AYGO China: A Compact Car Set to Conquer China's Roads
AYGO, a compact car developed by Toyota, is set to hit the Chinese market in 2021. China has become the world's largest automobile market, and AYGO's entry into the market is expected to boost Toyota's presence in China. In this article, we will discuss AYGO's features, China's automobile market, and how AYGO plans to compete in this highly competitive industry.
AYGO's Features
AYGO is a subcompact car, smaller than the Yaris, and is designed for city driving. It has a length of 3,455mm, width of 1,615mm, and height of 1,460mm, making it easy to maneuver through tight urban roads. The car's stylish design and customizable features have been popular in Europe since its launch in 2005. As for its engine, it utilizes a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that can produce a maximum output of 72 horsepower and 93 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Moreover, the AYGO has advanced safety features such as the Toyota Safety Sense system, which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. The car's interior is comfortable and equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and other features that make it convenient for city driving. Overall, AYGO's design and features are geared towards young, urban drivers who value style, efficiency, and affordability.
The Chinese Automobile Market
The Chinese automobile market is enormous, with more than 25 million vehicles sold annually. However, the market is also highly competitive. Foreign automakers such as Volkswagen, General Motors, and Toyota must compete with domestic companies such as Geely, BYD, and Great Wall Motor. Domestic car brands have been gaining popularity in recent years, with 58% of Chinese consumers preferring local brands, according to a survey by Deloitte.
Furthermore, the Chinese government has been promoting the development of electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years. The government's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) program provides subsidies and tax benefits for EV buyers. In 2020, more than 1.2 million EVs were sold in China, making it the largest EV market in the world. Therefore, AYGO will not only face competition from traditional vehicles but also new and emerging technologies such as EVs.
AYGO's Strategy in China
Given the highly competitive nature of the Chinese automobile market and changing consumer preferences, AYGO must have a clear strategy to succeed. Toyota plans to position the car as a trendy, urban vehicle, offering customization options such as a unique front grille and radiator design.
To tap into the Chinese market's growing interest in EVs, Toyota is also planning to launch a hybrid version of the AYGO in China. Since the Chinese government incentivizes the purchase of NEVs, the hybrid version of the AYGO may prove popular among Chinese consumers. Toyota aims to leverage its global reputation for quality and reliability, which may give it an advantage in the Chinese market.
In conclusion, Toyota's entry into the Chinese market with the AYGO is a strategic move, given the country's growing demand for trendy, eco-friendly vehicles. AYGO's compact design and advanced safety features make it an ideal vehicle for city driving. Whether the AYGO will be able to compete with China's domestic automakers and emerging EV technologies remains to be seen, but it has a fighting chance with Toyota's expertise in the industry.
