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.