Two mass-market PHEVs based on the Corolla and Levin models are due for the Chinese market in two years’ time.
The announcement was made at the Beijing Motor Show, showing Toyota’s long-term local commitment after selecting China as the first location outside Japan for the production of the Prius.
The two plug-in hybrids will complement the locally developed Corolla Hybrid and Levin Hybrid, which managed to sell approximately 40,000 units since last year’s debut. Toyota said it will also develop the plug-in hybrid powertrains for these models locally.
The Japanese company also announced the introduction of their turbocharged 1.2-litre direct-injection petrol engine, set to go on sale later this year across China, with models in Europe and Japan already using it since April 2015.
Also new for China will be the Toyota Safety Sense array of electronic safety systems. After its successful introduction in Europe and USA, Toyota’s Safety Sense will become available in local models, with the system specifically adapted for the Chinese roads.
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