Does it matter? Are you disputing the claim? Do you think that people care more about the ability to bounce their laptop off of concrete than aesthetics?
Those who can't afford to change the laptop if it breaks (or who would find this to be a major expense)? Yeah, I can believe that.
A Toughbook costs more than a comparable MBP.
I.e. the low-end budget stuff that ain't pretty, may have a whiny fan, but still gets the job done.
For reference, here's a Lenovo G550 for $389:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146...
The MBP starts at $1199.
So yeah, it is maybe more expensive but I can totally see why you would want that.
(As long as toughbook refers to Panasonic Toughbook brand, if there is a cheap laptop marketed as durable that would make a difference.)