Toyota is preparing a wide range of new models including a new mid-sized SUV, new C-segment MPV and a new electric vehicle for the Indian market. A new media report claims that Toyota is planning to push strong hybrids in India once the new mass market models are ready.
Speaking to ET Auto, Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, TKM, said, “We feel very strongly with 70% coal-based power, strong hybrids give the least amount of well to wheel carbon emissions. We will continue pushing hybrids. As this 70% starts coming down and more renewable energy starts coming in, we will start seeing more and more EVs. Our objective is overall carbon reduction.”
Toyota has multiple strong hybrids in its global lineup including the Prius; however, most of these vehicles are large vehicles. The hybrids above 4 meter comes under the heavy GST rates of 43 percent, while the sub-4 meter cars are levied with 28 percent GST. Toyota is expected to offer a better tax rates from the government in future.
The strong hybrid powertrain comprises of a small battery pack, which works in tandem with a combustion engine. At low speeds, the car can run purely on EV mode. In the normal running, the engine power the motors and charge the battery at the same time.
Toyota is currently selling the Camry Hybrid, which is priced at Rs 41.7 lakh. In the global markets, Toyota is selling Yaris Cross, C-HR, RAV4 and others with hybrid powertrains. These models won’t be introduced in our market.
Toyota and Suzuki are jointly working on new mid-sized SUVs for the Indian market. The new models will come with a strong hybrid powertrain, which comprise of a petrol engine with a smaller battery pack. The new models will be based on Toyota’s DNGA platform that underpins the Raize and the new Avanza.
Source – ET Auto