Toyota Etios Liva Launch Delayed to June

Toyota’s much-anticipated Etios Liva hatchback’s launch has been pushed from April to June 2011. The step was announced to channelize the existing capacity towards production of the recently launched Etios sedan, which has been plagued with waiting periods that run as long as 7 months!

Aside from delaying the Liva’s launch, Toyota is also initiating a second shift at its plant, faster production time per vehicle and production enhancement in order to speed up the Etios’ deliveries. The second shift production will help the company dish out a total of 5,000 units a month from the current 2,500 units at its Bangalore plant. The plant has an annual production capacity of 70,000 cars.

Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) Managing Director Hiroshi Nakagawa said that Toyota is thankful for the positive consumer responses to the Etios and for the resulting demand. He added that Toyota’s consumer-first philosophy has meant that they put the customers’ needs ahead of everything else. Further, the consumer-first philosophy has helped Toyota manufacture quality products and maximize customer satisfaction, said Nakagawa.

TKM’s Deputy MD Sandeep Singh was apologetic about the Liva’s postponement saying, “We would like to sincerely apologize to people eagerly awaiting the hatchback – Etios Liva, for the postponement of the launch. We will do everything we can to limit the inconvenience caused to our customers.”

Toyota Etios Liva launch, price and competition

Toyota Etios Liva, which will now be launched in June 2011, is the hatchback version of Etios, and will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine. Price around Rs. 4.5 lakh, the Liva will be the cheapest Toyota in the country and will take on Maruti Swift and Ritz, Hyundai i10 and i20, Tata Indica Vista, Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra and Fiat Punto. But Toyota will have a mammoth task ensuring deliveries of the Liva are met promptly. Also read: Toyota Etios Liva vs Honda Brio vs Suzuki Swift and the rest

Toyota Etios launch, price, demand and waiting period

The Toyota Etios, launched on December 1st 2010, is the cheapest compact sedan in India starting at a competitive price of Rs. 4.96 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) that’s slam bang in the Swift Dzire and Tata Manza price bracket. Toyota has received bookings for more than 26,500 cars, which has led to waiting periods stretching as much as 7 months!

Toyota delivered 1,651 units and 2,686 units of Etios sedans during January and February 2011 respectively. The number of cars to be delivered in the following months will increase gradually once the second shift at Toyota’s plant begins. Related: Toyota Etios vs Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire

The Etios is powered by a 1,496 cc, 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine that churns out 90 PS of power at 5,600 rpm and 132 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. It’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission that doesn’t need frequent shifts.

During the Toyota Etios road test, we found the sedan to be a practical, budget saloon that’s easy to drive, great on interior space with enough leg room at the rear (550 litres boot space, too). Powered by a peppy engine that offer’s quick acceleration, the Etios returns a mileage of 17.6 kmpl (as per ARAI).

Toyota Etios Price of Different Variants: (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Model Colors Interiors Price

Etios J White, Silver Black Rs. 4.96 lakh

Etios G All six Black Rs. 5.46 lakh

Etios G + ABS, EBD All six Black Rs. 5.96 lakh

Etios V + ABS, EBD All six Black & grey Rs. 6.41 lakh

Etios VX + ABS, EBD All six Black & red Rs. 6.86 lakh

Via: dancewithshadows.com

Toyota Etios Sedan Launched in Hyderabad

- Price of Toyota Etios Sedan starts at Rs. 4,95,467 ex showroom Hyderabad

- Bookings for the sedan started on 1st Dec

- Hatchback to be launched in April 2011

- Hatchback is named 'Etios Liva'

Toyota Kirloskar Motor held a press meet in Hyderabad today to announce the company's entry into the highly competitive B Segment with the launch of the Etios Sedan, the car that has been developed specifically for Indian customers – 'World First, India First, My First'. Toyota had also announced the name of the hatchback version, the Etios Liva.

