Following the launch of petrol version of its popular compact hatchback Liva, the Indian unit of the leading Japanese car maker Toyota Motors is now studying the feasibility of developing a diesel version of the car in the Indian market.
In a recent statement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice President (Sales and Dealer development division) Sailesh Shetty said that the diesel version of the car is very much on the cards. He added that first the company will establish itself in the market with sedan Etios and hatchback Liva and then based upon demand it will look into it.
In recent months, the industry has witnessed a major shift of buyers towards diesel run cars. Toyota already sells many of its cars in diesel versions including premium sedan Corolla Altis, MUV Innova and luxury Sports utility Vehicle Fortuner. The company would consider producing diesel engines once its engine manufacturing unit gets operational.
The company is aiming to sell 60,000 units of the Etios series of cars during year 2011. The company has already received bookings for over 1000 units for Liva hatchback. It is also working to take the localization level of the car to 90 percent from existing 70 percent.
