Toyota announces the discontinuation of production of gasoline-powered Corolla and Yaris models, focusing on hybrid technology.
Toyota has raised the price of smaller cars after a decision to focus on hybrid power.
The auto giant has halted orders for its conventionally powered Yaris and Corolla hatchbacks, causing prices to rise by about $5,000.
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The entry price for Toyota's compact Yaris rose from $24,800 to $30,190 plus destination costs, or about $34,500 after purchase.
The previous Yaris model started at $15,390 plus launch costs in 2019.
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia's vice president of sales and marketing, said the changes towards a hybrid focus for small cars were "due to natural consumer demand".
“It is driven by changing consumer behavior… behavior and choices that Toyota has played a significant role in encouraging,” he said.
“It is not driven by an efficiency standard. The Albanese government is preparing to introduce a much-debated emissions standard designed to encourage Australians to buy more efficient cars. The proposed standards would impose fines on car manufacturers that sell models that breach the efficiency standards.
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Hanley says “prices will go up” as a result of the environmental effort.
"What I will say is that there is no doubt that the environment in the Australian automotive industry is poised to see a significant change," he said.
“While there are aspects of NVES today that we can live with, there are other aspects that will make life very difficult for both our dealers, our customers and workers in Australia in the future.
“The reality is that this could, if we don’t find a reasonable solution and a reasonable transition period, lead to increased car prices.”
Toyota sold more than 400,000 hybrid cars in Australia before introducing its first electric car, the bZ4X.
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Speaking at the launch of the hybrid-only Toyota C-HR compact SUV, Hanley highlighted the success of Toyota's hybrids, claiming that its hybrid range attracted more customers than any other carmaker in the country last month.
Toyota's Camry sedan and Yaris Cross compact crossover have already been confirmed as hybrid-only offerings in Australia.
Larger cars like the Toyota RAV4 and Kluger will remain available with a choice of petrol and hybrid power for the immediate future.
Hanley says this may change “over time.”.
After watching the slow initial development of hybrid cars before they became a necessary technology, Hanley urges the government to give car manufacturers and consumers time to transition to green cars.
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“It takes time for an automaker to innovate and produce low-emission engines that are practical, capable and, above all, affordable.
“It takes time for people to understand new technologies, overcome myths, and appreciate them.
“And it takes time for consumer behavior to change so that people buy these vehicles in large numbers.”
Information source: news.com.au
