Does anyone else see the resemblence here? I'm told the new Highlander is actually based on the 1939 Toyota Kamikazi that was used by the Imperial Army during the Manchurian invasion, and that now Toyota is introducing the new Highlander as its nod to its heritage and to cash in on the retro look that Chevy has been so successful with.

 

No, I see no resemblance here. Maybe if you posted the pic of the 1939 Toyota?

EDIT: I found this picture of a 1939 Toyota (model), but I couldn't find a picture of the car you mentioned:


"Toyota Model AE
(Shin-Nihon-Go)" 1939

 

I see it too

 

The Toyota Kamikaze? That was a joke right? Somehow I highly doubt Toyota would name a vehicle after suicide pilots. I think the only Toyota vehicles used by the Imperial Army were Toyota KB/KC trucks but I could be wrong. I don't see it resembling the HHR either other than basic features like it's boxy, has four doors, a hatch, and four wheels.

 

Actually, prior to 1944 the accepted English translation of "kamikaze" was "storm wind" or "typhoon," which is what the word literally translates as. It was only in 1944, as the Japanese forces were running low on fuel for their equipment, did they adopt what became known as kamikaze tactics in attacking United States carriers, in an attempt to cripple the American's naval air power enough to equal the crippling of Japan's overall air power.

Sorry about that, I'm a WWII buff, especially the Pacific theater. Basically what I'm saying is that it would have been canny marketing people in 1939 who would have named a Toyota model Kamikaze: simply stated, the car is as swift as a storm wind, so to speak.

 

Only resemblance is somewhat the fender line especially the back door and A-pillar and windshield. It fits in with the crossover utilty vehicle family the caliber, vibe, hhr, and others.

 

Wow...I can't believe no one seemed to recognize my tongue-in-cheek. As if anyone (even the Empire of Japan) would name a car after suicide bombers. My comments were, of course, a complete fabrication to try to cleverly point out my personal reaction to the new Highlander. It has flared wheelwells, a multi-bar grill and an overall look that at my first glance made me think it kinda looked like an HHR. Only an opinion, mind you...I didn't really want to get into an argument. That's all there was to it. I'm sorry if you all took me seriously with the 1939 stuff (pulled that one right out of the air along with the name) Crazy Bob,I think it's hilarious that you actually found a picture of a 1939 Toyota. DC, I used "Kamikaze" because that was the most ridiculous name for a car that I could think of.

So...sorry for the failed attempt at mixing a little humor with reality. I shoulda known better (or at least added a disclaimer)!

I feel like Orson Wells after the broadcast of "War of the Worlds"!

 

Of course think about it, Who is a major stockholder in Toyota? It's a Us auto maker.......

 

Do you know something that we don't?? Even though you said, "a major stockholder....", no auto company is listed in the major stockholders list, as required by the SEC. Or were you using the term "loosely"....as a way of expressing an opinion? Besides I believe the Federal Government would prohibit one auto company from owning major interests in another auto company, as a matter of anti trust, fair trade, and all the rest of that crap.

It shows mostly all mutual fund companies....which is where most of the major equities are held......

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/mh?s=TM

 

That car looks like an HHR raped a Honda Pilot.

GM and Toyota have been playing footsie for years, most notably through joint ventures like NUMMI.

Ford and Mazda do the same. Don't know if Mitsubushi is still entangled with Chrysler.

But Toyota is at war with GM on trucks right now. The Tundra is killing the Silverados.