The Etios sedan will be available in four variants, J, G, V and VX, competitively priced between Rs. 4,95,467/- and Rs. 6,88,535/- ex showroom Hyderabad. The product highlights include innovative styling, best-in-class cabin and luggage space, superior comfort, impressive fuel efficiency and the legendary Toyota QDR.

Mr. Koji Nagata (Executive Managing Coordinator, TKM), Mr. Yugo Miyamoto (Senior Managing Coordinator) and Mr. Sailesh Shetty (General Manager-Sales, TKM) addressed the media.

Mr. Yugo Miyamoto, Senior Managing Coordinator, Sales, TKM spoke about the development of the product, he said: "It was very important to understand the needs of Indian car buyers and this was done by extensive research. We found that our target customers are highly price conscious but at the same time want good mileage, space and style. One of the strong points of the Etios is its True Sedan design. The Etios has been designed as a Sedan platform and not as a Hatch with a boot. It is smartly packaged with all the attributes for Indians who love to travel with their families – boasts best-in-class cabin and luggage space, ergonomic interiors and superior ride comfort."

Talking about the Etios Sales and Marketing strategy in India, Mr. Koji Nagata, Executive Managing Coordinator, Sales & Marketing, TKM, said: "We have an elaborate Marketing strategy planned for the Etios and it all started with the roping in Mr. A.R.Rahman as our brand ambassador who we believe was a perfect fit with the brand values of our product. We are also prepared to provide our customers a one class above experience, what we refer to as the Q Class Experience. In view of this effort, we have undertaken various initiatives: (a) Express Maintenance Service - Services and delivers the vehicle to the customer in 60 mins, (b) eCRB (Evolutionary Customer Relationship Building) - A tool that keeps the customer informed about the status of the vehicle that has been given for servicing, (c) A sales and service network that will be expanded to 150 dealerships by the end of this year."

Mr. Sailesh Shetty, GM-Sales, TKM added by saying, "We started taking bookings for the car on the 1st of December with a booking amount of Rs. 50,000, and as of today we have received 8000 bookings. The deliveries will begin in January 2011. "

The Etios is very important for Toyota and the company believes this launch marks the beginning of a new era for Toyota in India. In fact this launch will enable Indian customers in the middle income group to own an aspirational Toyota vehicle for the first time. The production of the Etios will begin as planned in the new plant which is the most environmentally friendly automobile manufacturing plant in the country today.

Earlier this year Toyota had announced its plans to begin production of engines and transmissions at the Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts in the third quarter of 2012 that will help in increasing the localisation content of the Etios.

Toyota Etios Features & Specifications:

Vehicle Outline:

(a) Exterior

A distinctive front grille with a smile line, sculpted surface and dynamic character-line in the front and rear, enhance the presence of the Etios. The rear has a fluent flowing C pillar, rounded end and three-dimensional combination lamps that enrich the vehicle's exterior from different angles.

(b) Interior

The seats are ergonomically designed units with integrated head rests. An instrument panel clearly divided into the information area and operation area with a large centre meter provides excellent visibility. The Etios has class best cabin and luggage space of 595L, a spacious 13L cooled glove box, seven one litre bottle holders, mobile holder and many more such useful storage spaces inside the car.

(c) Performance and Comfort

A newly developed 1.5L, 16V DOHC engine coupled with a 5-Speed manual transmission that produces high output for best-in-class driving performance. The torque is available at low rpm for less gear shifting and stress-free city driving.

The Etios has a superior mileage of 17.6kmpl which is ARAI tested.

Electric power steering for excellent maneuverability and tilt steering ensures a good ergonomic driving experience. The steering comes with audio controls for comfort at the driver's fingertips.

The flat type rear floor design offers ease of movement for rear seat passengers. With its rigid body structure and world class Mac Pherson Strut, the Etios has superior dampening performance providing superior ride comfort.

A class-first 'clean air filter' which is standard across all grades for purified air in the cabin.

(d) Safety

The Etios has various active and passive safety features ensuring the car matches global safety standards. The various safety features are (i) Energy absorbing body shell (ii) Driver & Passenger Air bags and (iii) ABS with EBD.

