TOYOTA is dropping three cars from its UK line-up in response to forthcoming emissions laws.

From January 1, 2006, all vehicles must meet Euro IV emissions standards, so Toyota will delete the MR2, Celica and Previa ranges. All cars will remain on sale during 2006, although they will be phased out towards the end of next year.

According to Toyota, there is no word on replacement models yet, although the cars together represent just 6% of Toyota’s UK sales.

A spokesman said: ‘Part of Toyota’s aim is to build 1.2 million cars in Europe by 2010 so we are concentrating on European-built core models such as the Aygo, Yaris, Corolla and Avensis.’

The firm has also dropped its slow-selling Avensis Verso, which sold less than 1,000 units a year. Instead, Toyota will concentrate on the smaller Corolla Verso.