We have been hearing about Daihatsu’s India entry for quite a long time, but a fresh report from Autocar India claims that Toyota-owned small car brand will be here in the next 2-3 years. While Daihatsu will be a budget car brand, Toyota will focus on premium offerings.
The report claims that officials from the small car brand have visited India multiple times, and have even met some local vendors for sourcing parts. The idea is to achieve the maximum localisation level to price its products competitively.
While there is no clarity yet on the products coming to India, the company might initially bring in the facelifted versions of its existing global lineup. The first to enter our market could be the company’s compact MPV – most probably Daihatsu Sigra – that the company already sells in other Asian markets. There might also be an entry-level hatchback and a compact SUV. Having said that, the company plans to develop some made-for-India cars using Daihatsu’s expertise of developing budget cars.
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The report also says that the company will initially be sold through Toyota dealerships. At a later stage, the company will introduce Daihatsu as an independent brand with different dealership and service network.
Also Read: Upcoming Toyota Cars in India
Besides Toyota, Hyundai and is also planning to introduce its budget car brand Kia to India on similar lines as Toyota. While Hyundai will continue to produce premium cars, the Kia will cater to entry-level segments – something that Nissan is trying to do with the Datsun.
This is all what we have for now on the Daihatsu, stay tuned to IndiaCarNews for more updates.
