Toyota announced that its production subsidiary in France held a ceremony today in Valenciennes to mark the start of "Yaris" subcompact production on May 6 for export to the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

The exports, at a volume of 25,000 units a year, will mark the first time Toyota vehicles produced in Europe will be exported to North America. The development represents an additional investment of 10 million euros.

The current, third-generation Yaris was launched in Europe in the summer of 2011, followed by the Yaris Hybrid in June 2012. At present, Yaris vehicles produced by TMMF are sold in more than 40 countries worldwide in Europe, Africa, Oceania and Latin America.

Toyota will continue to aim for a globally optimized production and supply structure that accurately meets consumer needs in a timely manner.

Source: Toyota