Toyota has cautiously told the automotive world the Celica will make a European comeback in 2009.

Markus Schrick, vice president of Toyota Deutschland was speaking to Automobilwoche about the possibility of speed restrictions on the autobahn before breaking the news.

Mr Schrick said Toyota plans to introduce a replacement for the Celica sport coupe in Europe in 2009. The Celica - which had the reputation of being  a hairdresser’s car by the end - was discontinued worldwide in 2005.

Having launched the TRD brand in Australia backed up by a massive marketing campaign, it seems that Toyota has listened to the calls of millions. The brand desperately needs sports cars outside of the Japanese market to improve its image.

Lexus - Toyota’s luxury division - will soon introduce the IS-F which will become the company’s flagship performance model. Toyota is also working on a new Supra, rumoured to be hybrid-powered.

Yes, that’s a Suzuki badge on the front of that Nissan pickup. The two Japanese automakers have teamed up to create a new Frontier-based pickup called the Equator, which will be sold under the Suzuki marquee. The new midsize truck was launched last week at the Chicago Auto Show.

Suzuki is entering the dying North American midsize pickup truck scene with help from Nissan that expands a working relationship between the two automakers.
In 2006, both decided to further develop their partnership- which had seen Nissan selling rebadged Suzuki mini-cars in various markets, as well as Suzuki using Nissan-supplied transmissions in certain models. More lately, Suzuki’s been selling a Nissan built minivan called “Serena” in the Japanese market.

The new Suzuki truck variant will be built at Nissan’s manufacturing operations in Smyrna, Tennessee, and marketed exclusively by Suzuki on this side of the world. Suzuki notes that many of its customers are current owners of Suzuki power toys, like a motorcycle or ATV- and that the new Equator fits into their ‘way of life’ mantra.

Highlighting this concept, three unique Equator concepts were also unveiled. Labelled the RMZ-4, Quad and Quay, the trio cater to off-road, adventure and watersports enthusiasts, respectively.

The Suzuki Equator goes on sale later this year, with pricing details to be announced closer to the time.