Toyota Group unveiled plans today ‘to begin production of an ‘Asian Car’, specially designed for the Asian market.

Production of the 1500cc sedan will begin in 1997 in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, Company executives announced that total output is expected to exceed 80,000 vehicles by the year 2000. 

With Asia widely tipped to become the fastest growing economy of the 21^st century, Toyota is launching the project as part of its strategic marketing policy for the region.

Taking into account both climatic conditions and market maturity in the Asian region, Toyota plans to tailor the new model’s; specification accordingly. “Customizing’ of the new model will include changes in the standard and quality of materials used for ‘both interior and exterior parts.

Aiming to minimize production costs, Toyota announced that it will disperse production of engine and other auto parts among various ASEAN nations.

One of the major considerations behind the decision is tariffs. By making all auto-part trading inter-ASEAN rather than ASEAN-Japan, the.  company will be able to reduce tariffs by fifty percent.