The Japanese automaker, suffering from a lack of all-new models in its vast product line-up while rivals have been launching attractive new models, yesterday introduced the Yaris ATIV eco car, its first major all-new model this year. The 1.2-litre Yaris hatchback has been the best-selling passenger car in Thailand for the past three years, thanks to its generous interior space and flashy design. Michinobu Sugata, managing officer of Toyota Motor Corp and president of TMT, said the new Yaris sedan, powered by the same 1.2-litre engine with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) as the hatchback, will be produced for export from Thailand. “Our Gateway Manufacturing plant in Chachoengsao province has been given a role to be a global production and export hub for the all-new Yaris sedan to serve over 70 countries,” he said. Isuzu leads in the commercial vehicle market with 70,419 units, with strong sales coming from its fuel-efficient 1.9-litre D-MAX pickup truck.

Source: The Nation Bangkok August 15, 2017 18:11 UTC