In an interesting move Toyota are planning to launch CNG versions of the innova and corolla in areas where CNG would be available[Mumbai,Delhi initially].
This move is supposedly aimed at attracting the fleet owners and tourist operators.This may just be the final push toyota is looking at for the corolla sales before it introduces the newer generation model.What this also means is that the newer generation corolla has a chance of getting a diesel engine as well since Toyota now have realised petrol only will not sell.If there is any market where the corolla has performed disastrously it is India.
The saving grace for Toyota in India so far has been the utility vehicle segment first with the qualis and now the innova,toyota has been able to attract the taxi segment which has ensured good sales.Toyota seem fairly comfortable with the Taxi tag.However with more competition sales could take a hit and toyota knows that.Everybody however seems to be in the mood to know what the new utility vehicle that toyota is supposedly going to launch by the year end is before making a buying decision.
Is toyota playing the CNG card in anticipation of a shotage of diesel and petrol sales and thus an increased demand for CNG run vehicles I am not sure.
Minda auto gas is supposedly supplying the kits.
[source:merinews]
