Toyota yesterday launched the 2014 Yaris, which the manufacturers described as a “stylish new generation sedan with an uncompromising blend of performance and durability”.
Senior Toyota officials Chief Engineer of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Takeshi Matsuda and Chief Representative of the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) office Nobuyuki Negishi graced the launch of the new Yaris model in Qatar, which the two officials described as one of their steady and fast growing markets across the world.
At a glittering launch ceremony held at St Regis Hotel’s Al Ghassar Resorts, officials of the Abdulla Abdul Ghani & Bros Co, the country distributors, said it is a matter of utmost satisfaction to their company that Toyota has recorded a 13% growth in in the car sales in the country in 2012 compared to the previous year. Equally impressive was the overall growth in sales as well, said a company spokesperson.
While describing Qatar as a growing market of his company Negishi thanked the country’s residents for their enormous patronage to Toyota in the last 50 years. “Even when there was a global economic slowdown, Toyota in Qatar recorded amazing sales,” he said while adding that Japan these days is slowly overcoming from the adverse effects of the earthquake that hit the country in 2011.
Echoing similar sentiments Matsuda said their company has all along been coming out with innovations in automobile technologies and the latest product is also an example of the superior expertise and craftsmanship of his company’s staff.
Speaking at the ceremony Matsuda said: “With the Yaris, we wanted to help people experience the pride of owning an excellent sedan at a reasonable cost.
“Moreover, we also wanted to develop an impressively attractive design that customers could proudly present to their family and friends. I believe with this new model we’ve really succeeded on the design front. Overall, our objective was to deliver tremendous value in every respect such as the enlarged dimensions with a new stylish exterior design and a quality spacious interior that exceeds its class.”
Also speaking Negishi said: “The new Yaris will definitely be at the top of the list for customers when they look for a sedan that combines superior value and dynamic performance with style and durability.”
The TMC official said: “With its increased body size offering a spacious and luxurious interior and its excellent handling stability and ride comfort, Yaris represents Toyota’s strong commitment to offer a great customer experience backed by Toyota’s acclaimed quality standards.”
At the ceremony, Managing Director of Abdulla Abdulghani & Bros Dr Nasser Abdulghani Abdulghani gave away mementos to some of the country’s most loyal Toyota customers.
Japan’s Ambassador to Qatar, Kenjiro Monji, also attended the launch.
The new Yaris vehicle, according to the manufacturers, demonstrates remarkable attention to detail in the design and its engineering encompasses its smart, interior design and quiet, refined passenger cabin to its responsive driving dynamics.
Compared to the previous Yaris models the new model features a highly aerodynamic body with a wider and more masculine stance and it increases in both headroom and passenger volume.
The Yaris has also come with a wide colour lineup that meets a variety of needs. A total of eight exterior colors are available, including three newly developed colours. These include Quartz Brown ME which has been newly developed in pursuit of a color that combines the shine of metal with a deep, three-dimensional feel. The Silky Beige ME colour scheme exudes a luxurious feel with shading like that of silk. The Frozen Blue ME color offers a strong, bright blue hue that emphasises cool sportiness.
The Yaris is available with the option of a 1.5 L (1497 CC) or a 1.3 L (1299 CC) engine. The sedan features a 4-speed automatic gearbox which is a lightweight and compact unit offering excellent response and a smooth gear shift.
Toyota and Abdulla Abdulghani & Bros officials with Japanese Ambassador to Qatar Kenjiro Monji (fourth from left) at the launch of Yaris 2014 at St Re
