UMW Toyota will be targeting to launch three models next year, according to a research report by Hong Long Investment Bank Research.
The first will of course be the new Toyota Corolla Altis, which will be launched as a CBU unit from Thailand. The car hasn't actually been launched in Thailand yet, but since we're going to get our units from Thailand we're expecting that to happen soon.
We've already seen estimated pricelists for this model. Three models will be available - a 1.8E going for an estimated RM115k, a 2.0G going for an estimated RM125k and a 2.0V going for an estimated RM137k.
The second model targeted to launch is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which was previewed at KLIMS. The Camry Hybrid is expected to be locally assembled under the new NAP rules. Pending government rulings on possible tax breaks for large-capacity CKD hybrid vehicles, its pricing could be pegged at a small premium over the current range-topping Camry 2.5V, and will take over the role of the Prius in the Toyota line-up, since it is unlikely that UMW Toyota will do CKD assembly for the Prius.
With a combined output of 205 PS by combining a 2.5 litre Atkinson cycle engine to an eCVT system that integrates two electric motors, the Camry Hybrid can get to 100 km/h 8.6 seconds, compared to the standard 2.5V's 9.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is significantly better too, at an average of 19.6 km per litre over 13.0 km per litre for the 2.5V.
The identity of the third model is not revealed - the report merely says UMW is currently still under discussions with Toyota Motor for the introduction. If you look at the markets around us, there are two models currently sold in other ASEAN countries that could be introduced.
One possibility is a next generation Toyota NAV1 based on the Toyota Noah Concept that was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. Nissan and Mazda have already launched their entrants into this new segment of tall MPVs - the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid and the Mazda Biante. Indonesia is currently the only country where the NAV1 is sold officially.
The other is the new Toyota Yaris hatchback which is sold in Thailand. It's not the same car as the European Yaris, but a separate model designed for markets like ASEAN. Unlike the Vios which is powered by a 1.5 litre engine, the Thai market Yaris uses a smaller 1.2 litre engine mated to a CVT gearbox.
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