One of the most highly demanded models in Japan is the all-new 2023 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire (AH40). Since its launch in June, its waiting period in the land of the rising sun is at least a year but according to Japanese media, some dealerships have suspended orders due to overwhelming demand.

As per Web CarTop, some Toyota dealers have stopped taking orders for the AH40 Alphard and Vellfire due to the long waiting periods. One dealership explained to the automotive publication that if the expected delivery is due next year, it was decided to put further new orders on hold until backlog orders ease.

“Once the delivery date is extended to August 2024, we decided to stop accepting orders from customers,” a dealership explained to Web CarTop. “If we continue to accept orders, the delivery date will be further extended.”

Also read: Sold out for 2023 in Malaysia: 1-year waiting period for AH40 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, still shorter than Japan

It is uncertain when the dealerships would resume taking orders but some expect it could be in April 2024. “We are unable to accept new customers at the moment, as the number of existing customers who have placed an order for the Alphard or Vellfire reached a considerable number,” the dealership told Web CarTop.

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In a statement on its website about expected delivery dates for its models, Toyota explained that customers should “contact their dealers for more information”. This remark also applies to other popular Toyota models like the Voxy, Corolla Cross, Crown, Harrier, Prius, and Yaris.

As such, many customers who wanted an Alphard or Vellfire are willing to spend more money for a used previous-generation AH30. Web CarTop cited a few 2020 examples that are asking for JPY 5.2 million – 5.5 million (~RM 165k-175k), nearly the same price as a brand-new base Alphard which starts at JPY 5.4 million (~RM 172k).

Also read: Used Toyota Alphard and Vellfire AH40 going for RM 800k on Japanese used car sites

The all-new AH40 Alphard and Vellfire will be arriving in Malaysia with UMW Toyota Motor already opening the order books though allotments for this year have been sold out. Estimated prices for the 2.4-litre turbocharged Alphard and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Vellfire in Malaysia are RM 538,000 and RM 438,000 respectively.

Also read: UMWT officially opens order books for 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire in Malaysia, est. pricing at RM 538k and RM 438k