Business re-think helps Toyota through

Toyota is riding out the economic downturn in Europe by reforming the way it does business.

This has included the decision to concentrate production of all its Auris C segment models in the UK, rather than splitting assembly with its factory in Turkey.

Didier Leroy, head of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "This allows us to maximise efficiencies as the UK is where the majority of Auris suppliers are. Our Burnaston plant is also very productive and efficient and we get a lot of backing from the British government."

Toyota, he added, has 70 tier one suppliers in the UK which now supply 25 percent of all components to the company's European plants. While Burnaston will be the sole producer of Auris and Avensis models for Europe, Toyota's Valenciennes factory in France will continue to produce only Yaris while a year from now the Turkish plant will start assembling the Corolla saloon mainly for markets in Eastern Europe.

Leroy said:" The Market in Europe continues to be a challenge but we took these decisions two years ago so that we could maximise our strengths. While other companies worry about overcapacity, our main concern is whether we can make enough cars."

The introduction of the Auris has seen 800 new temporary jobs at Burnaston - some 150 of which have already been made permanent  - while production line speed has been increased to produce one car every 66 seconds, down from 89 seconds.

Leroy does not see any upturn in European car sales until at least 2014, however. He added: "I think next year will be down by around 5 percent with increased sales in Eastern Europe but markets in Western Europe will be down. Despite this we are expecting our sales to increase."

2013 Toyota Auris REVEALED

Toyota is set to unveil its new Auris c-segment entry at the Paris motorshow on September 27^th and here we have the first official images. The new car is promises to offer ‘improved dynamics, more distinctive styling, higher equipment levels’ as well as lower running costs. The current Auris isn’t a bad care but compared to its rivals it lacks the all-round ability on offer especially in terms of driving dynamics and styling. This is set to change with the new model

Toyota have developed the new Auris to incorporate their new design language which a ‘more confident exterior design’ that sits 55mm lower than the car it replaces. This gives way to a sleeker appearance with more ‘sharp-edged front styling’ with modern looking headlights and edgy lower grills. The profile of the Auris has changed considerably with the introduction of a third window in the c-pillar above the ‘stronger and more pronounced chrome-trimmed rising belt-line’. The rear of the Auris is also more dynamic looking with narrow wrap-around light units that ‘strengthen the cars broad stance’

Inside there have also been big improvements in both trim quality and design. Expect the cabin to be more spacious and comfortable with the company’s new Skyview panoramic roof making an appearance – Toyota claim it is one of the largest in its class. New more appealing materials and textures will feature throughout in a bid to move the Auris upmarket in a similar way to its rivals. The new cars 30mm increase in length makes way for more passenger space – 20mm in the rear and boot space has increased by a modest 6 litres.

Similarly to the current Auris there will be a Hybrid version available with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. There will also be familiar 1.4 litre diesel and 16 litre petrol engines on offer but with improved efficiency and refinement.

The new model will be given its European premiere on 27^th September at the Paris motor show, with petrol, diesel and full hybrid version on display. Details of UK sales introduction, specifications and prices will be announces as a later date. 

2012 Toyota Yaris ROAD TEST (Josh Ross)

When the original Yaris launched back in 1999 its styling, dynamics and packaging quickly elevated the car to the top of its class. Journalists and buyers fell head over heels for the cheeky appearance, digital dash display and novel sliding rear bench. Perpetual praise followed, with Yaris winning the covetable Car of the Year title in 2000 – the first of its many awards.

Previously Toyota had been associated with worthy but unexciting cars – Celica and MR2 withstanding. But with Yaris their approach was far more ambitious. Offering a brace of smooth and tractable VVTI engines Toyota proved that its dynamic DNA could also work effectively in the volume sector – the units employed the same torque optimising technology as the 1.8s offered in MR2 and Celica. Never before had a small car been so complete; Toyota’s renowned reliability complementing a carefully honed chassis and spacious innards.

The then ageing Fiesta offered comparable smoothness, character and performance from its Zetec S engines but in a noisier and cramped bodyshell. Volkswagen’s Polo played the quality card but provided little driver enjoyment. Rivals such as the Clio & Punto meanwhile were unengaging to drive, attractive to look at and until Yaris arrived, viewed as the cool choices along with Polo.

Clearly Toyota has created a winning recipe with Yaris for despite a new nameplate and its unremarkable Starlet predecessor, the car rapidly became a sales success. Up to the end of 2011 368, 185 Yaris’s found homes.

Launched last year the model tested is Toyota’s third Yaris. The second model was introduced in 2005 replacing the then six year old original.

Aesthetically, this car deviates most from its two forebears. Where the Mk1 and 2 were soft, rounded designs that also used curvier shapes for the dash this car is more angular and edgy. There are similarities between the Mercedes SLK & CLS lights and Yaris’s diamond shaped units while the side profile, with its sharply rising window line and high set handles, is another striking and attractive styling feature.

Step inside and you quickly settle into the soft and comfortable half leather seats. For a B segment car interior space is impressive and the boot offers a class competitive 286 litres of capacity.

The dash is clearly laid out and effectively combines both form and function. Where its direct predecessor opted for a tightly stacked, vertical console, this model uses a slender, horizontally ordered dash. The large screen for the Touch and Go system (incorporating rear view camera, sat nav and both iPod and internet connectivity) dominates the dash and sits logically above the climate controls. These are perfectly placed allowing you to adjust the temperature on the move. And with so little dash space more cabin room is created – a particular advantage for those with larger frames. Quality is faultless and the materials also have a hard wearing feel. That said, some softer touch plastics and a greater variation in colour would improve the cabin ambience.

Driven at sedate speeds the Yaris accounts well for itself. The steering is light and responds quickly to your inputs, while throttle response from the lively 1.33 unit is as keen as one would hope given its predecessors. Up the pace and the Yaris continues to hold its own, though wind noise is a little intrusive at motorway speeds and sharper bumps can upset its composure. Luckily, the chassis counters with a tightly controlled body and reasonably quiet ride. As an SR specification model the ride is lowered by 10 mm over lesser specified cars. This helps firm the suspension up which pays dividends through the corners.

Those of  sportier dispositions are also catered for with the CVT transmission. They will appreciate the steering wheel mounted paddles that allow drivers to shuffle between the ratios – this is achieved with minimal interruption in both automatic and manual modes.

Verdict

Those after a small, well built and sharp looking car should definitely check out Toyota’s new Yaris. Multimedia connectivity, excellent construction and improved dynamics characterise this 3rd generation model, elevating it to the highest echelons of the class.

Words and Photos by Josh Ross (www.http://joshsross.wordpress.com)

Technical Data

Price as tested: £15,185
Engine: 1.33 16v 98bhp - 0-60mph: 12.3 secs - Maximum Speed: 109mph -
Economy: 44.8mpg (urban) –61.4mpg (extra-urban), 53.3 (combined) - Emissions: 121g/km (Band D) - VED (12 months): £120
Dimensions: Length 3885mm - Width: 1695mm - Height: 1500mm - Wheelbase: 2510mm

*data from Toyota UK

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