Toyota Alphard

The Toyota Alphard is a luxury MPV (minivan) produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven- or eight-seater with 2.4 and 3.5 litre gasoline engines in 3 different model lines - Alphard G, Alphard V, and the Alphard Hybrid, which uses the 2.4 litre engine along with an electrical motor and batteries. Toyota states its "E-Four electric 4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels. An ECB (Electrically Controlled Brake system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control." The vehicle was named after the Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.

The Alphard is primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Oman, Philippines, Russia,[2] Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand.

In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a luxurious, four-seat version of the Alphard. Its traditional competitor from Nissan is the Elgrand. Toyota also makes a sportier version of the Alphard with black interior, aimed at the younger generation, called the Vellfire.