Toyota Etios Hatchback Concept
Tokyo, Japan – Toyota Motor Corporation has shown a new model at the Auto Expo in New Delhi, and has announced its new production and sales subsidiary in India.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM) unveiled its concept version of the Etios concept car under the banner “World First, India First.”
The Etios is aimed at families in India’s rapidly-growing automobile market. Reflecting its “one class above” theme, its styling evokes advanced status, along with a spacious interior and abundant storage space.
The vehicles on display include a sedan version with newly-developed 1.5-litre gasoline engine, and hatchback with new 1.2-litre gasoline engine. TKM said that to make the car as affordable as possible, it will use local parts to keep the costs low.
“I visited many Indian cities and homes to learn the market and to hear from the consumer directly,” said Yoshinori Noritake, chief engineer of the Etios. “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 in a plant which is now being built expressly for the new car. Annual sales in India are set at 70,000 units, with exports also being planned.
