The Japanese automaker, Toyota has overtaken Tata Motors taking the fourth position among passenger carmakers in India. Tata Motors’ declining sales and cut in production may have been one of the reasons behind the achievement of Toyota but the Japanese automaker itself has been working hard over the past couple of years in order to cross the market share of over 5 percent. New offerings with frequent facelifts have helped Toyota to achieve that big figure of market share.
Toyota launched the Etios sedan and hatchback in 2009-2010, which contributed big volumes to the Japanese carmaker offering an attractive price tag with big fuel efficiency and space. Eventually the demand for the Etios twins declined, feeling the heat from much accomplished rivals like the Maruti Suzuki’s Swift and Swift DZire. Consumers have been complaining about poor NVH levels and unsatisfactory fit and finish of the interiors on the Etios family.
Analyzing feedback from customers, Toyota has finally come up with improved versions of the Etios twins, promising the customers with better NVH levels, improved quality of interiors and cosmetic changes to the exteriors. Targeting the young buyers, Toyota has also introduced a powerful 1.5-litre petrol engine with the Etios Liva TRD Sportivo. Listening to customer feedback and addressing the issues plays an important role in the growth of a company, which Toyota has been doing religiously.
Toyota is also focusing on exports from India to Africa for the Etios family, which will further increase the sales and profitability of the manufacturer. Despite having the most affordable car, the Tata Nano, in its line-up, Tata Motors is experiencing declining sales. The automaker is promising to come up with new models in the future and in the mean time it will be offering refreshed products in the market. Tata Motors has invested big for the passenger vehicle segment and it will take time for the automaker to revive.
