Toyota | Business Upturn

Toyota Kirloskar Motor records 29% YoY growth in December 2024 sales

Aman Shukla — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 07:18:29 +0000

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) marked a historic milestone in 2024, achieving its best-ever calendar year sales in India. The company sold a total of 3,26,329 units, reflecting a remarkable 40% year-on-year growth compared to 2023. Domestic sales contributed 3,00,159 units, while 26,232 units were exported.

December 2024 was also a standout month, with TKM recording 29,529 units sold—a 29% increase from December 2023. Domestic sales accounted for 24,887 units, while exports stood at 4,642 units.

SUVs and MPVs emerged as the key growth drivers, with models like the Innova Hycross, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Hilux leading the charge. According to Sabari Manohar, Vice President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business at TKM, the SUV and MPV segments witnessed a robust 20% growth over the previous year.

Manohar highlighted a noticeable consumer shift towards sustainable vehicles, reflecting evolving preferences for eco-friendly mobility solutions.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s outstanding performance underscores its strong presence in India’s automotive market and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Suzuki and Toyota strengthen collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles

Aman Shukla — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 06:05:43 +0000

Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have agreed to enhance their partnership in the supply of a battery EV (BEV) SUV vehicle developed by Suzuki to Toyota. This new model will be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India beginning in the spring of 2025. It represents a significant milestone in Suzuki and Toyota’s long-standing collaboration, which began in 2016 and has since expanded across multiple regions, including Japan, India, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The new model, designed exclusively as a BEV, combines a nimble SUV build with advanced BEV technology for a smooth, responsive drive, offering substantial cruising range and a spacious interior. A 4WD option provides outstanding performance on various terrains. This launch is a landmark in the automakers’ commitment to a carbon-neutral future, responding to the growing global demand for electric SUVs.

Through this innovative collaboration, Suzuki and Toyota aim to meet the evolving needs of eco-conscious drivers worldwide and contribute to sustainable mobility.

Toyota launches Glanza Festival Limited Edition with free accessories

Aman Shukla — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:53:26 +0000

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has unveiled the ‘Festival Limited Edition’ of the Toyota Glanza in celebration of the festive season. Available at Toyota dealerships nationwide until October 31, 2024, this limited edition features exclusive dealer-fitted Toyota Genuine Accessory packages aimed at enhancing the vehicle’s style, performance and comfort.

A complete Toyota Genuine Accessory (TGA) package worth Rs 20,567 that contains 13 unique features is part of the Festival Limited Edition. Premium chrome and black body side moldings, chrome ORVMs and rear door visors, a 3D floormat, high-end door visors, and silver and black neck cushions are some of the main upgrades. The Glanza’s design is further enhanced with chrome accents on the back bumper, fender, and rear reflector, which are matched by a door lamp.

The Toyota Glanza Festival Edition’s powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 89 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. A factory-fitted CNG kit, which lowers the output to 76 horsepower and produces 98.5 Nm of torque, is also an option for customers looking for a more eco-friendly option.

Safety remains a top priority, with the Glanza equipped with a host of advanced features. The AMT version has six airbags, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control and hill hold assistance.

Toyota launches Hyryder Festival Limited Edition; Check features

Aman Shukla — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:34:48 +0000

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Festival Limited Edition has been released in India, offering special upgrades to the compact SUV. The Festive Limited Edition, available in Hybrid and Neo Drive powertrains in the top two versions G and V, includes a complimentary package worth ₹50,817 for a limited time at all Toyota authorised dealerships.

The limited edition model, which will only be available until October 31st, will include a few genuine accessories from the dealership. A digital video recorder, legroom lamp and an all-weather 3D floormat will be installed inside. Mudflaps, door visors, chrome door handles, a hood emblem and body cladding will all be available on the outside. There would also be garnishes for the headlight, fender, rear door lid, and front and back bumpers.

There are no mechanical modifications, and the SUV continues to be powered by the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated pure-petrol and 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrains. There are two transmission options: manual and automatic. There is also a 1.5-litre petrol-CNG engine available with a manual gearbox.

New Toyota rugged SUV is set to enter production by year end; Here’s what to expect

Aman Shukla — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 06:00:22 +0000

Toyota’s next tough SUV, which will be positioned below the Fortuner, is scheduled to enter into serial production by November this year. This new vehicle, expected to be called the FJ Cruiser, will most likely be available in Thailand first.

Autocar India reported that in October 2023 Toyota was working on a rugged SUV that would be based on a modified IMV platform that also supports the Hilux, Fortuner and Innova Crysta.

The brand-new top hat for the Toyota SUV will have heavy wheel arches and boxy stylistic elements. Like the Fortuner and the Innova Crysta, it will have a 2,750mm wheelbase. It will also be around 1,830mm wide and 1,850mm high.

This SUV has numerous powerplant options: The IMV 0 platform can accommodate diesel engines ranging from 2.4 to 2.8 litres, as well as a 2.7-litre petrol engine, which is currently utilized in the Fortuner in India.

Toyota to replace more than 100,000 faulty engines in Tundra and Lexus LX

Aman Shukla — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:12:34 +0000

The giant Japanese automaker Toyota said that it will replace faulty engines in roughly 1,02,000 Tundra pickup trucks and Lexus LX SUVs. It contains 98,568 Tundras and 3,524 LX600s. This comes after the brand previously issued a safety recall to address a problem with the power unit. However, at the time, the brand had no solution. Now, the firm found a solution: replace the 3.4-litre V6 engine.

