Toyota Yaris In Depth
Toyota�s European best seller
� Current Yaris delivered a year-by-year improved sales performance
� European Car of the Year 2000 and Japanese Car of the Year 1999-2000
� New Yaris product concept follows Yaris DNA and points at higher sophistication
� The range comprises 3 engines, all available with MultiMode transmission, and 3 equipment grades
� Targeting customers that appreciate technology and innovation
� Sales of new Yaris to start at the end of the current year
� Toyota expects to sell 250,000 units of the new model during 2006
Historical background
� First generation launched in 1999
� An ever-growing sales trend since launch
� Over 1.2 million units sold in Europe
Toyota introduced the first ever Yaris to the market back in 1999. Since its launch, the B-segment compact car has proved to be an overwhelming success for Toyota, both on a commercial level and by raising the profile of the brand.
The Yaris has won numerous awards. Back in 1999, the car won the prestigious �European Car of the Year� as well as �Japan�s Car of the Year�, making it the first model ever to achieve such recognition across the globe.
The Yaris also received the highest segment score in the Euro NCAP crash tests at the turn of the millennium. Winning 29 points in total, it became the safest supermini compact car that year.
Furthermore, the German T�V Auto Report 2005 has ranked the Yaris the �Most Reliable Car in the 4-5 year category�. The recent 2005 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index studies in France and Germany have also ranked Yaris Verso and Yaris Hatchback as first and second in their category, respectively.
The Yaris family grew even more complete with the introduction of the Yaris T Sport in 2001, adding a touch of �sportiness� to the brand image, and with it raising the profile of the compact car.
In the same year, Toyota began production of the Yaris at its Valenciennes plant (TMMF) in France. 2001 was an important year for Toyota as it saw the introduction of the first all-aluminium diesel engine in the world. The highly-acclaimed 1.4-litre D-4D engine was swiftly added to the Yaris engine line-up.
Having achieved a solid reputation for reliable engineering and safety, the Yaris underwent a major restyle in 2003.
The Yaris has had a unique life-cycle, with ever-growing annual sales seeing figures rise from 134,717 in 1999 to an impressive 227,616 in 2004. Yaris now represents a quarter of Toyota�s annual car sales across the continent, being simultaneously the best-selling Toyota in Europe.
Last year saw the 500,000th Yaris built at the efficient TMMF plant. In total, over 1.2 million units were sold across Europe since its launch.
Product concept
� Maintaining the original Yaris DNA
� Higher sophistication through a refined execution
� Targeting an �upper-class� feel
For the development of the new Toyota Yaris, Chief Engineer Kousuke Shibahara focused on three key points to explain the concept behind his project. First and foremost, the new product had to remain faithful to the Yaris DNA: an advanced package, high levels of interior space and versatility, use of advanced technology, comfort, safety and performance. This also includes a constant focus in the continuous improvement of every aspect of quality, durability and reliability.
Secondly, Mr. Shibahara wanted to raise the level of sophistication through a more refined execution. This would translate into improved perceived quality, lower levels of noise and vibration, and more advanced powertrains.
Finally, Toyota wanted to give the new Yaris customer a more �upper-class� feel compared to the current model. The method was to take an in-depth approach to a multitude of different areas such as driving dynamics and overall quality, and to even more specific details such as the door-closing sound.
Key product attributes
Having defined the product concept, the development team then focused on the following areas:
� Quality feel � numerous items were improved in order to convey this perception, from perceived interior quality, noise and vibration levels to driving dynamics
� Safety � an improved equipment pack and a much sturdier body structure help create a safer overall package
� Design � with a style created by Toyota�s European design studio, ED2, the new Yaris captures the DNA of the current model, as well as pursuing a new direction in design
� Driving dynamics � a totally new platform (50% stiffer than the previous) and an entirely new suspension system achieve the best possible combination of good handling and ride comfort
� Powertrains � the new Yaris adopts a range of advanced units that combine good performance levels with low fuel consumption and emissions
� Package and versatility � several innovations have led to better use of interior space and helped to provide enhanced versatility
The range
� A three-engine line-up
� MultiMode transmission available on all engines
� Available in three different grades
The new Yaris comes equipped with a comprehensive engine range to suit every customer�s needs. To start, there is the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine, with 69 DIN hp (51 kW) at 6,000 rpm and a decent 93 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. This is followed by the 1.3-litre VVT-i petrol engine, available in the current Yaris, with 87 DIN hp (64 kW) at 6,000 rpm and a 121 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Next up is the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine, first introduced on the Corolla, with 90 DIN hp (66 kW) at 3,600 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 1,800-3,000 rpm.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, although the advanced 5-speed MultiMode transmission is available as an option on all engines.
The new Yaris comes in three grades. The entry level, named �Yaris�, comes with sufficient safety and interior packaging features to set it far apart from other cars in its segment. This includes front and side airbags (for both front occupants), 185/60 R 15 tyres, tilt steering wheel adjustment, power door locks, electric rear view mirrors and a CD player audio system with four speakers.
