Yaris Cross to boost UMW Toyota sales in 2024?

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent update from UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) highlights a successful close to 2023, with December sales reaching 10,402 units across Toyota and Lexus brands, marking a 7% year-on-year increase in total sales. 

This marks UMW Toyota's records best sales since 2012 with 108,107 Units in 2023.

Toyota enthusiasts tracking the brand's sales performance will find this latest update heartening. Yet, it's Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMWT's forward-looking statements that may capture the attention of prospective buyers even more.

As UMWT sets its sights on 2024, the company is gearing up to broaden its range with a focus on XEV technologies, encompassing hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. While the recent press release didn't delve into specifics, our informed speculation suggests that the Yaris Cross Hybrid could be a significant addition to Toyota Malaysia's lineup in the near future.

Why the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid?

In summary, the potential introduction of the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid in Malaysia could be a strategic move that builds on the successful Toyota-Perodua partnership, aligns with market trends towards more sustainable vehicles, and leverages the strengths of both companies in technology and production.

Speculation is rife that the Yaris Cross shares a significant connection with Perodua's imminent SUV offering, codenamed D66B, which has gained popularity as the Perodua Nexis. Drawing parallels from previous pairings like the Alza-Velos duo, it seems logical to anticipate the launch of this vehicle in the Malaysian market.

In Thailand, the Yaris Cross is exclusively available as a 1.5-litre hybrid. However, we can speculate that the car will be available in both hybrid and non-hybrid versions, mirroring the strategy used for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid in Thailand and Indonesia is equipped with a hybrid system that includes a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i engine, paired with an electric motor. Thailand solely offers the vehicle in a hybrid, but Indonesia there is a non hybrid version available which uses the same 1.5-litre engine as the current Vios.

There's potential for models like the Camry Hybrid and Vios Hybrid to accompany the Yaris Cross Hybrid in Toyota's lineup, as hinted by Toyota's President who suggested the addition of multiple models.

However, these are sedans, a category that currently doesn't hold the same appeal as the popular SUV segment. Therefore, the final decision remains to be seen. As of now, the Yaris Cross Hybrid seems more likely to be a definite addition to the lineup.

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