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Toyota Kirloskar Motor will soon launch CNG fuel variants of its premium sedan Corolla and multi-utility vehicle Innova. The Corolla and Innova will be the first ever CNG fuel based offering by the Japanese major in the world. The company is currently testing various types of CNG kits on these innova and corolla at its Bangalore based facility and the formal launch of these variants are expected sometime in December. The new kits for CNG are being supplied by Minda Auto Gas, which is also the original equipment supplier to Hyundai for its flagship car Santro and Maruti Suzuki for its LPG based WagonR Duo. Toyota deputy MD K K Swamy confirmed that the company is looking for the right CNG fuel options. “We are currently studying the options that can be strapped on both these models,” Mr Swamy said. Toyota will launch the CNG variants of Innova and corolla in Delhi and Mumbai, where CNG gas is currently available. That will followed by launches in other CNG-compliant cities like Surat and Agra.

Toyota is looking at the CNG option to tap the vast commercial segment of tour operators and fleet owners. Innova is the market leader in this segment and sales of premium sedan Corolla are also increasing. While sales of Innova have been increasing due to strong demand, Corolla sales have slightly dipped to 3,740 units in the April-October period from 3,925 units last year.Toyota is banking on the high-demand of CNG vehicles, which deliver high mileage and offer low cost of operation. Already a large number of CNG and LPG cars are available in the market including General Motors Optra, Hindustan Motors Lancer, and popular compact cars like the Santro and the WagonR Duo.

source:economictimes