Toyota Enters New Yaris in Thailand’s Eco-Car Parade

Toyota Thailand is keen to apply for an eco-car license before next year's March 31 deadline, but says its parent company in Japan has not yet finalized the investment budget or development plans.

Company President Kyoichi Tanada says in a statement the newly launched all-new Yaris sport hatchback meets the specifications of the Thai government’s eco-car incentives scheme.

The Board of Investment is taking eco-car applications with approvals expected by the middle of next year. Automakers’ investments will start about a year later.

Manufacturers who took part in the first eco-car program can apply to expand production or reinvest in the second phase with minimum capital of TB5 billion ($160.5 million). Automakers taking part for the first time must invest at least TB6.5 billion ($208.7 million).

They are required to produce at least 100,000 vehicles annually from the fourth year and the cars must meet the Euro 5 emissions standard of less than 100 g/km of carbon dioxide, down from 120 g/km now. Engine size is a maximum 1.3L for gasoline-engine models and 1.5L for diesel. Minimum fuel efficiency is 54.7 mpg (4.3 L/100 km), up from 47 mpg (5.0 L/100 km) currently.

In exchange, automakers get an 8-year tax break.

Tanada tells the Bangkok Post the Thai automotive industry needs to reinforce its production-hub position in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and small vehicles such as eco-cars are suitable for this.

He says output from the new eco-car program will not lead the local industry into oversupply, as any surplus can be exported. Toyota Thailand is planning major shipments of eco-cars to Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam once the ASEAN Economic Community is formed in late 2015.

Tanada says in his statement Toyota has adhered to its philosophy to promote environmentally friendly vehicles by incorporating innovative energy-efficient technologies into the new Yaris eco-car.

“We have consistently developed our products that are compatible with various energy resources to respond to the government’s policies,” he says.

Toyota says the Yaris is designed to particularly attract the young generation.

Chief engineer Takeshi Matsuda says the car’s new 1.2L, 3NR-FE, 4-cyl., DOHC gasoline engine with dual variable-valve timing, developed especially for the Thai market, combines with a Super CVT-I automatic transmission to offer superior performance and fuel efficiency.

Toyota Thailand Vice President Wichien Emprasertsuk says the new Yaris, to be launched in showrooms nationwide Oct. 26 and 27, offers four models with seven exterior colors. The price starts at TB469,000 ($15,056).

He predicts the car will achieve sales of 4,000 units a month.