The Tundra and Lexus LF engines may have had engine machining debris that was not removed during production. The problem may result in engine knocking. If the problem remains, the engine may run rough, fail to start, or lose motive power. If this occurs at a high speed, there is a risk of an accident.

The Tundra recall applies to vehicles built between November 2, 2021, and February 13, 2023. The affected manufacturing dates for the Lexus LX600 are July 30, 2021 to November 25, 2022. Toyota will begin sending direct notifications to owners by the end of July. If owners have any issues, they may always contact Toyota directly for details.

It should be noted that the vehicles featured a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine instead of a normally aspirated V8. With the codename V35A-FTS, the brand launched in 2017 alongside the fifth generation of Lexus LS vehicles. The engine has been used in the Sequoia 2023 model in addition to the Lexus and Tundra. This car uses a hybrid system to power the engine.

Toyota records highest-ever monthly sales in June at 27,474 units

Aman Shukla — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 08:55:39 +0000

In June 2024, Toyota Kirloskar Motor recorded cumulative sales of 27,474 units, marking its highest monthly sales figures to date and a 40% increase over the same month the previous year. The number of units sold domestically increased by 41% last month, from 18,237 in June 2023 to 25,752 units. In June 2024, exports increased from 1,371 units in the previous year to 1,722 units.

Toyota attributed its sales gain to the strong demand for its MPVs and SUVs, particularly the recently introduced Urban Cruiser Taisor. Toyota reported that orders for the subcompact SUV doubled in June 2024 compared to May 2024. Toyota also stated that expanding its network into smaller towns and cities across India was a significant driver of sales growth.

In a statement, Sabari Manohar, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Our product strategy and continued focus on offering a delightful ownership experience across all touchpoints allowed us to maintain a consistently strong performance. Notably, we achieved our highest-ever monthly sales of 27,474 units in June, and the overall 47 per cent growth for the Calendar Year highlights the success of our invigorated strategy.”

The statement further reads, “Our recently launched Urban Cruiser Taisor continues to perform beyond expectations with order intake doubling compared to the previous month. The model’s growing popularity underscores Toyota’s growing presence in the SUV segment.”

Toyota Innova Crysta mid-spec GX+ variant launched at Rs 21.39 lakh; Everything you need to know

Aman Shukla — Mon, 06 May 2024 12:10:36 +0000

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has released a new model of the Innova Crysta named the GX+. The Toyota Innova Crysta GX+ is priced at ₹21.39 lakh for the seven-seater variant and ₹21.44 lakh for the eight-seater variant. It is available in five colour options: Super White, Attitude Black Mica, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic.

Compared to the GX model, the Toyota Innova Crysta GX+ has an imposing silver surround piano black grille and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. On the inside, it has a DVR over the base model, auto-folding mirrors and wood finish inside panels.

The new Toyota Innova Crysta model has a high-strength GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) body structure, a rear camera, SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), vehicle stability control with hill-start assist control and a high-strength body structure.

The 2.4 L diesel engine of the Toyota Innova Crysta GX+ comes equipped with a manual five-speed gearbox. The engine has two drive modes, Eco and Power and generates 148 bhp and 343 Nm of torque.

Along with the Innova Crysta, Toyota added the GX(O) trim level to its Innova Hycross lineup. The GX(O) model, priced at ₹20.99 lakhs for the eight-seater and ₹21.13 lakhs for the seven-seater, comes with upgrades such as a larger 10.1-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, front parking sensors, a 360-degree surround camera and more.

Toyota confirms plans for second US-built 3-row electric SUV

Aman Shukla — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 14:56:01 +0000

Toyota Motor Corp. will invest $1.4 billion in an Indiana plant to manufacture and sell more electric vehicles in the United States, marking the Japanese automaker’s second such announcement this year.

The Princeton, Indiana, facility, which now makes four gas and hybrid models, will add an unnamed all-electric, three-row SUV to its lineup, the firm announced Thursday in a statement. It comes after Toyota announced plans in February to invest $1.3 billion in a Kentucky factory to build a different three-row, completely electric SUV.

The two vehicles will use lithium-ion batteries provided by the automaker’s new plant in North Carolina, which is scheduled to begin production in 2025.

Toyota has been slower than other major automakers to adopt EVs, choosing to spread its bets by selling popular hybrid gas-electric vehicles. The decision to manufacture EVs in the United States is part of the company’s attempts to stay compliant with tougher US emissions standards. Toyota also wants to remain competitive with rivals’ EVs, which benefit from US government subsidies that encourage local production.

The Lexus RZ 450e and bZ4X, the automaker’s two EV models that are currently available in the US, are both manufactured in Japan. While hybrids made up around 29% of Toyota’s US sales last year, EV deliveries have been tepid due to a global decrease in demand. The automaker didn’t help itself by failing with the bZ4X rollout: the vehicle was briefly removed from the market after its launch in 2022 owing to a defect that may cause its wheels to fall off.

Toyota rolls out Fortuner SUV Leader Edition in India; Check details

Aman Shukla — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:58:39 +0000

The Fortuner Leader Edition has been released by Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM). The updated version adds additional features and has minor visual modifications based on Fortuner 4×2 variations. Interested buyers may book the SUV online or by going to the dealership that is closest to them, deliveries are expected to start soon.

The company has not disclosed the pricing, but has stated that the Fortuner Leader Edition costs would be rolled out at dealerships based on “accessories fitted for the specific requirement”.

Talking about the design, the Fortuner Leader Edition has blacked-out 17-inch alloy wheels and the company is providing three dual-tone colour options: Super white, Platinum Pearl white and Silver Metallic, all of which have contrasting black elements. The SUV also receives unique front and rear bumper spoilers, which are included in its official list of extras and will be equipped by the dealership. Inside, the SUV comes with a dual-tone interior, a wireless charger and TPMS.

