Toyota-badged Maruti Baleno to be launched in H2 FY2020 - Report

Maruti Suzuki will supply two of its best-sellers, the Baleno and Vitara Brezza, to Toyota Kirloskar Motor for sale in India. The cross-badged Baleno will arrive in the second half of FY2020 (October 2019-March 2020), reports PTI.

“In the second half of next fiscal, Toyota will launch its version (of the Maruti Baleno),” a source told PTI. “There will be external tweaks for a different look but it will be more like the existing one,” the source added. The Toyota-badged Maruti Baleno is likely to feature differently designed upper grille, lower grille, bumpers, lights and alloy wheels. The same should apply to the rebadged Maruti Vitara Brezza as well which could also benefit from new paint options and body graphics.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice President Atsushi Oki was reached out for a comment on the development, but he refrained from giving out any specifics.

Mum’s the word on the positioning as well, with TKM avoiding any speculations about its offering costing a premium over the donor car. “At this point in time, details on pricing are under discussion,” Oki said.

Also Read: 2019 Maruti WagonR teased, to be launched on 23 January

TKM and Maruti Suzuki are considering sharing not just vehicles and technologies, but their network to increase reach. A report at the end of last year said that the companies are considering sharing their service outlets, a move that would help TKM significantly expand its footprint in no time. Exports of models developed by Suzuki, including those manufactured by TKM, to Africa and other regions is another possibility.

[Source: livemint.com]