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.
09/05, 11:44 AM
posted by:
2002tii
Yeah, Toyota/Lexus/Scion shot their wadd here last year by introducing 78 new models to the North American market, and now that they don’t have anything new for 2008 (a 2009 model) their sales are in the tank. It’s not just short sightedness in Europe that’s happening.
09/05, 1:01 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Paris sounds like it’s going to be a good show. I wonder who the lucky LLN staffers are making the trip. I just hope they remember to look at some cars.
09/05, 2:25 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Who cares? Everyone knows that Toyota vehicles are pieces of ****, even those buffoons over in Europe. Everyone in Europe knows if you want quality, dependable transportation, you buy Opel or Vauxhall.
09/05, 2:28 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Europeans would rather drive Cadillacs than Lexus as well. They’ll tell you straight out that Lexus are nothing but bland, overpriced, piece of crap Toyotas for losers. Drive a Cadillac and you’ll get noticed and you’ll be well respected.
09/05, 2:44 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
gm needs more oil.
you are so ****in full of ****.
if u drive a caddy in europe you would be 1 of very few people that do and other people will see you as a complete asshole.
caddy is now on its 3rd attempt to try euro market and is loosing again.
as for the opel/vauxhall reliability ****in rubbish. i know alot of owners and the complain all the time and never go back to the products.
u stupid prick
09/05, 4:38 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
TOYOTA #1 , BLA,BLA,BLA still not buying one, …..NOOOOOO….NOOOOOOOOO…….NO!!!!!!!!!
09/05, 5:49 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
I agree with need more oil ect..Toyotas are crap cars..and Opel/Vauxhaull, though owned by GM, are a tiny bit nicer..BUT Cadillac are only avaible in North America, and I see youve been told why already..
If I was given the privalege to destroy any car manufacturer I wanted on earth..It would be Cadillac FIRST. I have to say, I HATE Cadillac with a PASION..
09/05, 7:42 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
opel vauxhall doesnt have near as good a reputation as toyota in europe. ****in idiots.
caddy is back in europe but probably not for long. no one is buying them
09/06, 1:05 AM
posted by:
VWgrouP
I dont blame them..
09/06, 12:29 PM
posted by:
Heine
@Need more oil for GM:
I live in Europe and I can tell you that you won’t see any Cadillacs driving on the road here. Lexus is pretty popular in Europe, and no one is buying a Cadillac because cars from the USA have a pretty bad reputation in Europe for building quality and looks.
09/07, 1:49 AM
posted by:
VWgrouP
I agree
Exept I dont live in Europe enymore.