Its centrally located combimeter reduces eye movement and hence the driver can concentrate on the road.

(e) Special Treatment

To adopt to the various diverse climate and usage conditions in India, special treatment and countermeasures have been implemented:

- Good ground clearance of 170mm

- Under body protection to prevent damage to fuel and brake lines

- Anti-corrosion steel sheets at areas prone to rusting and stone hits

- Chipping resistant paint on rocker mould & fender

Source: Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Toyota Etios Diesel in India By December 2011

Thrilled by the overwhelming response received by the petrol version of its latest sensation Etios, the Japanese auto giant is now eyeing to roll-out a diesel version of this model in the Indian market by the end of next year. As per a recent statement given by Mr. Koji Nagata, Director, Marketing at Toyota Kirloskar Motors, the company hopes that Toyota Etios diesel would be launched in India by December, next year.

It is widely speculated that the upcoming diesel version of Etios will be launched with the same 1.4L, Common Rail Diesel engine that is currently doing duties in premium sedan Toyota Corolla Altis. The engine is capable of delivering a maximum power of 88.4 PS in combination with a peak torque of 205Nm

Interestingly, Nissan, which is one of the closest rivals of Toyota in its domestic market is all set to launch a diesel version of its Micra model in the country this week and it is expected to be one of the biggest competitors of Etios hatchback diesel version in coming years.

Earlier this month, the company had launched its first ever mass segment car – Toyota Etios – in the Indian market on 1st of December. The car comes powered by a 1.5 L DOHC engine that is capable of producing a peak power of 90 bhp with 132 Nm of peak torque. It offers an exceptional mileage of over 17 km/l.

Designed with Toyota’s global quality standards, the new Etios sedan is all set to give its competitors a run for their money. The company has kept it starting price highly competitive at Rs 4.96 (Delhi ex-showroom), in a bid to give it a price edge over its rivals like Maruti Swift Dzire, Volkswagen Vento, Ford Fiesta, Tata Indigo CS and Manza, and Chevrolet Aveo.

Source: Cartradeindia.com

Toyota Cars In India To Hike Price

The Indian auto JV, Toyota Kirloskar is planning to raise the price of its certain models in an attempt to compensate the hike in input costs and the fluctuating exchange rates. Toyota Kirloskar’s MD for India said that a time has come for the company to revise the prices of its models in the wake of yen fluctuation and input cost rise.

The matter has become a great concern for Toyota Kirloskar since the cost of many components have risen to a great extent, he added. The price rise for Toyota models has become inevitable he said. He said a final decision will come off not later than 20th instant when the actual level of rise will be let known. The revision will become effective for invariably all models barring the recently launched Etios sedan. Toyota’s two plants are with the capacity of 150000 units of which the Bangalore facility delivers SUV Fortuner, Innova MUV, Corolla Altis premium sedan. The import brands are premium SUV Prado and Camry luxury sedan.

In the meantime, the country’s largest car manufacturer Maruti is contemplating an another price rise quoting the rise in the commodity costs. GM India and Hyundai Motor India also follow the suit by which they may hike the price by 2% effective January 2011.

Source: living.oneindia.in

Toyota Etios in India; Price Between Rs. 4.96 to 6.86 Lakh

Toyota Kirloskar Motor launched the Etios Sedan today, marking the company's entry into the highly competitive B Segment in India. The Etios has been developed specifically for Indian customers – 'World First, India First, My First'.

Toyota Etios Price in India:
The Toyota Etios sedan will be available in four variants, J, G, V and VX, competitively priced between 4,96,000/- and 6,86,500/- ex showroom Delhi. The product highlights include innovative styling, best-in-class cabin and luggage space, superior comfort, impressive fuel efficiency and the legendary Toyota QDR.

