Toyota says Auris isn't the next Matrix

A replacement for the Toyota Matrix is indeed long overdue, but according to Automotive News, a successor to the Japanese automaker's tall hatchback won't be found in the new 2013 Auris hatchback.

Hiroya Fujita, chief engineer of the Matrix and the Japanese-spec Corolla, says that Toyota has no plans to offer the Auris in North America, citing that demand for hatchbacks in the is still too weak. (Or is it?) Automotive News reports that Fujita declined to comment on a replacement for the Matrix, which still rides on the old MC platform that has underpinned the last three generations of Corolla models.

A brand new Corolla is in the pipeline for the U.S. and Canada, but with no certain future for the Matrix in sight, AN suggests that Toyota's larger five-door may simply die off.

In the meantime, click here to watch a short video clip on the new Toyota Auris.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.