Toyota Daihatsu could soon be in India

The picture of Japan's oldest car manufacturer Daihatsu's entry in India is becoming clearer now as emerging reports indicate that the Daihatsu small car could be on Indian roads in next four years.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation -- Daihatsu -- is reportedly planning to set up an internal company, which would strategise the models and the development of the cars for the emerging markets and India hopes to be in the list.

The launch of Daihatsu in India has been in news for quite a long while now and if emerging indications are anything to go by, the flourishing Indian auto market would soon see the arrival of yet-another brand from Toyota, which would challenge the dominance of Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki. Going by the report, Daihatsu will primarily target A and B segments, which would fall under sub-Rs 10 lakh price bracket.

Daihatsu, which has Ayla, Sirion, Cuore, Materia and Terios in its hatchback portfolio, might either be launched as a separate brand itself or as with the Toyota badge. It is also being said that the launch of Daihatsu could also mark the birth of new brand of Toyota, like the Scion brand of Toyota in North America in 2003. Toyota is currently said to be analysing the work process and the approach of Daihatsu.

Daihatsu will utilise the manufacturing facility of Toyota in India and already said to have met the vendors of Toyota in India. Toyota is also said to be working on to bring premium brand Lexus to India by next year. The car-maker could set up separate sales network for its Lexus premium offerings in India and would bring the Lexus offering as completely built units (CBU).