We have observed several small and mid-sized cars entering the Indian Market in last two years, and seems like it has become damn important for a car manufacturer to launch a small or a middle segment car, if at all they are interested to take their popularity quotient to masses in India.
Toyota is the latest entrant in this race, and is all set to launch its Etios in the Indian Auto Market. Etios is expected to be launched in two body types, i.e. Sedan and Hatchback. Sedan model with Petrol engine will be launched, at an expected ex-showroom price of Rs. 5.25Lakhs on December 1, 2010, and the deliveries will start in January 2011, whereas the Diesel variant of the same is expected to be launched late next year. For the Hatchback model of Etios which will be sporting a smaller petrol engine you will have to wait till March 2011.
Here are the specifications of Etios, as seen on the official website of Toyota India –
Etios Sedan –
- Dimensions – (L) 4265mm X (W) 1695mm X (H) 1490mm
- Engine – 1.5Liters
- Fuel Type – Petrol
Etios Hatchback –
- Dimensions – (L) 3775mm X (W) 1695mm X (H) 1490mm
- Engine – 1.2Liters
- Fuel Type – Petrol
Etios will be produced in the plant setup by Toyota, near Bangalore, with an investment of Rs. 3,200Crore, and the production capability of the plant is 70,000 per year.
If we discuss the Indian Car Market, according to the stats, Toyota has a market share in low single digits, and after the launch of Etios, Toyota is looking forward to a 10% Market share in Indian Car Market.
No doubt, time will tell how all this comes along, but bringing the Toyota’s world class driving comfort and style within the reach of several upper middle class families is definitely going to give a huge impact in the rise of Toyota’s market share in Indian Car Market. Think it this way, if a person is all set to invest an amount of Rs. 5-6Lakhs, then the thought, that if I am investing so much money, then why shall I go for something other than Toyota, this thought will definitely dominate the decision up to a great extend, irrespective of whatever will be the final result, isn’t it? Share your views with us via comments, we would love to hear from you about this attempt of Toyota.
