Last week, Suzuki and Toyota announced that the companies will be sharing models in India as part of the recent MoU that has been signed. Specifically, Toyota will pick up the Maruti Baleno and Maruti Vitara Brezza. IAB's automotive illustrator has created a speculative rendering of the Toyota badged Maruti Baleno.
The rendering makes modifications to the nose of the Baleno along the lines of Toyota's latest design language. Taking centre stage is a large trapezoidal grille, a staple feature of all new Toyota products, with a chrome outline flanked by narrower headlamps. The hatchback is identical to the Baleno currently on sale A-pillar onwards. Towards the rear, the tail light seems to have been re-profiled. The "Toyota Baleno" rides on two-tone alloy wheels.
According to a report from Nikkei, Toyota will source 30,000-50,000 units of the Baleno and Vitara Brezza from Suzuki's Indian arm, MSIL. It will not be a one-way exchange as Maruti Suzuki plans to source 10,000 units of the Toyota Corolla Altis to be sold under their brand name.
Also Read - Toyota Vitara Brezza rendering and details
Another major aspect of the Toyota-Suzuki partnership is the co-development of battery electric vehicles for the Indian market. According to the agreement, Suzuki will produce EVs for the Indian market and will supply some to Toyota. Toyota’s role will be to provide technical support.
[News Source: Nikkei]
