Toyota Kirloskar Motor launched here on Wednesday Prado diesel variant, a refinement of its globally sold Land Cruiser. The company is promoting the Prado as an SUV (sports utility vehicle) with manoeuverability and interior luxury.
Managing Director Hiroshi Nakagawa said “The Prado has sold 1.56 million units globally and the first variant was launched in India in 2004 and has annual sales of 200 units to which the new diesel model will add more numbers. This is part of our overall strategy to bring Toyota’s latest technology to the Indian market.”
Production capacity
The Toyota Kirloskar plant in Bangalore had an annual production capacity of 80,000 units of all variants now and could be enhanced easily.
The plant now makes Corolla, Altis, and Innova, and assembles its Camry, Prado and Land Cruiser imported as CBUs (completely built units). Production in 2008 amounted to 54,327 units.
Deputy Managing Director, Sandeep Singh said “The Prado now has a 2 per cent share in the Indian SUV segment and annual sales grew almost 50 per cent last year and we expect 200 units to be sold next year.
The Prado, though born from the Land Cruiser DNA, is targeted at businesspersons in the 35-45-age group who do not want to always dive an off-road vehicle.” Prado diesel is estimated cost Rs. 52.40 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The Prado diesel is powered by a 3-litre engine and has a Kinetic dynamic suspension system allowing driving stability at city and highway speeds. Automatic climate control, parking assist with front and rear sensors, down and up gradient controls and adaptive traction control are among the features. The Prado is offered is six colours.
