The Toyota Alphard and other luxury minivans are gaining popularity in China
The Toyota Alphard and other luxury minivans are gaining popularity in China. In Japan, minivans are also in high demand, with models such as the Toyota Noah/Voxy, Honda Stepwgn, and Nissan Serena ranking high in new car sales. The Alphard, known as the king of minivans, has been popular in Japan since its debut in 2002 and is also gaining popularity in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong where it is considered a status symbol. In the Chinese market, there is a trend towards valuing comfort and luxury in the interior of minivans.
In China, a Toyota dealer in Beijing has a micro minibus based on the Toyota Coaster but with the design of an Alphard, offering a spacious interior for up to 12 passengers. The vehicle has luxury features such as large seats with armrests and built-in tables, LED lighting, and large monitors. The Alphard design is popular in China for VIP transportation and has inspired customizations of other vehicles such as the Honda Odyssey and Buick GL8.