For Toyota Motor Corp., China wasn't always the first pit stop when it came to unveiling key car models. But this time, it's different.
The automaker took the wraps off the all-new Corolla — and its China-only twin, Levin — at a global premiere in Guangzhou on Friday, hours before it was put on display in California. The move marks Toyota's deeper push into the world's biggest auto market where it is trailing rivals.
The Corolla, the staid workhorse that seldom makes heads turn but is still loved universally, is getting a face-lift at a time sedans are losing their sheen in the U.S. while gaining followers in China. Built on Toyota's new global architecture platform, the models to be unveiled will offer more connectivity and intelligent features to lure Chinese buyers.