The new Toyota Innova will be hitting the markets in a matter of time. Apart from India, the Japanese manufacturer sells this MPV in other countries like the Philippines and Thailand too. Toyota is planning to invest a huge sum of P2-billion (Rs. 2.76 billion) to increase localisation of parts of the Innova in the Philippines. Currently, pressed parts are being imported from Thailand and these parts too would be included in the localisation procedure. Toyota is planning to set the localisation content of the vehicle to 30%. Approximately 50% of the specified investment amount will be utilised for pressed parts and components.
The next generation Toyota Innova is presently in the development phase. Toyota is testing the model thoroughly before it gets launched officially by 2016. It is supposed to be much better than the outgoing model and it will feature better comfort, space, features and drivability. Toyota will also add goodies like six airbags, ESP, cruise control, etc. to the 2016 Innova. The new Innova will also feature major styling changes, both to the exteriors as well as the interiors. It is likely to get a diesel automatic version as well.
The new Innova is likely to use the Toyota New Global Architecture platform which will also underpin the new Fortuner. Toyota is positioning the Innova as a premium MPV and its price in India could easily touch Rs. 20 lakhs. At this price, it has no real competitor since all other MPVs in the market, such as the Chevrolet Enjoy, Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio, Mahindra Xylo and Nissan Evalia are priced significantly lower. The Innova has made a name for itself in India and that will ensure its success in spite of cheaper alternatives flooding the market.
