Toyota is rapidly readying a full portfolio of hybrid powertrains for the European market and now word comes that the Japanese automaker is considering building its Yaris-based hybrid in France. Earlier this month, Toyota confirmed that it would build a hybrid based on the smaller Auris – which slots just below the Yaris – in the United Kingdom.
The hybrid will also be built in Japan, reports Asahi, where it will retail for about $15,800. Designed to compete with Honda’s upcoming Fit hybrid, the Yaris-platform hybrid would be based on the revised 2011 Yaris. The powertrain would be based on the Yaris’ upgraded four-cylinder motor, though few additional details are known.
Toyota has said that it plans to develop a more region-specific product portfolio and that it will focus its European efforts on hybrids despite the relatively tepid initial reception to models like the Prius.
07/28, 2:07 PM
posted by:
Borat
Yaris is actually decent looking European/Asian market hatch. I did not have opportunity to drive it, but it looks good (in European setting) and pretty frugal as it is. I reckon there is a market in Europe for hybrids, although Toyota could plucked in the same diesel as in Mini and could have a winner for less coin.
07/28, 2:42 PM
posted by:
acoom
The Auris is not smaller than the Yaris. It is the new name for the Corolla. So actually it slots above the Yaris.
07/28, 2:47 PM
posted by:
ASIMO
The Yaris hatch is the one and only Toyota (strictly [U.S.] Toyota, not Lexus) design that warrants applause. The designers did a fantastic job of giving this small package of steel and plastic just the right proportion of lines, creases and curves to convey a well thought out vehicle design, something actually difficult to achieve in such a small package. Not slabby (not always necessarily a bad thing) and not overwrought.
All other Toyotas… meh to blech.
07/28, 2:57 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
When you can get 50 mpg and have 250 lbs ft of torque out of a diesel I’d guess the reception for a 100 hp hybrid would be pretty tepid….
07/28, 2:59 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
And why not built it in California?
07/28, 4:09 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
probably cost, which drives pretty much everything
07/28, 4:24 PM
posted by:
volo
anyway they can only propose gasoline hybrids because toyota diesels are crap. They had many warranty claims due to injector problems. that’s part of the reason why toyota is not successful in europe, the other reason is that their cars are plain dull and ugly.
07/28, 4:56 PM
posted by:
superman
“the other reason is that their cars are plain dull and ugly”
I suppose you think the volvos and saabs are setting the world on fire, eh
07/28, 4:58 PM
posted by:
2WheeledSpeed
I agree with Jake, those Europeans have access to some great diesels, no wonder they don’t feel the need to snatch up hybrids like we do.
07/28, 5:06 PM
posted by:
volo
volvo, yes I like their design, I must admit. Compare a toyota with what Citroën, peugeot, Renault and Fiat do with small cars in europe. Well, now it is better, the yaris is quite OK with her design, but Toyotas from the 90s beginining 2000 were simply ugly.
07/28, 6:27 PM
posted by:
mitzo
The Yaris hatch is a cohesive design. Perhaps the best of its size on North American roads.
07/28, 11:03 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Do they get to see a Toyota hybrid with a stick?
07/29, 10:14 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
A French built electric platform car. Someone better rethink the “french built” idea again. Why build it in France? Must be some government subsidy going on here right?
07/29, 2:52 PM
posted by:
moparsalesman1
Just thing of all the gas money you will save on your way to heaven when you die in this death trap.