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    Toyota Innova Electric 7 Seater MPV Will Not Enter Production

    While Toyota Innova Electric Concept has passed the stage of quality and safety assurance internal checks, it won’t go into series productionToyota Innova Electric ConceptA few days ago Toyota showcased a concept prototype of an all-electric Innova at the recently concluded Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta. It managed to grab a lot of eyeballs across the world, especially in South Asian markets where Innova is a very well-known brand.While the Japanese carmaker is investing heavily in future electrified powertrains, a fully electric Innova isn’t part of the plan. This has been confirmed by the Indonesian arm of Toyota despite showcasing a full-fledged battery-powered prototype of the MPV which looked so close to being production-ready.Toyota Innova ElectricSpeaking to a local automotive publication, Anton Jimmi Suwandy, marketing director, Toyota Astra Motor, Indonesia, revealed that Kijang Innova Electric will not go on sale and has been built as a concept for the purpose of engineering development only. Suwandy further added that the Innova EV concept is being used for research and development of future EVs that are being readied for the region.It should be noted that Toyota has established a new engineering and development department for Asia-Pacific markets which will work for both Toyota and its subsidiary brand Daihatsu. Henry Tanoto, Vice President Director at Toyota Astra Motor Indonesia, also confirmed that the Innova EV concept is merely a study. The concept is said to have raised the popularity of EVs in the community.[embedded content][embedded content]EV Platform ChallengesThe IC engine-powered Innova Crysta is underpinned by the IMV2 ladder-on-frame architecture which is designed to accommodate petrol and diesel powertrains. Incorporating battery packs and an electric motor in this platform is a major packaging challenge thanks to the long members and horizontal arms of the chassis that restrict space for battery.Further, additional weight of frame will increase the vehicle’s overall weight by a huge margin which will not be feasible for performance as well as range. Although it has not been built for mass production, the Toyota Innova EV Concept has passed the stage of quality and safety assurance internal checks.Toyota Innova Electric 7 Seater MPV previewed a few days earlier was almost identical to its IC engine sibling barring a sealed-off front nose which is typical of all EVs. To further highlight its EV nature, Innova Electric featured blue highlights all over its exterior body. The fuel-filler lid now serves as the EV charging bay.New-Gen Innova CrystaWhile the current Innova Crysta is still a strong seller in India, the company has already started developing a new-generation model of the MPV. Camouflaged test units of the upcoming Innova have been spotted on Indian roads on a couple of occasions. The new-gen Innova is expected to come with a wide range of updates including a new platform which is expected to be a monocoque chassis underpinning Toyota Avanza.Source More

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    Toyota Innova Crysta Electric Concept Debuts At IIMS 2022

    From the first glimpse, Toyota Innova Electric appears to be based on the existing Innova Crysta with a similar exterior and interior designToyota Innova Electric ConceptToyota has been tight-lipped about its electric vehicle (EV) programme but media reports have suggested that the Japanese brand is investing a big chunk of its resources into development of EVs. While the company is developing a new dedicated platform for upcoming future EVs, it is also producing electrified versions of existing models.The Japanese auto giant has now taken the covers off from a fully electric Innova Crysta at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show in Jakarta. The battery-powered MPV has been previewed via a video presented to media personnel attending the event.Toyota Innova Electric PreviewedFirst glimpse of the electric Innova reveals that its design is very much similar to the current Innova Crysta on sale across many South Asian markets including India. The only major difference in its exterior styling is a sealed-off front nose which is typical of all EVs.To further distinguish itself from its IC engine counterpart, Innova Electric features blue highlights all over its exterior body. These blue highlights are even present in LED elements inside headlamps and taillamps as well as the Toyota logo taking centre stage upfront.[embedded content][embedded content]There is also a distinct blue stripe running across the side profile parallel to its shoulder line. It stands on silver-coloured six-spoke alloy wheels which are different from the ones seen in the current Innova. The fuel-filler lid now serves as the EV charging bay.Interiors & FeaturesInteriors of the electric Innova are identical to its IC engine sibling, at least from first glimpses shown. It gets a similar dashboard layout with a floating top and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display taking centre stage. Interiors are more or less likely to be similar with contrasting dark and light upholstery. Blue accents on upholstery further amplify its EV nature.Visible features on offer include a multifunction steering wheel, a digital instrument console, a touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and auto climate control. Other expected features on offer include an air purifier, a 360-degree camera, cruise control, etc.Toyota Innova Electric ConceptWhen will it launch?Toyota hasn’t yet shared any official details regarding its specifications or architecture. It is unclear if the company intends to take this model into production stage or is it just a concept.The company is already developing a new generation model of Innova which off late has been spied testing on overseas as well Indian roads. The new-gen Innova is expected to make its global debut at the end of this year. Launch is likely to take place by Jan 2023. More

