Toyota Yaris and RAV4 World Premieres at Frankfurt

Press Release

Introduction of the Toyota Endo Concept

 

Key Points

 

• First public presentation of the new Toyota Yaris and RAV4 at Frankfurt Motor Show
• New Toyota Endo urban car and i-unit interactive vehicle concepts
• Corolla Verso with new 175 and 134bhp 2.2-litre D-4D engines
• Next-generation Toyota Hilux

 

The Frankfurt Motor Show will see Toyota take the wraps off two of its most important cars in Europe, the all new Yaris and RAV4.

 

The newcomers, due to be revealed on 13 September, will be joined on the Toyota stand by two new concept vehicles, the Corolla Verso equipped with 134 and 175bhp versions of the new 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine and the next-generation Hilux pickup.

 

Introducing the New Yaris

 

The new Toyota Yaris will build on the great success of the original model, being a more advanced vehicle with higher levels of comfort quality and safety.

 

The new Yaris has been designed at ED2, Toyota's European design studio in the South of France, and is a more 'grown up' car in every respect.

 

European production of the new Yaris will remain at Toyota's Valenciennes factory in northern France. Sales are expected to start in January next year.

 

New Generation RAV4

 

The new RAV4 will be the third generation of the vehicle which kick-started the market for sporty, compact SUVs 11 years ago. Since that time it has become a consistent best-seller, topping the European 4x4 sales charts for the past four years.

 

The new model promises significantly enhanced driving pleasure and performance, improved quality, wider application of advanced technology, greater interior space and a creative modular interior design. The new RAV4 will be launched in the UK in spring 2006.

 

Inspired Concept Cars

 

Two new concept cars will be on show at Frankfurt. The Toyota Endo, the latest concept from the ED2 design centre, is an urban-friendly car designed to address some of the key issues of modern urban life.

 

It will be presented alongside the Toyota i-unit, a new approach to human mobility that enables the driver to interact with his or her surroundings. The design is inspired by a leaf, a natural expression of life on earth.

 

New Diesel Power for Corolla Verso

 

The seven-seat Toyota Corolla Verso will be presented with two versions of Toyota's new
2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine. The versatile model will be offered with the 175bhp unit with
D-CAT catalyst technology for ultra-clean running that is also due to be offered in the Avensis in 2006, and a 134bhp version of the 2.2-litre engine that will replace the 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D in the range from November.

 

On the diesel theme, Toyota will also be showing its Aygo city car, equipped with a 53bhp
1.4-litre turbodiesel engine. This version of Aygo will join the model range in early 2006.

 

New Hilux and other Exhibits

 

The new Hilux pickup will represent the latest addition to Toyota's European range, offering the same legendary robust build quality with more interior space, improved driving characteristics and greater comfort and quality.

 

The Toyota stand will also feature the Panasonic Toyota Racing TF105 Formula 1 car and a technical display demonstrating the advanced technology of the Toyota Prius.

Toyota Yaris to Arrive in US in 2007

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. will launch the all-new RAV4, its most affordable SUV, this fall for the 2006 model year. The completely restyled and reengineered third generation RAV4 will feature significantly improved performance and a larger, more refined and modern interior when it goes on sale. The all-new Yaris, which replaces the ECHO, will launch next spring for the 2007 model year. As Toyota's most affordable passenger car, the Yaris will feature contemporary exterior styling and a surprising and upscale interior.

The RAV4 and Yaris will debut in the U.S. at a press conference at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday, November 2.