Indian hatchback market is on a high. It is rising at 35% per annum. It is dominated by Maruti Suzuki’s Swift, Hyundai i20, Volkswagen’s Polo, Skoda fabia and Ford Figo.
Now in another 3 months, Etios from Toyota will enter the fray. It is anticipated to be cheaper than Swift. A R Rehman is expected to be the brand ambassador for the car.
Toyota has a lot solid reasons to foray into the sector. From the total 2.7 million cars anticipated to be sold during 2010-11, around 900,000 are anticipated to be from this segment, comprising a heavy 30%.
The company considers it as a late mover advantage.
Sandeep Singh, deputy MD (marketing), Toyota Kirloskar Motors said, “We have studied the market extensively and the product is being fine-tuned after in-depth feedback from the consumers. “We are set for the launch during December 2010 and are looking at selling 64,000 units during the first year itself”.