Toyota not planning tailor-made compact SUV for India

At a time when several car-makers are grappling to increase their share in the in-demand compact car and SUV segments by introducing new models, Japanese car-maker Toyota seems to be not keen on it. According to a recent report, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has no plans to bring India-specific compact SUVs or compact sedan.

In an interview to Gaadiwaadi.com, Naveen Soni, vice president at TKM, said: "As far as compact SUV is considered, whether we have? Yes! We have global model like Rush that is sold as Terios in some markets and is available with Toyota. However, as far as sub-4m category is concerned, we don't want to make tailor-made cars only for India that is something that we've been saying is a compromised solution of sorts, whether it's a car or it's an SUV."

There were reports that TKM would bring the Rush compact SUV from its international portfolio since there is growing demand for compact SUVs in India. However, Soni said: "In India, what is happening is okay. Customer knows that he is not getting boot space but at least he is paying less. So because of India's unique conditions sub-4m sedan models have been successful. But this does not mean the customer is satisfied which is what we feel because as a natural choice if he is given a choice between a hatchback and sedan he goes for a sedan because he prefers carrying some boot space for his needs."

Soni added further that a car that is made in India and sold anywhere in world is better for the Indian economy rather than making a tailor-made car only for a certain market. The comments make it clear that there is no India-specific model in the pipeline from Toyota. The Japanese company will next launch the new generation Innova MPV on May 3.