Posted on Feb. 24, 2005
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of Toyota INNOVA, India's first 3- Row seating passenger car. INNOVA is one of 5-IMV models that have been designed as part of the IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) project.
Launching the vehicle in India, Mr. Fujio Cho, President, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) said, " The Innova is truly a model of the 21st century. It not only fulfills the needs of MPV customers, but also strongly appeals to passenger car customers."
INNOVA is truly a Global Car that is simultaneously being launched across the globe and in India. In the Indian automobile market, INNOVA will be the first 3-row seating passenger car that will offer the performance of Multipurpose Vehicles along with the comfort and luxury of a sedan.
Akira Okabe, Managing Officer, TMC said, "The launch of Innova in India is a confirmation of the belief that the Indian auto industry is rapidly maturing and is ready for global products. Toyota is keen to play a role in this rapid growth."
Commenting on the availability of INNOVA in India, Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, TKM said, "Launch of INNOVA brings India closer to the world. This new-generation vehicle will provide luxury, comfort and safety, which are at par with customer requirements internationally."
The MPV and sedan segments have grown significantly since 1999, primarily due to new model introduction, affluence and affordability. By bringing the best of Sedan and MPV in one car, INNOVA is a category creator in the Indian automobile market. In India, the company plans to sell 45,000 units of INNOVA in 2005, starting off with 4,500 units in the first month itself.
Mr. Atsushi Toyoshima, Managing Director, TKM said, "Our success has been a result of listening to the customer needs and meeting expectations. The Positioning of All You Desire is driven by our efforts at meeting the existing desires and latent desires of MPV and sedan buyers."
INNOVATIVE DESIGN AND STYLING
INNOVA's trend setting design features, international styling cues that give it a truly global look. The thoughtful design pursues the ultimate in comfort with its efficient use of space, clearly setting it far above the ordinary.
Complimenting the smooth, flowing design of the Innova is semi-concealed wipers and mirrors, which enhances the aerodynamics (co-efficient of drag is 0.35) for better performance and mileage.
INNOVA's height not only makes it easier for passengers and their luggage to move in and out, it also makes for a hard-to-miss presence on the road. The 3-dimensional imposing front grille adds to the impressive look and provides efficient airflow to the rear.
INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE
INNOVA satisfies your hunger for power without thirsting for fuel. Choose from the advanced Toyota D-4D diesel or the VVT-i petrol engine.
The newly developed D-4D common-rail diesel engine uses the latest common-rail technology for superior performance and exceptional fuel efficiency. This 2.5L[2494cc] engine specially tuned for Indian conditions, generates 75kW (102ps) @ 3600rpm of power and torque of 200Nm(20.4 kg-m) @ 1400-3400 rpm. Advantaged by a turbo charger the Innova's diesel engine produces a constant high torque through a wider rpm range, resulting in better performance and lesser shifting of gears.
The Innova features an advanced 2.0L[1998cc] VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligence) engine that generates 100kW(136ps) @ 5600 rpm of power and torque of 182Nm(18.6 kg-m) @ 4000 rpm. VVT-i is a Toyota technology that makes engines more efficient, thereby maximizing power and fuel economy while minimizing emissions.
A 32-bit ECU in the engine monitors the temperature, rpm and other factors to control the ignition timing and deliver breathtaking performance. Both the engines of Innova are designed and tuned as per Indian conditions and also meets Bharat Stage III (Euro Step III equivalent) norms.
INNOVATIVE LUXURY
In the Innova, luxury and practical features go hand in hand. Featuring luxurious ivory look shades, redwood-like grain finish panel and fine, supple fabric upholstery, every detail is handpicked to make the Innova's interior envelop you and your passengers in total luxury.
Adjustable steering wheel, a newly developed 3-row air-conditioning built especially for Indian climatic conditions, bottle holders for every passenger, mobile phone chargers and 100s of such innovations come together to create the next standard in comfortable motoring.
From the colour co-ordination and feel to the looks and utility aspects, the dashboard of the Innova is a stunner in itself. There's a great balance between storage space and ergonomically designed instrument panel. Integral to the dashboard is a high quality 2 din Audio System with a CD & MP3 player and six speakers.
INNOVATIVE SPACE
The driver and passengers alike can enjoy the stress-free drive. Innova comes with 7 and 8 seating capacities and promises comfort for all passengers. It provides sedan-like comfort with MPV-like utility. It offers a multi-position adjustable driver's seat that can be adjusted to fit virtually any physique. Versatile seating arrangement provides for 10 different kinds of seating possibilities.
INNOVATIVE SAFETY
Toyota Innova comes packed with a range of advanced safety features that one could expect only in high-end cars. Innova features, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), effectively controls brakes in emergencies and allows steering while braking; Load Sensing Proportion Valve (LSPV), controls the breaking power of the rear according to the weight of the load; Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) Dual Airbags, for driver and passenger. Other standard features include collapsible steering column, engine immobilizer, warning lights, seat belts with adjustable anchor.
Dealer Network
Toyota promises to establish new benchmarks of customer service in India through its 43 dealers spread across the country.
Models
In India, Toyota is introducing 5 different variants of INNOVA in 2.0ltr petrol and 2.5ltr diesel in seven colours Silver, Dark Red Mica, Beige Mica, Light Green Mica, Dark Blue Mica, Super white and White.
Price
INNOVA is competitively priced, making it the ideal car suitable for the Indian automobile market. The petrol version of INNOVA is priced between Rs. 6,76,000/- and Rs. 9,37,000/- (ex-showroom Thane), diesel is priced between Rs. 7,36,000/- and Rs. 9,97,000/- (ex-showroom Thane). The on-road prices will vary depending on the prevailing local taxes.
IMV Project
INNOVA is a result of a unique process that has broken new grounds in the way automobiles are created. It is built in ten countries simultaneously including India across three continents: Asia, Africa and South America and will be driven across the globe. INNOVA is the first generation vehicle on the IMV platform.
Toyota's IMV project represents a new formula for automotive manufacturing on a global scale to meet 21st century customer needs. IMV Project started with the idea to make a car that can satisfy the needs of customers all over the world.
TKM is a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Kirloskar Group. TKM has invested nearly Rs. 900 crores in its plant at Bidadi, employing over 2,300 people. The plant started production in December 1999 and has a capacity of producing 60,000 units annually.