Reaffirming its commitment to introducing hybrid technology across its vehicle range, Toyota has revealed that it is to unveil a Yaris hybrid concept at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
The news follows a previous announcement from the Japanese car maker concerning two new Prius models which are to be launched in the US. A mid-sized SUV type vehicle called the Prius V and a a new mini version called the Prius C Concept will go on sale in the states later this year and in 2012 respectively. In line with this expansion of the Prius family, Toyota has also confirmed that a seven seat version of the famous Prius will debut alongside the Yaris hybrid at Geneva, while has already announced plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the original Prius into Europe in 2012.
Using its familiar Hybrid Synergy Drive, which the firm has already expanded to its Auris model, the new Yaris concept marks the next stage in the company’s roll out of its hybrid technology and will mark the launch of the first B-segment hybrid car for the carmaker. Key rival, Honda, is one step ahead though, as its B-segment Jazz hybrid launches next month, although using Honda’s IMA hybrid system, the Jazz is not as fuel efficient or as low emission as Toyota’s current hybrid models and we can expect the Yaris hybrid to be better than all of them on that front.
Toyota has yet to announce when we might actually see a new seven seat Prius and a Yaris hybrid on the road, although the company is likely saving that news for Geneva.
The 81st Geneva International Motor Show opens to the motoring press on March 1 and 2 with a public show running from March 3 until March 13, 2011.
