Toyota India still working on their small car plan

India is primarily a market for value for money compact cars and the sale figures show that. Maruti is the market leader despite failing to sell many of their luxury sedans and SUVs. The smaller cars like Maruti Alto, Maruti 800, and Maruti Suzuki Swift are selling like hot cakes.

Toyota is the world’s second largest automaker and they have expressed their aim of entering this segment since quite some long. However, the logistical problems have delayed the launch of a smaller vehicle from their stable. They had earlier planned to launch their Daihatsu brand in India but later decided to go against it.

The latest incoming reports claim that the company is still working on their plans to launch a small car in the Indian market as they have set themselves a target of selling per year 200,000 vehicles in India by 2010. And this cannot be achieved with their existing range available in India in the form of Toyota Camry, Toyota Innova, Toyota Prado, and the Toyota Corolla.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor deputy MD KK Swamy said in a statement: “We are not slowing down on our plans for India despite the recent labor unrest. The detailed study to finalize a small car model for India is underway and we will soon finalize the new product.”

He further added: “Our aim is to have an annual sale of 200,000 vehicles in India by 2010, and the small car would be a major part of this strategy. It won’t be an existing car but a model that’s specially made for the country.”

Popularity: 32%