The Etios was launched by Mr. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation and scion of Toyota's founding family, on his maiden visit to India after taking over as the Head of the company. Also present were Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, TMC), Mr. Soichiro Okudaira (Managing Officer, TMC), Mr. Osamu Nagata (Managing Officer, TMC), Mr. Yoshinori Noritake (Chief Engineer - Etios, TMC), Mr. Vikram Kirloskar (Vice Chairman, TKM), Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM) and Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM).

Commenting on the launch of the Etios, Mr. Akio Toyoda, President TMC said: "India is a key market for our overall strategic growth plans, and the launch of the Etios is definitely a milestone not only for Toyota in India but for Toyota globally. Toyota strongly believes in the 'customer first' philosophy, hence it was important to collect valuable feedback from our prospective customers right from the concept stage to what the Etios is today. We at Toyota believe, 'the road makes the car' and the Etios is a product of real-world testing on roads across India. Our testing has covered a hundred thousand kilometers on every kind of road that Indian drivers encounter, from Kolkata to Mumbai, from the Himalayan foothills to the tip of the Indian peninsula.

We at Toyota will continue listening carefully to Indian customers to stay in touch with their changing expectations. We will respond quickly with technological development and continue providing products that Indian customers will love."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD TKM, said: "The Etios is very important to us, and its launch today marks the beginning of a new era for Toyota in India. In fact this launch will enable Indian customers in the middle income group to own an aspirational Toyota vehicle for the first time. I proudly also announce that production of the Etios will begin as planned in our new plant which is the most environmentally friendly automobile manufacturing plant in the country today.

Earlier this year we announced our plans to locally produce engines and transmissions at the Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts in the third quarter of 2012 that will help us increase the localisation content of the Etios. Toyota in India will facilitate not just economic growth but social growth as well of the region it operates in, and in turn strive to be the most loved and admired company."

Mr. Yoshinori Noritake, Chief Engineer of the Etios spoke about the development of the product, he said: "It was very important to understand the needs of Indian car buyers before designing an India specific car. We learnt that Indian customers are very price conscious but at the same time want space and comfort for their family, and style to enhance their status. One of the strong points of the Etios sedan is its true sedan design – designed on a sedan platform and not as a hatch with a boot – smart packaging that makes it compact at the same time spacious. More than 2000 engineers from Japan and India have worked in close collaboration over the last four years with a vision to offer Etios customers the 'joy of ownership' and 'quality of life'."

Talking about the Etios Sales and Marketing strategy in India, Sandeep Singh, DMD-Marketing, TKM, said: "We have planned an elaborate marketing strategy to warm up to our target customer and through our various campaigns we aim to successfully establish the Etios brand in India. To start with we signed on Mr. A.R.Rahman as our Brand Ambassador to establish an instant connect between the Etios values and Indian masses. We are committed to give our customers a Q-Class experience through a sales and service network that will be expanded to 150 dealerships by the end of this year. The bookings for the Etios sedan start today and deliveries will begin in January 2011.

We would also like to use this occasion to announce the name of the Hatchback version: Etios Liva, which will go on sale in April 2011."

Toyota Etios Features, Mileage & Specifications:

(a) Exterior
A distinctive front grille with a smile line, sculpted surface and dynamic character-line in the front and rear, enhance the presence of the Etios. The rear has a fluent flowing C pillar, rounded end and three-dimensional combination lamps that enrich the vehicle's exterior from different angles.

(b) Interior
The seats are ergonomically designed units with integrated head rests. An instrument panel clearly divided into the information area and operation area with a large centre meter provides excellent visibility. The Etios has class best cabin and luggage space of 595L, a spacious 13L cooled glove box, seven one litre bottle holders, mobile holder and many more such useful storage spaces inside the car.

(c) Performance and Comfort
A newly developed 1.5L, 16V DOHC engine coupled with a 5-Speed manual transmission that produces high output for best-in-class driving performance. The torque is available at low rpm for less gear shifting and stress-free city driving.

The Etios has a superior mileage of 17.6kmpl which is ARAI tested.

Electric power steering for excellent maneuverability and tilt steering ensures a good ergonomic driving experience. The steering comes with audio controls for comfort at the driver's fingertips.

