The ban on registration of large diesel engine vehicles had resulted in the Japanese automaker Toyota freezing its investment decisions in India. However, the recent decision on lifting the ban has once again prompted the automaker to go ahead with the plans. However, Toyota will not rush with its plans to introduce more models in India and will take one step at a time.
The company has not revealed as to which models will be introduced in the country, but will get cars keeping the Indian consumers in mind. The company has not been fully utilising its facilities in India and post a detailed study will introduce more models and utilise its existing facilities. Toyota has two manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru with a total annual production capacity of about 3.1 lakh. However, the automaker has only been utilising it by about 55 per cent.
Toyota India will be launching the 2016 Etios on September 13. The sedan will get fresh cosmetic upgrades and premium interior upholstery. Under the hood, the vehicle will continue to be offered with 1.5-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine options which generate 88bhp and 67bhp of power respectively.
Moving forward, India being the fifth largest market in the world, the company will indeed plan a strong line up in the country. More details about future models will be known in the coming days.
