Press Release – Toyota Etios Liva
June 27, 2011, Delhi: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced its entry into the popular hatchback segment in India, with the launch of Etios Liva. Etios sedan and the hatchback Etios Liva - built on the same platform – have been specifically developed for the Indian customers. Etios Liva inherits its name from its sedan, Etios. The word Liva has been coined from the dynamic and positive terms - Lively and Live Life to the fullest - which reflects the spirit and image of the car. It is targeted at today’s youth whose spirit and belief is translated into the advertising line for Etios Liva -“LIV TMRRW 2DAY”.
Tagged – ‘Q Class Hatch’ - Etios Liva is stylishly designed and portrays a youthful and sporty image. Etios Liva will carry forward the ‘Q’ Class experience from Etios and will offer Toyota’s legendary QDR standard – Quality, Durability and Reliability at an affordable price.
Etios Liva will be available in four variants, J, G, V and VX, competitively priced between xxx and xxx ex-showroom Delhi. The product highlights include youthful and sporty design, best-in-class cabin space, superior ride comfort and best-in-class fuel efficiency.
Etios Liva was launched by Mr. Hiroji Onishi, (President, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, Marketing and Sales) in the presence of Mr. Vikram Kirloskar (Vice Chairman, TKM), Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM), Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM) and Mr. Yoshinori Noritake, (Chief Engineer of the Etios and Etios Liva, Toyota Motor Corporation).
Commenting on the launch of the Etios, Mr. Hiroji Onishi, President, TMAP, Marketing and Sales said: “India is an integral part of our global growth strategy. The Etios project is a milestone not only for Toyota in India but for Toyota globally. The Etios Liva has been designed focusing on the Indian customer’s aspirations, tastes and preferences that were gathered, studied and understood through extensive research. We are delighted by the overwhelming response received by the Etios customers. The Etios has been well accepted by our customers. We hope the Etios Liva will further reinforce the Toyota brand in India, making Toyota a household name.”
Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, TKM, said “The Etios project is the first of its kind not for TKM alone, but also for Toyota across the globe. The key to this project, is to make TKM self sufficient by increasing the level of localization. As announced earlier, we plan to locally produce engines and transmissions at Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts, in the third quarter of 2012. This will help us increase the local parts content in the Etios and further contribute to the social and economic growth, by enhancing self sufficiency, generating employment and expanding operations in India. Localization will further help us develop our suppliers and facilitate them to meet global standards of production. It will also generate employment and provide opportunity for expansion and growth, further strengthening our supplier base in India.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD, TKM, said “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Etios customers. After the good response received by the Etios, we further expanded our production in order to cater to the huge demand. The annual production capacity will be increased to 2,10,000 units by the second quarter of 2012.
In line with our ‘customer first philosophy’, we wish to keep our customers happy and satisfied by understanding the customer’s preferences and enhancing the product by incorporating their feedback. With the Etios Liva we have now entered the mass volume segment. Toyota vehicles are now available to all aspirational buyers in the middle income group.
At Toyota, we truly believe in growing with the society. We wish to sell many more vehicles and contribute to the growth of the Indian automobile industry. Entering into the mass volume segment will help us realize this aim.”
Mr. Yoshinori Noritake, Chief Engineer of Etios and Etios Liva said “With the Etios Liva, we aspire to offer the best suited car for the Indian customer at an affordable price, while providing a vehicle that is “one class above”. After interviewing and studying the customer preferences in India, we found, the need for affordably priced, quality cars was constantly growing. We first observed various aspects that were sought after by the customer and then enhanced the features and performance aspects that were truly needed while doing away with the excessive design elements.
The stylish, sporty and trendy Toyota Etios Liva has been designed to appeal to today’s youth. We have also added style by offering aero kits with front, rear and side skirt that is sure to make heads turn. The sporty steering wheel, instrument panel -designed to give a aircraft cockpit image, a premium audio system, audio system with Aux in, USB and a wireless remote adds on to the fun, youthful and sporty image of the car.”
