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Toyota's New-Concept in Affordable Transportation

8 December 1998

Toyota's New-Concept in Affordable Transportation Will Be First to Offer VVT-i Technology

    TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 8 -- The new-concept in affordable
transportation that Toyota will debut at the North American International Auto
Show in Detroit will be the first Toyota brand vehicle to offer variable-valve
timing (VVT-i) cylinder head technology.
    Similar in design to the VVT-i systems available on Lexus products, the
new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine will deliver an exceptional blend of power
and fuel economy and will be EPA-certified as a low-emission (LEV) vehicle.
    The yet-to-be-named new vehicle was developed to be simple, functional and
affordable, while delivering a level of comfort and driveability that is "one
class up" from what consumers expect from an entry-level sedan.  The vehicle
will be offered in both two- and four-door models.  It will be
price-positioned substantially below the Toyota Corolla, yet it will offer
nearly as much passenger volume.
    The vehicle is slated for launch in North America in the fall of 1999.