ENSIKLOPEDIA
WiLL
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| Founded | August 1999 |
|---|---|
| Defunct | July 2004 |
| Fate | Defunct |
| Owner | Toyota |
The WiLL brand was a marketing approach shared by a small group of Japanese companies who decided to offer products and services that focused on a younger demographic from August 1999 until July 2004 in Japan. The companies that participated were the Kao Corporation (a manufacturer of personal hygiene, household detergents, and cosmetics), Toyota, Asahi Breweries, Panasonic, Kinki Nippon Tourist Company, Ltd, Ezaki Glico Candy, and Kokuyo Co., Ltd. (an office furniture and stationery manufacturer). Toyota also engaged in a similar "youth oriented" approach in North America, with the Project Genesis program. This selective marketing experiment reflected a Japanese engineering philosophy called Kansei engineering, which was used by other Japanese companies. All products were listed online at "willshop.com".[1]
WiLL-branded products or services
- Asahi
- Ezaki Glico
- WiLL On time Chocolate (19 September 2000)
- WiLL Tablet Relax (19 September 2000)
- WiLL Ice for Relax (5 March 2001)
- WiLL Black Beans Candy
- WiLL Refresh Capsules (12 November 2002)
- Kao
- WiLL clear mist
- WiLL air freshener
- WiLL OneWeek room freshener
- Panasonic
- WiLL Fax Machine ( WiLL Fax PW100CL ) and attached handset ( KX-PW110CL )[6]
- WiLL Collapsible Bike (WiLL Bike series, later WiLL E-Bike, battery powered)[7]
- WiLL Mini Fridge (WiLL Fridge NR-B162R)
- WiLL Vacuum Cleaner (WiLL Cleaner)[8]
- WiLL Desktop PC with LCD (WiLL PC)[9]
- WiLL Alkaline ion water conditioner (WiLL A-Pure PJ-A301)[10]
- WiLL Air purifier (WiLL Ion Conditioner)
- WiLL Microwave (WiLL Range)[11]
- WiLL Full automatic washing machine with drying function (WiLL Laundry)[12]
- WiLL seat cushion heater (WiLL Cushion Heater)[13]
- WiLL Portable MD Player (WiLL MD)
- WiLL SD Multi Camera (WiLL D-Snap)[14][15]
- WiLL DVD stereo system (WiLL Theater)[16]
- WiLL Video built-in type TV (WiLL Televideo)[17]
- WiLL Fridge[18]
- Kokuyo
- WiLL stationery "Actic"
- Kinki Nippon Tourist
- WiLL City and Resort Tour
- WiLL Tour Hokkaido
- WiLL Tour Kyushu
- WiLL Tour Okinawa
- Will Sports Tour
Toyota WiLL vehicles
Toyota offered three individually designed cars, based on the mechanicals of existing Toyota models. The series was intended to appeal to markets that were not covered by Toyota's mainstream range, and to discover how commercially feasible such unusual designs were. The American Scion range is based on a similar concept.[19] All WiLL vehicles were only sold in Japan, and only at Toyota Vista Store locations. When the WiLL project ended in 2004, Toyota stopped producing WiLL-branded vehicles, and renamed the Toyota Vista dealerships to Toyota NETZ, that coincided with the launch of the North American introduction of Scion, using lessons learned from the WiLL project.
Unlike other Toyota brands, the WiLL series does not use the Toyota emblem.
WiLL Vi
| WiLL Vi series NCP19 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | 17 January 2000 – 25 December 2001 16,649 units[20] |
| Assembly | Ohira, Japan (Central Motors) Yokosuka, Japan (Kanto Auto Works) |
| Designer | Michio Tada[21] Jiro Goto[21] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | NBC platform |
| Related | Toyota Vitz |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2NZ-FE 1.3 L I4 DOHC |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,370 mm (93.3 in) |
| Length | 3,760 mm (148.0 in) |
| Width | 1,660 mm (65.4 in) |
| Height | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 950 kg (2,090 lb) |
The WiLL Vi is a subcompact car, it was unveiled in 1999 Tokyo Motor Show as the concept car,[22] and released in 17 January 2000,[23] with distinctive styling combining elements of many cars. The WiLL Vi was designed by the then newly formed Virtual Venture Company, headed by Jim Shimizu.[19] The unique-appearing rear window had earlier appeared on the Mazda Carol, late Reliant Regals, the Ford Anglia (1959–1968), and the Citroen Ami. The "neo-retro" look represented a period in Japan where vehicles took on the styling of historic vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Nissan Be-1, Nissan Figaro, Nissan S-Cargo, Nissan Pao, the Toyota Origin, the Subaru Vivio Bistro, and the Mitsubishi Minica Town Bee. The curve of the tail section is also similar to that of the second generation of the Renault Mégane.
