KOCHI: The Toyota-Suzuki partnership in India will see products like the Baleno, Vitara Brezza and Corolla Altis being shared among the Japanese manufactures. “This partnership will be a win-win situation for both the brands, helping strengthen our respective product portfolios in the country,” said N Raja, Deputy MD, Toyota India. With product sharing, what consumers can expect are mechanically identical but redesigned products with distinct visual identities and the possible addition of more features.
Eyeing on the future of mobility, Raja added that Toyota will share its electric vehicle technology with Suzuki to set up a possible launch of affordable Electric Vehicles (EVs) by 2020. The partnership also aims to look at Africa as a potential export market, and a long-term plan of optimizing Toyota’s under-utilized production facilities in the country.
Toyota hopes the EV market will grow at a steady pace, and expects to garner a 20 percent market share by 2030. Toyota-Suzuki initiative is expected to advance the adoption of EVs in the country, supporting the central government’s push for electrification to minimise its dependence on crude oil imports and in reducing emissions.
On the possible addition of a compact-SUV to Toyota India’s portfolio, he said they have been working with their parent company to introduce the same from its global portfolio. “But, considering the upcoming BSVI norms, lack of sub-4 meter vehicles outside the country, it is too early to talk of a possible model,” he said. Raja was in Kochi for the conclusion of the Toyota Yaris La Liga World football tournament.