Toyota Kirloskar Launches Production of Innova Minivan

Tokyo ― TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM) has launched production of the Innova―a new-type minivan.

The Innova is one of five newly developed vehicles under the IMV (Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle) Project currently being promoted by TMC. Production of IMV Project models began in Thailand and Indonesia last year and in the Philippines in February of this year, making India the fourth IMV production base. TKM began production of the Innova exclusively for the Indian market at its plant in Bangalore on Feb. 15.

The Innova succeeds the Qualis, a multipurpose vehicle that TKM began producing in December 1999 for sale exclusively in India. It features the high quality and comfort that customers demand, as well as improved environmental and safety performance, provided at an affordable price. The gasoline model is equipped with a 2.0-liter VVT-i (continuously variable valve timing mechanism) engine, while the diesel model features the 2.5-liter D4-D (direct-injection common rail diesel) engine. Both engines provide high output and excellent fuel efficiency as well as superior performance and a comfortable ride.

Sales of the Innova are scheduled to begin in early March, with an initial monthly sales target of 4,500 units.

TMC President Fujio Cho said in his opening remarks at a press conference in Mumbai, India, today: “I am sure that the Innova will contribute to developing a longer list of happy and satisfied customers. At the same time, I hope that the production of the Innova in India will greatly contribute to the Indian automobile industry.”