Monday, July 04, 2011
By Pranjal Gera
Toyota Mulling over Toyota Etios Diesel
Japanese automaker Toyota is considering manufacturing the diesel variant of its new sedan Toyota Etios as told by company personnel in Chennai. The car buyers are inclined towards diesel cars due to increasing fuel prices.
As reported by sources, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice President stated that they have plans to manufacture the diesel variant but initially they will make a hold in the Indian Auto market with Toyota Etios sedan and Toyota Etios Liva hatchback. The company also has plans to manufacture diesel variant for Toyota Liva once their engine plant is functional.
Presently, The Company caters to Indian Auto market SUV Innova, premium sedan Altis and SUV Fortuner in both diesel and petrol variant.
| See more Toyota Etios Pictures | Get Toyota Etios Price |
The Auto Industry experts relate the popularity of diesel variants over petrol variants to increased petrol prices and increased operating costs. Even, Ford’s diesel variant of new premium hatchback Ford Figo has more sales as compared to its petrol variant.
The Toyota Kirloskar Motos is investing around Rs. 3,200 crore in its Bangalore facility for manufacturing Toyota Etios and engines for all its models.
Currently, The Company is importing diesel engines from Japan and will manufacture diesel engines for Toyota Etios and Toyota Liva models according to market demand.
According to a reliable source, the target of the company is selling 60,000 units of Toyota Etios and Toyota Liva and for the purpose; the Toyota Etios waiting period has been reduced.The vehicle is available in 30 days of its booking.
| See more Toyota Etios Pictures | Get Toyota Etios Price |
The Company already got bookings over 1,000 units since the launch of Toyota Liva in the country.
The company, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is a Joint Venture of Kirloskar Group and Japanese automaker Toyota.
The Kirloskar Group holds 11 % and Toyota holds a major stake of 89 % in the company. Current no. of Indian employees working in the company is 5,000.
Presently, Company caters to Indian Auto market completely Built Units in India like Toyota Corolla Altis, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova, Toyota Camry, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado and Toyota Prius.
