Posted on Dec. 03, 2010
The Etios sedan will be available in four variants, J, G, V and VX, competitively priced between 4, 96,000/- and 6, 86,500/- ex showroom Delhi. The product highlights include innovative styling, best-in-class cabin and luggage space, superior comfort, impressive fuel efficiency and the legendary Toyota QDR.
The Etios was launched by Mr. Yoshinori Noritake, (Chief Engineer, Toyota Motor Corporation) in the presence of Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM) and Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM).
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD TKM, said: "The Etios is very important to us, and its launch today marks the beginning of a new era for Toyota in India. In fact this launch will enable Indian customers in the middle income group to own an aspirational Toyota vehicle for the first time. I proudly also announce that production of the Etios will begin as planned in our new plant which is the most environmentally friendly automobile manufacturing plant in the country today.
Earlier this year we announced our plans to locally produce engines and transmissions at the Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts in the third quarter of 2012 that will help us increase the localisation content of the Etios. Toyota in India will facilitate not just economic growth but social growth as well of the region it operates in, and in turn, strive to be the most loved and admired company."
Mr. Yoshinori Noritake, Chief Engineer of the Etios spoke about the development of the product, he said: "It was very important to understand the needs of Indian car buyers. I understood that styling is important for a car to be accepted in the market. The styling was done by keeping in mind - bold simplicity, newness and a sense of vehicle status. Particular attention was given to the vehicles countenance that is created by the shapes of the front grille, headlamp and bumper. In order to achieve a unique characterization, the front end features a line is extended from the front grille around to the sides. To our surprise, when we conducted the focus group interviews, we were happy to know that the customers found this line similar to a smile - the "smile line."
Talking about the Etios Sales and Marketing strategy in India, Sandeep Singh, DMD-Marketing, TKM, said: As we enter a new segment we are geared to provide our customers a one class above experience, what we refer to as the Q Class Experience. In view of this effort, we have undertaken various initiatives: (a) Express Maintenance Service - Services and delivers the vehicle to the customer in 60 mins, (b) eCRB (Evolutionary Customer Relationship Building) - A tool that keeps the customer informed about the status of the vehicle that has been given for servicing, (c) A sales and service network that will be expanded to 150 dealerships by the end of this year.
The bookings for the car started on the 1st of December with a booking amount of Rs. 50,000 and the deliveries will begin in January 2011".
Vehicle Outline:
(a) Exterior
A distinctive front grille with a smile line, sculpted surface and dynamic character-line in the front and rear, enhance the presence of the Etios. The rear has a fluent flowing C pillar, rounded end and three-dimensional combination lamps that enrich the vehicle's exterior from different angles.
(b) Interior
The seats are ergonomically designed units with integrated head rests. An instrument panel clearly divided into the information area and operation area with a large centre meter provides excellent visibility. The Etios has class best cabin and luggage space of 595L, a spacious 13L cooled glove box, seven one litre bottle holders, mobile holder and many more such useful storage spaces inside the car.
(c) Performance and Comfort
A newly developed 1.5L, 16V DOHC engine coupled with a 5-Speed manual transmission that produces high output for best-in-class driving performance. The torque is available at low rpm for less gear shifting and stress-free city driving.
The Etios has a superior mileage of 17.6kmpl which is ARAI tested.
Electric power steering for excellent maneuverability and tilt steering ensures a good ergonomic driving experience. The steering comes with audio controls for comfort at the driver's fingertips.
The flat type rear floor design offers ease of movement for rear seat passengers. With its rigid body structure and world class Mac Pherson Strut, the Etios has superior dampening performance providing superior ride comfort.
A class-first 'clean air filter' which is standard across all grades for purified air in the cabin.
(d) Safety
The Etios has various active and passive safety features ensuring the car matches global safety standards. The various safety features are (i) Energy absorbing body shell (ii) Driver & Passenger Air bags and (iii) ABS with EBD.
Its centrally located combimeter reduces eye movement and hence the driver can concentrate on the road.
(e) Special Treatment
To adopt to the various diverse climate and usage conditions in India, special treatment and countermeasures have been implemented:
- Good ground clearance of 170mm
- Under body protection to prevent damage to fuel and brake lines
- Anti-corrosion steel sheets at areas prone to rusting and stone hits
- Chipping resistant paint on rocker mould & fender
Vehicle Specifications ( Click Here )
For details, please refer to http://www.toyotabharat.com
| Company name | Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited |
| Managing Director | Hiroshi Nakagawa |
| Established | October 1997 (start of production: December 1999) |
| Location | Suburb of Bangalore, Karnataka State |
| Products | Corolla Altis, Innova and Fortuner manufactured in India. Camry Prado, Prius and Land Cruiser imported as CBUs. |
| Annual production capacity | Approx. 80,000 units |
| Equity participation | TMC: 89%, Kirloskar Group: 11% |
| Number of employees | Approx. 4650 |
| Land area | Aprox. 432 acres (approx.1,700,000 m2) |
| Building area | 74,000 m2 |
| Location | On the site of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (on the outskirts of Bangalore, Karnataka State) |
| Products | Etios, Etios Liva (Petrol & Diesel) |
| Production Vehicle | Etios - Hatchback and Sedan |
| Installed Production capacity | 70,000 units |
| BUZZ Communications Pvt. Ltd. | Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Rajat/ Sarojini / Achal Paul
Mobile :91 9953500503/ 098100 06148 / 098101 62377 Email :rajat@buzzcomm.in / sarojini@buzzcomm.in / achal@buzzcomm.in |
Tarunya Mohan
Mobile :0-97409 00029 Email : tarunyamohan@tkm.co.in |