Toyota’s new 2010 IQ minicar (May be sold in the U.S.)
05-01-07 | 10:19 PM
#1
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Toyota’s new 2010 IQ minicar (May be sold in the U.S.)
A Toyota Smart? Tell me more...
Remember the Toyota Endo? It was one of many concept cars vying for attention at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, but the Japanese firm is now readying a production version to show this autumn, CAR Online has learned.
It's a sub-Aygo city car to square up to DaimlerChrysler's Smart Fortwo; DC boss Dieter Zetsche recently told CAR Online that Smart had been close to extinction, but the product planners were convinced that the market for tiny city cars would grow in an environmentally pressured age, so the brand was saved. Toyota now wants a slice of this market and a production Endo is due in showrooms in 2008.
So they're putting the Toyota Endo into production ?
Something like it, yes. Although the concept pictured has lashing of the usual show-car frippery (internet on the go, cartoon styling and Star Trek lights), its basic architecture will influence the production version, we hear. So expect something similar at the unveil at September's Frankfurt show.
The European-designed Endo concept was short (3000mm) and tall (1520mm), to cram in sufficient space for four passengers. Word is, the production model could offer 3+1 seating, with three spaces for adults and a fourth occasional jump seat - similar to the original Fiat Trepiuno concept, in fact.
Tell me about the clever thinking on the Endo then
Modularity, modularity, modularity. It informs every aspect of the Endo, from the moment you step in through the cleverly hinged doors. The doors and rear tailgate open in two stages, allowing bodies and bags to be squeezed in even in confined city spaces, thanks to innovative dual-action hinges.
The front passenger seat slides sideways, as well as fore-aft, to make it easier to clamber in the back, while the rear seats slide and fold, so you can juggle the space provided for luggage or limbs. We expect much of the concept's far-flung cabin to be toned down for production, but Toyota insiders talk of surprising accommodation for one so small.
No word yet on the mechanical spec, but we expect engines to be shared with the Yaris, starting with a basic 1.0-litre petrol. And it'll be priced to tackle the Smart head-on - starting somewhere near £6000.
Words: Tim Pollard
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source : carmagazine
Last edited by Gojirra99; 06-09-08 at 07:47 AM.
05-01-07 | 10:20 PM
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Toyota is set to unveil a new minicar aimed at European markets at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show later this year. The new model will be similar in size to DaimlerChrysler’s Smart Fortwo and will be able to seat two passengers up front with space available for a small child behind the driver’s seat. According to Automotive News Europe, an inside source has revealed that we should see the car hit showrooms by the middle of 2008.
The carmaker’s presence in Europe is expanding rapidly, especially in the compact segments with production of its current Yaris and Aygo cars increasing from 59,445 to 73,877 and 27,527 to 30,109 respectively over the past 12 months to meet increasing demand.
There’s also rumors of Toyota planning an ultra-low cost vehicle for sale in emerging markets, a car that would sell for less than Renault’s Logan budget car at around €5,000. Pictured above is Toyota’s Endo concept developed at its European design studios, which features styling elements that are likely to feature on the upcoming minicar.
Other carmakers reported to be rushing new and affordable small cars include industry giants General Motors and Volkswagen as well as newcomers such as India’s Tata, with the latter planning to release a car for close to €2,000.
The carmaker’s presence in Europe is expanding rapidly, especially in the compact segments with production of its current Yaris and Aygo cars increasing from 59,445 to 73,877 and 27,527 to 30,109 respectively over the past 12 months to meet increasing demand.
There’s also rumors of Toyota planning an ultra-low cost vehicle for sale in emerging markets, a car that would sell for less than Renault’s Logan budget car at around €5,000. Pictured above is Toyota’s Endo concept developed at its European design studios, which features styling elements that are likely to feature on the upcoming minicar.
Other carmakers reported to be rushing new and affordable small cars include industry giants General Motors and Volkswagen as well as newcomers such as India’s Tata, with the latter planning to release a car for close to €2,000.
05-01-07 | 10:39 PM
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Seeing the Smart car buzzing all around Manhattan last summer looked insane. Looked way out of place even in a city environment. Wonder how the rest of the buying public will accept small cars like these here.
08-22-07 | 07:53 AM
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Toyota’s new minicar due in two years
Toyota’s new minicar due in two years
Wednesday 22 August 2007
Toyota’s boss has revealed his desire to launch a new minicar within the next two years with the likely production site for the ultra-cheap model to be in India. Speaking at a recent conference, Fujio Cho explained that there are several countries under consideration for construction of the new car and India is likely to be the first.
