Japanese automaker, Toyota is getting aggressive with its product strategy for the Indian market. After introducing the new Glanza, the company is now gearing up for the launch of the new Urban Cruiser. These models are basically the re-badged Maruti cars. For the first time, Toyota will develop an all-new India-centric product which will also be supplied to Maruti Suzuki.
While Indian auto makers including Tata Motors and Mahindra are focusing on introducing EVs, Japanese brands are planning to introduce stronger hybrids in the Indian market. Honda is all set to launch the new City e:HEV hybrid, while Toyota-Suzuki will introduce hybrid SUVs and MPV in the market. Honda will also have an all-new SUV in 2023. This mid-sized SUV will also receive a strong hybrid system.
Toyota will focus on introducing hybrid cars before launching a pure electric vehicle in the market. The company will launch a new SUV and an all-new MPV in the next 1 year. Both models will be powered by a petrol engine with a stronger hybrid system.
Toyota and Suzuki JV is also working on a pure electric SUV for the Indian as well as global markets. The new SUV is planned to be launched by 2025. The Japanese brand believes that hybrid is the immediate solution to the rising fuel prices. Also, it would help Toyota to increase localisation levels in battery production in the country.
Toyota Plans For India
Toyota has trademarked the Innova Hycross nameplate in the Indian market. The new model could be the hybrid version of the Innova. The company has already confirmed that the MPV will receive hybrid powertrain for the Indonesian market. The automaker might launch the 2023 Toyota Innova Hybrid with 1.5L petrol turbocharged motor benefited with the brand’s self charging hybrid tech.
Toyota will also launch the new mid-sized SUV, codenamed D22 during this festive season. The new SUV will come with a petrol hybrid tech. It will be manufactured at Toyota’s Bidadi based plant. Toyota will also supply this SUV to Maruti Suzuki, which will introduce the rebadged version in the country.
