12:45 pm, August 31, 2011
TOYOTA GB’s boss has revealed that the forthcoming Yaris hybrid could exceed all forecasted volume figures.
The car, which is slated for release next year, will form part of Toyota’s onslaught in the hybrid sector.
The hybrid supermini is expected to be joined by the Prius Plug-in hybrid, and the seven-seat Prius+ in 2012.
‘We have something to really shout about with the Yaris hybrid,’ Toyota GB’s managing director Jon Williams told us. ‘We’re planning on it being around 20 per cent of the new Yaris’ volume figures. And that is an initial forecast. I think it could have even more potential. It is a break-through car.’
Dealers are already taking orders for new, third-generation Yaris, which could sell around 20,000 units in a full year. But they should not expect high take-up for the 1.4-litre diesel version, Williams said.
‘We don’t expect the diesel to take a huge mix but there are certain users who do high mileages who want such an engine, and we offer that.
‘Honestly, what I see moving forward is a much bigger opportunity for the hybrid. We will see the petrol engines and the hybrid being the key volume sellers – the 1.33-litre petrol will be 80 per cent of our volume, for instance.’
The Yaris hybrid will be also short of competitors, if any added Williams. ‘The Honda Jazz hybrid is what I would call a ‘mild’ hybrid – the Yaris will be a full hybrid and will be the first such car in the b-sector.’