Talking about the Etios Sales and Marketing strategy in India, Sandeep Singh, DMD-Marketing, TKM, said “ The marketing campaign for the Etios Liva is exciting, innovative and abreast with the latest marketing tools, digital initiatives and promotions. Promotional activities targeting the youth have been planned in the popular youth hangouts like malls, pubs and also in colleges. Music maestro A R Rahman, the Brand Ambassador for Etios and Etios Liva has composed a special tune for Etios Liva ad campaign. He will also feature in a trendy music video. The music composed by Rahman, captures the spirit of today’s youth and the sporty image of Etios Liva – “Bari Humari Hai” (Its our turn now). Watch out for Rahman’s Etios Liva tune in the TV commercial and the music video on your television screens starting today.
We have more than 20,000 happy Etios customers across the nation. Etios has been received well and appreciated by our customers. The sale for Etios was overwhelming, as we sold more than we actually planned. We have brought down the waiting period to less than a month by increasing the production. We look forward to serving more and more customers with Etios Liva and hope that we continue to delight our customers with the Q Class experience. Etios Liva will go on sale and is on display at all our dealerships starting today. We currently have 158 dealerships and will expand our dealer network to 175 by the end of this year. We aim to come closer to our customers and help them avail the best of Toyota’s “Q” Class Service.”
Etios Liva is priced between Rs 3,99,000. and Rs 5,99,000. ex showroom, Delhi.
Vehicle Outline
(a) Exterior - Etios Liva is designed around the concept of ‘Bold Simplicity’. A cutting-edge and leading design that aims for a body frame and stance that stands out in a crowd. 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 Liva. The aero kit – with front and rear bumper skirt, side skirt and roof spoiler. The roof has a unique design for better aerodynamics and clean appearance.
(b) Interior - The two toned ergonomically designed interiors are comfortable and sporty. The area surrounding the driver’s seat is given the image of a cockpit by separating the operating zone from the display zone. Large centre meter panel, that provides excellent visibility and easy to read dials. The interiors are simple yet functional, giving a high sense of quality.
The Etios Liva has best-in-class cabin space, large boot space with 251L capacity, 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 1.2L, 16V DOHC engine coupled with a 5-Speed manual transmission that produces high output for superior driving performance. The torque is available at low rpm for less gear shifting and stress-free city driving.
The Etios has a best-in-class mileage of 18.31kmpl as certified by testing agency.
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 like (i) Energy absorbing body shell (ii) Driver & Passenger Air bags and (iii) ABS with EBD and (iv) Seatbelts. It’s 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.
Toyota Considering to turn Etios Customers to Liva
Toyota dealers most satisfied in India
Japanese carmaker Toyota has retained its top position whose dealers are the most satisfied in India, followed by Hyundai, according to a survey by market research firm TNS. The biennial survey said Toyota scored highest points as against an industry average of 84 points in the dealer- principal relationship rating. Hyundai, on the other hand jumped four places up to from the very last survey held in 2008 to be ranked second in 2010 with a score of 95 points. Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki India shared the third place with 87 points each in the survey that measured the satisfaction of Passenger motor vehicle (cars, SUVs, MUVs) dealers with their principals. In 2010, the firm as a whole witnessed an improved connection with dealer associates. This is reflected in the relationship level across all producers, TNS said in his statement.
The standard industry score has increased from 74 in 2008 to 84 in the current study, it added. In the recent system of brand exclusive dealerships, it is all the more important for the existing manufacturers to retain their channel associates in their fold, particularly with some of the biggest global companies such as Volkswagen and Nissan entering the Indian market, he added. The 2010 TNS Automotive Syndicated trader Satisfaction Study was conducted across India covering 492 dealers across 76 towns in the country for a broad spectrum of passenger car dealers of all leading manufacturers.
According to the survey, dealers rated the auto industry performance "badly" on relationship aspects such as willingness to resolve their problems and taking their suggestions on-board. Other Toyota popular cars are Corolla Altis, Corolla Altis Diesel, Etios and Innova. Another such aspect is justice in network planning. The dealers have also voiced their interest on availability of spare parts as also service promotions. TNS Automotive is the leading worldwide provider of market research and insights to the automotive industry, with an expert network of over 350 dedicated researchers in over 50 countries.
