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 Cresta five generations, and production eventually ceased in 2001, when it was merged with the Chaser to form the short lived Verossa, a sporty luxury car. The first Cresta was introduced April 1980 and was available exclusively at the renamed "Toyota Vista Store" (formerly Toyota Auto Store) sales channels across Japan, joining the recently introduced Chaser. The Cresta was positioned as a high-level luxury sedan just below the established, traditional luxury sedan, the Crown. The sales goal of the Cresta was to provide buyers with a luxury sedan, but not incur tax consequences for exceeding dimension regulations, the vehicle was limited