Toyota labels diesel ban as corporate death penalty as it threatens the very existence of the brand in India
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has expressed its views on National Green Tribunal’s notions to expand the reach of the diesel ban by describing it as a “corporate death penalty” for the Japanese manufacturer. Toyota leads the MPV segment with the recently launched Innova Crysta which succeeded the much loved first generation Innova.
Having been powered by 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel engines, Toyota is one of the biggest casualties in the Delhi and NCR diesel ban that restricted registration of vehicles above 2,000cc engine capacity. Toyota announced its dissatisfaction earlier this year as it referred to the ban as “worst advertisement of India” as vehicles comply with the norms framed by the governing body before going on sale.
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Much to its discontent, the ban had been extended to major cities of Kerala. Toyota has its large customer base in Delhi and Kerala and despite the implementation of the diesel ban the Innova Crysta still tops the sales as the best-selling utility vehicle in the country. Toyota on an interview to posted in ET Auto said the ban is unfair and unjust as it would affect all the direct and indirect employees in the automobile sector and their families.
Toyota believes the “very existence of the company” is threatened and the ban order is extremely relentless. A petition is expected to be heard before the NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on the 2nd of August regarding a case filed on air pollution by lawyer Vardhaman Kaushik. While a solution is hoped to be reached and the viability of the ban might be disclosed, Toyota is gearing up to launch a petrol powertrain for the Innova Crysta.
Also Read: Toyota Says Delhi Diesel Ban Worst Advertisement of India
The power source will be a 2.7 litre four-cylinder dual VVT-i diesel engine which is currently available in Indonesian, Middle Eastern and other foreign markets. It produces 166 PS of maximum power output and 245 Nm of peak torque. The automatic petrol variant is likely to be sold in GX & ZX trims while the six-speed manual will be offered in GX & VX grades.
Source: ET Auto