Toyota India has revealed the pricing segment for the compact car it plans to launch next year. Toyota India also plans to jack up its production to 5,000 units a month by July, and double sales and servicing manpower by 2010.
“The compact car will be priced in the B+ category,” Sandeep Singh, deputy MD said. The company is looking at expanding dealer network from the current 82 to 150 by 2010-end. “With the compact car, we want to be in semi-rural and rural towns,” he added.
The pricing of of cars in the B+ segment is between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7 lakh. This means that the compact car will be priced between a Santro top-end variant and a Honda City entry variant. The model will be launched in both sedan and hatchback versions. Around 70,000 units of the so-called compact vehicle will be produced at its Rs 3,200-crore factory at Bidadi in Bangalore.
The compact car will have a localisation of 65% to start with, and will gradually be taken to 90% by 2011. Higher localisation for the small car has made the company actively consider a new powertrain facility by the end of 2010. Still in the planning stages, the facility will be dedicated to producing engines and gearboxes for the compact car.
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May 1st, 2009 at 12:29 pm
At that price Toyota can at very best be just a margin player. Small car means something that is highly affordable to an average indian customer. Not that I am surprised. I always knew Toyota doesn’t have it in them to roll out a mass car in India atleast.
May 13th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Company like Toyota should come out with hatchback version in order to compete with other competitors. Not only that so many car lovers are anxiously waiting to buy Toyota’s compact car irrespective of the price to enjoy the comfortable driving pleasure. I am personally welcoming and encouraging Toyota India to gear up their activities to launch successfully to beat all others in that segment to make their mark…All the best.
November 7th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Surprised at the price tag considering this is supposed to be an economy car. Toyota makes good cars so there’s no doubt it will be a reliable ride. The price might deter the average buyer looking for a deal.