Tokyo - The Japanese car producer Toyota is apparently planning to launch a new fuel-efficient micro-car on the European market in 2009, reducing the overall carbon dioxide emission figures of its model range under the EU ceiling of 140 grammes per kilometre. At the same time, from January 1, 2009 Toyoto will no longer offer the fuel-guzzling Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Landcruiser on European markets, reports said.
Last year, Toyota sold 42,000 Landcruiser models in Europe and will in future offer the model only in countries such as Russia.
The Japanese business magazine Nikkei reported that the new micro- car would be based on the iQ concept car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It measures 2.98 metres in length and is some 80 cm shorter than the current small car Yaris.
The plans put European car producers under pressure with the E.U. Commission threatening action to force producers to comply with a self-set C02 emission target of 140 grammes per kilometre as from 2009. The current emission figure is 160 g/km on average.
