Toyota plans new models in Germany after market share dropped

Toyota Auris

Toyota is planning a ‘massive’ introduction of new models in Germany by 2009. The Japanese automaker is facing an significant drop in the market share and hopes the addition of new models will boost the brand’s image.

Toyota's share of the German car market dropped to 3.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, down from 4.2 percent in 2007, he said in an interview to be published today.

The expected market share at the end of 2008 will be closer to 3.6 percent than to 4.2 percent due to a lack of new products he added.

In 2009, the Japanese company will bring six new models and nine upgrades of existing models to the German market, including a diesel engine combined with an automatic transmission, Uyttenhoven said.

[Source : Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)]