NEW DELHI — Toyota on Tuesday revealed its concept version of the Etios, a new compact car designed specifically to win over consumers in India's growing car market. The Etios debuted at the 2010 New Delhi Auto Show.
Toyota's global Web site crowed, "First India and then the world," as the Etios debuted. But when asked about specific U.S. plans for the compact car, Toyota's U.S. spokesman Curt McAllister told Inside Line on Tuesday, "Nothing official yet."
The Etios and Honda's New Small Concept, which also was introduced here on Tuesday, are the two key products at the 2010 New Delhi Auto Show. They are the Japanese automakers' linchpins in the fight for small-car sales in India.
Toyota showed off a sedan version of the Etios with what it called a "newly developed 1.5-liter gasoline engine" and a hatchback version "with a newly developed 1.2-liter gasoline engine." Toyota said it will build the Etios starting in late 2010, with annual sales in India set at 70,000 units. "Exports are planned," the company said.
Toyota's Etios was teased as its Entry Family Car in the run-up to the New Delhi show. No pricing was announced, but observers expect the Etios to start above $5,000 but well below $10,000.
Inside Line says: The Toyota Etios is destined for emerging markets first, so don't look for it here anytime soon. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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