Toyota 86 GTS deliveries blow out to 2014

SOME Toyota 86 buyers are facing a wait of more than 18 months for delivery, with order banks for hot-selling GTS manual variants blowing out to 2014.

While Subaru has already sold the entire 2012 allocation of its equivalent, the BRZ, Toyota dealers have racked up 2000 orders for 86, and counting.

An official Toyota bulletin to dealers acknowledges the frustration of many customers trying to get their hands on the rear-drive coupe, saying it reflects the excitement around the world for the new car.

The memo from Toyota Australia national marketing divisional manager Scott Thompson says the waiting period depends on grade, transmission and colour chosen.

“Based on customer orders so far, we expect the typical waiting period for a GT grade to be two to three months,” the bulletin says.

“The higher-priced GTS grade is in even greater demand. We expect the waiting period for GTS variants, including those with the aero kit, to extend beyond 18 months.”

Last month, Toyota dealers sold more than 400 86s in its first month on the market, and this month Toyota expects another 300 to be registered across Australia.

From top: Toyota 86 Subaru BRZ.

Toyota insiders say dealers took orders for more than 70 in just one weekend recently.

Officially, Toyota Australia is expecting to receive 1500 vehicles this year, with a further 2000 due next year.

Mr Thompson says in the bulletin that Australia is the fourth-largest market for 86 after Japan, the United States and Europe.

“We are working closely with our head office in Japan to gain additional stock for Australia, especially GTS grades,” he says.

“Even if we are successful in securing more cars for local customers, we are anticipating lengthy waiting lists well into 2013.”

The bulletin, which is designed to give dealers information to pass on to frustrated customers, says that, due to production constraints at the factory in Japan, guaranteed supply dates cannot be confirmed more than three months in advance.

While Toyota sells its 86 in two grades, at $29,990 (plus on-road costs) for the GT and $35,490 for the GTS, Subaru had put its BRZ on sale in a single grade, with driveaway pricing of $37,150 for the six-speed manual and $39,730 for the six-speed automatic.