Toyota has had an interesting innings in India so far. While the Japanese automaker has tasted success with the now-discontinued Qualis, Innova, Corolla and Fortuner, the Etios Liva, Etios sedan and Camry haven’t found as many homes as their competitors. While the Camry caters to the premium as well as taxi segment, it does manage to generate some sales every month. The Etios and Etios Liva were made with just one aim in mind – cost effectiveness. Sure, these vehicles do come with good space, decent engines and Toyota’s famed reliability, the cost-cutting that the automaker has done is too glaringly evident and to top it all, these vehicles don’t appeal to the heart either.
So while rivals from Maruti Suzuki, Honda and Hyundai got away, Toyota was set wondering and rethinking its strategies. The company made it clear that the low-cost, mass-market vehicle segment isn’t its priority now and they will focus on MUVs and SUVs along with premium sedans. Now it has been learnt that Toyota is strongly considering the possibility of discontinuing the Etios in India. The vehicle, which was launched in 2010 saw a few upgrades after its launch but it still didn’t manage to perform as well as Toyota expected.
The Vios, which is a promising sedan from Toyota will be making its entry into the Indian auto market by 2017 aiming to give tough competition to the Honda City. Production of the Etios will then be decreased and it will be completely phased out by 2020. Toyota hasn’t yet decided the amount that will be invested for the R&D and manufacturing of the Vios here and company officials too refused to comment on the matter.
