Toyota prepping compact SUV for 2008 Geneva Show

Toyota is developing a small SUV positioned below its RAV4 to capitalize on one of the fastest growing segments in Europe. Between 2005 and 2006 the compact SUV market in Europe grew by 63.6% and this year is shaping up to be even bigger. Toyota’s compact SUV will be loosely based on its Urban Cruiser Concept (pictured) from last year’s Geneva Motor Show and will be displayed in full production trim at next year’s show.

Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Toyota’s Euro Chief Thierry Domreval revealed that a heavily revised version will be sold in other markets including Japan. Domreval also said the first cars will be hitting showrooms shortly after next year’s Geneva debut.

The current RAV4 SUV has doing exceptionally well in Europe, with sales increasing by 15.1% to 106,243 units since last year alone. With these levels Toyota commands a 22.1% share of the market mid-sized SUV market in Europe and is now poised to repeat that success with a smaller model.