Toyota Motor is going to introduce the fourth generation of the Toyota Prius in Russia, which marks a new approach to the design and production of cars. Toyota Prius is the first model based on Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).
TNGA is the successor of famous Toyota Production System. New concept allows building cars using standardized platforms, powertrains and major components, to make cars that require fewer resources to build, give a safer and more enjoyable drive, and have even greater fuel-efficiency. Instead of the current more than 100 uniquely modified platforms and sub-platforms, and 800 powertrains, including engines modified to fit those different platforms. But, with TNGA, just five layouts will be needed for the whole range, from compact sports cars to SUVs. Furthermore, parts sharing ratio will increase greatly from current 20-30% to 80%. This will reduce production costs by 40%, the impact on the environment and accelerate the auto parts design to “implement parts production equipment investment by half in the past four years plan”.
The unification of components, platforms and powertrains does not mean that the cars will all look the same. Look, there are vehicles have already built according to the new concept.
A similar approach will be implemented for Lexus cars, where the company uses Lexus Global Architecture for Luxury vehicles (GA–L). The first cars built on it:
By 2020 half of Toyota’s will be built using TNGA.
On the eve of new Toyota Prius launch, the Japanese importer announced the first information about the new product on its website in the end of January 2017. The hybrid car will be more economical than their predecessors, and, unlike the past generation will become more dynamic. The manufacturer promises reduced fuel consumption by 12%. In combined mode it will consume only 3.0 l /100 km. In Europe, the new Toyota Prius is equipped with 122hp hybrid powertrain (based on petrol 1.8 L (95hp) engine) paired with ECVT. Sales of the car started in America in January 2016 and in Europe in February 2016.
UPDATE from 06/02/2017:
Today morning of 6 February 2017 Toyota Motor Russia started taking orders for the fourth generation of Toyota Prius. The five-door hatchback is equipped with a hybrid powertrain with 122hp hybrid powertrain (based on petrol 1.8 L (98hp) engine) mated to stepless variator with electronic control. Only Luxe trim from 2’112’000 rubles is available now (for more details about the specs). According to RC Effet, car production for Russian customer has already started, and dealers are expecting delivery of the first cars in March 2017.
Sources: Toyota Motor Russia, Toyota Motor UK, Toyota Motor Europe, Shenyang Xin Jin Auto Manufacturing CO., LTD
