Today, Indus Motor Company (IMC) has announced the discontinuation of one of the variants of its B-segment sedan, the Toyota Yaris. The model in question, the Toyota Yaris 1.3 CVT AERO, will cease production as of March 14, 2024, according to an official notification released by the company.
Read More: Pakistan’s Car Industry Faces Continued Decline in Sales Despite Brief Upticks
The notification stated that the allocations for the Yaris 1.3 CVT AERO have expired within the allocation system, and dealerships have been instructed to update their price lists accordingly and inform their sales teams. IMC has also promised to provide an update on existing orders for this variant in the near future.
Introduced in April 2023, the Yaris AERO variant boasted several exterior enhancements, including an Aero Front Bumper Extension with unique Foglamp covers, Aero side skirts on both sides, an Aero Bumper Extension with a black inlay, and an Aero Smart Rear Trunk Spoiler. Priced at Rs. 5,199,000, the Yaris AERO 1.3 CVT offered consumers a stylish option within the Yaris lineup.
While IMC has not disclosed the specific reasons behind discontinuing the Yaris 1.3 AERO, market conditions suggest that low sales could be the primary factor. According to the latest report from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), Toyota Pakistan experienced a 26% decline in sales, with only 2,036 units sold last month compared to 2,762 vehicles in January 2024. Of these, 1,759 units were Corolla and Yaris models, with the remaining 277 units comprising Fortuner and Hilux vehicles.
The production shutdown announced by IMC from March 6 to 11 further emphasizes the challenges faced by the company due to low inventory levels and disruptions in the supply chain. This is not the first time IMC has encountered such issues, with repeated closures of its production plant over the past year highlighting the severity of the situation and raising concerns among industry experts.
In response to IMC’s decision to discontinue the Yaris 1.3L AERO, industry observers and analysts have expressed apprehension about its implications for the automotive sector’s health, calling for immediate government intervention. If you were considering purchasing the Yaris 1.3L AERO, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section.
