Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Toyota Fortuner: Now in India

Back in April this year, we had reported that Toyota would be launching their much awaited sports utility vehicle
in India. No, we are not talking about the Land Cruiser! TKM (or Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited) sends word that they have launched the Fortuner SUV in India. It was launched at an event in New Delhi.

Toyota Fortuner India

Kaoru Hosokawa is the chief engineer at the Toyota Motor Company. According to Hosokawa, “Toyota’s Fortuner is fully loaded with advanced features and has been extensively tested to suit Indian conditions. The powerful Common Rail type 3.0 L D-4D Diesel engine with Intercooler Turbocharger delivers superior power and performance.”

Akira Okabe is the senior managing director of the Toyota Motor Company. He says, “We are delighted to introduce Toyota Fortuner in the Indian market. Globally, Fortuner has already sold over 2,50,000 units in more than 60 countries since its launch in 2005. The launch of Fortuner today is an expression of Toyota’s commitment to provide best in class quality and technology to our customers in India.”

The Fortuner is expected to feature sporty features along with luxurious interiors to offer an exciting driving experience. It has the TOP (Toyota Outstanding Platform) along with the full-time 4WD that would handle all kinds of terrain. Powered by the 3.0 L D-4D Diesel engine with Intercooler Turbocharger, it will give a maximum torque of 343 Nm and171PS, which apparently is the highest power offered in its range.

Toyota Fortuner India 2

As for the safety features, expect SRS airbags for driver and front passenger as well as ABS & Disc Brakes and even passive safety with Impact Absorbing body. The SUV comes with 5 speed manual transmission and has features such as Optitron meter, Multi-information display, climate control air-conditioning, steering control switches and space-up type third row seats.

Indian buyers will be delighted to hear that this carhas a long wheelbase and a high ground clearance. Coming to the exterior features of this sports utility vehicle, it has a bonnet scoop and a rear spoiler. Besides that, the car will feature side steps along with attractive roof rails. Toyota claims that the interiors are not only spacious but also comfortable. The car has leather interiors.

Sandeep Singh is the DMD for marketing at Toyota Kirloskar Motors. He said, “The SUV market in India has witnessed extensive growth due to launches in Mid/Premium SUV segment. We expect that the launch of the Fortuner will expand the mid-SUV market in India. The Fortuner will be very competitively priced at Rs 18.45 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi. We will also implement a focused marketing campaign (including TV, print, magazines, hoardings, direct marketing, internet marketing and SMS) targeted at enhancing the awareness of advanced technology features amongst our Indian customers.”

Toyota Fortuner India 3

Hiroshi Nakagawa is the managing director at Toyota Kirloskar Motors. He explains, “We are very proud to finally bring Fortuner to India. The sleek yet rugged Fortuner delivers superior performance and excellent luxury for Indian customers. We would also like to thank our customers for the extremely encouraging response to the initial announcement of this launch.”

As mentioned above, the price of Toyota Fortuner in India is Rs 18.45 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The sports utility vehicle will come in colors such as Black Mica, Super White, Light Blue Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic and Silver Mica Metallic. It will be assembled at their facility in Bidadi.

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