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Motor Plant in Porto Feliz Damaged by Storm, Delays Launch of Yaris Cross and Directly Impacts National Production of Toyota
The storm that hit the interior of São Paulo this week caused significant impacts at Toyota. The motor plant in Porto Feliz, responsible for supplying the brand’s vehicles in Latin America, suffered severe damage after the rain.
As a result, the launch of the Yaris Cross, a compact SUV that was scheduled for the end of October, had to be canceled. According to UOL, the company stated that a new date will be announced, but there is no forecast at the moment.
The Yaris Cross has already experienced three postponements: first for logistics, then for internal adjustments, and now for damage caused by the storm.
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Damages at the Porto Feliz Unit
According to Toyota, the strong winds tore off part of the factory’s roof and caused flooding in several areas. Photos taken by employees reveal the interior flooded with water and visible damage to the structure.
The Civil Defense has isolated the area for inspection, and the automaker has not yet set a deadline to resume operations.
This situation has directly affected the Sorocaba production line, where models such as Corolla, Corolla Cross, and, in the future, the Yaris Cross itself are produced.
Compromised Production
The Porto Feliz complex is strategic for the brand, as it supplies engines for the main vehicles sold in the country. Inaugurated in 2016, the unit has become a reference in the region.
There are about 700 employees working at the plant, which manufactures over 100,000 engines per year, including flex hybrid versions.
Therefore, the halt impacts not only the schedule of the new SUV but also the production routine of other important models for Toyota in Brazil.
Priority Is Safety
In a statement, the company emphasized that the protection of employees and partners is a priority at this time. According to the announcement, everyone is receiving the necessary support given the situation.
The automaker stated that it is closely monitoring the inspections and focusing efforts on restoring working conditions as soon as possible.
What to Expect from the Yaris Cross
Despite the delay, Toyota confirmed that the Yaris Cross is still guaranteed for the Brazilian market. The model is set to compete in the crowded compact SUV segment, led by the Volkswagen T-Cross, with the Chevrolet Tracker and Hyundai Creta closely behind.
The utility vehicle measures 4.31 meters in length, 1.77 m in width, and 1.65 m in height. The wheelbase is 2.62 m, while the trunk offers about 471 liters of capacity.
Replacing Current Yaris Models
The car will fill the gap left by the Yaris and Yaris Sedan, which will no longer be offered in Brazil. The version intended for the country will be virtually identical to the one sold in Thailand.
The equipment list includes six airbags, traction and stability controls, plus disc brakes on all four wheels with ABS and EBD assistance.
Advanced Safety
The Toyota Safety Sense package, a set of semi-autonomous technologies from the brand, will be available in the hybrid versions.
It includes adaptive cruise control, collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Not all configurations will feature the resource, but the brand promises to enhance safety as one of the model’s differentiators.
Varied Engine Options
The Yaris Cross will have an option with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and CVT, delivering 110 hp when fueled with ethanol and torque of 14.9 kgfm.
There will also be a 1.5L flex hybrid version, which combines a combustion engine of 92 hp and 12.4 kgfm with an electric motor of 81 hp and 14.4 kgfm.
Together, they ensure a combined power of 113 hp in Thailand — but in Brazil, the numbers will be even higher.
Prices and Warranty of the Yaris Cross
According to Toyota’s information, the Yaris Cross will be priced between R$ 130,000 and R$ 180,000, making it the most affordable hybrid SUV in the national market.
The warranty will be five years but can extend to ten years if the owner maintains service at the authorized network after the initial period.
Next Steps
The cancellation of the launch represents a setback for Toyota in Brazil. However, the brand emphasizes that it remains committed to bringing the new SUV to the country within this cycle.
Now, the priority is to recover the Porto Feliz unit and resume production. Confirmation of a new date for the event is expected to occur when the situation stabilizes.
With information from UOL.
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