Mitsuoka Motor has agreed with two Japanese companies to outsource the production of the Mitsuoka Buddy crossover, which, we recall, is a retroconversion of the Toyota RAV4. Buddy's contract assemblers will be Tonox and Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The high demand for the model, which is five times higher than the company's capacity (300 cars per year), prompted Mitsuoka executives to organize additional production. That is, Mitsuoka is ready to share its profits with third-party firms - just to quickly fulfill prepaid orders.
Mitsuoka differs from the original Toyota RAV4 in original plumage and a modified rear end. The front fenders, hood, bumper are made in the style of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer of the 1970-1980s. Block headlights from RAV4 are replaced by universal "rectangles". The radiator grill is made in the form of a nickel-plated "grill". At the rear, the style of a conventional RAV4 is changed by the original bumper with a chrome trim, as well as vertical lights from Cadillac integrated through an adapter. Chrome-plated wheel covers complete the retro exterior.
The original Buddy body panels are made from polypropylene and molded ABS plastic. These technologies provide high visual quality and accurate geometry.
Tonox was founded in 1950 and specializes in the manufacture of special vehicles, as well as the restoration of old cars.
Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing has been operating since 1950, producing buses.
Mitsuoka Motor has agreed with two Japanese companies