Mechanically, the Leader edition is the same. The SUV will be powered by a 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 201 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque in manual transmission and 500 Nm in automatic transmission. It comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic in a 4×2 guise.

Massive discounts available on Toyota Hilux in India

Aditya Bhagchandani — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:16:50 +0000

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is currently offering significant discounts on the Toyota Hilux pick-up truck in India. Reports suggest that customers can avail discounts of up to Rs 8 lakh, depending on the dealership and inventory.

The prices for the Hilux were already reduced by Rs 3.59 lakh earlier this year. The diesel-powered Hilux comes with a 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine producing 201bhp and 420Nm of torque (manual transmission) or 550Nm (automatic).

It offers a six-speed manual or torque converter automatic gearbox. The Hilux features a 4×4 drive system, electronic differential lock, downhill assist control (DAC), and active traction control (ATC).

Prices for the Toyota Hilux range from Rs 30.40 lakh to Rs 37.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Interested buyers are advised to contact their nearest Toyota dealership for the latest discounts and information.

Disclaimer: Discounts and offers may vary, contact your local Toyota dealership for the latest information on discounts available for the Toyota Hilux.

Toyota Dealers offer tempting discounts on Toyota Hilux, up to Rs. 6 lakh off!

Viditha Ganji — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:29:32 +0000

Toyota Hilux, the popular lifestyle pickup truck, is now available with enticing discounts of up to Rs 6 lakh at select Toyota dealerships across India. The discounted prices come as a pleasant surprise for potential buyers, considering the Hilux’s already premium positioning in the niche lifestyle pickup segment. With this move, Toyota aims to make the Hilux even more accessible to customers and boost its sales figures in the country.

The Toyota Hilux, which entered the Indian market in March 2022, has enjoyed moderate success, with approximately 1,300 units sold so far. However, in a bid to attract a wider customer base, Toyota has decided to sweeten the deal by offering significant discounts on the Hilux’s price tag, which ranges between Rs 30.40 lakh and Rs 37.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

At most Toyota outlets, the entry-level Hilux is now available with a minimum discount of Rs 6 lakh. However, certain dealerships are going a step further by providing discounts of up to Rs 8 lakh on higher variants, depending on their inventory levels. These impressive discounts bring the Hilux’s on-road price closer to the Isuzu V-Cross, its main competitor in the segment.

The Isuzu V-Cross 4WD MT, which starts at Rs 23.82 lakh, and the top-of-the-line 4WD AT Prestige variant, priced at Rs 27.36 lakh, are currently being offered with discounts of around Rs 2.5 lakh at most outlets. Consequently, the price gap between the premium Hilux 4WD AT and the Isuzu V-Cross Prestige has narrowed significantly, making the Hilux a more enticing option for potential buyers.

Both the Toyota Hilux and the Isuzu V-Cross come equipped with diesel engines as standard. The Hilux boasts a powerful 204hp, 2.8-litre diesel engine generating an impressive 500Nm of torque. In comparison, the V-Cross Prestige features a smaller 150hp, 350Nm, 1.9-litre diesel engine. Both trucks offer rugged off-road capabilities, a similar range of features, and comprehensive safety kits, with the Hilux taking the lead with seven airbags compared to the V-Cross’s six.

The discounted pricing not only bridges the price gap between the Hilux and V-Cross but also brings added value to the Hilux by offering a larger engine, more power and torque, and the prestigious Toyota badge. These factors, combined with the alluring discounts, make the Toyota Hilux an even more compelling choice for customers seeking a lifestyle pickup truck.

Toyota is confident that these substantial discounts will attract a broader customer base and boost sales figures for the Hilux in India. Interested buyers are encouraged to visit their nearest Toyota dealership to take advantage of these limited-time offers. With mouthwatering deals on the table, now is the ideal time for enthusiasts to fulfil their dreams of owning a Toyota Hilux, renowned for its performance, durability, and off-road prowess.

Toyota unveils all-new Vellfire MPV

Aditya Bhagchandani — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:16:11 +0000

Toyota has officially released the first set of images and details of the highly anticipated all-new Vellfire MPV. Following a recent leak, Toyota provides a glimpse into the features and specifications of this upcoming model. The new Vellfire, which shares its platform with the second-generation Lexus LM350h MPV, will initially go on sale in Japan before expanding to other markets.

The latest-generation Vellfire MPV is an entirely new vehicle, similar to its luxurious counterpart, the Lexus LM. It now sits on Toyota’s TNGA-K modular platform, resulting in a lighter build compared to its predecessor. Retaining its boxy design, the new Vellfire is slightly longer than the outgoing model, measuring just under five meters. The cab-forward layout enables a spacious three-meter-long wheelbase, providing ample room for up to six passengers.

While the overall body style of the Vellfire bears resemblance to the Lexus LM, there are notable differences upon closer inspection. The side glasshouse is now a unified unit with a distinct kink, seamlessly merging with the front door windows. The absence of a prominent divider aft of the driver’s door contributes to a more cohesive appearance. Additionally, blackened pillars with chrome outlining enhance the MPV’s premium aesthetic. The front fascia features a sizable six-slat grille dominating the overall design, accompanied by headlamps placed in two layers, with the top layer housing the primary projector headlamp setup. A striking connected chrome strip adorns the chin, forming a U-shaped pattern and adding to the visual appeal.

