Toyota Yaris which saw its launch event washed out in March 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic followed by lockdowns while observing zero sales in its initial months is now dominating the sales chart after the ease in lockdowns & continuing economic revival.
Since the last 2 months, Toyota’s newest sedan in the market has been able to outsell Honda City & Civic (combined) with a huge margin. It even surpassed Alto to become the highest selling car for the month of October, whereas during the first 4 months of this fiscal year, it remains the second bestselling car in Pakistan with sales just short of Suzuki Alto. So far during 4M-FY20-21 Yaris has seen 9,067 units leaving the showroom floors whereas Alto has 10,544 units under its belt.
And from the looks of it Yaris will soon be able to topple the Alto to become the highest selling car of Pakistan, the title which was held by Toyota Corolla for over 11 consecutive years since 2009, will soon be coming back to Toyota. This is because sales of Alto are now witnessing a 38% year-on-year decline, whereas Yaris being something new is constantly posting improved sales figures each passing month.
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Despite receiving multiple price revisions within a span of 7 months even when PKR is on a recovery mode against the US Dollar since August 2020, and the appearance itself which is being mocked on social media particularly due to its rather abnormal ride height, the real life sales performance of Yaris negates what’s being largely thrashed out on the internet.
One of the key reasons of the success of Toyota Yaris is the lack of available choices. As customers were left with no option but to go for Honda City which not only is a 12 years old car and 2 generations behind its global model, it remains the most under-equipped vehicle currently on sale in Pakistan which doesn’t even offer a single airbag even in the most expensive 1.5L Aspire variant which cost PKR 28.59 lac. So consumers were forced to buy whatever was available & now when there is an option in form of Yaris which is a much better equipped car compared to Honda City in a similar price league, is denting the sales of Honda quite badly.
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Toyota Yaris has been able to have a strong grip over the segment & has the advantage of entering the market well ahead of the competition. Bear in mind there are at least 5 more sedan options expected to be introduced in the market within the next few months, with 3 of them (Changan Alsvin, Proton Saga, BAIC D20) are set to directly battle in the league of Yaris & City and will be priced lower than the two (Yaris & City) as far as the reports are concerned.
Whether Yaris is going to maintain its supremacy over its rivals in coming months will be an interesting thing to see. However the ultimate advantage the subcompact has over its rivals is the presence of Toyota badge, something that’s considered quite hard to beat at least as far as our market is concerned. Do you think Yaris will be able to maintain its strong sales performance in future as well? Let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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