Posted on Feb. 01, 2005
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) announced the withdrawal of its best selling model - the Qualis - from the Indian market today.
The Qualis:
The Qualis - the name is derived from Quality and Service - was introduced in January 11, 2000 and quickly redefined the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment in India. By the end of the first year itself, the Qualis had established its leadership in the segment, selling over 21,000 units and garnering 35% share in the segment.
The Qualis also set benchmarks in the same year, winning awards from eminent institutions such as JD Power, NFO Automotive, Overdrive, Business Standard Motoring etc - both in Quality as well as Performance.
The premium MPV further consolidated its position in the Indian market by selling over 28,000 units in 2001 and capturing a share of over 40% in the MPV market. The market also recognized the Customer Friendly Qualis by conferring the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Award on the vehicle in 2001.
In September 2002, TKM introduced the "My Luxury - New Qualis" with a new 7 seater variant. The Qualis continued its leadership in the segment this year with a share of 38%. It continued to set new benchmarks for Quality by winning the JD Power IQS award for the third time in a row.
In spite of introduction of new models in the MPV segment in 2003 by its competitors, the Qualis continued its march in the MPV segment - selling over 30,000 units garnering a marketshare of 32% in the segment during the year. The Qualis also became the fastest MPV in India to clock 100,000 sales in the same year.
The Value for Money quality of the Qualis was further underlined when it won the NFO Automotive Highest Resale Value Car award in 2003.
Between 2000 and 2004, Qualis was the primary driver of growth in the MPV segment, increasing the market share of the segment in the Indian automobile industry from less than 9% in 2000 to over 11% in 2003.
India's most preferred MPV continued to grow in strength in last year, registering sales of nearly 36,700 units between January and December 2004. The last month of production - December 2004 - also saw the highest ever retail sales of the Qualis, crossing 4000 units in one month for the first time.
The Qualis also won the TNS Award for Customer Satisfaction in 2004.
Reasons for the withdrawal
Toyota has always believed in providing value to the customer - in terms of product as well as service.
The Qualis has been a wonderful proponent of Toyota values in the Indian automobile market. It has redefined the MPV market in India and has held the leadership position in its segment since its introduction in 2000. However, the Indian automobile market has been growing rapidly and our market research indicated changing needs of the customer.
Hence the Qualis will now be withdrawn from the market and will give way for a more modern and customer-value driven vehicle. The new vehicle will enable TKM to achieve volume and marketshare objectives in India is future.
The new model will be able to satisfy the requirements of MPV and Passenger Car markets - providing MPV performance along with comforts of a passenger car.
"The Qualis has been our mainstay in India for the past five years. It has provided the perfect platform for Toyota in this country, but we feel it is time to bring in newer products that will provide better value to the customer. We will continue to provide quality products, quality service and aiming to "Touch the Perfection" in all our activities," said Mr. A. Toyoshima, Managing Director, TKM.
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 50,000 units annually.
For any further information please contact:
| Mr. Ashish Kumar B, DGM - Marketing / Sandeep K M |
| Plot No. 1, Bidadi Industrial Area
Ramanagar Taluk, Bangalore Rural - 562 109 Ph: 080 - 7287001 - 39, Extn: 391 Fax: 080 - 7287078/7079 Mobile: 98441 79688 E-mail:ba_kumar@tkm.co.in / sandeepkm@tkm.co.in |