Indian launch of 2016 Toyota Fortuner will take "at least 1 year", says DMD - IAB Report

26/11/2015 - 16:32 Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Anjan Ravi

TKM plans on increasing localization levels, reportedly.

Revealed for ASEAN and Australian markets in July this year, the 2016 Toyota Fortuner will not be arriving at Indian dealerships, at least for another year Indian Autos Blog can report.

2016 Toyota Fortuner front three quarter left at Thailand Big Motor Sale — The 2016 Fortuner is based on a new ladder-frame platform, but retains the wheelbase dimension of its predecessor.

Speaking to Indian Autos Blog at the FAME ECO Drive Marathon, which was held in New Delhi today, Mr. T.S. Jaishankar, Deputy Managing Director for Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said -

The current Fortuner will continue. At least for one year, there is no plan [of launching the new model]. It'll take a minimum of a year to bring that car to India.

Mr. Jaishankar further stated that it would take time to get vendors and other part suppliers ready for the 2016 Fortuner. Newspaper reports had earlier revealed that TKM would increase localization levels on the Fortuner, and would also manufacture diesel engines at a new plant in Jigani, Karnataka. The engines in question would be the all-new GD diesel engine family which powers the 2016 Innova, in addition to the Fortuner and Hilux.

Toyota Fortuner MT (Manual Transmission) variant cockpit — The 2016 Fortuner is available with 6-speed MT and AT transmissions, and with two diesel engines and a petrol engine.

Also read: 2016 Toyota Prius to make Indian debut at Auto Expo 2016

The 2016 Fortuner in Thailand is offered with 2.4- and 2.8-liter diesel engines paired to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. In addition, it offers features such as LED headlights, LED taillights, 7 airbags, electric tailgate, smart entry with push button start, paddle shifters and Power and Eco driving modes.