Report: Toyota Yaris hybrid coming in 2011, to be produced in France

It was reported earlier this year that Toyota is planning a hybrid version of the Yaris compact car. According to Japanese newspaper Ashai, the Yaris hybrid compact will be priced around 1.5 million yen ($15,760) in Japan and will arrive in late 2011.

Ashai said that the Toyota will use the current engine and platform offered on the Yaris, which will be remodeled ahead of the model’s launch. The report said that the hybrid Yaris will feature a more cost competitive and fuel-efficient hybrid system than that of the Prius.

Production is expected to take place in France for sale in Europe. No word on whether the Yaris hybrid will make it over to the United States.

A Toyota spokeswoman would not confirm the report and said that product and production plans are made only through official announcements.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters