Toyota ’s European lineup has been rather stagnant over the last few months – with the last new model, the Auris, launching in March 2007 – which has not helped the Japanese automaker’s sales figures. However, help is on the way and Toyota plans to launch 18 new models in Europe by the end of 2009.
The first of the new models – the updated Avensis – will launch at next month’s Paris Motor Show, followed by a host of new models in the subsequent months. The all-new Toyota Prius and its Lexus counterpart will also be a part of Toyota’s lineup expansion, with both hitting the market in the first half of 2009.
Despite the laundry list of new models, Toyota doesn’t see the European market rebounding until at least 2010. The automaker has already lowered its sales expectations for 2008, and has also lowered its 2009 estimates from 1.45 million units to 1.3 million.
However, Toyota remains encouraged from strong sales numbers in Easter Europe. Toyota plans to sell 200,000 vehicles in Russia this year, which represents a 30 percent increase over 2007, according to Automotive News.
Toyota is also planning an update to its European R&D center, which will include a new test track, a larger workshop and the addition of 250 jobs.
