Toyota India rules out sub-4m SUV, sedan - Report

Will not develop products tailor-made for India.

Speaking to GaadiWaadi, Mr. Naveen Soni, Vice President at Toyota Kirloskar Motor has stated that Toyota will not develop an India-specific sub-4m SUV or sedan, despite the growing trend of the said bodystyles in the country.

Toyota Etios Liva side at the 2014 Nepal Auto Show
Despite the good demand of sub-4m SUVs and sedans in the market, Toyota will not join the bandwagon anytime soon. Image of the Etios Liva for representation use only.

He said:

As far as the sub-4m category is concerned, we don’t want to make tailor-made cars only for India that is something that we’ve been saying is a compromised solution of sorts, whether it’s a car or it’s an SUV.

Older reports suggested that Toyota would shift its focus towards the premium segments, for which the brand has a strong presence, courtesy of the Toyota Innova and Toyota Fortuner. For entry-level segments, TKM is considering the introduction the Daihatsu brand in India, which has a product range of budget-friendly hatchbacks and SUV in various other markets.

Daihatsu Terios Spirit front three quarters right at the 2014 Indonesia International Motor Show
For entry-level segments, TKM is considering the introduction the Daihatsu brand in India.

Also Read: 2016 Toyota Fortuner to launch in India by end-2016

Mr Soni did mention in the interview that Toyota could consider introducing the Rush SUV, although it could be sold as the Daihatsu Terios in India.

[Source: GaadiWaadi]

2015 Daihatsu Terios (facelift)

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