Last year, Toyota promised to launch a dozen new hybrid and plug-in hybrid models by the end of 2012.
One of those new hybrid models may be unveiled in concept form at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
Two Dutch websites are reporting that the company will use the show for the world debut of a Toyota Yaris Hybrid Concept.
JDM Vitz previews 2012 Toyota Yaris
Thus far, Toyota’s hybrids have all been either compacts or larger. In the U.S., it offers the midsize 2011 Prius and Camry Hybrid cars, plus the 2011 Highlander Hybrid crossover.
And at last month’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show, it unveiled a new Prius model, the 2012 Prius V station wagon (or people carrier, or small minivan).
In Europe, Toyota also sells the Auris Hybrid, which is effectively a hybrid version of the Corolla but in the hatchback body style that is most popular with European car buyers.
It has also showed two different concepts for a smaller, compact Prius model: the FT-CH Concept last year in Detroit, and the Prius C just last month.
JDM Vitz previews 2012 Toyota Yaris
So extending the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology down to subcompact models is a logical next step for Toyota.
A Yaris Hybrid would also compete very neatly with the Honda Fit Hybrid, a model not sold in the U.S. The hybrid Honda Fit is doing very well in its home market of Japan, however, where it is the least expensive hybrid offered for sale.
Honda Fit Hybrid
The Yaris (known as the Vitz in other markets) has been completely redesigned for the 2012 model year. The new car is 10 inches longer and slightly lower, but 66 pounds lighter than its predecessor.
The hybrid concept is expected to be one of several powertrains offered globally for the new 2012 Yaris.
Toyota says the Yaris Hybrid is just the first of a line of subcompact hybrid models.
GreenCarReports will bring you all the green-car news from the Geneva Motor Show as it happens.
[Autoweek.nl, Autoblog.nl]
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