Vios 3rd generation in Thailand

Toyota launches 3rd-generation Vios

Hunting the market for a new subcompact sedan, but can't seem to trust anybody but Toyota? Well there is good news from the company with the launch of its latest Vios.

The new Vios is the third generation of the auto, which took over from the Soluna in Thailand.

The first generation - the Soluna Vios - sold 84,000 vehicles and the second generation 178,000, making a total of 262,000. The Soluna was an important model for Toyota as it helped the Japanese auto giant to reach No-1 spot in Thai sales of passenger cars.

"Vios is a core model for us here in Thailand, and an important model in our global product strategy," said Mitsuhiro Sonoda, president of Toyota Motor Thailand.

"Demand for small sedans is growing rapidly in Thailand and around the world. Our new Vios, the third generation, is designed and developed to meet a global standard which will attract all customers with its appealing design, higher performance, and advanced safety features and technology. In addition to our domestic sales, we will continue to export the new Vios to Asean countries." The new Vios has three main segments: J, E and G grade. Prices will be Bt509,000 to Bt549,000 for the base J range, Bt579,000-Bt639,000 for the E range and Bt699,000 for the top-of-the-range G. Also planned is the launch of S and G limited editions during the Bangkok International Motor Show 2007.

The new Vios will have the same engine as the previous version, although there are additional safety features as Toyota has stated that the main focus in the new vehicle is safety.

Toyota says that due to its focus on marketing strategy and good product quality, it has set a sales target of about 4,000 vehicles per month with no shortage of supply.

Exports to Asean nations will reach 1,400 cars per month, starting in the middle of the year. Toyota will export the Vios as a completely built-up car to Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia, and in completely knocked-down form to Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Toyota officials added that exports could be higher than this, but the company has reached its production limit at its Gateway plant in Chachoengsao. There are plans to expand annual capacity from 200,000 to 250,000 vehicles at the plant, although the time scale was not stated.