The TOI has an article where Toyota is supposedly setting up a Technopark[The Technopark would consist a consortia — formed from a number of Toyota group firms that manufacture components, transmissions, seats and other parts] and according to sources of TOI ,Toyota plan to introduce more than a single model as far as the small car segment is concerned.
Logically speaking this may very much be a possibility and is the right way forward considering that Toyota is way behind in the Indian market right now and has only a 3.6% marketshare.In case of other manufacturers customers have so many options in different segments even right now so by 2010 Toyota will struggle if only a single small car rolls out from its manufacturing plant by 2010.
Toyota have only to look at the Skoda Fabia.How many units is Skoda able to garner with the Fabia.It would be almost impossible for Toyota to cater to a large segment of customers with only a single model and the 10% market share it plans to grab by 2010 would only have remained a dream.
So the next question is what can be expected.Well for starters a B+ segment hatchback and a C segment sedan.Yes I expect Toyota to be working on a C segment sedan[remember all the talk about bosch and toyota working on a vehicle in India].Right from the start there was also a plan to target the B segment but the challenge has been pricing and if Toyota is able to meet this challenge then we could expect a B segment hatch too but I am confident of the first two.Then ofcourse there is this strong demand for a Qualis replacement which too may just be looked at.The new corolla of course would be here this year and possibly a facelifted innova as well.Fortuner plans remain unclear.
But finally we are going to get some vehicles from Toyota.I wish to warn the other manufacturers,Watch out the giant has just woken up.Wish you all the best Toyota.
[image source:automotive.com]
Also read:
Toyota to launch a new model every year
