The 10-seater van will be imported via the CBU route.
In an interview with Autocar Professional, Mr. N Raja, Senior VP and Director of Marketing and Sales, TKM (Toyota Kirloskar Motor), said that the Toyota Hiace will be launched in India via the CBU route from Japan, by mid-2015.
It will be powered by the 3-litre diesel engine that's currently doing duty in the Fortuner SUV but makes a modest 134 hp and 300 Nm of torque in the Hiace, and comes mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The 10-seater van will bear a price tag of INR 40-45 lakh, but a final figure will be decided after the announcement of budget later this month, the director added.
Showcased at the SIAM Bus & Special Vehicle Show last month, where Toyota announced its launch plan, the van could be locally assembled in 1-2 years, with suppliers already notified about the company's interest.
Also read: Not for India 2015 Toyota Vellfire and Alphard MPVs unveiled
The Hiace will have to be registered as a commercial vehicle, and Toyota is targeting tour operators who are looking for a premium people-mover. Features like power closing sliding doors, reverse parking camera, and a 6-speaker audio system add to the premium quotient, while power steering, power windows, immobiliser, AC, ABS, and dual front airbags complete the standard equipment list on the Hiace.
[Source - Autocar Pro]
