This Is It!
Last month, Toyota promised “multiple” performance variants of the new Yaris are in the cards and even a hardcore WRC “homologation special” is possible. This got us excited about the future of the hatchback and a teaser from early November confirmed the first new Yaris hot hatch to come will arrive very soon. The automaker’s initial plan was to reveal the Yaris GR-4 during the Rally Australia (14-17 November) but it has just announced it has postponed the global debut of the car due to the catastrophic fires in the country.
"The Toyota team is devastated to see this disaster in our communities and want to ensure we lend a hand to support those who are affected at this time, which is why we and our parent company in Japan are pleased to provide a quarter of a million dollars to the Australian Salvation Army," Toyota Australia President Matthew Callachor comments. "We have the highest admiration and respect for the Salvation Army and the many other organizations and individuals who are rallying to support everyone in need."
So far, the fires have destroyed more than 2.5 million acres of farmland and bush around Coffs Harbour, NSW. The natural disaster has forced the organizers of the Rally Australia to cancel the event and Toyota says it will announce its plans for the reveal of the Yaris GR-4 at a later date. The Japanese manufacturer encourages people to support the many aid organizations on the ground, financially, morally, and physically, in their fight with the devastating disaster. To learn more and donate, visit this link.
As for the Yaris GR-4, we expect to hear news about its upcoming debut very soon so watch this space for more information. We hope to see the new hot hatch before the year’s end but nothing has been confirmed so far.
Source: Toyota
Toyota Australia has expressed its concern and support for communities affected by the devastating fires and praised the tireless and courageous work of emergency services and military support battling the catastrophic conditions.
The company said the inevitable cancellation of Rally Australia due to the fires around Coffs Harbour, NSW, had also forced the postponement of the global reveal of Toyota GR YARIS prototype. Plans for the reveal will be announced later.
Coffs Harbour Dealer Principal Warren Skinner, who said several of his staff had been directly affected by the fires, has urged members of the public to donate money to support affected communities throughout NSW and Queensland.
"Toyota Motor Corporation Japan and Toyota Australia have kicked off our fundraising drive with a joint donation pledge of $250,000, to go directly to the Salvation Army," Mr Skinner said.
"All donations will go to the Salvation Army Australia to assist their efforts both during the immediate crisis and over the longer term to help local communities recover," he said.
Toyota Australia President Matthew Callachor said the company and its dealers have a strong connection to regional and rural communities who have supported, and been supported by Toyota for more than 60 years.
"The Toyota team is devastated to see this disaster in our communities and want to ensure we lend a hand to support those who are affected at this time, which is why we and our parent company in Japan are pleased to provide a quarter of a million dollars to the Australian Salvation Army," Mr Callachor said.
Toyota encouraged people to get behind the many aid organisations on the ground such as the Salvation Army.
"We have the highest admiration and respect for the Salvation Army and the many other organisations and individuals who are rallying to support everyone in need."