In the mid level �Yaris Luna�, the model comes equipped with convenience items such as power door locks with remote control, leather steering wheel with telescopic adjustment and audio switches, a 6-speaker audio system capable of playing MP3 and WMA CDs and extra safety features including curtain shield airbags and driver�s knee airbag.
At the top end there is the �Yaris Sol�, which comes with additional features including an automatic air conditioner, special plating on the door handles and handbrake, front fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Additional market information
� Targeting customers aged between 25 and 35
� Sales to start at the end of the year
� A 2006 sales target of 250,000 units
With this new Yaris, Toyota expects to attract customers who are mainly well-educated people with an active lifestyle, aged between 25 and 35. They are fond of technology and innovation, appreciating Yaris for its clever design and advanced features in a compact package.
Toyota will begin pre-sales activities for the new Yaris in September, and looks to start sales by December 2005. Annual sales are expected to reach 250,000 units during next year.
Cost of ownership and anti-theft protection
One of the best investments in the segment
� Segment�s best insurance classifi cations in Germany and UK
� Low crash repair costs thanks to Toyota-fi rst technologies
� Current Yaris among industry leaders in resale value in Europe
� Several measures make new Yaris cabin a more secure place
Improved insurance classifications
� Segment�s best results in Germany and UK
� New material for bumper reinforcement
� Radiator slide structure
The new Yaris has achieved the segment�s best insurance classification for all engines in Germany, while in UK the Yaris 1.0 VVT-i was attributed the lowest possible group, 1E. This was only possible thanks to a reduction in crash-repair costs. For instance, in Germany this allowed an annual insurance premium reduction of �351 for Yaris 1.0 VVT-i and �718 for Yaris 1.4 D-4D, in comparison with the current model.
In order to reach these targets, the major challenge to overcome was the vehicle�s reduced front overhang � which at 725 mm is even smaller than that of the current generation and its direct competitors. This limitation makes it more difficult to reduce the level of damage to the vehicle�s front module in the case of a head-on impact.
To cope with this, for the first time ever, Toyota engineers have used a bolt-on bumper reinforcement produced in hot-stamped, ultra high-tensile steel, which also contains an energy-absorption structure. Another new addition is a radiator slide structure � built to protect the radiator and air conditioner condenser in case of a low-speed impact, whilst simultaneously holding the bonnet lock in place.
The adoption of these unique measures has allowed for a 132 mm reduction in the Yaris front overhang, thus enabling a cut in repair costs. During the internal crash tests (15 km/h impact against an offset barrier) components like the radiator and bonnet had not been affected.
Servicing costs
� 28% reduction in maintenance times for the Yaris 1.0 VVT-i
� 38% maintenance time reduction for the Yaris 1.4 D-4D
Applying the know-how already invested in cars like the Avensis and Corolla Verso � segment leaders in terms of servicing costs � means the new Yaris has also received significant improvements in this area.
Comparing the 100,000 km servicing cumulative time, the Yaris 1.0 VVT-i evolves from 5.7 hours to 4.1 hours in the new model, a reduction of 28%.
For the Yaris 1.4 D-4D, cumulative servicing time was cut down from 6.8 hours to 4.2 hours (or 3.6, with Oil Maintenance Management System, a feature that monitors the condition of the engine�s oil) � a reduction of 38%.
Aiming for a high resale value
� Current Yaris leader in terms of resale value
� Germany, Spain and UK are key markets
According to the Eurotax survey, the current Yaris remains among segment leaders in Europe when it comes to resale value. In the UK alone, at the end of 2004, the current 5-door Yaris, equipped with the 1.0-litre petrol engine, came first in terms of resale value with 36 months and 90,000 km under its belt.
In the same year in Germany, the current Yaris 1.0-litre petrol Luna 5-door model, again 36 months old and having driven 90,000 km, came first on the charts for its resale value. Spain also saw the same car, with the same life-history, reach second place at the start of 2005.
Anti-theft protection
� Key-picking made near impossible with Smart Entry
� Right-hand drive models have additional steel protection
� Immobiliser�s ECU hidden for difficult access
The new model is available with Toyota�s Smart Key, which means that lock-picking is difficult � if not impossible � because of the key�s new inner-gutter design.
The side-door lock and actuator are now fully integrated and fully shielded by a cover. This represents a complete departure from the current Yaris. Right-hand drive models receive additional steel protection.
Thanks to Smart Entry�s electrically-activated mechanism, the trunk lock presents no linkage. Right-hand drive models also receive steel protection in the trunk area. In addition, vehicles equipped with Smart Entry & Start System receive a reinforced steering lock.
Furthermore, the location of the immobiliser�s ECU has been changed on the new Yaris, making it extremely difficult to access.
As a consequence, the new Yaris has achieved an �Exceeding� rating in the UK�s New Vehicle Security Assessment, which contributes to a reduction in the insurance premium. Yaris has scored above the required level in all areas (electrical security, body security and vehicle identification).
Design->
http://www.japanesec...1130.003/page/2Package and Interior Comfort->
http://www.japanesec...1130.003/page/3Safety->
http://www.japanesec...1130.003/page/4Body and Chassis->
http://www.japanesec...1130.003/page/5Powertrains->
http://www.japanesec...1130.003/page/6Si o galerie uriasa:
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