News Source: autoblog.com

Around these parts, if you want a Toyota minivan, you'll be looking at the Sienna. But in its domestic market, the Japanese automaker offers an entirely different line of passenger vans. And now it's updated one of its larger models. Or two, we should say.

Since Toyota operates parallel dealership networks in Japan, the minivan you see here is sold as the Alphard through Toyopet dealers and the Vellfire in its Netz showrooms. They also get subtly different designs, especially at the front. But stylistic and distribution differences aside, these two models are essentially the same.

They're smaller than the Sienna we know in every dimension but height, but larger than the Voxy/Noah and Esquire, and come in a variety of trims and configurations: with a 2.5-liter four, a 3.5-liter V6 or a hybrid powertrain, in seven- or eight-seat configurations, with or without handicapped accessibility, and in trim levels that can more than double their price from the base model to the top Executive Lounge.

Initially launched in 2002 and redesigned for 2015, the new Alphard and Vellfire also benefit from a redesigned suspension, better NVH insulation and a more accommodating and upscale interior with new technologies (including a new Panoramic View Monitor, Intelligent Parking Assist and collision-avoidance systems) to make them more comfortable, safer and easier to operate. Between the two models, Toyota expects to sell 7,000 units each month in Japan alone (3,000 Alphards and 4,000 Vellfires) before other markets across Asia are even taken into account.

Toyota Launches New 'Alphard' and 'Vellfire' Minivans in Japan

Toyota City, Japan, January 26, 2015―Toyota Motor Corporation today launched the redesigned "Alphard" and "Vellfire" minivans through dealers across Japan.

The vehicles were developed to incorporate the idea of a roomy and luxurious saloon space with a new and unprecedented sense of refinement. The new Alphard and Vellfire possess unshakeable presence with a comfortable ride, exceptional handling stability, and a roomy interior. The Alphard exterior emphasizes luxury, while the Vellfire exterior emphasizes boldness.

In addition to high body rigidity, a newly developed double-wishbone suspension was adopted for the rear to achieve a luxurious ride and exceptional handling stability. Extensive sound and vibration dampening and an aerodynamic wind-noise reducing body shape realize a quiet ride at all speeds, befitting of a luxury vehicle.

The new models also feature world-first1 advanced equipment such as the Panoramic View Monitor2 with new See-through View, which gives a driver's-perspective view of the vehicle's surroundings as if the vehicle itself were transparent, and Intelligent Parking Assist 22 with new multi-point turn support that controls steering in tight parking spaces which require repeated back and forth movement.

Monthly sales target for Japan: Alphard: 3,000 units; Vellfire: 4,000 units
Sales channels: Alphard: Toyopet dealers; Vellfire: Netz dealers
Assembly Plant: Inabe Plant, Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.