Tiny Toyota Endo May Go Into Production

TOKYO — If the world's automotive Web sites are to be believed, Toyota is considering putting the diminutive Endo into production as a potential rival to the Smart.

The story was first published in the online edition of Automobilwoche, but the site did not offer corroborating information. However, British car magazine AutoExpress ran an article recently that claims that disguised Endos "have already been spotted testing in Japan."

Endo was unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Designed by Toyota's European ED2 design studio, it took a leaf from the Smart textbook. The distinguishing feature of the Endo is that, although only 10 feet long, it can accommodate four people.

Toyota already has such a vehicle in its European lineup. Called the Aygo and made at the joint Toyota-Peugeot factory in the Czech Republic, it is already a player in the segment where the company would position a production Endo.

That apparent conflict aside, the Endo would be a higher-end addition to the segment where the Aygo is more a style-conscious car. An Endo would be a welcome entry model for Toyota's Scion brand as well.

© Source: original article on insideline