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    Maruti YY8 Electric SUV Launch Plan 2024 – 1.5 Lakh Production Target (Scoop)

    Render for reference. Credit – Mightyseed DesignsMaruti YY8 will be made at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and will also spawn a Toyota derivativeMaruti has been running several test mules of Japan-spec WagonR electric all over the country for a while now. It was initially expected that the country’s leading automaker will foray into EV space with its popular econo-hatchback, however, we have learnt that Maruti’s debut electric vehicle is going to be a mass market mini SUV.Maruti YY8 Electric SUVMaruti has green lighted a new electric SUV project, codenamed YY8. Information about the upcoming Maruti YY8 (codename) is scarce as of now but it will adopt an SUV-ish body with compact footprints. We expect it to compete with the future EV variant of the brisk selling Tata Punch.While technical specifications are still under wraps, the Maruti YY8 electric crossover will benefit from Suzuki’s partnership with Toyota. This would mean, the vehicle in question will also be sold with Toyota branding both in India and in select overseas markets.Touted to be ready for the market sometime in 2024 (with a possible debut at the Auto Expo), the electric mini SUV from Maruti will be manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant. It looks like both Maruti and Toyota have aggressive sales targets for this vehicle, as the expected production target per year is 1.5 lakh units.Render for reference, by Rajshekhar DassClearly, the OEMs are betting on accelerated EV adoption in the country, facilitated by current and future incentives from state and central governments. The charging infrastructure across the country is also expected to grow at a strong pace in the coming years.Maruti Electric SUV ArchitectureWith Suzuki’s lightweight Heartect and Toyota’s DNGA at disposal, it is unclear which architecture will the Maruti YY8 adopt. Both platforms are versatile and EV compatible. The Heartect is already heavily localized in India with a well established supply chain apparatus, making for a short time-to-market.On the other hand, Toyota’s DNGA has a better benefit due to economies of scale on a global level. This architecture is likely to be the basis of upcoming Toyota / Maruti SUV to rival Hyundai Creta. If that is the case, it implies that Toyota has already managed to localize this architecture to meet mass-market price targets in India.We expect the electric mini SUV to be priced under INR 10 lakhs. Drive range of around 250-350 kms should be a good place to start for an entry-level EV in India. The lithium-ion battery is most likely to be sourced locally from the Toshiba facility which is also located in Gujarat. All major OEMs are working intensely on their respective mass-market electric vehicles for India and we expect to see an avalanche of new launches as we approach the middle part of this decade. More

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    Maruti WagonR Electric Car To Be Sold As Rebadged Toyota Hyryder ?

