Toyota badged Baleno, Brezza to have more local content in them so as to keep the prices competitive.
We’re all aware that Toyota and Suzuki concluded a basic agreement in February 2017 towards the mutual supply of hybrid and other vehicles between the two companies for the Indian passenger car market. Maruti will supply the Baleno hatchback and the Vitara Brezza sub-compact SUV to Toyota while getting access to the Corolla sedan. However, the latest news is that Toyota will be increasing the local content in its version of the Baleno and the Brezza, primarily to keep costs in check, considering how price-conscious the Indian market is.
The Japanese automaker is still working on the changes to be made to the premium hatchback and the sub-compact SUV and the details regarding the schedule of the start of supply of both the models will be considered at a later stage. The two companies agreed last week to expand the scope of their collaboration and discuss new joint products in the technological development, vehicle production and market development fields.
Coming to the Toyota badged Baleno and Brezza, the vehicles are likely to get a different front fascia with a restyled bumper, headlights and grille. Changes to the sheet metal are very much unlikely and the cars will also remain mechanically identical to the original models. The rebadged models will help Toyota become a player in the sub-compact SUV and the premium hatchback segments.
Toyota Badged Baleno
– Toyota badged Baleno and Brezza to have high local content
– The Japanese carmaker intends to keep the prices of the rebadged models competitive
– India launch of the Toyota Brezza and Baleno expected in 2019
