Report: Toyota Yaris to be imported to U.S. from France

Toyota is making a new move with its upcoming 2013 Yaris hatchback with the decision to import the model into the U.S. from France.

While the French factory has been making this model since 2001, whatever the location produced has been sold to the European market. This change will mark the first time a Toyota is made in Europe for American import. It will now ship out roughly 25,000 units each year for all of North America, including Canada and Puerto Rico. The factory is being retrofitted in in order to meet the requirements and aesthetic alterations required to suit the market, such as the automatic transmission option, safety features, a 1.5-liter engine and modified bumpers.

“This is not only an endorsement of the quality of the cars built by our team members here at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France, but it’s also a significant new business opportunity for our factory and further strengthens TMMF’s position as an important exporter in France,” TMMF president Makoto Sano said.

The change will take place as of May 2013.

– By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Autoguide