    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder SpiedToyota is expected to launch a hatchback based on Maruti WagonR which will be battery-powered
    Maruti Suzuki has been contemplating on bringing an electric vehicle to India for a very long time. The most likely possibility is an entry-level battery-powered car based on WagonR. However, since reports of the car’s development began, there has been no concrete evidence of an eventual launch.
    The Indo-Japanese carmaker is still susceptible to the fact that EVs are still at a very nascent stage in the Indian automotive market and have not reached a stage where they could penetrate into a mass market. In fact, a few months ago, reports surfaced on the internet that Maruti has altogether scrapped the plans of launching an electric derivative of Wagon R.
    Until a few days ago, there were no new developments regarding an electric version of the tallboy hatch when a test mule of the same appeared out of nowhere.
    However, the most interesting attribute noticed about the prototype was that it was wearing a Toyota logo on its face and wheel caps. This could mean that Maruti Suzuki will likely share WagonR EV with its alliance partner in India. Another set of spy shots have surfaced on the internet giving us a peek into the electric hatch.
    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
    Exterior Design
    Like the previous spy video, this unit also resembled the regular petrol-driven WagonR with the same overall design. However, it comes with subtle variations to its exterior styling including new bumpers, a revised side profile, and a completely redesigned front face. The prototype receives all-LED lighting with a sharp-looking split headlamp design at the front.
    Other exterior styling highlights include black claddings on front and rear bumpers, black pillars and a blacked-out front grille. Another interesting visual is the larger 15-inch alloy wheels which look similar to the ones seen in Maruti Ignis. The current petrol-powered WagonR rides on 14-inch steel rims with wheel caps. Rest of the car looks identical to its regular sibling.
    Maruti Rebadged models as Toyota
    If such a vehicle is indeed being planned to be launched as a Toyota, it does not make sense for Maruti to develop the car and not release it under its own brand name. Hence, it is expected to launch as a Toyota only after it has been launched under its home brand. Toyota has recently registered a new name – HYRYDER, likely to be pronounced as hi-rider. Could this Maruti WagonR Electric version’s rebadge variant be named Toyota Hyryder?
    Maruti WagonR Electric Toyota Hyryder Spied
    Currently, there is a lot of ambiguity regarding the development of this product and an official word from Maruti or Toyota will only clear the air. As of now, Toyota retails two models namely Glanza and Urban Cruiser which are rebadged Maruti models Baleno and Vitara Brezza respectively. The Japanese company will also launch a rebadged Maruti Ciaz under its own brand name Belta. There is also speculation of Toyota’s MPV which is said to be based on Ertiga.

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    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept Debuts – Name Trademarked In India

    Toyota bZ4X Electric ConceptToyota has already filed trademarks for other bZ models such as bZ1X up to bZ5X in India
    Slowdown in the global automotive industry hasn’t impacted the process of automakers transitioning to electrified powertrains. Toyota has announced that it will be adding as many fifteen fully electric vehicles (EVs) in its global lineup out of which seven will wear the branding of bZ which stands for ‘Beyond Zero’.
    The first of the bZ lineup has now been revealed in a pre-production concept form called bZ4X which is loosely based on Toyota’s mid-size SUV RAV4. Given RAV4’s popularity in international markets, it was a no-brainer for the Japanese carmaker. The crossover has been built on e-TNGA platform in partnership with Subaru.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    Exterior Design
    As expected, the bZ4X Concept takes a number of styling inspirations from its IC engine-powered cousin. It is similar in shape and size to RAV4 but sits a little lower and is slightly longer than the latter.
    At front, it gets a small hexagonal grille in the lower section of the face with small vertical inlets in the corners. Otherwise, the front end has no openings with a trapezoidal nose. The headlight clusters have four projector LED beams and a strip of LED DRLs at top of each.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    Moving to its side profile, it gets swift character lines flowing backward giving it the impression of a scooped-out section. Lower part of the door kinks upward at the rear fenders while a rear spoiler and high beltline add a sporty element to its design. Like RAV4, the C-pillar has a steep coupe-like rake while glossy black wheel arches and multi-spoke tubeless alloy wheels accentuate the crossover’s sporty appeal.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    At rear, LED illumination comprising boomerang-shaped taillights and a full-width strip across the tailgate gives it a premium appeal. Overall, the bZX4 concept grabs the attention by its bold and futuristic looks. Its interior, though premium and modern, fails to complement the exterior.
    Interior Layout & Features
    The cabin features a bulky steering column with a digital instrument cluster almost stuck to the windscreen glass. The dashboard flaunts a wide touchscreen infotainment unit extending up to the centre console finished in piano with rotary dials for toggling assistance systems and drive modes.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    It also receives a touchpad with a blue glow that can be used to operate the infotainment screen. Other highlights include multi-zone climate control, USB charging ports and a dual-tone interior theme.
    The rear seat seems fairly spacious thanks to the lack of a drivetrain hump and a wide cabin which should accommodate three adults abreast. Toyota hasn’t yet revealed the exact powertrain specs. The e-TNGA platform is suited for both single motor and dual motor setups.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    The former can be opted in either front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive layouts while the latter comes with all-wheel-drive capabilities. A single-motor variant called bZ4 should also be included in the lineup. Basically, the ‘X’ in the model name refers to all-wheel-drive vehicles.
    Toyota has trademarked BZ, BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4 and BZ5 in India
    A rebadged crossover under Subaru branding shall also be developed. Expect production version of bZ4X to start reaching markets by mid-2022. Toyota intends to launch all seven bZ models by 2025 which will also include an electric pickup truck. Production of the electric crossover is expected to be carried out in Japan and China. More

