Toyota-Suzuki Compact Electric Vehicle Confirmed: India-Launch To Take Place Very Soon

Toyota-Suzuki entered an agreement for the Indian market back in late-2017. The two companies are now looking at introducing a compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the Indian market.

The new compact-BEV (battery electric vehicle) will be introduced under the Toyota branding in the Indian market. However, an exact timeline for the launch of the new compact electric vehicle is yet to be announced.

Toyota-Suzuki Compact Electric Car For India Confirmed: Launch Expected Very Soon

Note: Images used are for representational purposes only

Shigeki Terashi, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corporation, told ET Auto, that India is one of the important markets for Toyota. The company is looking to expand its presence in the country with the introduction of the new BEV.

He added that Toyota's presence in India is limited, however, Maruti Suzuki has a large presence. So the company with Suzuki will explore the opportunities for introducing compact battery electric vehicles in the country.

Toyota-Suzuki Compact Electric Car For India Confirmed: Launch Expected Very Soon

The introduction of the compact battery electric vehicle from Toyota will happen soon. Terashi, however, didn't divulge any further details on the specifics of the upcoming EV from the Japanese brand. He stated that since both Toyota and Suzuki are working together, no information regarding the product can be shared.

Toyota-Suzuki Compact Electric Car For India Confirmed: Launch Expected Very Soon

According to the agreement between the two Japanese brands, Toyota will provide technical knowledge while Maruti Suzuki will handle the manufacturing of the products. Maruti Suzuki in return will provide certain models to Toyota as well.

Toyota-Suzuki Compact Electric Car For India Confirmed: Launch Expected Very Soon

The first of the product is the Toyota Glanza, which is a re-badged version of the popular Maruti Baleno premium hatchback. The Toyota Glanza was introduced in the Indian market, earlier this year and is presently offered with a starting price of Rs 6.98 lakh, ex-showroom (Delhi).

The Glanza surprisingly has been received well in the market, becoming the third best-selling premium hatchback in India, behind the Maruti Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20. The Glanza is also the second best-selling product from Toyota in the Indian market, after the Innova Crysta.

Toyota-Suzuki Compact Electric Car For India Confirmed: Launch Expected Very Soon

Coming back to electric vehicles, Suzuki has internally developed an electric version of their popular WagonR hatchback.

The new Maruti WagonR electric is currently undergoing testing in India, with the car being spotted testing on multiple occasions.

Maruti Suzuki is likely to showcase the production-spec version of the electric WagonR at the upcoming 2020 Auto Expo.

However, the electric Maruti WagonR will have a high price tag of roughly Rs 12 lakh, making it unviable for personal buyers.

Maruti Suzuki is hence considering to introduce the electric WagonR initially for only commercial fleet purposes.

Toyota-Suzuki Compact Electric Car For India Confirmed: Launch Expected Very Soon

Thoughts On The Toyota-Suzuki Compact Battery Electric Vehicle

Toyota will introduce a new compact battery-electric vehicle in the Indian market. However, there is currently no information regarding the vehicle; either in terms of specification or launch timeline. We will just have to wait for now for things to develop from Toyota's end for further info on the upcoming BEV.

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Read more on: #toyota #maruti suzuki
Article Published On: Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 14:56 [IST]
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