Toyota planning to launch the hybrid Etios in India

Toyota is planning to launch the hybrid version of its compact sedan, the Etios in India in next few years. The Japanese maker is currently doing a feasibility study on whether they will be able to assemble hybrid cars here.  

Even if the plan is feasible, the company will take it to production only if the government of India implements the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020(NEMMP). NEMMP plan will support manufacturers in developing reliable, affordable and efficient electric vehicles.

The company currently sells the Prius hybrid vehicle in India as a CBU for a hefty price tag of Rs 29.57 lakh. There is also a possibility of the Camry hybrid to be sold in India but the decision to sell the car will be taken only after the sales performance of planned Etios hybrid. However, the company will be hoping to get some subsidy for the green vehicles before the roll-out, which for some reason was not offered in the union budget 2013-14.

"We need to consider hybrid version of Etios going forward or a car for the emerging market. I think the first priority is to reduce the cost of the vehicle and improve efficiency levels, so that the customers in India are willing to choose hybrids as a better affordable alternative for the future," said Kouji Toyoshima, chief engineer, Toyota Motor Corporation.

Source: Economictimes