Toyota Prius v Makes its Debut in Detroit – v is for versatility
Toyota has expanded its Prius hybrid family count to 4, with the debut of the Toyota Prius c Concept and Prius v at the NAIAS in Detroit. The twinkly join the existing 3rd generation Toyota Prius and Prius Plug-In Hybrid, which is already undergoing field evaluation in the US selectively. The big ticket item is of course the Toyota Prius v, since the c Concept is still a ways away from marketplace reality. Essentially, the Toyota Prius v – with the v standing for versatility – is a larger ZVW30, sitting on the same platform and continuing to seat 5, but offering over 50% more cargo space than the latter.
Ditto the pot, which is the same 2ZR-FXE 1800cc Atkinson cycle unit, providing 98 hp at 5200 rpm and 142 Nm at 4000 rpm; together with the permanent magnet synchronous motor electric drive train’s 80 hp, the combined total output is 134 hp, identical to the ZVW30′s. Still, Toyota cars says the v is a new vehicle planned from the ground up, with a shape and style that has evolved from the current Toyota Prius rather than being an lengthened version of it. Nonetheless, one can't help but feel it is evolution rather than revolution.
Shape-wise, the v (vehicle) looks very much more rounded off than the ZVW30, but continue Toyota Prius cues well enough. The trapezoidal-shaped facade features sharp-edged headlamps, wind-slipping aero corners for improved aerodynamics and a magnified under grille, which help create a unique design evolving from the current Toyota Prius. At the back, the styling is highlighted by a refined rear door panel, intricate combination taillights and a specially designed roof spoiler that improves air flow. 2 wheel sizes are available – 16″ as standard, 17″ as an option.
Certainly, internal space is up, with improved occupant to occupant distance, especially fore-aft, and of course the cargo space volume is up from the existing Toyota Prius. Elsewhere, the cabin features and specs a more refined dashboard presentation, though the general layout is retained. The center stack has become a whole lot imposing, and that bit busier. The driving controls – including the Push Button Start, parking switch, driving mode and electronic shift lever selection – are distinguished by silver trim.
Toyota Prius v (vehicle) features a Toyota-1st, which is a resin Panoramic View moonroof with power retractable sun shades, providing an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40% reduction in weight compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size. Like the ZVW30, the Prius v has 4 driving modes, and as far as features go, there is a smart key system with Hill Start Assist Control and a reverse camera as standard fitment.
Other features and functions include Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Antilock Braking System and Electronic brake force distribution, and the Prius also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. When it goes on sale in the US in the late summer of this year, American Toyota Prius v models will come wearing an Entune multimedia system, which offers a richer in-vehicle experience with completely wireless upgradeable navigation and integrated, information services and entertainment.
Toyota Liva To Hit Indian Roads By April This Year
Toyota Kirloskar Motors launched the Etios in December 2010 and at the same time unveiled the Liva, its hatchback. The Etios which was priced at 4.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) certainly got its fair share of attention and now the Toyota India plans to bring the its Toyota Etios Liva into the Indian market in April.
The Toyota Etios Liva will get the 1200cc petrol engine which will help Toyota to get the duty cut. The Etios Liva has been developed on a new platform and has a completely new engine which is not present in any Toyota car so far. The wait for the sedan in the diesel avataar will also be something to look forward to this year(2011).
{Source: Carwale}
Toyota Kirloskar Motors December sales up 38%
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has registered a growth of 38% in sales in the year 2010, compared to last year. It sold 74759 units in the calendar year 2010 against 54320 units in 2009. Commenting on the sales for the year 2010, Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM said, “We are very happy with the response we have received from our customers in 2010. This year has witnessed the most important launch in the history of Toyota in India – The launch of Toyota Etios and the unveiling of the hatchback Liva. The first batch of Etios – more than 400 units - have already been dispatched to the dealerships and we have begun delivering vehicles to the customers. The vehicles are on display at most of our dealerships.
In 2011, we look forward to:-
a) the launch of the hatchback Liva in April
b) establishing the brand of Toyota among the masses with the Etios and hatchback Liva
c) giving our customers a Q Class Experience
On behalf of TKM, I wish all our customers a wonderful year ahead and thank them for trusting us and our products for all these years. We look forward to serving them in 2011.” Toyota also announced that bookings for the Fortuner will reopen on Jan 1 2011. The bookings were last reopened on July 2010 for a period of one month. The Fortuner launched in Aug 2009 has since sold more than 15000 units acquiring 57% market share in the mid SUV segment.
