The Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s most read newspapers, had recently reported that Toyota is planning to create a new brand and offer low cost cars in India at around US $6000 (approx Rs. 3.5 lakhs). The report mentioned that this car could see a 2016 launch.
Reacting to the report, a Toyota spokesperson has played down the possibility and stated no such plans exist. The Etios remains as the cheapest offering in their portfolio, designed for emerging markets. The segment in which the speculated car was to be launched is teeming with competition. The perception is competing so down the price ladder can harm Toyota as a brand.
Here at IAB, we give a lot of importance to the design of the car. We believe that car design is a integral part of the product and needs to be as good as the mechanical components. Hence, most of our reviews are split into three parts – Design Review, Interior Review and Driving Review.
Toyota, known for its legendary reliability, doesn’t really make cars that have communicative design. Most Toyotas (well apart from 86 and the Yaris) are a bit bland to look at. Let’s just say, if one swishes past you, you won’t give it a second look. The Japanese automaker has identified the problem and promises more communicative designs in the future.
Nissan is all gung-ho about the revival of the Datsun brand for the emerging markets. The idea is to make cars that are light, fuel efficient and aggressively priced to boost volumes. Volkswagen also sniffed the opportunity and is finalizing the details of an all new low cost brand for fast emerging markets.
However the third biggest manufacturer of the world – Toyota does not see any lucrative opportunity in the low cost brand proposition. Speaking at an event in Tokyo, company CEO Akio Toyoda said Toyota has no interest in chasing the lower end of the market and will continue to focus on reliability and profitability rather than a certain price point.
click through to read on
VW plans to dominate the world by 2018 are surely on track with the company claiming to be the number 2 manufacturer of the world. According to Car Advice, VW sold 8.16 million units in 2011 whereas Toyota sold 7.9 million thus making VW the second biggest automotive company (by sales).
The total gain in sales amounts to a whopping 14.3-percent surge as compared to the auto giant’s 2010 sales.
The key growth markets were India and China. An impressive 2.25 million vehicles were shipped in China and deliveries in India more than doubled to 111,600 units.
There is surprise twist in the story as well. GM, predicted to be the numero uno manufacturer of 2011, has not yet declared its sales figures. If GM does not manage to shift more than 8.16 million, the VW’s goal would be accomplished 6 years early.
VW plans to be #1 manufacturer of the world by 2018 by shifting over 10 million units annually.
The tussle between the Auto Manufacturers and Environmentalists has existed since a long time. The environmentalists believe that because of auto manufacturers global warming is increasing at an alarming rate and they will be the sole reason for the world’s doom.
Well, in your face environmentalist because Toyota has been named as the world’s greenest brand by an Independent analytical firm – Interbrand.
Toyota successfully clinched the title after defeating many behemoths such as 3M and Siemens. Oh yes, it is not just environmentally conscious among car manufacturers but it is the most environmentally conscious brand!
Interbrand measured environmental performance and public perception of brands across industries and calculated a Green Performance Score. This data was collected from all the major markets such as UK, France, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Brazil and India.
The consultancy firm also interviewed around 10,000 consumers to gauge perception of a brand’s green performance. Toyota received a score of 64.19 points because of its multiple eco efforts, such as its market leader position in terms of full hybrid technology and its green manufacturing facilities.
Other automakers listed in the survey include Volkswagen (6), Honda (7), Hyundai (11), BMW (12), Mercedes-Benz (16) and Ford (20).
The details are out of the first contender of the three major hatchbacks (Liva, Brio & Swift) that are expected to hit Indian Auto Market in 2011. It is official – The Toyota Liva will grace us all on the 27th of this month in Delhi. The much anticipated Liva will be the first of the new challengers that are expected to create a stir in the Indian hatchback market. [ Read More ]
After rumors of Nissan planning to bring the Infiniti brand to India, it was only time that Toyota announces the Lexus brand in India. India and China are two of the most lucrative markets for luxury cars right now. Most international brands are making a beeline to enter the Indian market as soon as possible. However, Lexus cars (being a luxury brand) will not sold from Toyota’s sales outlets. If the company brings the line of luxury sedans and SUVs, it will establish separate dealerships for retailing them.
During an interaction with Indian Autos Blog back in December 2009, a top TKM official said there was a plan in place to bring Lexus to India. He was however unwilling to commit on a time frame. Lexus vehicles are currently brought into the country by private importers.
Toyota India also has plans to introduce a Financial Subsidiary so that the customers can avail of loan facility easily. Called as Toyota Financial Services, this subsidiary will help boost Toyota’s auto sales in the future. Their market study is almost over, though a final decision on entry is still pending.
At the outset, Team IAB would extend our heartfelt condolences to all our friends and their families in Japan and wish them a speedy recovery. God has shown his horrific side to Japan. The devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last week has crippled its entire economy. Nature has made its point and the Indian Auto market has also felt the tremors of this disaster. Brio Delayed The much [ Read More ]
The Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s most read newspapers, had recently reported that Toyota is planning to create a new brand and offer low cost cars in India at around US $6000 (approx Rs. 3.5 lakhs). The report mentioned that this car could see a 2016 launch.
