Due to the COVID-19, Toyota had to cancel its mini SUV launch. (Image via Wallpaper Flare)

Toyota postpones launching new car amid COVID-19

One of the biggest automakers in Japan, Toyota, had to postpone the launching of its new car. Dubbed as the “mini SUV”, Toyota had to postpone the launching due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The launch was supposedly scheduled for Geneva Motor Show, Switzerland. However, since the automotive show was canceled by the local authority due to COVID-19, the launching had to wait.

The Swiss government decided to ban the event that involved more than 1,000 exhibitors in order to contain the outbreak of COVID-19. Various automakers, participating in Geneva Motor Show with agendas of unveiling their new products, had to think up of other alternatives such as launching it online.

Not willing to conform, Toyota canceled the launching date and moved it to weeks or months to come. The mini SUV was supposed to be the main attention in the Geneva Motor Show. However, most likely, the showcase would involve concept cars because the sales will begin in March 2021.

The mini SUV is equipped with a three-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, reminding the world of Yaris. Toyota stated that the petit SUV possesses a 4WD system option, something rarely exhibited in the segment.

Toyota moves to the mini SUV segment as the product is selling out in the European continent. In 2019, at least 1.9 million units of mini SUV were sold in Europe, increasing by 20 percent from 2018’s figures. The production will take place in Toyota’s factory in Valenciennes, France. Toyota estimated that the mini SUV will represent 30 percent of its sales in Europe in 2025.

Source: https://bit.ly/2Q3vciX