Toyota to pause LC70 production

TOYOTA will pause production of its popular LandCruiser 70 Series from September as the iconic 40-year-old four-wheel drive prepares to meet stricter emissions regulations.

According to Australian publication Drive, the LandCruiser 70 Series – which was recently updated to be powered exclusively by turbocharged 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel power – may soon require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF, commonly known under its AdBlue trade name) in order to meet Euro 6 standards.

DEF is stored in a separate tank to diesel fuel and is sprayed over exhaust gases to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) levels. Most new diesel-powered vehicles sold in Australia now feature a DEF system.

The eight-month production pause will allow Toyota to revise the LandCruiser 70 Series to comply with incoming regulations, with production set to recommence in the middle of 2026.

Toyota Australia told Drive that it has ample stock of LandCruiser 70 Series variants to cover the production pause, saying it has ordered additional supply to ensure customer demand is fully satisfied.

“There will be a production pause for LandCruiser 70 Series to allow for changes relating to the new ADR 80/04 (emissions regulations) that comes into effect from 1 November 2025,” it said.

“The eight-month pause from September 2025 is based on the normal production cycle for this model.

“We have ordered additional supply so we can continue to meet demand for this rugged workhorse throughout the pause.”

The new emissions regulations known as ADR 80/04 (closely related to Euro 6 ‘Stage C’ standards) have been applied in overseas markets for some time.

It applies to heavy commercial vehicles with a GVM exceeding 3500kg and came into effect for all newly launched models on 1 November 2024.

Importantly, from 1 November 2025, the rules will move to cover every new vehicle imported into Australia, and not just newly launched models.