Etios, the bestselling car line of Toyota Kirloskar Motors, that was launched exclusively for the Indian market will now be exported as completely built unit (CBU) to the high potential South African market owing to the huge demand witnessed from the overseas market for its sedan and hatchback versions.
The Japan based auto giant has shipped the first consignment of 247 units to South Africa from Ennore Port in Chennai. Mr. R. Ashoka, Karnataka Home and Transport Minister and Mr. Murugesh R Nirani, Industries Minister were invited to head the event and mark the expansion of the bestselling product line of the fifth largest automaker in the country.
The Vice-Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), Mr. Vikram Kirloskar commented, "It is a proud moment for all of us in Toyota Kirloskar Motor as we flag off the first ever Etios export consignment to South Africa. As we begin a new chapter of business with the start of the exports, I would like to express my gratitude to all our employees."
The elegant sedan, Toyota Etios and the upbeat hatchback version, Toyota Etios Liva is been presently assembled at one of the company’s units at Karnataka.
The company has revealed that amongst the exported cars, the petrol versions have been minutely altered for its diverse and huge South African market.
The Etios siblings will hit the South African market in May this year with Toyota’s plans to export around 20000 units to the country each year.
