The next generation models of the Toyota Innova and Toyota Fortuner will be based on a new platform called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), as confirmed to Economic Times by Naomi Ishii, Toyota India's new boss. TNGA will be a VW MQB-like platform and will spawn a range of cars based on common parts.
The all-new Innova and Fortuner are due to enter the market in 2016. Until then, Toyota India will be working on expanding its footprint and enhancing its Etios range of cars, which is in dire need of extensive facelifts and interior upgrades.
The Innova and Fortuner are respective segment leaders in India, and in spite of successive price hikes (the top-end Innova costs INR 14.92 lakhs ex-Showroom New Delhi), these cars bring the desired sales numbers for the Japanese carmaker in India. They share the same IMV (Innovative International Multi purpose Vehicle) platform currently, which is also extended to the Hilux.
Ishii says that Toyota India's portfolio will "gradually" increase, though the immediate focus is on enriching its existing cars and keeping its current customers happy. Ishii further revealed that Toyota was studying the feasibility of making small cars on the TNGA platform, though the company is finding it a challenge to strike the right balance between efficiency and cost.
This year, Toyota will launch the Etios Cross and the all-new 2014 Corolla. Both these cars had their Indian debuts at the Auto Expo 2014 last month and bookings are already underway.
[Source - Economic Times]
