Automotive
The Toyota Platz made its debut as a globally marketed sedan in 1999. In North America, following the 2000 model year, Toyota introduced the Eco model, available in both coupe and sedan body styles. The Toyota Vitz hatchback shared several components with this vehicle, including interior elements such as the front doors and certain mechanical systems.
This automobile shared its platform with the Toyota Pro Box and Toyota Succeed Wagon. During its first year on the market, approximately 50,000 units were sold, although sales dropped by half by 2003. The vehicle was part of Toyota’s ‘Genesis Project’, which reportedly did not achieve its intended goals. Toyota stopped producing the Eco Coupe in 2003, but the Eco name was later applied to the 3-door and 5-door hatchback versions of the Toyota Vitz in Canada, where it enjoyed strong sales.
In the United States, the Platz coupe was sold alongside the sedan until the 2005 model year. Interestingly, hatchback versions were not marketed in the U.S. during this period due to lack of consumer interest. The vehicle remained available in the North American market until the introduction of the Yaris. Standard equipment typically included manual windows and locks, air conditioning, and a six-speaker audio system with either a CD or cassette player.