At the rear, the Vellfire showcases familiar elements, including a V-shaped tail-lamp enclosure with generous chrome accents, prominent Vellfire badging, and a sizable Toyota logo positioned at the center. A large spoiler with a chrome border houses the third stop lamp. The U-patterned chrome surround continues at the back, vertically starting on one side and connecting to the other.

Ensuring passenger comfort remains a priority, the new Vellfire features redesigned seats for enhanced comfort, a spacious overhead console that allows passengers to control various vehicle functions, multiple AC vents, and newly designed pull-down sunshades. Toyota claims that the new Vellfire exhibits reduced vibrations and incorporates more sound deadening materials compared to its predecessor. The simplified dashboard design features fewer buttons, with most vehicle functions integrated into the large touchscreen positioned at the center.

The center console houses the gear lever, surrounded by buttons for the electronic parking brake, drive modes, and traction control. The driver benefits from a digital instrument cluster and a new steering wheel design. The new Vellfire introduces the Super-Long Overhead console, which consists of interior ambient lighting elements, assorted switches, and centrally positioned AC vents on the roof, replacing the earlier side-mounted vents. The sunroof now includes independently openable right and left-side shades.

The Vellfire’s Executive Lounge package, which is currently available on the outgoing model in India, features captain chairs with a retractable table and seat heating and ventilation. Additionally, a detachable control panel allows passengers to adjust media, climate settings, and sunshades.

Regarding the powertrain options, the new Vellfire offers two engines. The first is a turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine generating 275hp and 430Nm of torque, paired with a CVT gearbox. The second powertrain option is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder petrol-hybrid engine with a combined power output of 250hp, mated to an e-CVT transmission.

Toyota responds to high demand with increased production output in India

Aditya Bhagchandani — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:28:58 +0000

In response to the surging demand for its SUVs and MPVs, Toyota, the renowned Japanese automaker, recently achieved its highest-ever monthly sales in India. However, the increasing demand has led to a significant challenge in meeting customer needs, resulting in extended waiting periods for Toyota cars. Currently, customers in India may face a waiting period of over 12 months to get their hands on a Toyota vehicle.

To address this issue and reduce the waiting period, Toyota has taken decisive action. The automaker announced its plans to boost production output at its manufacturing facility in Bidadi, located near Bengaluru. By increasing the production capacity, Toyota aims to cater to the growing demand and provide customers with a more efficient and expedited car buying experience.

One of the key steps in this strategy involves implementing a third shift at the Bidadi facility. This additional shift will enable Toyota to operate round the clock, significantly increasing the output of vehicles. The automaker estimates that this expansion will lead to a production increase of up to 30 percent.

By ramping up production, Toyota intends to alleviate the frustrations of customers facing long waiting periods. The company recognizes the importance of timely delivery and aims to enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring a smoother and more accessible car purchasing process.

The following is the waiting period for Toyota cars in India as of June 2023:

Models	Waiting period
Toyota Innova Hycross Hyrbid	Over 12 months
Toyota Innova Hycross Petrol	4 months
Toyota Innova Crysta Diesel	2-3 months
Toyota Fortuner	3 months
Toyota Glanza MT	1-2 months
Toyota Glanza CNG	1-2 months
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid	Over 12 months
Toyota Urband Cruiser Hyryder Neo Drive	3-4 months
Toyota Camry	3 months
Toyota Vellfire	6 months

Data Source: cartrade.com

Long waiting periods for Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid models create anticipation among Indian customers

Aditya Bhagchandani — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 06:23:28 +0000

Toyota has introduced its latest offering, the Innova Hycross, in the Indian market, offering customers a range of pricing options to suit their preferences. With a starting price of Rs. 18.55 lakh (ex-showroom), the Innova Hycross is available in six different variants: G-Slf, GX, VX Hybrid, VX(O) Hybrid, ZX Hybrid, and ZX(O) Hybrid.

The Innova Hycross, a popular MPV from Toyota, has gained significant attention and demand in the Indian market. However, customers opting for the hybrid variants of the vehicle should brace themselves for a considerable waiting period. With a high demand for these eco-friendly options, the waiting period for the hybrid variants of the Innova Hycross currently stands at approximately 100 weeks. On the other hand, customers interested in the petrol-only versions of the MPV can expect a shorter waiting period of around 30 weeks, starting from the date of booking either at a Toyota dealership or through the official website.

Toyota’s decision to offer multiple pricing options and variants for the Innova Hycross aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of customers in India. From the more affordable G-Slf variant to the top-of-the-line ZX(O) Hybrid variant, customers can choose the option that best suits their budget and requirements. Each variant of the Innova Hycross comes with its own set of features and specifications, providing customers with a range of choices.

Three top 7 Seater Cars under 50 Lakh in India: Luxurious and Versatile Choices

Avinash Ram — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 02:49:21 +0000

For those seeking a spacious and luxurious vehicle to accommodate their larger families or travel needs, 7-seater cars provide the perfect solution. India’s automotive market offers a range of high-end options that combine exceptional comfort, advanced features, and superior performance. In this article, we present the top three 7-seater cars under 50 lakhs, along with their prices, to help you explore the pinnacle of luxury and versatility in the Indian automotive landscape.

So here are top three 7 seater cars under 50 lakhs in india :

1. Toyota Fortuner Legender:

Price: 42.82 – 46.54 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)

The Toyota Fortuner Legender is a premium SUV that combines ruggedness, style, and advanced features. It is an upgraded variant of the popular Toyota Fortuner, featuring a more aggressive and sporty design. The Fortuner Legender stands out with its sleek LED headlights, distinctive front grille, and unique alloy wheels. Inside the cabin, it offers a luxurious and spacious interior with premium leather upholstery and modern features. Powered by a powerful diesel engine, the Fortuner Legender delivers impressive performance on and off the road. With its commanding presence and upscale features, the Toyota Fortuner Legender offers a truly premium SUV experience.

