Toyota has been planning to launch new car models in India. It has also been asking vendors to submit their quotations. It not only plans to launch its new small car in India by 2010-11 but also plans to make India as its export hub for small car.
Toyota currently sells Innova as one of the most successful models in India. It claims to be probably the safest car in India. It now plans to launch a small car in the country. “The truth is we don't want to make a small car just for the sake of making a small car. It has to make money. It has to sustain the brand value. It must have all the safety features.”, says Vikram Kirloskar, the Toyota Kirloskar Vice-Chairman.”
Toyota is aiming to plan a small car that should make good business and plans to make a launch in late 2010 or early 2011. “People don't drive the same cars for 20 years any more. They replace their cars every two years now. The issue is not about being late but about coming out with a correct product, correct quality and correct price.”, adds Vikram Kirloskar.
Apart from its small car, Toyota also plans to make India as its small car hub for exports. It is all set to follow the ventured safe path of Suzuki and Hyundai. Toyota is considering doubling investments and capacity in the country. It is looking at making India an export hub for their small car. The company may firm up its plans over the next two-three months,” said the Union Commerce Minister, Mr Kamal Nath, on his meeting with Mr Watanabe, President, Toyota Motor Corporation.
Meetings with top echelons of Indian Industry and frequent visits of Toyota officials to India are being perceived more than simple “courtesy calls”. They are being taken as firming up plans for launching small car and gearing up India operations by Toyota.
