Toyota Kirloskar Motor is betting big on new age technologies to pave the way forward in the Indian automotive space and while it has introduced its Mirai Fuel Vehicle (FCEV) on a number of occasions, Toyota doesn’t want to put its proverbial eggs in one basket.
Two of the latest Toyota models in the country – the Urban Cruiser Hyryder mid-size SUV and the Innova Hycross – are equipped with hybrid engines and the company believes there is a clear scope in India for such technology to be adopted. “The goal (behind the launch of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder) is to bring customers a new self-charging technology. Atul Sood, Vice President of Strategic Sales and Marketing, told HT Auto. “Our way of thinking is based on the energy mix of the country and the preferences of our customers, we have the technologies available and can look at how we can work in that direction.”
Watch: From electric to hybrid: Explaining Toyota’s main focus at Auto Expo 2023
At Auto Expo 2023 taking place in Greater Noida, Toyota has one of the largest booths. But more importantly, it also has one of the most diverse booths with all-electric bZ4X on display as well as plug-in and hydrogen-powered hybrids.
But at a time when many manufacturers are diving headfirst into the world of all-electric vehicles, Toyota is playing the game of patience carefully. It claims that it can afford it because its powerful hybrid models are doing well. “The reaction to hybrid technology has been strong on the Hyryder as well as the Hycross has been phenomenal. It shows that customers have a lot of faith in us and our technology,” Sood said, avoiding questions about placing orders for both models. Innova Hycross – priced from $18.30 lakh and $29 lakh (old gallery) – will start this very month.
First published date: January 17, 2023, 11:20 a.m. IST
