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Toyota increasing Yaris Hybrid production to 222,000 this year in France

More fuel economy means more factory workers and more production for Toyota's most popular model in Europe. That simple equation explains why the Japanese automaker is boosting annual production of its gas- and hybrid-powered Yaris compact vehicles at its French factory. The new number will be about 222,000, a 15 percent increase. To do that, Toyota will need to add about 500 workers to bring its total there to more than 4,000, UK's The Green Car Website says. Vive le Toyota! Toyota updated the European Yaris in the middle of 2011 and added a hybrid version later that year, the model has many fans across the pond. It helps that they hybrid is rated (using the friendlier European standards) at a whopping 81 miles per gallon, a tremendous number for a car that costs approximately $26,000. Toyota could soon have a bit more room in the small hybrid segment, since it was reported recently that Honda would discontinue European sales of its Insight and CR-Z hybrids soon. That decision was made easier because of increasing competition from Toyota, which boosted hybrid sales in Europe last year by 43 percent. In contrast, both the CR-Z and Insight experienced more than a 60-percent plunge in European sales in 2013.

Toyota previews new C-HR crossover concept bound for Paris

We're now just a few weeks away from the start of the Paris Motor Show, and when the doors open at the Porte de Versailles, Toyota will be among the many automakers with new wares to show - including the new concept car pictured in this latest teaser image.
Called the C-HR, the concept is designed to represent an "innovative vision for a compact crossover model", incorporating "a new design language with an engaging driving experience and a hybrid powertrain." The Japanese industrial giant isn't saying much else, but the C-HR is set to debut alongside the finalized exterior design for its upcoming new fuel cell sedan.
Toyota, of course, became a pioneer in the compact crossover segment when it introduced the first-generation RAV4 way back in 1994. If the silhouette is anything to go by, however, the C-HR concept appears to adopt a far more streamlined form. Watch this space for more.

Toyota and Mazda set to expand partnership

Toyota and Mazda are already teaming up for the Scion iA and Mazda2, but that partnership might just be the beginning. Reuters reports the two Japanese companies could expand their work together, with Toyota chipping in its experience with both fuel cells and plug-in-hybrid tech, and Mazda contributing its know-how in regards to its Skyactiv line of engines. The report cites a pair of unnamed sources that are "not authorized to discuss the matter publicly." The move, on the surface, is certainly appealing for both parties. Mazda has very little experience with hybrids (remember the Ford-rebadged Tribute Hybrid?), let alone something as advanced as a fuel-cell vehicle. Teaming with Toyota, arguably the world's greatest hybrid manufacturer, would give it a serious leg up. For the Japanese giant, meanwhile, a partnership with Mazda could expand the economy of scale for the Mirai FCV's tech, while Skyactiv engines would do well in replacing the base engines in cars like the Corolla, Camry, and RAV4. What are your thoughts? Would an expanded partnership between Toyota and Mazda make sense? Can you think of any drawbacks? Have your say in Comments. Featured Gallery 2016 Toyota Mirai View 15 Photos News Source: Reuters Green Mazda Toyota Electric Hybrid skyactiv toyota mirai