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Journalism of Courage
Japanese car major Toyota has withdrawn its popular multi-utility vehicle Qualis from the Indian market since December 31. The car is making way for another lifestyle vehicle — Innova — which will be launched sometime in March.
The car has been withdrawn in spite of the Qualis recording highest ever retail sales at 4,092 units in December 2004. Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) sold 36,698 units of the Qualis between January and December 2004 thus registering a growth of 20 per cent over 2003. Dealers say the new car will cost slightly more than Qualis at about Rs 7 to 8 lakh. The car will be available in petrol and diesel versions.
All dealers are at present clearing old stocks of the Qualis, with at least Rs 60,000 discounts. A company spokersperson did not comment on the company’s new launches. Industry sources say Qualis is being used as a taxi, which is not the brand image of the company. The Innova’s higher price tag will target the top-end lifestyle multi-purpose vehicle buyers. Apart from the Qualis, General Motors’ Tavera and M&M’s Scorpio dominate this segment.
… DRIVES IN INNOVO
Other models do well
Mumbai: Toyota Kirloskar Motor has posted a strong performance in 2004 by selling over 47,851 vehicles in wholesale, growing 20 per cent over 2003. While the Camry and Corolla made impacts, Qualis continued dominating the Indian Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment. The Land Cruiser Prado has recorded the record retail sales at 1,023 units in Dec. 2004.
