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      Toyota to introduce new models in emerging markets like India to strengthen its presence

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      The Japanese car maker, Toyota is redoubling its efforts to strengthen its presence in emerging markets like India after regaining its position as the largest automotive manufacturer in the world. According to sources, the car maker has started feasibility studies for a sub-compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) or Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) and a mid-size sedan in India. This move from Toyota is an attempt to bridge the gap between the Corolla Altis and the Etios in the sedan segment. The company is planning to foray into a segment, which already has the Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Vento as the top players. Toyota did not have any contender in this segment and thus the new launch will help it fill the void.

       

      Toyota to introduce new models in emerging markets like India
      Toyota to introduce new models in emerging markets like India
       

      According to one of the company officials, “After acquiring customers for its Etios and Liva, there is a big price gap of Rs. 2 to Rs. 4 lacs between the Etios and Corolla and the Etios and Innova (a multi purpose vehicle); these are the gaps Toyota is keen to address.”

      The feasibility studies follow the announcement by Toyota in Japan, which stated that the car maker will introduce eight sub-compact cars including the Etios in the emerging markets of the world by 2015. The car maker, which produces flagship cars like the Avalon and the Lexus, is optimistic about selling half of its models in emerging markets by 2015. This statistic is a significant increment over 45 per cent sales in 2011 and 18.6 per cent in 2000.

      The Japanese car maker is also aiming at ramping up its production capacity to 3.1 million vehicles per year by 2013, in emerging markets. If it succeeds then the capacity in such markets will match that of Japan, its home turf. Deputy Managing Director (MD), Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), Sandeep Singh, on being probed expressed that the company is planning to bring new models, however, he did not divulge any specific information. He said, “Those models are for emerging markets; India is going to play the most important role, but which models, which vehicles those decisions are not yet taken.”

      It is already being speculated that TKM is going to introduce its mini Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV), Avanza in India and another MPV developed on the platform shared by Etios. According to market analysts, the next-generation of Toyota Rush SUV is expected to debut in India and can pose stiff challenge to the recently launched Renault Duster, yet-to-be launched Ford EcoSport and the next-generation of iconic Scorpio from Mahindra & Mahindra. If indeed TKM launches the new models in India, the competition is bound to get tough and car buyers will have many options at their disposal to choose from.

      Toyota | etios | Toyota Etios