Tokyo-TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces its production and sales subsidiary in India unveiled today-under the banner: "World First, India First"-a concept version of the "Etios*", a compact car newly developed specifically for the Indian market. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private, Ltd. (TKM) is showing the concept car at the 10th Auto Expo automobile show in New Delhi, which runs until January 11.
The Etios is aimed at family users in India's rapidly growing automobile market. Reflecting its "one class above" theme, the Etios' styling evokes a sense of advanced status, and, along with a spacious interior with abundant storage space, it aims to offer both smooth and powerful driving and excellent fuel efficiency.
To make the car as affordable as possible for potential customers, thorough use of local parts will be pursued to keep costs low.
On display at the show are a sedan version with a newly developed 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a hatchback version with a newly developed 1.2-liter gasoline engine.
Etios chief engineer, Yoshinori Noritake, said at the show: "I visited many Indian cities and homes to learn the market and to hear from the consumer directly.
Over four years, more than 2,000 engineers have been involved in the development of the Etios, and each has devoted his or her best effort with no compromises. I am convinced in my heart that the Etios offers joy of ownership and quality of life to consumers in India."
TKM will produce the Etios from late 2010 at its second plant, which is now being built expressly for the new car.
Annual sales in India are set at 70,000 units. Exports are planned.
At the show, the TKM exhibit, with its key message of "Quality Revolution", comprises a total of 14 production and concept vehicles, including the third-generation "Prius" gasoline-electric hybrid passenger car, which is scheduled to go on sale in India in 2010, the "Prado" SUV recently unveiled for the Indian market, the "i-REAL" personal mobility vehicle and the "Fine-S" fuel-cell hybrid vehicle.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Toyota Etios Concept
Monday, January 4, 2010
Toyota Etois Compact Sedan Teased
Toyota has released a new teaser video of the Etios concept, ahead of the New Delhi Auto Expo.
Meaning 'the origin of', the Etios previews a production model destined for emerging markets such as China, India, and Brazil. It will go into production in India later this year and globally in 2011.
While details are limited, the Etios will be powered by a 1.4-liter diesel and a 1.3-liter (or 1.2-liter) petrol. Neither sounds terribly exciting, but they should deliver stellar fuel consumption and low emissions.
Set to be priced from $10,000 USD (roughly), the Etios will feature limited sound-proofing, a basic interior (with hard plastics) and one windshield wiper. Despite sounding like a rental car from hell, Toyota says the Ethios' real assets will be its build quality and resale value.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tommy Kaira Spruces Up 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid
Japanese tuning house Tommy Kaira has finalized its aero and performance offerings for the latest generation Toyota Prius hybrid. We've been following the development of Tommy Kaira's sports package since September when the company released a set computer enhanced images, but now we've got the real deal.
Exterior appointments come in the form of new alloy wheels in sizes 16- and 18-inches, and an aggressive aero kit with parts that are available in carbon fiber, painted in the same color as the car or in a matte black finish.
The bodykit includes a front spoiler, grille trim, decorative trim for the front bumper, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear apron with an integrated diffuser that houses four tail pipes.
Tires and alloys aside, performance mods are limited to a new brake system, a sports suspension that brings the car a few centimeters closer to the ground and a sports exhaust system.
Other available upgrades include illuminated Toyota logos, a sports steering wheel, specific floor mats, and HID and LED lights.
