Toyota Motor which recently launched its maiden small car Etios Liva in India stated that it might introduce two more small cars and a compact SUV in India.
The company might consider the option of partnering with other smaller corporations like sister company Daihatsu, Japan’s Subaru and French Peugeot. The company stated that it might utilize the resources of smaller companies (like Daihatsu) which have proficiency in developing small cars. Hiroji Onishi, president, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, stated, “With Peugeot in Europe, we already have a partnership (B-Zero project) and a similar method could be thought of with other companies like Subaru as well.”
Mr. Onishi also said that the cars Toyota is currently offering in India are not enough to meet the growing demands of the Indian market. He further stated, “We see a larger potential for cars like one smaller and cheaper than the Liva, a car bigger and more expensive than it and a compact SUV.” According to Mr. Onishi, Toyota is studying projects with Daihatsu which is a part of the company’s consolidated group.
The company also has plans of launching its small cars to other countries apart from India, though India would be their primary market for any small car that the company manufactures.