Toyota’s Maruti Alto rival could be based on the Etios and is preparing to be developed by Daihatsu utilising domestic suppliers of Datsun
Daihatsu is the Toyota’s budget brand much like Datsun is to Nissan. Over the years, speculations about the entry of the automaker into India have surfaced and scratched out but in a latest report it has been said that the suppliers of Datsun in the Indian market will be utilised to develop an Etios based low-budget cars for the emerging markets.
It could effectively mean that it will be one of the first products Daihatsu will be launching in the domestic place when it decides to make its debut. Rumoured to be in the price bracket of Rs. 3.5 lakh and Rs. 4.5 lakh, it could premiere at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. Judging by the price range, it is expected to rival against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Alto, Hyundai Eon and Datsun Redi-GO targeting first-time buyers.
Daihatsu could go as far as setting up a production unit for itself within the second manufacturing plant of Toyota at Bidadi where the existing Etios twins are being rolled out. Despite having a strong presence in India, Toyota is yet to explore the small car budget segment which is key for grabbing the most market share. It can be optimistic with the fact that Renault Kwid and Datsun models have been well-received in India and could follow a similar strategy with Daihatsu.
The report on Businessworld further said that, pointing at an executive from Datsun’s domestic supplier, Daihatsu is “quite serious” about entering India. The Japanese brand has approached for collaboration since these component suppliers already provide necessary materials to the Datsun rival for making cars in Indian as well as Indonesian markets.
Daihatsu is the go-to small car maker in Japan and has specialised its techniques over the years with small capacity fuel efficient engines. However, Toyota may get the affordable cars developed by Daihatsu and introduce them under its own badge. As the brand name is already established, it could act as a driving factor for such strategy to be implemented.
Source: Businessworld