'I Hope it Comes': Australian Toyota Boss Pushing for Ultra-Luxury Century Launch

Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Sean Hanley, has revealed a "strong personal desire" to introduce the ultra-exclusive Century brand to local showrooms, positioning it as a Japanese rival to Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

The Century nameplate is legendary in Japan, traditionally reserved for captains of industry, the Imperial House, and high-ranking government officials.

While it has historically been a domestic-only product, Toyota recently revealed a new SUV model with global export ambitions — and Hanley wants Australia on the list.

Speaking to CarSauce recently, Hanley recalled seeing the new Century at the Japan Mobility Show and feeling an immediate sense of pride in the product.

"I hope it comes," Hanley said plainly. "That [car] sits outside of both of us."

By "both of us," Hanley refers to the unique positioning the Century would occupy if it arrived Down Under.

He believes the vehicle is so prestigious that it sits above the standard Toyota lineup and even beyond the current Lexus flagship range.

Because of this ultra-premium status, Hanley suggested that while it carries a Toyota heritage, the business case for bringing it to Australia would likely need to be managed by the luxury arm, Lexus.

"I think Lexus should be the ones to study that car"

If approved, the Century would not be a volume seller, but a halo model demonstrating the absolute peak of Japanese craftsmanship.

It would cater to a niche of ultra-wealthy private buyers and high-end chauffeured fleets who currently look to British marques for their transport.

While there is no official confirmation of a local launch date, Hanley’s public backing of the project suggests Toyota Australia is serious about exploring the possibility.