Toyota India won't launch AMT-fitted cars as tech not durable enough - Report

11/03/2015 - 20:45 | Toyota Etios, Toyota | Anjan Ravi

New Innova likely to be offered with a conventional AT.

While the AMT (automated manual transmission) technology is starting to go mainstream, with more manufacturers expected to introduce, or develop a suitable system, Toyota says it is not interested in offering this gearbox.

Toyota Etios Cross front fascia at the 2014 NADA Auto Show Nepal — Save for the Etios range and Innova, other cars sold by TKM offer an automatic transmission.

Mr. N Raja, director and senior vice president, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) India, acknowledged that the market was moving towards the automatic variants, but said that TKM will stick to conventional automatic transmission. The top official said that the AMT has a higher number of moving parts and hence would not be as durable as a traditional automatic.

Currently TKM offers a Lexus-developed CVT on the Corolla Altis, a torque-converter 5-speed AT on the Fortuner and Land Cruiser Prado, a 6-speed AT on the Camry and LC 200, and an E-CVT on the Camry Hybrid and Prius. The entry-level Etios Liva, Cross and sedan, and the volume seller Innova, are solely available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

2016 Toyota Innova IAB render front — While the current generation of the Innova AT is unavailable in India, the next gen model (seen here in our render) is likely to be.

However, sources said that the next generation Innova will get an automatic transmission paired to a diesel engine. The Hiace that launches in mid-2015, will also come with a diesel AT powertrain.

Also See: Review - Toyota Etios Cross

The AMT, first introduced on the Celerio in India last year, found traction for its comparatively lower price over a manual variant while offering the same fuel economy as the manual transmission. Subsequently, the AMT system was launched on the new Alto K10 and the Tata Zest diesel.