The WiLL Vi shares a platform with the XP10 Vitz, and it was equipped with a 1.3L 2NZ-FE engine and 4-speed manual.[24] The Vi was equipped with MacPherson struts for the front wheels and a torsion beam axle for the rear wheels. The car was painted in a number of pastel colors, and the plastic wheel covers resemble sand dollars. One of the few options was a canvas sliding roof, and the vehicle was installed with bench seats for both front and rear passengers, with the gearshift installed on the dashboard.
Although it fell short of plans, Toyota stated that it had achieved its initial objectives, as it had sold approximately 15,000 units by the end of August 2001. Toyota claims that most of its buyers are women.[25] It was discontinued in December 2001 and replaced the WiLL Cypha.
According to Toyota, the Vi nameplate is a portmanteau of the Will is derived from future, and The "i" in Vi is derived from "I," "identity," "independence," and "individual," reflecting the target audience of single women in their late twenties who are independent.[26]
- WiLL Vi (Jan 2000 – Dec 2001)
- Canvas top variant
WiLL VS
| WiLL VS series NZE127/ZZE127/ZZE128/ZZE129 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | 6 April 2001 – 30 April 2004[20] 14,985 units |
| Assembly | Ohira, Japan (Central Motors) Yokosuka, Japan (Kanto Auto Works) |
| Designer | Hiroo Ono[27] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout |
|
| Platform | MC platform |
| Related | Toyota Corolla (E120) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1NZ-FE 1.5 L I4 DOHC 1ZZ-FE 1.8 L VVT-i I4 DOHC 2ZZ-GE 1.8 L VVTL-i I4 DOHC |
| Power output |
|
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 6-speed manual (only VS VVTL) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Length | 4,385 mm (172.6 in) |
| Width | 1,720 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,440 mm (56.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,220 kg (2,690 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Toyota Auris |

The WiLL VS was first introduced in 2001. It was formally introduced at the 2001 Los Angeles Auto Show, as a precursor to the introduction of Scion to North America, and sales in the Japanese market in April of that year under a massive publicity campaign with British electronic group Underworld. The TV commercial featured their hit, "Born Slippy," originally released six years prior.[28] The WiLL VS was manufactured at Kanto Auto Works.[29] Inspiration for the design of the WiLL VS was said to have been derived from the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter. It also has many appearance similarities to the Renault Avantime.
The WiLL VS came in three levels of trim. The top of the range model came with alloy wheels, fog-lamps, body kit and tiptronic gearshift. Models are available in automatic transmission, tiptronic, and a six-speed manual, powered by Toyota's 1800 cc VVT-I engine offering 140 hp or VVTL-I engine offering 180 hp, which is the unit in the higher spec Toyota Celica. The VS joined the revised Vi, renamed the Cypha, and offered WiLL buyers the choice of a wider car with a more powerful engine. The width dimensions of the VS exceeded Japanese Government regulations that taxed vehicles based on exterior dimensions, which buyers of the VS were liable.
In spite of its success in the Japanese market, where the WiLL VS had a cult following, the model was never released overseas. Production of the WiLL VS was stopped in April 2004 and a replacement model was never announced, much to the disappointment of its fans. Nevertheless, some would argue that there was no need to replace the WiLL VS for at least another decade given its futuristic design that some of the newer cars were only beginning to adopt. This would include trend-setting features such as the rakish body shape, aerodynamic angles, projector-style headlamp cluster (regarded as revolutionary in 2001), illuminated speedometer and clear LED tail lights.
The car was used as the police vehicle in the 2001 Hong Kong Film "2002" .
The car was used as the police vehicle "Machine Bull" in the 2004 Super Sentai series Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger and was used in the intro for its American adaptation Power Rangers SPD.
The WiLL VS is one of the few concept vehicles that went into production, albeit only in small numbers, only 15,000[30] were ever produced. In the years to follow, several other vehicles have taken styling cues from the WiLL VS, most notably the 2004 Opel Astra and the Renault Mégane.
