Toyota Unveils Concept Version Of Etios For India

Toyota Kirloskar will produce Etios from late 2010 at its second plant

Toyota Motor's (TMC) production and sales subsidiary in India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has unveiled a concept version of 'Etios', a compact car newly developed for the Indian market. Reportedly, TKM is showing the concept car at the 10th Auto Expo automobile show in New Delhi.

The company said that Etios is aimed at family users in India's growing automobile market. Etios' styling, along with a spacious interior with large storage space, aims to offer smooth driving and fuel efficiency.

To make the car as affordable as possible for potential customers, the company plans thorough use of local parts to keep costs low. On display, at the show, are a sedan version with a newly developed 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a hatchback version with a newly developed 1.2-liter gasoline engine.

Yoshinori Noritake, chief engineer of Etios, said: I visited many Indian cities and homes to learn the market and to hear from the consumer directly.  Over four years, more than 2,000 engineers have been involved in the development of the Etios, and each has devoted his or her best effort with no compromises.  I am convinced in my heart that the Etios offers joy of ownership and quality of life to consumers in India.

TKM will produce the Etios from late 2010 at its second plant, which is now being built for the new car. Annual sales target in India are set at 70,000 units, said the company.