Reference Auto

Toyota has seen phenomenal response to its entry-level sedan the Etios and its hatchback the Etios Liva, and by launching the diesel variants of these two cars within just a few months of the Liva roll out, the Japanese auto major could be swamped with a litany of bookings, at least in the short term.

Not only that, Toyota, which is present in the country through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group, is also offering a slew of variants of the Etios and the Etios Liva diesel. For instance, the Etios sedan with diesel engine comprises four variants that are priced between Rs 6.44 lakh and Rs 7.87 lakh.

On the other hand, the Etios Liva diesel will be available in two versions priced between Rs 5.54 lakh and Rs 5.89 lakh.

The Japanese auto giant has estimated a substantial demand for the diesel variants of the Etios and Etios Liva and has priced them substantially steeper.

While the diesel Etios will cost Rs 90,000 more than the petrol version, the hatchback Liva will come for Rs 95,000 more than the petrol variant.

But this steep pricing could prompt a rethink on part of customers before they lap up the Etios or the Liva but sales are unlikely to be dented much.

The new diesel versions are powered by a 1.4-litre D-4D common rail diesel (CRD) engine that generates maximum power of 68 PS and offers a fuel efficiency of 23.59 km a litre.

The exterior of the cars come with the Etios front grille and the roof has a unique design for better aerodynamics. The new Etios and Liva offer more leg space.

“We have rolled out the most advanced diesel technology, which is also being used in our cars like the Innova, Corolla Altis, Fortuner, Prado and LC 200. The technology has earned a reputation worldwide for its enhanced quality, durability and reliability,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor or TKM managing director Hiroshi Nakagawa said.

TKM deputy managing director (marketing) Sandeep Singh averred, “The alternative fuel variants are being offered in the wake of customer feedback. Customers have accepted the Etios and the Etios Liva with the cars logging sales of over 33,000 in just about four months. We hope to sell 63,000 cars of the Etios family in India this year.”

The firm is raising the number of dealerships in the country to 175 from 163.

TKM had targeted sales of 1.45 lakh across its various models this year. But later, it had to scale the figure down in the wake of production losses, after Japan was hit by a tsunami and earthquake.

But in order to meet the burgeoning demand for its cars, TKM is ramping up production at the second plant in Bangalore to 2.10 lakh cars by 2013 from 1.20 lakh now.

Like other car majors, Toyota has had a good run with its diesel models with sales of diesel vehicles rising substantially to over 70 per cent in the last few months.

But the company wants its diesel and petrol models to sell in the ratio of 60:40 and plans to raise awareness among potential customers to shore up sales of its petrol cars.

India’s fad for diesel models as well as Toyota cars will surely jack up the auto company’s earnings with the Etios and Liva diesel model launches and could lead to substantial bookings, at least in the near term.