WiLL Cypha
| WiLL Cypha NCP7 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | September 2002 – February 2005 31,856 Units[20] |
| Assembly | Ohira, Japan (Central Motors) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF layout Optional AWD |
| Platform | NBC platform |
| Related | Toyota Vitz |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2NZ-FE 1.3 L I4 DOHC 1NZ-FE 1.5 L I4 DOHC |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,370 mm (93.3 in) |
| Length | 3,695 mm (145.5 in) |
| Width | 1,675 mm (65.9 in) |
| Height | 1,550 mm (61.0 in) AWD 1,535 mm (60.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,090 kg (2,400 lb) AWD 990 kg (2,180 lb) |
WiLL Cypha was produced from 2002 to 2005. It shared many of its mechanicals, including the 1.3-litre 2NZ and 1.5-litre 1NZ engines, with the Ist. Its styling developed themes seen in the Vitz/Yaris, but has a more angular look, a continuation of the short-lived WiLL Vi. Notable features are the rear lights placed level with the rear window, giving a look of the Renault Mégane II, and the distinctive headlights which have four lamps per side arranged vertically. The interior used a rounded theme, with items such as the door pulls and the central console being circular. All Will VC' and WiLL Cyphas were manufactured by Central Motors at its "Headquarters plant" located at Ohira, Miyagi, Japan.
It was announced as WiLL VC in 2001 but was released as WiLL Cypha in October 2002.
The Cypha (the words "cyber" and "phaeton" combined)[31] It is sold exclusively at Corolla and Netz Dealers. was one of the first Toyota vehicles to be installed with their vehicle telematics system called G-Book. The vehicle was also promoted with a sales approach called "pay as you go" meaning that you were given the option not to buy the car with monthly payments, but to instead lease the car, and only pay a monthly bill based on how far you drove in a month. When the driver no longer wanted the vehicle, they returned the car to the Toyota dealership.
- WiLL VC
- WiLL Cypha (September 2002 – Feb 2005)
- WiLL Cypha (September 2002 – Feb 2005)
References
- ↑ "WiLL Shop Website". Internet Archive Wayback Machine. WiLL. Archived from the original on 2002-12-01. Retrieved 2017-01-05.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ↑ "WiLLスムースビア第1次発売地区 発売日変更のお知らせ" (Press release) (in Japanese). アサヒビール株式会社. 1999-10-19. Archived from the original on 2000-11-01. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "『WiLL スウィート ブラウン ビール』新発売のお知らせ" (Press release) (in Japanese). アサヒビール株式会社. 2000-02-15. Archived from the original on 2000-07-08. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "『WiLLリラックスタブレット』グレープフルーツミントとフルーツのど飴 新発売" (Press release) (in Japanese). 江崎グリコ株式会社. 2001-07-05. Archived from the original on 2002-01-07. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "『WiLL ビー・フリー』新発売のお知らせ" (Press release) (in Japanese). アサヒビール株式会社. 2001-09-18. Archived from the original on 2001-11-29. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "カラーで選べるスタイリッシュなWiLL FAX パーソナルFAX KX-PW110CLを発売" (Press release) (in Japanese). 松下電器産業株式会社. 2003-08-07. Archived from the original on 2003-08-07. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "異業種合同プロジェクト『WiLL』からの新しい提案 インテリア感覚で部屋に置いても違和感のないデザイン 折りたたみ自転車WiLL BIKEを発売" (Press release) (in Japanese). ナショナル自転車工業株式会社. 2000-06-08. Archived from the original on 2000-11-18. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "業界初ワンタッチですき間ノズルに変わる「スポッとハンドル」を採用 たて型サイクロン掃除機WiLL CLEANER2機種を発売 ノズルの付け替え不要で、すき間から高い所までサッと掃除を実現" (Press release) (in Japanese). 松下電器産業株式会社. 2003-12-10. Archived from the original on 2004-06-03. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "松下、λデザインの液晶一体型パソコン「WiLL PC」". PC Watch (in Japanese). 株式会社インプレス. 1999-09-27. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "業界初、3色バックライト付きの「お知らせ液晶」搭載 アルカリイオン整水器「WiLL A-PURE」を発売 キッチンインテリアに調和するスタイリッシュデザイン" (Press release) (in Japanese). 九州松下電器株式会社. 