Toyota eyes selling Japan’s answer to Rolls-Royce around the world

Toyota is bringing the Century, Japan’s ultimate four-wheeled status symbol, out of the shadows with new models and a push to raise its profile beyond its home market. When Chairman Akio Toyoda was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit last week, he rolled into town in a new Century SUV. With its golden phoenix badge and yellow brake clamps, the car turned heads — probably also because it’s not for sale in the United States.

When asked why Toyota chose a Century, Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima wasn’t shy about the overseas ambitions for the brand positioned above Lexus.