Toyota teases Yaris hybrid

Japan's largest car maker has previewed two new hybrid cars destined for the Geneva motor show, the Yaris Hybrid Concept and Prius+ seven-seater people mover
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As we edge closer to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota is emerging from a recall-blighted 2010 with what could be its most important hybrid car since the Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 -- the Yaris Hybrid.

The Japanese company has released a teaser image of the new model, called the Yaris Hybrid Synergy Drive Concept, a contemporary take on the front end of the Yaris, complete with LED daytime running lights and angular styling cues.

In Europe the light car segment in which the Yaris competes is one of the largest and most lucrative in the world and Toyota will be targeting the European market with its Yaris Hybrid model which could become a big seller if it's priced competitively with compact diesels from Volkswagen and Ford.

Toyota will be pushing its hybrid credentials in Geneva with another new model launch in the form of the Prius+, a stretched version of the venerable hybrid car that will offer seven seats.

Joining the previously revealed Prius v, the new Prius+ expands the Prius line-up and gives Toyota what it claims to be of the most fuel efficient seven-seat people mover when it hits the streets.

Japan's largest car maker plans to make a bold statement at the 2011 Geneva motor show with these two hybrid models, which will go a long way to cementing the company's status as the world's largest hybrid automaker.

We'll have more details of the new models from the 2011 Geneva motor show, which begins on March 3.

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