Toyota Yaris In Depth

Press Release

Page 1: Marketing and Positioning
Page 2: Design and Perveived Quality
Page 3: Package and Interior Comfort
Page 4: Safety
Page 5: Body and Chassis
Page 6: Powertrains
Page 7: Cost of Ownership and Protection

Market and positioning

Toyota's European best seller

• Current Yaris delivered a year-by-year improved sales performance

• European Car of the Year 2000 and Japanese Car of the Year 1999-2000

• New Yaris product concept follows Yaris DNA and points at higher sophistication

• The range comprises 3 engines, all available with MultiMode transmission, and 3 equipment grades

• Targeting customers that appreciate technology and innovation

• Sales of new Yaris to start at the end of the current year

• Toyota expects to sell 250,000 units of the new model during 2006

Historical background

• First generation launched in 1999

• An ever-growing sales trend since launch

• Over 1.2 million units sold in Europe

Toyota introduced the first ever Yaris to the market back in 1999. Since its launch, the B-segment compact car has proved to be an overwhelming success for Toyota, both on a commercial level and by raising the profile of the brand.

The Yaris has won numerous awards. Back in 1999, the car won the prestigious 'European Car of the Year' as well as 'Japan's Car of the Year', making it the first model ever to achieve such recognition across the globe.

The Yaris also received the highest segment score in the Euro NCAP crash tests at the turn of the millennium. Winning 29 points in total, it became the safest supermini compact car that year.

Furthermore, the German TÃœV Auto Report 2005 has ranked the Yaris the 'Most Reliable Car in the 4-5 year category'. The recent 2005 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index studies in France and Germany have also ranked Yaris Verso and Yaris Hatchback as first and second in their category, respectively.

The Yaris family grew even more complete with the introduction of the Yaris T Sport in 2001, adding a touch of 'sportiness' to the brand image, and with it raising the profile of the compact car.

In the same year, Toyota began production of the Yaris at its Valenciennes plant (TMMF) in France. 2001 was an important year for Toyota as it saw the introduction of the first all-aluminium diesel engine in the world. The highly-acclaimed 1.4-litre D-4D engine was swiftly added to the Yaris engine line-up.

Having achieved a solid reputation for reliable engineering and safety, the Yaris underwent a major restyle in 2003.

The Yaris has had a unique life-cycle, with ever-growing annual sales seeing figures rise from 134,717 in 1999 to an impressive 227,616 in 2004. Yaris now represents a quarter of Toyota's annual car sales across the continent, being simultaneously the best-selling Toyota in Europe.

Last year saw the 500,000th Yaris built at the efficient TMMF plant. In total, over 1.2 million units were sold across Europe since its launch.

Product concept

• Maintaining the original Yaris DNA

• Higher sophistication through a refined execution

• Targeting an 'upper-class' feel

For the development of the new Toyota Yaris, Chief Engineer Kousuke Shibahara focused on three key points to explain the concept behind his project. First and foremost, the new product had to remain faithful to the Yaris DNA: an advanced package, high levels of interior space and versatility, use of advanced technology, comfort, safety and performance. This also includes a constant focus in the continuous improvement of every aspect of quality, durability and reliability.

Secondly, Mr. Shibahara wanted to raise the level of sophistication through a more refined execution. This would translate into improved perceived quality, lower levels of noise and vibration, and more advanced powertrains.

Finally, Toyota wanted to give the new Yaris customer a more 'upper-class' feel compared to the current model. The method was to take an in-depth approach to a multitude of different areas such as driving dynamics and overall quality, and to even more specific details such as the door-closing sound.

Key product attributes

Having defined the product concept, the development team then focused on the following areas:

• Quality feel - numerous items were improved in order to convey this perception, from perceived interior quality, noise and vibration levels to driving dynamics

• Safety - an improved equipment pack and a much sturdier body structure help create a safer overall package

• Design - with a style created by Toyota's European design studio, ED2, the new Yaris captures the DNA of the current model, as well as pursuing a new direction in design

• Driving dynamics - a totally new platform (50% stiffer than the previous) and an entirely new suspension system achieve the best possible combination of good handling and ride comfort

• Powertrains - the new Yaris adopts a range of advanced units that combine good performance levels with low fuel consumption and emissions

• Package and versatility - several innovations have led to better use of interior space and helped to provide enhanced versatility

The range

• A three-engine line-up

• MultiMode transmission available on all engines

• Available in three different grades

The new Yaris comes equipped with a comprehensive engine range to suit every customer's needs. To start, there is the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine, with 69 DIN hp (51 kW) at 6,000 rpm and a decent 93 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. This is followed by the 1.3-litre VVT-i petrol engine, available in the current Yaris, with 87 DIN hp (64 kW) at 6,000 rpm and a 121 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Next up is the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine, first introduced on the Corolla, with 90 DIN hp (66 kW) at 3,600 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 1,800-3,000 rpm.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, although the advanced 5-speed MultiMode transmission is available as an option on all engines.

The new Yaris comes in three grades. The entry level, named 'Yaris', comes with sufficient safety and interior packaging features to set it far apart from other cars in its segment. This includes front and side airbags (for both front occupants), 185/60 R 15 tyres, tilt steering wheel adjustment, power door locks, electric rear view mirrors and a CD player audio system with four speakers.

In the mid level 'Yaris Luna', the model comes equipped with convenience items such as power door locks with remote control, leather steering wheel with telescopic adjustment and audio switches, a 6-speaker audio system capable of playing MP3 and WMA CDs and extra safety features including curtain shield airbags and driver's knee airbag.

At the top end there is the 'Yaris Sol', which comes with additional features including an automatic air conditioner, special plating on the door handles and handbrake, front fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Additional market information

• Targeting customers aged between 25 and 35

• Sales to start at the end of the year

• A 2006 sales target of 250,000 units

With this new Yaris, Toyota expects to attract customers who are mainly well-educated people with an active lifestyle, aged between 25 and 35. They are fond of technology and innovation, appreciating Yaris for its clever design and advanced features in a compact package.

Toyota will begin pre-sales activities for the new Yaris in September, and looks to start sales by December 2005. Annual sales are expected to reach 250,000 units during next year.