Milestones are a cause for celebration. Such is the case in Princeton, Ind. where the 2 millionth Highlander rolled off its assembly line a few weeks ago at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana. That same vehicle was recently purchased by a Grand Rapids couple, seeking an SUV with fuel efficiency and enhanced safety for their growing family.

Michiganders Blake Kluger and Shefali Sharma purchased the special 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE at Spartan Toyota in Lansing. Kluger said the purchase resulted from online research and his wife’s positive experience with the brand.

“[Shefali] was looking to update her vehicle, a 2007 Corolla, and many in her family are also Toyota owners and fans of the brand,” said Kluger. “For me, I was looking for an SUV with good gas mileage, due to my occasional 80-mile commutes, as well as all-wheel drive for snowy conditions.”

Kluger went on to explain that roominess and cargo space were essential, as well as strong safety systems, to accommodate the couple’s one-year-old son, Kyan.

Spartan Toyota General Sales Manager Brian Cogley said his dealership was honored and excited to have sold the landmark Highlander.

“It was great to be part of this special sale. Not many stores in the Midwest get an opportunity to sell a milestone vehicle like this Highlander,” said Cogley.

To help further commemorate the milestone for Kluger and Sharma, Spartan Toyota installed a complimentary Yakima® bike rack on the Highlander, when they found out the couple were avid cyclists. Aside from assorted Toyota gifts such as water bottles and an OGIO® backpack, the new owners were presented a custom picture book from team members at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana.  The picture book captured the vehicle’s build process as well as signatures and heartfelt notes of appreciation from several Princeton plant employees.