2001-12-12. Archived from the original on 2001-12-27. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "異業種合同プロジェクト『WiLL』からの新提案 インテリアに調和する「ノスタルジックモダンデザイン」を採用した電子レンジWiLL RANGE(ウィル レンジ)を発売" (Press release) (in Japanese). 松下電器産業株式会社. 2000-01-12. Archived from the original on 2001-01-06. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "業界初5kg容量で乾燥機能付きのシングル向け 全自動洗濯機乾燥機能付き洗濯機 「WiLL LAUNDRY」 を発売 省スペースで置ける、コンパクトスタイリッシュデザイン" (Press release) (in Japanese). 松下電器産業株式会社. 2002-11-27. Archived from the original on 2003-02-07. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "業界初のヒーター内蔵クッション クッションヒーター「WiLL CUSHION HEATER」を発売 パーソナルのくつろぎ空間を演出する快適暖房" (Press release) (in Japanese). 松下電器産業株式会社. 2003-07-08. Archived from the original on 2003-07-14. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ 関口聖 (2003-09-11). "多機能デジカメ「D-snap」に200万画素モデルなど4機種". ケータイ Watch (in Japanese). 株式会社インプレス. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "MPEG4(30フレーム/秒)動画記録対応SDカードパームトップムービー SDマルチカメラ・WiLL D-snap・SV-AV35を発売 見やすいビューワースタイルで再生ができる" (Press release) (in Japanese). 松下電器産業株式会社. 2003-09-11. Archived from the original on 2003-09-19. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "異業種合同プロジェクトWiLLからの新しい提案、インテリア感覚で楽しめる". PHILE WEB (in Japanese). 株式会社音元出版. 2000-09-13. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "松下、薄型ブラウン管を採用した21型ビデオ内蔵型TV". AV Watch. 株式会社インプレス. 2001-04-23. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ "異業種合同プロジェクト『WiLL』からの新提案 「SKITシステム」採用で、「容量アップ」と「トップクラスの省エネ」を実現 新感覚 「ノスタルジックモダンデザイン」の冷凍冷蔵庫『WiLL FRIDGE(ウィル フリッジ)』を発売" (Press release) (in Japanese). 松下冷機株式会社. 1999-10-15. Archived from the original on 2001-01-17. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- 1 2 "Toyota's WiLL Vi Bound For Sydney Motor Show". Autoweb. Archived from the original on 2011-11-21.
- 1 2 3 "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc". Toyota Motor Corporation. 2012. Retrieved 2014-07-21.
- 1 2 高木啓 (1999-10-25). "【東京ショーD視点 Vol. 9】WiLL Vi(トヨタ)のあのカタチがうまれたわけ". auto-ASCII24. 株式会社アイ・アール・アイコマースアンドテクノロジー. Archived from the original on 2003-03-24. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ↑ "第33回東京モーターショー参考出品車WiLL Viを東京大阪6ヶ所で特別展示" (Press release) (in Japanese). トヨタ自動車株式会社. 1999-11-09. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ↑ "トヨタなどWiLLプロジェクトWiLL Vi、17日ビスタ店で発売開始". auto-ASCII (in Japanese). 株式会社アイ・アール・アイコマースアンドテクノロジー. 2000-01-13. Archived from the original on 2003-06-28. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
- ↑ 島崎七生人 (2021-12-14). "カボチャの馬車ステルス戦闘機G-BOOK! トヨタが本気を出し過ぎたWiLL3兄弟を振り返る" [Pumpkin Carriage Stealth Fighter G-BOOK! A look back at the WiLL triplets where Toyota went a little too far.]. Auto Messe Web. Retrieved 2026-05-06.
- ↑ "所期の目標達成---トヨタ『WiLL Vi』生産中止、買うなら急げ" [Initial goals achieved Toyota discontinues production of the 'WiLL Vi', so buy one while you can]. auto-ASCII. IRI Commerce and Technology Co., Ltd. 2001-10-01. Archived from the original on 2003-06-26. Retrieved 2026-05-06.
- ↑ "WiLL Viの車名の由来は何ですか?" [What is the origin of the name "WiLL Vi"?]. Toyota. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ↑ "WiLL第2弾デビューイメージスケッチそのままの『VS』デザイン". auto-ASCII (in Japanese). 株式会社アイ・アール・アイコマースアンドテクノロジー. 2001-04-11. Archived from the original on 2003-07-03. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ↑ "TOYOTA WILL VS 「Born Slippy」 with lyrics Underworld". YouTube. 10 June 2007. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ↑ "History of KANTO AUTO WORKS". Japan: Kanto Auto Works. Archived from the original on 2011-07-27. Retrieved 2010-07-16.
- ↑ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc".
- ↑ Phillips, John (2003-08-01). "Ten Japanese Cars You Can't Have - Car Comparison - Feature Article - Page 6". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2015-02-25.
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A brand of: 1GAC Toyota • 2FAW Toyota • 3defunct companies merged into Toyota Motor East Japan | |||||||||||||||