The flat type rear floor design offers ease of movement for rear seat passengers. With its rigid body structure and world class Mac Pherson Strut, the Etios has superior dampening performance providing superior ride comfort.

A class-first 'clean air filter' which is standard across all grades for purified air in the cabin.

(d) Safety
The Etios has various active and passive safety features ensuring the car matches global safety standards. The various safety features are (i) Energy absorbing body shell (ii) Driver & Passenger Air bags and (iii) ABS with EBD.

Its centrally located combimeter reduces eye movement and hence the driver can concentrate on the road.

(e) Special Treatment
To adopt to the various diverse climate and usage conditions in India, special treatment and countermeasures have been implemented:
- Good ground clearance of 170mm
- Under body protection to prevent damage to fuel and brake lines
- Anti-corrosion steel sheets at areas prone to rusting and stone hits
- Chipping resistant paint on rocker mould & fender

Source: Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Toyota Etios To Compete Against Maruti Swift

Toyota Etios is planned to be finally launched in December this year. The company is in final stages of launching the car as its round of display across Indian cities comes to an end shortly. Toyota Etios was in Bangalore recently where Toyota India MD Hiroshi Nakagawa stated that Toyota Etios will compete against models like Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20 in the Indian market.

“It has been a challenge to build quality at a lower price,” Nakagawa said. “The Indian car market is one of the toughest markets in the world. Customers and car owners are very cost-conscious,” he said. Toyota has managed to lower the cost of its cars with sourcing of components from Indian market itself. 70 percent of the components in the car are locally sourced keeping price under control and quality uncompromised.

Toyota is reeling under quality control pressures in the global markets. Thus, while launching Etios it has kept quality and safety as its prime features apart from the price. “Bringing procurement cost to a very competitive level is a do or die challenge for our procurement and production teams,” Executive Vice President Yukitoshi Funo said in an interview.

Toyota Etios will be initially launched in the Indian market first and then will be subsequently introduced in China and Brazil.

Source: CarTradeIndia.com

A.R. Rahman Toyota Etios Brand Ambassador

Toyota Kirloskar Motor announced – two-time Oscar award winner and musical genius – A R Rahman as its official brand ambassador for the Toyota Etios. The much-awaited Etios will be launched in December this year, and Rahman as the brand ambassador will endorse the products through various marketing campaigns of the company.

About roping in the music maestro as the face of the Etios campaign, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, TKM, said: “We are extremely happy to sign on Rahman as the brand ambassador for the Etios. There is a very strong connect between the product and its brand ambassador, with both being, ‘Global’, ‘Innovative’, ‘Reliable’, and a ‘Class-above Quality’.

Adding to that, Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM, said: “A.R.Rahman is the pride of the nation and we are delighted to have him as our brand ambassador. In an effort to establish an instant connect between the Etios values and the Indian masses; A.R.Rahman was the perfect fit to synergize with the brand. The Etios is very important and close to us at Toyota, therefore it is but pertinent that its brand ambassador symbolizes what the product stands for.

Staying in line with our ongoing marketing campaign, this association with Rahman will open up a whole new world of higher quality. We are confident that with his musical talents and popularity transcending boundaries and languages, the Toyota brand in India will only get stronger and far-reaching with Rahman in our multi-media campaigns.”

Speaking about his relationship with Toyota, A.R. Rahman said: “I believe real quality is created when skill meets dedication, when insight meets inspiration, when passion meets perfection. This is why I am happy to be associated with Toyota. The same values drive Toyota in whatever they do. Together, we aim to delight India!”

Source: Toyota Kirloskar Motor India

Toyota Fortuner SUV Price India: Features & Specifications

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) announced the launch of the Toyota Fortuner, in India.

The internationally acclaimed Toyota Fortuner, which offers an unmatched combination of power and luxury supported by cutting-edge technology, was unveiled in New Delhi today by Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, TMC), Mr. Vikram Kirloskar (Vice-Chairman, TKM), Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (MD, TKM), Mr. Kaoru Hosokawa (Chief Engineer, TMC) and Mr. Sandeep Singh (DMD, Marketing, TKM).

