Toyota unveils new compact car in India

Toyota Motor Corporation’s production and sales subsidiary in India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private, Ltd (TKM) unveiled a concept version of the Etios – a compact car newly developed for the Indian market – at the 10th Auto Expo Automobile Show in New Delhi. On display at the show are a sedan version with a newly developed 1.5-liter engine and a hatchback version with newly developed 1.2-liter engine.

Aimed at family users in India’s rapidly growing automobile market, the Etios comes with the world famous Toyota quality that is never compromised and possesses class-leading style, comfort and cost of ownership. 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.

According to Etios chief engineer, Yoshinori Noritake more than 2 000 engineers have been involved in the development of this vehicle of the past four years and many Indian cities and customers were visited and interviewed to get customer input during the development phase. “I am convinced that the Etios will offer joy of ownership and quality of life to consumers,” he said.

TKM will produce the Etios from late 2010 at its second plant, currently being built expressly for the new car. Annual sales in India are set at 70 000 units and exports are planned.