Toyota Highlander in 2006. In Japan, the Kluger is exclusive to dealership network called "Toyota NETZ" as a larger alternative to the RAV4. Unable to use the Highlander name in Japan and Australia because of a trademarked Hyundai Terracan trim line, Toyota calls the vehicle the Toyota Kluger (pronounced "Klu-ger") there. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever ("Kluger" meaning "one who is smart"). The Highlander (or Kluger in Japan and Australia) shared a platform with its Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier cousin. It came in five (2001–2007) and seven-seat (2004–2007) configurations and became a sales success
Toyota Verossa 2001, appeared in conjunction with the "Toyopet Store" alternative called the Progrès, and the "Toyota Store" Brevis. Toyota replaced the aging Toyota Mark II stablemates, the Chaser and Cresta which ended production together in 2000, combining the sporting aspects of the Chaser with the high luxury content of the Cresta, in a vehicle that was smaller than the Toyota Crown, a favorite with Japanese luxury car buyers for decades. The Verossa was a larger version of the Toyota Altezza that appeared in 1998 that became a sales success, offering high performance and luxury with a straight 6 engine and rear