanghai".
  7. ^ "75 Years of TOYOTA | Vehicle Lineage Chart | Data: Origin of a car's name". Toyota. 2012.
  8. ^ "アルファードのエンブレムのモチーフはなに？" [What is the motif of the Alphard emblem?]. CARTUNEマガジン | 車のカスタム、パーツ情報から日常ケア情報まで自動車情報を網羅 (in Japanese). Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  9. ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | Vehicle Lineage Chart | Data: Origin of a car's name". www.toyota-global.com. Retrieved 7 June 2023.