2. Toyota Fortuner:

Price: 32.59 – 50.34 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)

The Toyota Fortuner is a highly regarded SUV that has established itself as a symbol of power, versatility, and reliability. Known for its robust build quality and exceptional off-road capabilities, the Fortuner is a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts in India. With its muscular and imposing design, the Fortuner commands attention on the road. Inside the spacious cabin, it offers comfortable seating for up to seven passengers and a host of advanced features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, and a range of safety technologies. Powered by a choice of powerful petrol and diesel engines, the Fortuner delivers impressive performance and a smooth driving experience. Whether conquering challenging terrains or cruising on city streets, the Toyota Fortuner offers a perfect balance of luxury and adventure, making it a top choice for those seeking a rugged and capable SUV.

3. MG Gloster:

Price: 32.60 – 43.08 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)

The MG Gloster is a premium SUV that redefines luxury and sophistication in its segment. With its commanding presence and elegant design, the Gloster exudes an aura of opulence. The spacious cabin offers indulgent comfort and seating for up to seven occupants, with premium leather upholstery and a range of modern features. The Gloster is equipped with advanced technologies, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, and an array of safety features such as adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. Powered by a robust 2.0-liter diesel engine, the Gloster delivers exceptional power and torque, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. With its combination of style, comfort, and advanced features, the MG Gloster offers a luxurious SUV option for those who seek unparalleled refinement and performance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Indian automotive market offers an impressive selection of 7-seater cars under 50 lakhs that cater to the needs of larger families and those seeking a luxurious and versatile driving experience. The Toyota Innova Crysta, Ford Endeavour, and Volkswagen Tiguan All space represent the pinnacle of comfort, performance, and advanced features in this segment.

The Toyota Innova Crysta combines reliability with a spacious and well-appointed cabin, offering a premium MPV experience. The Ford Endeavour, with its rugged design and powerful engine options, provides exceptional off-road capabilities and a luxurious interior. The Volkswagen Tiguan All space stands out for its European sophistication, delivering a refined driving experience and upscale features. Each of these cars offers a unique blend of style, space, and advanced technology, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all passengers. It is important to consider individual requirements, preferences, and budget before making a final decision.

Whether you prioritize reliability, ruggedness, or European luxury, these top 3 7-seater cars under 50 lakhs provide a range of options to suit different tastes and needs. Explore their features, take a test drive, and make an informed decision to find the perfect vehicle that accommodates your family’s requirements and elevates your driving experience to new heights.

Toyota announces plans to introduce advanced solid-state batteries for future EVs

Aditya Bhagchandani — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:41:05 +0000

Toyota, the Japanese automotive giant, has revealed its ambitious plans to enhance the driving range and reduce costs of future electric vehicles (EVs) through the introduction of high-performance solid-state batteries and other innovative technologies. The announcement marks a strategic shift for the company, leading to a surge in its share prices.

This comprehensive technology roadmap represents Toyota’s most detailed disclosure of its strategy to compete in the rapidly growing EV market, where it has trailed behind rivals such as Tesla. The disclosure comes ahead of the company’s annual shareholders meeting, during which governance and strategic decisions, including the gradual transition to battery EVs under former CEO Akio Toyoda, will be closely examined.

Following the announcement, Toyota’s shares experienced a 5% surge, reaching their highest level since August, at 2,173 yen.

As part of its plan, Toyota aims to launch next-generation lithium-ion batteries by 2026, offering improved range and faster charging capabilities. The company also highlighted a significant “technological breakthrough” that addresses durability issues associated with solid-state batteries. Toyota is actively developing methods to mass-produce these batteries, with commercialization expected between 2027 and 2028.

Solid-state batteries have the advantage of higher energy storage capacity compared to current liquid electrolyte batteries. This technology is expected to accelerate the transition to EVs by addressing a crucial consumer concern: driving range.

However, solid-state batteries are currently expensive and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. To mitigate this, Toyota plans to incorporate more cost-effective lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries and have played a pivotal role in driving EV adoption in China, the world’s largest vehicle market.

In the luxury segment, Toyota intends to produce an EV equipped with a highly efficient lithium-ion battery, providing an impressive range of 1,000 km (621 miles). In comparison, the long-range version of the lithium-ion-powered Tesla Model Y, the top-selling EV globally, can travel approximately 530 km based on U.S. standards.

Moreover, Toyota envisions an EV powered by a solid-state battery that could achieve an astounding range of 1,200 km with a charging time of only 10 minutes. By contrast, the Tesla Supercharger network, the largest of its kind, offers around 321 km of charge in 15 minutes.

Specific details regarding costs and required investments for these plans were not provided by Toyota.

Since last year, the company’s engineers have been exploring various options to revamp its EV strategy to enhance competitiveness. The roadmap revealed on Tuesday demonstrates that Toyota, under the leadership of CEO Koji Sato, has adopted many of these proposed changes, including the utilization of electric-axle technology and other advancements from suppliers like Aisin and Denso.

In a video shared on Toyota’s YouTube channel, Takero Kato, the president of the newly established Toyota EV unit BEV Factory, expressed the company’s desire to “change the future with BEVs” (Battery Electric Vehicles).