Available with 5 speed manual transmission, the Toyota Fortuner not only offers unshakeable sturdiness with high ground clearance, long wheelbase, full-time 4WD and excellent drivability on all terrains, but is also loaded with comfort features like Climate Control AC, Optitron meter, Multi-information display, steering control switches, Space-up type 3rd row seats and leather interiors.

The exquisite bodyline and sporty exteriors of Toyota Fortuner are further accentuated by attractive roof rails, rear spoiler, side steps & bonnet scoop. The spacious and comfortable interiors give Toyota Fortuner an unparalleled edge over other SUVs in its segment.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, TMC) said, "We are delighted to introduce Fortuner in the Indian market. Globally, Fortuner has already sold over 2,50,000 units in more than 60 countries since its launch in 2005. The launch of Toyota Fortuner today is an expression of Toyota's commitment to provide best in class quality and technology to our customers in India."

Added Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM), "We're very proud to finally bring Fortuner to India. The sleek yet rugged Fortuner delivers superior performance and excellent luxury for Indian customers. We would also like to thank our customers for the extremely encouraging response to the initial announcement of this launch."

Mr. Kaoru Hosokawa (Chief Engineer, TMC) said, "Toyota's Fortuner is fully loaded with advanced features and has been extensively tested to suit Indian conditions. The powerful Common Rail type 3.0 L D-4D Diesel engine with Intercooler Turbocharger delivers superior power and performance."

Mr. Sandeep Singh (DMD, Marketing, TKM) added "The SUV market in India has witnessed extensive growth due to launches in Mid/Premium SUV segment. We expect that the launch of the Fortuner will expand the mid-SUV market in India. The Fortuner will be very competitively priced at Rs 18.45 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi. We will also implement a focused marketing campaign (including TV, print, magazines, hoardings, direct marketing, internet marketing and SMS) targeted at enhancing the awareness of advanced technology features amongst our Indian customers."

The Toyota Fortuner will be assembled in India at TKM's plant in Bidadi.

Toyota Fortuner Features:
- Globally acclaimed for Rugged and Tough Performance with sedan like Luxury and Comfort – the Real SUV
- At competitive price of Rs 18.45 lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
- 3.0 L D-4D Diesel engine with Intercooler Turbocharger offers highest power (171PS) in mid-SUV segment and maximum torque of 343 Nm.
- Incomparable combination of luxurious interiors and sporty features for an exciting driving experience.
- Full-time 4WD & Toyota Outstanding Platform (TOP) to handle all kinds of terrain – the Real SUV.
- Highest standards of passenger safety - Active safety with ABS & Disc Brakes, passive safety with Impact Absorbing body and SRS airbags for driver and front passenger.
- Available in five exciting body colors - Super White, Silver Mica Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Black Mica and Light Blue Metallic.

Source: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.

New Toyota Fortuner Anniversary Edition Unveiled in India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. has announced the introduction of the ‘Fortuner Anniversary Edition' to celebrate more than 10,000 happy customers in its first year of launch in India. The Toyota Fortuner was launched on August 24, 2009 and since then has maintained close to a 60 per cent market share in its segment.

Adding to the perfect blend of both on-road and off-road capabilities, the Anniversary Edition of the Fortuner has an enhanced sporty exterior that will be available only in Pearl White colour. The features that contribute to the new look are a Front Bumper Spoiler, Rear Roof Spoiler and Rear Bumper Spoiler all in body colour, and a chrome plated Muffler Cutter giving it a distinct touch. The Fortuner Anniversary Edition has been priced at Rs. 20,45,000 ex-showroom Delhi.

The company will roll out only 250 units of this special edition of the Fotuner to commemorate the occasion.

Commenting on the introduction of the ‘Anniversary Edition', Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, "Today, as we celebrate both the first anniversary and the milestone of selling 10,000 units, we are delighted to introduce the Anniversary Edition of the Fortuner which will be made available exclusively to our customers who have already made bookings with us.

