Toyota Small Car India Launch Decision Months Away

DAIHATSU_india

Toyota small car India launch could be months away as a Daihatsu model will be sold under Toyota badge priced below five lakh rupees

Toyota and its small car maker brand Daihatsu is finalizing an all new small car’s India launch, and the final decision regarding about it could be taken within few months. Reports suggest, despite built by Daihatsu, the car will be sold under the Toyota badge in India, as it would get the leverage from the established Japanese brand’s image and network in the country.

Mr. Naomi Ishii, MD of Toyota Kirloskar Motors said earlier that, establishing a new brand would be difficult. He also indicated that, Toyota wants to sell Daihatsu-made cars under its own brand in India. The small car market in India is very much competitive, and Maruti Suzuki has a strong hold in the segment. With the introduction of Toyota-Daihatsu’s new small car in Indian market, Maruti Suzuki is expected to get tough competition.

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Toyota is undoubtedly at the forefront in Indian auto market, when it comes to SUV and MPV. But in the small car market, it doesn’t have a strong presence. By introducing upcoming small car the Japanese brand is focusing the entry level car segment, which occupies the 70% of Indian car market.

Expect the upcoming small car to be priced under Rs. 5 lakh (ex-showroom). Apart from Indian market, the car is also expected to launch in some other emerging markets as well. Presently, in Toyota’s India line-up Etios Liva is the smallest model on offer, which the most affordable Toyota car in the country as well.

Toyota Etios Liva (1)

Apart from focusing on the entry level small car segment, Toyota is also planning to enter the premium car segment in India with its Lexus brand. While diesel ban was on in Delhi-NCR, Toyota stated, it would hold back the launch of Lexus brand in the country. But with the ban now revoked, it is to be seen, when the Toyota launches it premium car brand in the country.

Source: Business Line