Here’s why there still may be a data breach risk for more than 2 million Toyota owners

Avinash Ram — Fri, 12 May 2023 16:28:34 +0000

Toyota has disclosed that owing to human mistake, the data of 2.15 million Japanese users who registered for its cloud service platforms since 2012 was made available to the public for ten years. Almost all of the consumer base is included in this, according to a Reuters report.

A Toyota representative claimed that a mistake made by a person resulted in an issue that persisted from November 2013 to mid-April. They unintentionally changed a cloud system from private to public, potentially disclosing information such as the whereabouts of automobiles and their licence plates. The business asserts that it has no proof that this information was misused inadvertently.

Customers of Toyota, particularly those of its upscale Lexus brand, have been compromised. The biggest automaker in the world is now concentrating on cloud-based data management and vehicle connectivity, which are necessary for providing autonomous driving and other AI-powered capabilities.

Customers who subscribed to the T-Connect service, which provides a range of services including AI voice-enabled driving assistance, automatic connection to call centres for vehicle management, and emergency support for situations like traffic accidents or sudden illness, were impacted. Additionally, G-Link subscribers who own Lexus vehicles were also impacted.

Toyota claimed that after the problem was identified, it prevented outside access to the data. Additionally, an investigation is being conducted into every cloud environment that the corporation manages.

The representative claimed that there were not enough “active detection mechanisms, and activities to detect the presence or absence of things that became public.” Toyota stated that it intends to put in place a system for checking cloud settings, create continuing monitoring protocols, and offer thorough employee training on data handling policies.

A representative of the Personal Information Protection Commission of Japan has stated that they were made aware of the event.

Koji Sato, the CEO of Toyota, is dealing with issues like testing issues with an affiliate and a shareholder demand for more transparency on lobbying efforts relating to climate change.

Toyota says replacing Akio Toyoda as president and CEO

Aryan Jakhar — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 13:40:58 +0000

Toyota selected Koji Sato as its next president, CEO, and operational officer on Thursday, succeeding its third-generation CEO Akio Toyoda, who will step down as board chairman.

The Japanese carmaker, which sells more cars than any other company in the world right now, said in a statement that the changes to its management structure will start on April 1.

In 2009, when the company went back to its family roots after the global financial crisis, Toyoda, who was 66 at the time, became its youngest president.

He is the grandson of Kiichiro Toyoda, the company’s founder. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, his father, Shoichiro Toyoda, was also in charge of Toyota.

After a rough start, he proved himself to be a charismatic leader who could guide the car industry through a time of huge change.

He led the business through a quality-control issue that forced him to apologise in front of the US Congress, as well as supply chain turmoil triggered by Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

He has recently tried to improve Toyota’s objectives in the critical electric car market.

Sato, who is 53 years old, used to be the company’s head of branding and the head of the Lexus premium brand.

After a 2.5% increase in sales in 2022, GM reclaims Toyota’s top spot in US auto sales

Aryan Jakhar — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 03:31:33 +0000

In spite of widespread supply problems, General Motors Co. was able to better fulfil the high demand for automobiles and trucks in 2022, overtaking rival Toyota Motor Corp. as the leader in U.S. vehicle sales.

After the firm reported a 2.5% increase in 2022 sales to 2,274,088 vehicles, more than Toyota’s 2,108,458 units in a closely watched competition, GM shares increased 2.7% in afternoon trade on Wednesday to $34.75.

Production at several automakers had been hampered by inventory shortages brought on by rising material costs and an ongoing chip crisis, which had kept the cost of cars and trucks high. Asian brands took the most impact.

“Toyota is still among the tightest when it comes to inventory,” Cox Automotive senior economist Charlie Chesbrough said.

In November, the Japanese manufacturer lowered its manufacturing goal for the entire year. According to figures released on Wednesday, sales of its SUVs, a crucial market, decreased 8.6% in 2022.

However, according to Toyota executives, there are some promising developments and the rate of inventory accumulation is moderate but constant.

“We’re optimistic our inventory levels will continue to improve in the first quarter and for the remainder of the year,” said Andrew Gillel, senior vice president of automotive operations at Toyota.

On Wednesday, sales declined for a number of other companies, including American Honda, Mazda North American Operations, Hyundai Motor America, and Kia Motors America.

According to Wards Intelligence data, new vehicle sales in the United States reached 1.26 million units in December, for a 13.31 million annual sales pace.

Analysts worry that price increases implemented by automakers to combat inflationary pressures and rising interest rates will have a negative impact on the selling of new vehicles in 2023.

A “very real concern” is affordability, according to Toyota CEO David Christ. However, the business anticipates strong demand this year.

According to car marketplace TrueCar, automakers will need to resume offering incentives to customers, a trend that was put on hold during the pandemic.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor June 2022 sales grew by 87 pc to 16500 units

United News of India (UNI) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 09:41:06 +0000

Mumbai, Jul 1: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has reported a rise of 87 percent in its June 2022 sales at 16,500 units compared with 8801 units sold in June 2021.

The company also clocked a 26 pc growth in cumulative wholesales from January to June 2022. When compared to the corresponding period last year. In fact, half yearly cumulative wholesales have been the highest since 2019.

Commenting on the month’s performance, Mr. Atul Sood, Associate Vice President, Sales, and Strategic Marketing, TKM said. “The past month witnessed huge growth in terms of wholesales. Thanks to the very promising booking orders that most of our models enjoy. The cool new Glanza has received a tremendous response from our customers and continues to clock very promising booking orders.
Both our self-charging hybrid electric vehicles, the Camry Hybrid and the Vellfire, have also received tremendous appreciation and a true testimony to that are our half yearly cumulative sales that have been the best in the last four years.

