This Toyota Land Cruiser wagon remake has been exclusively designed for organizations like the United Nations, making it unavailable for civilian purchase. Surprisingly, Geneva, Switzerland, might not be the first place you'd expect to find a high number of Land Cruisers from the 70 Series. The city boasts well-maintained roads, which are far from austere. However, Geneva is also home to the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and numerous other humanitarian aid organizations that operate in the most challenging regions across the globe.
In essence, Geneva serves as the ideal location to introduce the GDJ76. While it may resemble a classic Land Cruiser, this is a completely new model crafted by Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings. This company modifies and supplies Toyota fleet vehicles, exclusively offering them to humanitarian aid organizations such as those previously mentioned.
Currently, Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings markets the HZJ76, a "wagon" variant in the 70 Series lineup designed to accommodate ten passengers with troop seating in the rear. You've probably seen this vehicle in the news, adorned with the UN logo.
The new GDJ76 receives the same modern updates as the contemporary Australian and JDM "civilian" versions but does away with some of the creature comforts like automatic high-beam headlights, featuring basic halogen lamps, a digital gauge cluster, or a touchscreen. However, it is equipped with Toyota Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and manually locking hubs for enhanced reliability. The signature white paint and black snorkel from the HZJ76 are also retained.
Powering the GDJ76 from Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings is the 1GD-FTV engine, a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The most significant improvements lie here, as TGS reports a 30% increase in fuel efficiency compared to the previous six-cylinder 1HZ engine. Power output has risen from 129 horsepower to 201 hp. Emissions have decreased by 30%, allowing the GDJ76 to meet Euro4 emissions standards, a requirement for its operation in some of the countries it will serve.
The delivery of the GDJ76 to aid organizations is scheduled to commence in March 2024. According to TGS, the United Nations is one of the initial customers placing a substantial fleet order.
