Toyota to launch 'Asia car' soon

Toyota to launch 'Asia car' soon

TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. yesterday said it
would launch its "Asia car" in Thailand next month, with
production already underway at its Thai plant.

It said local subsidiary Toyota Motor Thailand Co. Ltd. would
commence sales of the Soluna passenger car on Jan.31, with sales
of 40,000 units expected in the 1997, rising to 60,000 units in
2000, through 230 sales outlets.

The 1.5 liter four-door sedan was developed "to appeal to the
recently emerging urban working class in countries now in the
expansionary stage of development," Toyota said in a statement.

The Soluna, to be built at Toyota's Gateway Plant in
Chachoengsao province, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of
Bangkok, would have 70 percent local content and use 700 locally-
made parts.

Plans for exporting the car to Singapore and Brunei were being
drawn up, Toyota said.

The car, in four models, was designed to resist Thailand's
climate, with a high level of water resistance and anti-corrosion
features, it said, adding that the Soluna's compact size was
suited for city maneuvering and narrow parking spaces.

Reports have said the car would have a price tag of 360,000 to
370,000 baht (US$14,100 to 14,500), about 20,000 baht less than
Honda's 1.3 liter City, which was developed in Thailand for the
Asian market and launched in April.

Total sales exceeded 7,000 units for Honda's City by the end
of September.

Toyota's annual production capacity in Thailand, including
commercial vehicles, is expected to reach 240,000 units in 1998.

The Gateway Plant currently produces only Toyota's Corona
passenger car, while its Corolla and Hilux models are made at its
Samrong Plant in Samut Prakan province, 29 kilometers (18 miles)
from Bangkok.

Production of these two models will be transferred to the
Gateway Plant in April next year.