Segment leaders like the Crysta and the Fortuner continue to peak demand, and customer orders are on the rise. The Legender too. Which has by now created a niche of its own in the SUV segment. Continues to garner robust booking orders. Toyota is known for its SUVs worldwide and we at TKM are very excited about our upcoming foray into the popular B SUV segment in India”.

India’s top automakers Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki expect better sales amidst chip shortage this festive season

Sneha Sengupta — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 08:41:46 +0000

India’s finest automaker, Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Mahindra & Mahindra expects the demand and sales to be improved this festive season for the current fiscal year. Since the companies faced a major setback in the form of chip shortage, the previous year, the situation grows on to be more challenging for the manufacturers to battle and survive this year as per their production schedules.

“At the moment demand looks ok. It is slightly better than last year. If we look at the bookings, enquiries, retails, these are robust. On the supply side of course we may have some adverse effects, we are monitoring that,” Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) Senior Executive Director Shashank Srivastava told PTI in an official note. He identified that MSI’s inventory level, calculated recently is 23-24 days whereas the appropriate level will measure up to 30 days.

Mahindra & Mahindra Automotive Division CEO Veejay Nakra averred, “Utility vehicles (UVs) will continue to dominate the space of festive demand contributing to almost half of the PV segment. We are committed to enhancing the festive season offerings and focused on making the new launches a big success and are working towards transforming the way we deliver experience to our customers. The core focus is now to deliver a delightful customer experience, and we are leveraging all our digital tools and assets to enhance customer experience end-to-end.”

Commenting on the chip shortage, Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s Associate General Manager (AGM), Sales and Strategic Marketing V Wiseline Sigamani averred that with demand gradually increasing the company intends to cater to the needs of its customers. “TKM also announced the launch of New Fortuner in January this year, which witnessed a tremendous response from our customers, and we expected overall sales momentum to continue this year,” the official asserted.

Tata Motors seeking ways to offset semiconductor shortage on sales

Aayushi Singh — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 10:58:17 +0000

A company official said that Tata Motors are looking towards various ways to offset the impact of semiconductor shortage on their production activities and sales. The company would include direct buying from the stockists and make change in the product configurations.

The company has been looking at different types of chips that could be used in the components where the supply situation was severe. The company is a seller of the models like Nexon, Harrier and Safari in the domestic market.

The company has expected for the improvement in supplies in the second half of the fiscal as the situation would remain challenging in the current quarter.

Shailesh Chandra, the President Passenger Vehicles Business Unit of Tata Motors, had said that they were impacted due to the uncertainty of supplies but had managed so far. These remarks were made in the reply to whether or not the company was facing issues in their production activities because of semiconductor shortage. He also added that the company was considering on reworking some of the product variants as to minimise the production loss.

Mr Chandra said that they were looking for different semiconductors and had been procuring from the stockists directly, they were also trying to see if a standard chip could be used in the certain components where they had been facing stress. He said that to prevent from losing sales, they were looking at a trim mix.

Mr Chandra said that the company in order to manage the situation were working closely with chip suppliers.

The semiconductors were the silicon chips that cater to control and memory functions in the products like automobiles, cellphones, computers and many other electronic items.

In the auto industry, the use of semiconductors has increased all over the globe in the recent times, as new models come with many more electronic features.

The global supply chains had been led to a shortage due to enhanced demand for automobiles in the past few months which has put pressure on them.

Mr Chandra said that the situation in the current quarter would remain hard and the things would improve in the second half of this fiscal.

He also said that the situation was very uncertain and hard to predict.

Toyota reports two-fold increase in sales of July, says sign of positive momentum

Aayushi Singh — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 10:23:01 +0000

On July 31, Toyota Kirloskar Motor had reported a two-fold increase in domestic sales at 14,105 units in July.

In July 2020, the TKM had dispatched over 5,386 units to their dealership. The automaker is the seller of models like Fortuner, Innova, and Crysta.

In July, Toyota’s wholesales were up by 49 per cent as compared to the month of June in 2021. In June 2021, the automaker had dispatched a total of 8,801 units.

The surge in demand was recognized by the automaker but could not be attributed to pent-up demand alone, but there was also a fact that the positive momentum in the market was a clear sign.

The company had expected that. However, some parts of India were still under restrictions but when the restrictions would be eased, it would further aid the demand as well as the sales.

The automaker had said that their aim at the moment was to cater to the pending orders of the customers and also to focus on the vaccination of employees, their families, and also of the dealers and the supplier staff. They would be focusing on vaccination to minimize the risk of infections in the future.

Toyota doubles full-year profit outlook to more than 9.7 dollar billion

Shalmali Bhagwat — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 07:14:38 +0000

Toyota Motor Corp 7203.T more than doubled its full-year operating forecast on Friday amid a rebound in sales in China that received a blow due to the Coronavirus pandemic earlier this year. Japan’s biggest automaker said it now expects an operating profit of 1.3 trillion yen ($12.6 billion) for the year through March 2021, significantly higher from a previous prediction for a 500 billion yen profit. That is above an average estimate for a 1.25 trillion yen profit compiled from 26 analysts polled by Refinitiv.

Although still weaker than last year, demand has considerably bounced back, particularly in China the world’s biggest auto market. Toyota and rivals are placing their hopes on the China market of securing maximum business back there, as China witnesses a speedy recovery from the pandemic, faster than other countries. Toyota has seen a surge in China’s demand for its electric cars and the Lexus luxury brand. A senior Toyota executive in China said in September that annual global sales of electrified vehicles could reach 5.5 million in 2025, five years earlier than initially planned.

