January 8, 2001

Toyota Matrix to be built in Canada

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Toyota unveiled the 2003 Matrix this morning at the North American International Auto Show. The Matrix will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ontario, and is expected to go on sale across North America in 2002.

"We could not be more pleased that Cambridge, Ontario has been chosen as the exclusive facility to build the new Matrix for North America," said Ray Tanguay, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. "Matrix represents the future of Toyota, which puts Canada and Canadians in the forefront of the company's new technologies and product development."

Compact value, SUV versatility

Based on completely new platform, Matrix will cross over traditional vehicle boundaries, combining SUV styling cues, such as an aggressive front grille, rear skid plate and tailgate hatch, with the bold character lines, 16-inch wheels and an available ground effects package typical of youth-oriented sports sedans.

Interior versatility is a priority, with seating for five and, thanks to a new sliding track system developed for the Matrix, maximum cargo areas flexibility.

The Matrix will be offered in three trim levels, in both front- and four-wheel drive configurations and with a choice of engines and transmissions to provide a variety of utility and performance. The standard engine for Matrix will be Toyota's 130-horsepower, 4-cylinder with VVTL-i (variable valve which will be ULEV-rated (ultra-low emissions vehicle) for fuel economy and emissions.

The Sport version on display in Detroit features ground effects styling, 17-inch wheels and tires and is equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission combined with the sophisticated 1.8 litre, 180 horsepower VVTL-i engine found in the Celica GT-S.

The Matrix is targeted at young, first time buyers, but will appeal to "those looking for outstanding design and a high level of performance at a reasonable cost," said Tony Wearing, group vice president in charge of Vehicle Sales and Marketing at Toyota Canada Inc.

"We've set extremely high goals for this vehicle, aiming for best-in-class standards of power, handling, comfort and value. Buyers no longer have to choose between practicality and fun, or trade performance for versatility, because Matrix has it all in one great package."

The new Toyota Matrix will be the focal point of the Toyota display at major auto shows in Canada starting in Montreal at the Olympic Stadium (January 26 - February 4), at Toronto's Canadian International Auto Show (February 16-25) and in Vancouver (March 31-April 7).

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