Toyota unveils new Canadian models

[DerekDorifto]

Here's the article that appeared in today's Globe and Mail Business section:

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/GIS.Servlets.HTMLTemplate?current_row=2&tf=tgam/search/tgam/SearchFullStory.html&cf=tgam/search/tgam/SearchFullStory.cfg&configFileLoc=tgam/config&encoded_keywords=toyota&option=&start_row=2 &start_row_offset1=&num_rows=1&search_results_star t=1&query=toyota

I wonder what the other cars are, first I thought of the Scion bA and bX but those were already debuted at the Detroit and LA shows. Any guesses what other models could possibly make their 'world debut' at the upcoming CIAS?

Toyota to unveil low-priced small cars

New autos aimed at rivals Hyundai, Kia

By GREG KEENAN
AUTO INDUSTRY REPORTER


Wednesday, February 12, 2003 – Print Edition, Page B4


Toyota Canada Inc. will unveil some new small cars today that will compete in the low-priced end of the market as auto industry giants try to halt market-share gains being made by Hyundai Motors Canada and Kia Canada Inc.

Toyota will take the wraps off a Canadian version of its Yaris subcompact, which will probably go on sale in the fall, dealers and others familiar with the company's plans said yesterday. It will likely carry the name Echo, which is Toyota's current subcompact.

"I think it is really there to compete in the low end," said one dealer.

The cars were shown to the company's dealers last night at a meeting in Toronto.

"It's a big seller in Japan, it's a big seller in Europe," said an industry source.

The timing makes sense, said one industry observer, with the price of gasoline hitting record high levels in Canada and perhaps set to go higher if the United States invades Iraq.

Toyota spokesman David Stone would not discuss the cars, but the company sent out a news release late yesterday saying it was making "top-secret cars" ready for a world debut at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto today.

"The new cars have been designed and built specifically by Toyota for the Canadian market and will be sold only in Canada," the news release said.

The Toyota announcement will come after General Motors of Canada Ltd. and Suzuki Canada Inc. hold world premieres of several cars assembled by GM Daewoo Automotive and Technology Co.

Those cars are made in South Korea by GMDAT, a joint venture in which General Motors Corp. holds 42 per cent and Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. 15 per cent.

The targets are the subcompact and compact segments of the market.

[EKam]

Echo Verso. 8)

http://www.toyota.com.ph/model/echoverso/index.html

[boroEF]

hell yea! we get the yaris/vitz 8)

[Phi]

:o :o :o :o

For sale: '99 Camry V6 ..make an offer!! free S/C

[DaksGT]

I've aways liked the Yaris back home, and this with some nicer rims and a drop will be a fun car to boot in.

[toymaniac]

oh yeah!!! my drive way..... yaris rs turbo ....ae86 turbo.....