We would like to thank our customers for making the Fortuner the market leader in its segment, since its launch. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank those customers who have waited patiently through the waiting periods because of the overwhelming response that we have received. It is our endeavour to clear the present backlog, as well as meet growing customer requirement."

The internationally acclaimed Fortuner, offers an unmatched combination of power and luxury supported by cutting-edge technology. The vehicle has carved a niche for itself over the last year in India winning acclaim from experts as well by bagging the ‘SUV of the Year' at majority of the auto awards in 2009-'10.

Source: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Report: June sales Up 2%

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has registered a growth of 42% in sales in June 2010, compared to the corresponding period last year. It sold 6,180 units in June 2010 against 4,367 units in June last year.

Cumulative sales for the period January to June 2010 stands at 37,126 units, recording an increase of 76% over the same period last year.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM said, "We are excited by the continued overwhelming response to our products, and more importantly we are happy with the confidence that our Indian customers have instilled in us over the years."

The company has ramped up production of the Fortuner in its Bidadi plant gradually, to meet the increased demand. The company is also rapidly expanding its sales and service network, it intends to take the dealership network to 150 outlets by the end of 2010, across the country.

Source: Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Toyota Kirloskar Motors Launches Innova Special Edition in India @ Rs. 8.86 Lakhs

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. today announced the introduction of the 'Innova Special Edition' to commemorate five successful years of the Innova in India. In addition to the existing Innova line-up, the Special Edition has been designed to give the vehicle an enhanced refined look, and boasts affordable luxury.

The new variant has Power Windows, Power Door Lock and Air-conditioning at a competitive price of Rs. 8,86,960 ex-showroom Delhi. Contributing to the new look are Bumpers, Front Grill, Hood Mould and Rear Door Garnish all in body colour, and Body Stripes with the special edition insignia. The new variant will be available in one colour - Premium Super White.

The Innova Special Edition will be on sale for a limited period, i.e. June to September 2010.
Commenting on the launch of the 'Special Edition', Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, "The Innova has been highly appreciated by our customers, and has been the market leader in the MPV segment ever since its launch in 2005. We are focused on constantly upgrading our products based on customer feedback, and are now delighted to introduce the all new edition of the Innova which offers unique styling in combination with affordable features. Only 700 units of the Innova Special Edition will be available for sale, for a limited period."

The Innova is a result of the unique IMV project from Toyota that was launched in India in 2005, creating a different experience for customers. Since then, the vehicle has carved a niche for itself by offering the luxury of a sedan with the performance of an MPV. The Innova has continued its market leadership with a 31% market share in the MPV segment in 2009 and has maintained the No. 1 status in the JD Power survey every year since its launch.

Courtesy: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd

Toyota Kirloskar Signed MOU With State Bank of India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd (TKM) has signed a MOU with the State Bank of India to provide auto retail financing to their prospective customers. The State Bank of India will be one of the preferred financiers for the entire range of vehicles marketed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM) in India.

The agreement was signed by Sandeep Singh, DMD of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM), and P. Nanda Kumaran, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India Personal Banking Business Unit in Mumbai in the presence of Anup Banerji, DMD & Group Executive (NBG) of SBI and Mr. H. Nakagawa, Managing Director of TKM. Among those present on the occasion were the officials of both SBI and Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM).

The MOU aims at targeting high end customers who will be availing car loans from SBI above Rs. 5 lacs onwards. SBI has come out with a special scheme called SBI Advantage Car Loan Scheme for this niche segment. This scheme is applicable to individuals – Salaried, Professionals, Self employed, Businessmen and Proprietary /Partnership firms, who are income tax assesses and whose income/net profit or gross taxable income is Rs.2.50 lac and above.

This scheme will be implemented in all RACPCs, all PBBs, all District Head Quarter Branches, Project area branches and Branches specially authorised by AGM (Region). Maximum loan amount will be 48 times of NMI or 4 times of NAI.

Courtesy: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd