Toyota Taps Dallas for 4Runner Debut

It was a pretty big deal yesterday when the fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner had its worldwide debut at the State Fair of Texas. In an era of hybrids and Smart Cars, the 4Runner (pictured) is one of the last truly rugged off-road SUVs. Toyota General Manager Robert Carter, in town for the unveiling, said momentum in the vehicle business has picked back up again, with the U.S. market set for about 10.5 million sales this year and 11.5 million in 2010. Toyota itself should exceed its sales targets this year and next, he added, and, even though gas prices have come down, “people are buying vehicles as if it’s $4 a gallon–and they’re intending to drive them for five to seven years.” Starting price for the 2010 4Runner, by the way, is less than for the ’09–roughly 28 big ones.