World Debut of The Toyota Yaris HSD Concept

— HSD brings the uniquely smooth, sophisticated driving experience of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain to the B-segment
— Forward-looking design direction for the next Yaris model range, combining dynamism and efficient packaging
— First downsizing of HSD technology
— Next generation Yaris on sale in Europe in second half of 2012

Making its world debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the Yaris HSD concept embodies what will be an important step in Toyota’s full hybrid roll-out strategy in Europe.

Toyota aims to bring full hybrid technology to every main European model as early as possible in the 2020s. Following the successful introduction of the Auris HSD to the C-segment in 2010, the Yaris HSD concept anticipates Toyota’s intention to bring Hybrid Synergy Drive® to the B-segment, the biggest volume segment in Europe.

Hybrid powertrains have achieved sufficient parity in the public perception that they are now a clear alternative to diesel or petrol engines. The number of customers choosing hybrid drive for their next vehicle has doubled in the last two years. This creates a gateway into the Toyota brand: hybrid intenders being three times more likely to consider a Toyota than conventional petrol and diesel customers.

Exterior Design – A New Design Direction for the Next Yaris Model Range
The Yaris HSD concept inherits all the clever DNA of the Yaris, offering B-segment customers an ingenious combination of small, compact packaging and a spacious, practical interior, while introducing a new, more advanced and sophisticated style to the exterior design.

Flanked by highly contoured headlamps, the upper grille opening is shallow, helping the air flow smoothly over the upper half of the body. In profile, the Yaris HSD concept’s sleek, monoform shape is emphasised by the long, sweeping roofline and a single, crisp character line which runs smoothly through the length of the vehicle. Short front and rear overhangs and a long wheelbase maximise passenger accommodation and loadspace on board.

Solar panels have been applied to the entire roof surface of the Yaris HSD concept. This engineering solution targets the independent powering of the air-conditioning unit for improved full hybrid powertrain fuel economy.

HSD – Introducing the Benefits of Full Hybrid Technology to the B-segment
Fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions are already key to the success of B-segment models. And further improvements to the efficiency of Hybrid Synergy Drive® will continue to deliver highly competitive fuel consumption and emissions.

With its unique capacity to offer fully electric driving, HSD is particularly effective in the urban environment. In all-electric mode, the system not only generates zero CO2 emissions, but also zero NOX and particulate (PM) emissions.

Every Toyota full hybrid offers customers the lowest possible cost of ownership. Superior fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions bring tax incentives in some countries, inner city congestion charge exemption and exceptionally low running costs.

HSD Powertrain Downsizing – The Engineering Challenge
Introducing full hybrid technology into the B-segment has presented Toyota with several unique engineering challenges. The new powertrain must be optimised for installation within the vehicle’s compact, extremely efficient packaging design, without detriment to either system quality and performance, or passenger accommodation and loadspace.

This comprehensive repackaging of HSD technology is essential to meeting the growing market demand for urban-based family vehicles, without compromising either interior space or hybrid performance.

Introduction of Full Hybrid Technology at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF)
The next generation Yaris will be launched throughout Europe in the second half of 2012. Committed to the highest standards in build quality, Toyota has determined that the new full hybrid will be produced at the Valenciennes plant of Toyota Motor Manufacturing France.

Full hybrid technology will become an increasingly significant part of the company’s mainstream vehicle production in Europe. With the Auris HSD already in production at the Burnaston plant in the UK, Toyota will be the only car manufacturer producing hybrid vehicles from more than one European plant.