Toyota’s Plans For India – Re-badged Suzuki Cars, New C-Segment MPV
Toyota has recently launched the Glanza hatchback, which is nothing but the re-badged Maruti Suzuki Baleno. For people not in the know, Toyota and Suzuki has joined hands to drive sales in India and growing nations. In fact, the Glanza has been doing decent numbers for the brand.
Suzuki will also supply the Vitara Brezza, Ciaz and the Ertiga MPV to Toyota. The Japanese brand will re-engineered these models for the Indian car market. While the Glanza is a rebadged Baleno with visibly no changes except new grille, the upcoming models will be significantly different and will receive major changes.
Toyota will launch the re-engineered version of the Vitara Brezza in India in 2020. The new model will receive significant changes and will look different from the Maruti’s model. It is likely to get new grille, new bumpers, new interiors, new tailgate design and all-new wheels. The SUV won’t be offered with diesel fuel option. It is likely to receive the Maruti’s 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology.
The exact launch timeline for the re-engineered Ciaz and the Ertiga MPV are yet to be announced. It is expected that the Toyota’s version of the Ciaz and the Ertiga will arrive in our market in 2021-22. Similar to the Vitara Brezza, the updated models will receive significant changes. Besides introducing the re-engineered Maruti, Toyota will also introduce heavily revised versions of the Toyota Innova and Fortuner for new regulations. The company could also offer a hybrid variant of the Yaris sedan.
Toyota and Suzuki are also jointly working on all-new C-segment MPV, which will be positioned right between the Ertiga and the Innova Crysta. The new model will be based on the monocoque front-wheel-drive layout. This model will directly rival the Mahindra Marazzo MPV. Adding to it, Toyota will also supply this model to Maruti Suzuki. The duo is also working on affordable electric cars for the Indian as well as growing markets. Toyota will also launch the re-badged Wagon R electric in our market in 2021. Also See – Toyota plans to launch over 12 new cars in coming years
Japanese automaker plans to enter into the C segment and the B-high segment for the hybrid and PHV. Adding to it, the company is also exploring the hybrid versions of the Corolla and Yaris sedans. The company is also aiming to also leverage on the new law of importing 2,500 vehicles a year without the need of homologation. The brand is exploring the Highlander, RAV 4, C-HR, Harrier and Lexus RX SUVs for the Indian market.
