Toyota Etios hybrid may be launched in India

After the significant bookings of Toyota Prius, a hybrid car, in India, the Japaneses company is mulling over to launch its yet-to-be unveiled hybrid small car- Etios- in the Indian market. The Toyota's small car Etios was showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2010 and is reported to be introduced by December, 2010. The Toyota Etios will be launched here with petrol engine (both in sedan and hatchback body type) and a diesel will follow the next year. The recent development was disclosed by Mitsuhiro Sonoda, Asia Pacific President, Toyota Motor, who was talking to media on the sidelines of the annual SIAM convention held a few days back. He stated that the company is going to study the Indian market in which trends for the alternative fuel operated cars in India would be found out. Mr Sonoda added that in this regard, they have to talk to the Indian Government and the Hybrid vehicle launch will also seek appropriate infrastructure in India; however, he did not disclose the timeframe to introduce the Hybrid Etios in the country.

To launch the compact car- Etios- of Toyota, the auto major has invested Rs 32,000 crore under the joint venture with Kirloskar Group, to set-up its second facility in Garden City Bengaluru; the upcoming Toyota Eitos will be rolled out from this plant. The auto manufacturer hopes to sell over 65,000 units of the small car after the launch in December, 2010.

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