Company Press Releases

http://au.biz.yahoo.com//090629/44/275ay.html

Toyota Motor to Tweak iQ for Individuality; Aston Martin Version Planned for Europe

Monday June 29 9:27 PM

Tokyo, June 29, 2009 - (JCN Newswire) - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it will offer new versions of the iQ - a four-seater, ultra-compact with outstanding cruising and environmental performance and air of sophistication borne of unique styling - to cater to car buyers seeking a means for personal expression.

In Japan, TMC will launch in November through its Netz dealer channel a limited-edition1 iQ customized under GAZOO Racing2 for a sporty touch, with suspension and handling characteristics that take to an even-higher level the iQ's agility and cruising stability. Other versions planned for the Japanese market include those tailored on both the inside and out for female and young drivers.

Overseas, TMC will supply a uniquely styled iQ-based vehicle called the "Cygnet" to Aston Martin of the United Kingdom through Belgium-based Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA. Aston Martin plans to sell the Cygnet, designed for people who value premium quality and individuality, in Europe. This undertaking is the result of Aston Martin and TMC sharing a corporate philosophy that emphasizes manufacturing cars of the highest quality that are equipped with innovative technologies.

(1) Special body panels and installation of other non-performance parts to be carried out by Toyota Modellista International Corporation; http://www.modellista.co.jp/ (Japanese-language site only)
(2) A TMC project aimed at increasing the number of car enthusiasts under the theme "Owning, driving and communicating"; one effort under the project is exploring the essence of "fun in vehicle ownership" and "ownership pride" and involves racing at Germany's Nurburgring circuit to further develop vehicles and human resources - this effort has resulted in limited-edition iQ described above.

For details on the GAZOO Racing project, please go to http://gazoo.com/racing/english/index.asp.

About Toyota

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. Today, the Company manufactures vehicles and parts at 53 production sites in 27 countries and regions around the globe and is an active member in the communities it serves. In fiscal 2008, ended March 31, 2008, the Toyota Group sold approximately 8.91 million vehicles in 170 countries and regions under the Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, and Hino brands. For more information, please visit www.toyota.co.jp/en/index.html.

Source: Toyota

Contact:

Toyota Motor Corporation
Corporate Communications Department/
Public Affairs Division
Tel: +81-3-3817-9150 
URL:  http://www.toyota.co.jp/en

Copyright 2009 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.japancorp.net

Print Me Now!  -  Back to Original Article