All-New Toyota Etios In The Works?
Toyota is considering the next-generation Etios range for the Indian car market.
Toyota will soon launch the re-badged Maruti Suzuki Baleno in the Indian market in the end of this year. The Toyota’s version of Baleno will be followed by the re-badged Vitara Brezza in 2020. What’s interesting is that the Japanese brand is also considering the next-generation Toyota Etios for the Indian market.
A new report from ET Auto reveals that the next-generation Toyota Etios is in the scheme of things for Toyota in India. While speaking to the publication, Masakazu Yoshimura, MD, TKM, said, “We are looking at upgrading the Etios and Liva along with a smaller car solution.”
The current Etios sedan is failed to generate volumes for the brand. The reason behind the failure is the boring design, lack of features and better competition. The outgoing model measures above 4 meter in length (4,369mm) and is facing competition from more modern cars like Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Ciaz. Toyota could position the next-gen Etios against the Dzire and Amaze, which means the next-model could sit under 4 meter in length. The company is already selling the Yaris sedan in the mid-sized sedan segment and keeping two models in the same space won’t make sense. Also See – All-New Toyota Camry Hybridd Launched
These are all speculations, as the company could also launch the upgrade of the existing model. Toyota has no plans to make huge investment in India for the next 2-3 years. The company has collaborated with Maruti Suzuki to drive sales in the market. The alliance would help each other to enter into new segments. Building an all-new Etios will require investment for platform and engines, which is highly unlikely.
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