Is Yaris made in France or Japan?
The Toyota Yaris is manufactured in more than one country; in Europe, it is built in France, while the domestic-market Yaris is produced in Japan. The Yaris name covers several models and regions, and Toyota uses a distributed production network to meet regional demand.
Different markets receive Yaris variants from different plants: Europe's Yaris comes from France’s Valenciennes plant, Japan’s Yaris for the domestic market is produced in Japan, and additional regional production exists in Southeast Asia and other markets as needed by demand and regulations.
Europe: Valenciennes, France
For European customers, the Yaris hatchback is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) in Valenciennes. The facility has long served the European market, producing both gasoline and hybrid versions to meet strict EU emissions standards and local specifications. This local production helps shorten supply chains and tailor options to European buyers.
What this means for European buyers
European buyers benefit from locally produced Yaris units that align with regional regulations, availability of European-market engines, and quicker delivery times due to a regional manufacturing footprint.
Japan: Domestic-market Yaris
In Japan, the Yaris—sold domestically as the Vitz—is produced within Toyota’s network of Japanese plants. The domestic Yaris serves the local market and is priced and styled to fit Japanese preferences and regulatory requirements. Export versions are comparatively smaller in volume than the domestic supply, reflecting Japan’s distinct market characteristics.
Global footprint: Other regions
Beyond France and Japan, Toyota maintains additional Yaris production for regional demand. In Southeast Asia, Yaris variants are produced in Thailand for local and nearby markets. In North America, certain Yaris variants have been produced in Mexico or sourced from joint-venture and partner plants, depending on the generation and model. The overall pattern is a globally distributed production network rather than a single-country operation.
Summary
The Yaris is not made in just one country. Its production spans several plants around the world, with France and Japan serving as key sites for European and domestic-market versions, respectively, and other regions contributing to regional variants. This global approach helps Toyota meet diverse regulatory requirements and consumer needs while maintaining a flexible supply chain.
Is the Toyota Yaris French?
PARIS – The first car to win the “Origine France Garantie” label is the Toyota Yaris, manufactured in Valenciennes, France, with 54.4% of its value added coming from the country.
Where are Toyota Yaris manufactured?
Yaris is a genuinely global model, manufactured at sites around the world. Initial production started in January 1989 at the Takaoka plant in Japan; today it has production bases in Japan, Brazil, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, France and the Czech Republic.
What Toyotas are made in France?
Current production
- Toyota Yaris (XP210) July 2020 – present.
- Toyota Yaris Cross (XP210) July 2021 – present.
- Mazda2 Hybrid (December 2021 – present)
How do I know if my Yaris is French or Japanese?
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) identifies where the vehicle was made. This can be found on the door sill inside the passenger side door. If the VIN starts with JTD, the vehicle was made in Japan. If the VIN starts with VNK, it was built in France.
