Toyota has been taking its time to make the new Innova apt for the market. It seems that the Japanese manufacturer does want to make sure that the model is hit only in the Indian markets but also abroad like in the nations of Philippines and Thailand. Toyota has invested a huge sum of 2.76 billion INR to boost the localisation of parts of the Innova. All the procedures are taking place in Philippines. Imported parts are being brought from Thailand and being assembled for the localisation process. The localisation content of this vehicle will be somewhere around 30 per cent as fixed by the brand. Pressed parts and components would be 50 per cent of the total investment as depicted by the company.
The next generation Innova is undergoing the development and research phase and is much anticipated by the customers. It is expected that the model will hit the roads by 2016. Till then, Toyota does not want to take the slightest chances. Just to be sure that the car is perfect before it is available for the crowd. Better driving comfort, extra space, additional features and drivability are the major factors that have been focussed upon by the company while developing the new Innova. The outgoing model had some features, which were a reason to troubleshoot in the later stages. The Japanese manufacturer will make sure that such features do not come up in the new model. Some better aspects about the new car will be the addition of high-end features. These include addition of six airbags for safety, cruise control and ESP for a better experience on the Innova 2016. The interior as well as the exterior will undergo a number of changes as far as the looks are concerned. If the reports are to be trusted, it is expected that the model will also get an automatic diesel version, as well.
Toyota New Global Architecture platform is also likely to be incorporated in the new Innova, which will underpin the new Fortuner. It is being tried by the manufacturer to incorporate the Innova as a premium MPV and its price might be able to scrape up to 20 lakhs quite easily. The other MPVs in the market like Honda Mobilio, Mahindra Xylo, Maruti Ertiga, Chevrolet Enjoy, and Nissan Evalia pose little challenge since all of them are significantly lower priced. It is expected that the new Innova will be as much successful as the older model if not more.