Toyota Re-Opens Fortuner Bookings
Toyota India has re-opened Fortuner bookings once again. The company had to close bookings of the Fortuner owing to large demand then anticipated. However the Toyota India has been able to clear the backlog of this popular SUV and started to take bookings again.
Recently BMW X1 had launched at a very aggressive price, so keeping that in my mind, we doubt bookings of the Fortuner will be closed any time soon.
Toyota Prius car models at Detroit auto show, 2011
Toyota Motor Corp, the leading Japanese automobile company which is facing a severe embarrassment due to the recalls because of the safety issues will be taking a step further by leaving all the unwanted incidents to ship smoothly in the US auto market. As per the information in the media, Toyota is planning to bring in the Toyota Prius Family of Vehicles” by next month at the Detroit Auto Show.
The information further revealed that Toyota Prius Family of Vehicles will be introduced at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show at Cobo Hall. The exhibition will commence with the Toyota Prius 3rd (the present) generation of car model and the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), and to accompany these two stated models is the all new car entering the Toyota Prius family and also a Toyota Prius based car model. Other popular cars by toyota are toyota etios, toyota yaris, toyota avanza and toyota innova etc. As per the reports, Toyota Motors has given no indication of the new car models hold, though the new concept car based on the lines of Toyota Prius will be a new 5 door car model. Its sneak climax is available in the teasers and viral videos since October. As per the industry experts, the look of the new Toyota Prius five door car will be similar in looks with the ongoing manufacturing of the Toyota Prius. The little cosmetic change is the extra cargo space and better fuel efficiency.
The information also suggest that Toyota is extensively scheduling to establish the Toyota Prius in a car brand which will be noted for excellent efficiency in the hybrid car models. The rumour doing the rounds in the industry are that the showcasing of the four automobile models in the Toyota Prius family is the company's primary step towards it. The corporation hopes that the Toyota Prius, five door car will provide enough competition to compete in the quickly growing hybrid car industry globally mainly in the US auto market as the ordinary car customer in US goes with the mind set of 'bigger the better' cars.
Toyota Etios Sedan Production Started Near Bangalore
Toyota Motors India has announced that it has started the production of newly launched Etios sedan at its manufacturing plant in Bidadi near Bangalore. The manufacturing facility is operated by the Kirloskar Group-Toyota Kirloskar Motor joint venture and has a production capacity of about 80,000 units a year. Toyota Etios was launched on December 1 with much fanfare with a price tag of Rs. 5 Lakh.
The new sedan in the Indian auto market received tremendous response as the company, in just few days registered a booking of twelve-thousand cars. The sedan will be competing with the already established Maruti Swift Dzire, Tata Manza, Mahindra Logan and the likes. With its annual sales target of 70,000 units, the Toyota Etios should account for almost half of the total sales target of 145,000 units which Toyota has set for India. The Etios is currently only available as a sedan, powered by an all-new 1.5-liter 16-valve DOHC engine with 89 hp at 5600 rpm and 132 Nm at 3000 rpm. A smaller 1.2l engine is also being considered as a good choice for the model. The hatchback version of Toyota Etios called Liva will be launched in April 2011 as well. And going by the early response for the sedan version, the car will be popular with Indian customers. So, Toyota India Motor is planning to launch Etios Diesel by December 2011, according to a company official.
2011 Toyota Yaris launched in Japan
Toyota Motors has launched the Vitz in Yokohama, Japan. Better known around the world as the Toyota Yaris, its rivals include Honda Jazz (Fit) and Nissan March. For quite some time now, there has been speculation of the Yaris entering the Indian market. With the Etios starting off Toyota’s journey into the Indian small car business, can we expect this to soon ply our roads?
The USP of the Toyota Yaris / Vitz has been its fuel economy and this being a major deciding factor for the average Indian buyer when it comes to choosing between cars, Toyota may well be considering this product for India too. Toyota claims that the Vitz with the technology used in it has given them a mileage of 26.5 km/litre which makes it best-in-its-class when it comes to fuel economy.