Engineer of Yaris, named European Car of the Year, offers insights on the accomplishment
The Toyota Yaris has been named Car of the Year 2021 in Europe, a testament to the team's ability to balance conflicting needs and achieve ambitious goals. This small vehicle, designed to offer a balance between driving comfort, fuel efficiency, environmental performance, safety, design, and affordability, impressed the jury with its hybrid technology, compact design, and impressive fuel economy.
The Yaris's success can be attributed to the efforts of the development team, who worked towards high goals while remaining conscious of future market trends. Akio Toyoda, the President of Toyota, made the decision to delay the Yaris' launch by one year to prioritise making ever-better cars. During this extension, the team made every effort to reduce weight and cost, ensuring the Yaris would remain affordable without compromising on quality.
The one-year delay had a global impact, affecting production plants in Japan and France, as well as dealers around the world. However, the Yaris's success in the Car of the Year 2021 in Europe was seen as a reflection of the team's growth and hard work during this challenging period.
Akio Toyoda, who drove the Yaris development model at the Shimoyama test track in 2019 and approved of how it drove, expressed his determination to 'take on the hierarchy' of small, medium, and large cars by creating a small vehicle that people consider attractive and are proud to own. The development of the new Yaris overturned the hierarchy of small, medium, and large cars by incorporating the latest technology at an affordable price.
The Yaris was built to suit the tastes of European customers and driving conditions. It was tested on various roads, including narrow cobblestone streets, autobahns, and roads with poor surface conditions. The Yaris's strength across multiple areas, including driving, fuel efficiency, environmental performance, safety, design, and affordability, was recognized by the European jury.
The Yaris earned the top 5-star ranking under the revised evaluation standards of the Euro NCAP for car safety. Its hybrid powertrain and overall practicality were key factors in the jury’s decision. The Yaris's achievement can also be linked to the recognition and influence of President Akio Toyoda in Europe and the impact of the high-performance GR Yaris.
Interestingly, the Yaris is the only non-European car among the seven shortlisted models for the Car of the Year 2021. This success can be a significant milestone for Toyota in the European market, as it continues to strive for excellence in its vehicles. The Yaris's victory in the prestigious Car of the Year 2021 award further solidifies its position as a leading contender in the small car segment.
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