Brazil is also a likely target but for now attention is on India. Toyota is reportedly planning to build a new plant with capacity of 100,000 cars on a plot of land it owns in Bangalore, according to Reuters. Toyota only sold 48,000 vehicles in India last year, lagging behind several other carmakers such as Suzuki, Tata and Hyundai.
The plan is to launch a new minicar priced below $5,000. Toyota is also rumored to unveiling another small hatch at next month’s Frankfurt Show that’s aimed at European markets to rival car’s like the Mercedes Smart car and similar models expected from VW and BMW.
The introduction of such cars will see Toyota annual sales tally surpass ten million units by the end of the decade. Earlier this month, Japan’s Nikkei reported that Toyota sales will reach 10.4 million by 2009 (up from 8.8 million last year) no doubt on the back of sales of these new minicars.
Wednesday 22 August 2007
Toyota’s boss has revealed his desire to launch a new minicar within the next two years with the likely production site for the ultra-cheap model to be in India. Speaking at a recent conference, Fujio Cho explained that there are several countries under consideration for construction of the new car and India is likely to be the first.
Brazil is also a likely target but for now attention is on India. Toyota is reportedly planning to build a new plant with capacity of 100,000 cars on a plot of land it owns in Bangalore, according to Reuters. Toyota only sold 48,000 vehicles in India last year, lagging behind several other carmakers such as Suzuki, Tata and Hyundai.
The plan is to launch a new minicar priced below $5,000. Toyota is also rumored to unveiling another small hatch at next month’s Frankfurt Show that’s aimed at European markets to rival car’s like the Mercedes Smart car and similar models expected from VW and BMW.
The introduction of such cars will see Toyota annual sales tally surpass ten million units by the end of the decade. Earlier this month, Japan’s Nikkei reported that Toyota sales will reach 10.4 million by 2009 (up from 8.8 million last year) no doubt on the back of sales of these new minicars.
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08-22-07 | 08:00 AM
#8
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Move over, Smart.
Actually, though, like the Smart, even if it does manage to pass American crash requirements, IMO it is clearly too small for most American roads. North American roads, on the average, are too rough for its light weight, short wheelbase and suspension travel, and there are too many big 18-wheelers sharing the Interstates with them that would crush them like pancakes.
(That is one of the reasons, BTW, that Europeans often get stiffer suspension and tire packages on their vehicles than we do here...the generally smoother roads in Europe).
Actually, though, like the Smart, even if it does manage to pass American crash requirements, IMO it is clearly too small for most American roads. North American roads, on the average, are too rough for its light weight, short wheelbase and suspension travel, and there are too many big 18-wheelers sharing the Interstates with them that would crush them like pancakes.
(That is one of the reasons, BTW, that Europeans often get stiffer suspension and tire packages on their vehicles than we do here...the generally smoother roads in Europe).
08-22-07 | 08:47 AM
#11
Compacts like the Corolla and Civic are already too small for American tastes.
Sure, it will sell well in Europe, and maybe in New York City and San Francisco. Otherwise, L.A. drivers won't be caught dead in one (unless if they're really trying to make a statement), and the rest of the country will have little use for something that small, unless if it's a second/third car.
Sure, it will sell well in Europe, and maybe in New York City and San Francisco. Otherwise, L.A. drivers won't be caught dead in one (unless if they're really trying to make a statement), and the rest of the country will have little use for something that small, unless if it's a second/third car.
08-22-07 | 10:09 AM
#13
Compacts like the Corolla and Civic are already too small for American tastes.
Sure, it will sell well in Europe, and maybe in New York City and San Francisco. Otherwise, L.A. drivers won't be caught dead in one (unless if they're really trying to make a statement), and the rest of the country will have little use for something that small, unless if it's a second/third car.
Sure, it will sell well in Europe, and maybe in New York City and San Francisco. Otherwise, L.A. drivers won't be caught dead in one (unless if they're really trying to make a statement), and the rest of the country will have little use for something that small, unless if it's a second/third car.
I sure don't want to be the rear passenger-that's suicide
08-22-07 | 10:49 AM
#14
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I absolutely adore this concept. Unlike the Smart, it's actually stylish in a cute and pretty way.
And for a price below $5,000? Hell yeah! That definitely makes the $12k Smart sound like a major rip-off!
Bring it over Toyota.
And for a price below $5,000? Hell yeah! That definitely makes the $12k Smart sound like a major rip-off!
Bring it over Toyota.
08-22-07 | 10:59 AM
#15
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love it. I hope they bring it over (and use better materials.. I wouldn't mind if that cost a bit more and used better materials than the $5k version they'll sell in India). It seems to have more cargo space than the smart (although the smart's cargo area is more vertically inclined.. this Endo is more cubic)