Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is planning to launch a CNG variant of the Toyota Innova, which may cost Rs. 75,000-90,000 more than its present variants. The car is undergoing test trials right now and is expected to be available by the end of January 2009. Toyota will tie up with Minda Industries, which will provide CNG kits for the new car.
At present, radio taxis and tour operators make up almost 15 to 20 per cent of the Innova’s customer base. Considering the fact that the running cost of CNG is thrice that of petrol, the new version of the Innova may drive up sales to an appreciable extent.