Toyota Announces Sales of the Soluna Passenger Car

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that sales of the Soluna,¹ a passenger car newly developed exclusively for production overseas, will begin in Bangkok on January 31, 1997.

Production of the Soluna has already started at the Gateway Plant, the new passenger car production facility of Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT), TMC's production and sales subsidiary in Thailand. TMT plans to sell 40,000 units in 1997 and 60,000 units in 2000 through its nationwide network of 230 sales outlets.

The Soluna is a 1.5-liter, four-door sedan developed to appeal to the recently emerging urban working class in countries now in the expansionary stage of motorization. The Soluna was developed as an "Affordable Family Car" (AFC) for exclusive production abroad―an integral part of Toyota's overseas strategy leading up to the next century. Its characteristics and pricing were chosen in accordance with the concept of providing "one car for one family."

Developed for use in Thailand's particular driving environment, the Soluna is equipped with a newly developed 1.5-liter, twin-cam engine that is practical and easy to use, and which provides top-class fuel efficiency and performance.
The car is in the compact class because of the need to maneuver through city streets and into narrow parking spaces. The design achieves an ideal balance between practicality, comfort, safety, and reliability.

To contribute to industrial development in Thailand, TMC and TMT have established a test course and an emissions testing lab at the Gateway Plant and a training center in the suburbs of Bangkok. These will allow Thai personnel to become more involved in all aspects of Toyota operations, facilitating technology transfer. Also, the Soluna has achieved a 70% local content, utilizing nearly 700 locally-made parts. Plans for exporting the Soluna to Singapore and Brunei are also being developed.

Soluna Overview

Styling

An impressive design appropriate for a family's first car, and one that is equally acceptable internationally.

Engine

The 5A-FE 1.5-liter twin-cam EFI engine is practical and easy to use with top class fuel efficiency and performance.

Chassis

Based on the highly reliable underbody concept developed from Toyota's extensive experience, the chassis has been fine-tuned to best suit the road conditions in Thailand, following extensive testing under local road conditions.

Interior and Comfort

The interior is functional and has a high-quality feel. The size of the rear seat is equivalent to that in higher-class models and can comfortably accommodate three adults. Sufficient space (405 liters) is also provided for luggage.

The Soluna achieves a superior level of quietness compared to other cars in its class through engine noise control and effective placement of vibration-control, sound-absorbing, and insulation materials.

Reliability and Serviceability

The Soluna is specially designed to resist Thailand's climate by providing a very high level of water-resistance and anti-corrosion performance. For easy maintenance and service, practical design features include the headlight design, which enables reasonably priced, easy replacement of lenses and bulbs.

Safety and Environment Friendliness

The high-rigidity body design for the Soluna conforms to Japan's new passive safety standards for front- and rear-end collisions, and is designed after the U.S. standards for side collisions. Equipment such as an air conditioner (with environment-friendly R134 coolant) and power windows make driving more pleasant.

Grades

Four model grades have been established (see specifications).