The Toyota HiAce is a motor vehicle van produced by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota. First launched in 1967, the HiAce has since been available in a wide range of configurations, including minivan and minibus, van, pick-up, taxi, and ambulance. The HiAce and its variants are currently not offered in Europe or North America. The fifth-generation HiAce appeared in 2005 as a wide long-wheelbase wagon, wide super-long-wheelbase high-roof, long-wheelbase van, long-wheelbase high-roof van and a wide super-long-wheelbase high-roof van. In this generation the gear lever has been moved to the dashboard to enable easier movement in the cabin. Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are available. Most models use a four-cylinder DOHC engine, in a variety of forms, a 2,700 cc petrol engine and 3,000 cc turbo diesel engine. In Japan, Toyota's internet-enhanced GPS and vehicle telematics service called G-Book was made an option on all trim packages for both private and commercial uses. The fifth-generation HiAce was launched in the Philippines on June 13, 2005. On Japan's list of the most commonly stolen vehicles the HiAce currently resides in first place. Because of a lack of a theft immobilizer, it is fairly easy to steal a HiAce, as opposed to much more valuable SUVs and sports cars, which have more sophisticated theft deterrent systems. HiAces are also popular forms of transportation used by members of the entertainmen...
