Wheels of Revolution

But first,it’s Etios because it’s enjoying a world premiere in India. “It’s a car for the Indians,and hence the international launch had to take place here,” comments Hiroshi Nakagawa,Managing Director. There’s no doubt that India is increasingly turning into a automobile magnet,and based on a nation-wide feedback,Toyota realised that the potential lies in small car segment,which led to the birth of Etios concept. While the real details viz to mileage and pricing will be declared at the end of the year (after assessing competition and market),a little birdie tells that it will be around four lakh. However,they’re only working on petrol models till now. As for the high-priced hybrid Prius,“it’s due to import duties and very high qualitative technology used in it,” defends Sandeep Singh,Deputy Managing Director,Marketing,Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Vroom back to Etios,and Singh points to its ‘high rigidity and light weight which will lead to fuel efficiency and top class mileage.’ “To be a big player in India,you need focus on a family car and lower the price,and Etios will fulfill all this,” assures Singh adding that the year 2010 will see Toyota enter the mass volume segment. To ensure maximum accessibility to the customers,it will expand their sales/service network to about 150 dealers by the end of 2010. In the meantime,if you plan to scoot to Sector 34 Grounds,check out the exhibit. It includes an exciting array of 11 Toyota vehicles which are based on themes like eco friendly and future,concept car and the Toyota Line Up.