Toyota is not only doing sound business in Japan but its presence in India has more means to deliver. One of the proposals is to introduce diesel variants for small car segment particularly its Etios hatchback and sedan. The Deputy MD for Toyota Kirloskar Motor said the company has been receiving lot of enquiries for diesel variants of small cars. He added that the launch of new hatchback Etios by this year end will see the promotion of gasoline engines, of which 70% will be localized. This will bring down the cost of the car considerably, he said, and the move is not directed towards the sedan version yet. All depends on the outcome of the discussions made with the apex body in Japan, he remarked.
He said the ongoing Toyota U Trust facility would be extended further to make it 15 in the country. This facility is meant for exchange of old cars for new ones and Toyota offers warranty for its own cars only. This apart from the monsoon campaign of comprehensive tests for Toyota vehicles all over the country.Toyota has made a thought to increase the dealer numbers too from the current 99 to 150. This is in view of the ensuing launch of Etios, which is targeted to double the overall sale volume. The launch of Etios must increase Toyota’s share in market from 3% to 6%, he said.