Toyota India Halts Sale of Corolla Altis, Etios
Toyota Motors stopped the sale of its Corolla Altis range and Etios models in India to to boost its production capacity at its manufacturing plant in Bidadi, Karnakata.
TKM Senior Vice President - Sales and Service Naveen Soni told Business Standard that they released the last batch of the Etios series and the Corolla Altis "on the month of March 2020".
This brings an end to the "iconic journeys" both models have enjoyed in the country.
Making a Name in the Industry
The production of the Etios range and Corolla Altis is a joint venture between Japanese automotive company Toyota and Kirloskar Group. Named Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), the group was responsible for selling 4.48 lakh units (448,000 units) of the Etios series and 1.16 lakh units (116,000 units) of the Corolla Altis.
Both Corolla and Etios achieved strong sales performance and success when they were launched in India's automotive market during their time.
Soni noted that the introduction of the Etios range in India symbolized an important landmark for Toyota, with Etios maintaining its popularity among many of its customers--including fleet operators.
He also added that the Corolla Altis carved a niche for itself in the India's sedan segment during the height of its popularity.
Toyota's Global Product Strategy
The soon-to-depart Corolla Altis will be taken over by its TNGA-based global model. However, its chances of arriving on Indian shores right now remains doubtful.
Still, the company will continue to honor its promise to serve the needs and requirements of its customers even as they stop selling the two models.
Soni said that the is part of Toyota's global product strategy. It focuses on the changing needs of the customers through enhanced technologies and product offerings.
Now that the two vehicles have bid their final farewells, Toyota's range will now be headed by Camry Hybrid, Vellfire, Fortuner, Innova Crysta, and Yaris (sedan version).
