Toyota & Daihatsu Developing Two New Compact Models For ASEAN

Toyota is developing an all-new low-cost, compact car aimed at emerging, fast-growing markets such as China and Southeast Asia, which of course includes Malaysia. According to Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbun which reported this news, the new car is slated for launch in 2012, costing under one million yen (37,113 ringgit).

To lower the development costs, the compact car will share a platform with Toyota Vios and Toyota Yaris, while making use of as many locally-sourced parts as possible, which could cut costs by 30–40 percent.

The report further mentioned that Daihatsu, Toyota's mini/small car subsidiary unit, is also in the process of developing an all-new compact car targeted at Southeast Asian markets. There remains the possibility that the car could be badged as a Toyota in certain markets and as a Perodua in Malaysia.

Compared with automakers such as Volkswagen and Hyundai, Toyota appears to be lagging behind in presence and investments in emerging markets especially India and Brazil. The two new models in question as well as the upcoming Toyota Etios, due for launch in India late this year, are part of the number one Japanese automaker's plan to establish a stronger presence away from developed markets.

AboutSeow Yaohan

Seow Yao Han strives to bring you the latest and the most comprehensive information on cars available in Malaysia. But it's never easy for him to talk and write cars in this part of the world because what you lust after is often not what you drive home. When the euphoria of test-driving that branded, super-expensive sports car dies down, he just goes home in his less-than-glamorous ride.