The maker of the RAV4 sports utility vehicle (SUV) crossover and the Prius gasoline hybrid now expects to sell 9.42 million cars this year – up 3.5% from a previous forecast of 9.1 million this year, but still lower than last year’s sales of 10.46 million.

The Coronavirus hit the auto-market hard, but the market is slowly witnessing a revival. “If you compare the second quarter to the first you can see a dramatic recovery,” Chief Financial Officer Kento Kon said, speaking during an online press briefing.

Top 10 most valuable car companies in the world in 2020

News Desk — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 13:06:43 +0000

More than a century old, the automobile industry is popular among those who hold a fascination towards the ever-evolving technology of this industry. From supercars to super energy-efficient and self-driving cars, this industry has drastically changed, especially in the past two decades. Year after year, innovation has made automobiles more environmentally friendly and safer to drive. It is one of those industries where you hardly see a new player since the competition is already neck to neck among the existing ones.

So, let’s find out who are the top 10 most valuable car companies in the world in 2020-

10. Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai is the first South Korean company to manufacture cars and owns various subsidiaries, including Kia Motors and Genesis Motors. It is the third-largest car manufacturer in the world and has the world’s largest manufacturing facility.

9. Ferrari NV

You can hear the engines roaring as soon as you hear this name. Ferrari is an Italian sports car manufacturer, it left its parent company, Fiat Chrysler and became one of the ten most valuable car companies in the world.

8. Ford Motor Company

The American car manufacturer is an old player of in this game, and I know that from “Ford v Ferrari”, Joking. However, it was founded, in 1903 and as old as the industry itself. Ford has recently invested $11.5 billion in electric vehicles for a cleaner air.

Photo Credit: The Product Analyst

7. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)

BMW is a German carmaker, founded in 1916. It is one of the most famous and valuable brand globally with an approximate value of USD 42 billion. BMW will starts its second EV battery assembly facility in Germany anticipating the demand for electric vehicles in future.

Source: Pinterest

6. Honda Motor Company, Ltd.

Honda is a Japanese motor vehicle company which is also the world’s largest motorbike manufacturer. They are one of the most trusted brands and sold around 5.3 million automobiles in the year 2019. Honda has now launched virtual showrooms in India with features like 360 degree view and in-depth explanations of the features.

5. Daimler AG

Another German automobile manufacturer, Daimler popularly goes by the name Mercedes-Benz. Founded in 1926, it is also a leading truck manufacturer globally.

4. General Motors Company

GM is an American MNC and fourth-largest car manufacturer in the world. It is the parent company of Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick.

3. Volkswagen

Volkswagen, which means “people’s car” is the third German company on the list. It is an 83 years old brand and is famous for its classic Beetle model. It is also the second-largest manufacturer in the world.

2. Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota is the world’s largest car manufacturer and makes more than 10 million cars annually. The Japanese company was also the world’s most valued manufacturer until Tesla passed it in July 2020.

Image Source: Tesla.com

1. Tesla, Inc.

Tesla, which is literally and figuratively a teenager among these centenarian climbed the table faster than probably anyone to become the world’s most valuable car company in July 2020. The company is just 17 years old. It was founded in 2003 and is named after Nikola Tesla. Tesla is known for manufacturing electric cars.

Toyota committed to investing ₹2,000 crores in India

Aditi Swarup — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:41:11 +0000

Earlier, a senior official at Toyota Kirloskar Motor said that they would stop further expansion in India due to high taxes.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor on Monday refuted aforementioned comments and said that they are committed to their Indian market. The company said they believe in the country’s core potential of economic growth and that they want to be a part of it.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Managing Director Masakazu Yoshimura said, “As part of these efforts, Toyota Group in India is targeting to invest over ₹2,000 crores in India in the coming years on technology and electrification, both for the domestic and the exports market.” This is in line with the company’s initiative to build an ecosystem in line with government plans like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’.

A tweet by Vice-Chairman Vikram Kirloskar also clarified and reiterated that the company will be investing ₹2,000 crores in India.

#Toyota's focus is on technology expansion & localization & is investing 2000+ crs for the same. I believe that a GST readjustment is required in the future to encourage green mobility. Carbon-based tax will also make the Indian industry more competitive. https://t.co/awAqsOVEAU

— Vikram Kirloskar (@vikramkirloskar) September 15, 2020

Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Prakash Javadekar responded with a tweet of own.

The news that Toyota Company will stop investing in India is incorrect. @vikramkirloskar has clarified that Toyota will invest more than Rs 2000 crore in next 12 months.@PIB_India

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) September 15, 2020

Toyota to invest Rs. 2,000 crore in India over the next year

Apurva Khairnar — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 10:45:56 +0000

After Union Minister Prakash Javadekar denied a report on Tuesday that Toyota Motor Corp would not expand in India due to country’s high tax regime. But now Javadekar has clarified the news by writing “@vikramkirloskar has clarified that Toyota Company will invest more than Rs.2000 crore in the next 12 months.

Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor also commented on the above statement. He said “Absolutely! We are investing 2000+ crores in electric components and technology for the domestic customer and export”.

He added “Toyota is proud to be a part of this journey. We are committed to the future of India and will continue to put all effort in society, environment, skilling and technology.”

Toyota is one of the biggest carmaking companies in the world. Its local unit is owned 89% by the Japanese company.

The company responded to the current situation by saying, “Our first step is to ensure full capacity utilization of what we have created and this will take time. We need to protect the jobs we have created and we will do everything possible to achieve this.

In India, motor vehicles including cars, sports-utility vehicles and two wheelers attract a 28% tax. Plus there can be additional levies which range from 1% to 22% based on the car type or engine size.