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    Toyota X-Prologue Electric Crossover Teased Ahead Of Global Debut

    Toyota Electric Crossover Teaser
    The Toyota X-Prologue is the first product to be based on the new e-TNGA platform which will spawn fully electric vehicles

    Being the world’s largest automaker, it is in Toyota’s best interest to stay at the forefront of the ongoing crossover revolution. The giant’s e-TNGA (electric – Toyota New Global Architecture) is set to spawn a whole new array of future products and most of them are going to be SUVs, including the X-Prologue which has been teased ahead of its world premiere on March 17.
    Toyota X-Prologue – A mid-size crossover
    The latest teaser not only reveals the name of the crossover but also gives us a glimpse of its unconventional front fascia design. The Toyota X-Prologue sports a unique LED DRL that runs across the width of the car and nestled within it are the 3-part LED headlamp elements.
    Being a fully electric vehicle, the crossover does not require a radiator grille and this gives the designers a free hand in shaping up the front fascia. There is a definitive step in the sheet metal design where a conventional grille would be. We will know more about the design in the coming days.
    The previous teaser suggests that the profile of the crossover is relatively less radical than its front fascia, with a flat roofline and a steeply inclined C-Pillar. There is simply no further detail about the Toyota X-Prologue at this moment.
    Patent image for reference. Credit – AutoWeek
    Toyota e-TNGA
    Toyota had announced earlier that its e-TNGA modular platform will be spinning out a whole new range of electric vehicles. The lineup will include a mid-size crossover, a large crossover, a compact crossover, a mid-size sedan and a minivan. Some of these products will also have Suzuki, Subaru and Daihatsu derivatives to take advantage of the synergies.
    The modular platform is is flexible enough to adopt different wheelbases and drive configurations (front-, rear- or all-wheel drive). Different battery sizes and motor outputs are also possible, giving Toyota and its collaborates a wide range of options when it comes to body styles and powertrain configurations.
    The Toyota X-Prologue will be the first product to be based on the e-TNGA. While it will have Europe as its primary market, it is expected to be manufactured in Japan at Toyota’s EV-specific factory. So, it is reasonable to expect it to be sold in its home country as well.
    Patent image for reference. Credit – AutoWeek
    Launch plans in North America and other leading markets in Asia are not clear as of now. With electrification becoming the focus of mobility sector across the world, we expect e-TNGA derivatives to become global models sooner than later.
    It is too early to speculate about the possibility of X-Prologue’s arrival in India. For now, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is focused on maximizing the potential of its product-sharing partnership with Suzuki in the domestic market. More

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    Toyota files patent for two interesting electric crossovers in China

    Japanese automaker Toyota is apparently working on two all-electric crossovers for the Chinese market. Based on the brand’s e-TNGA platform, either crossover would be a compelling option in China’s growing EV portfolio. Over the past few months, Chinese automakers have unveiled several EVs at varied price points. Despite being the source of COVID-19 pandemic, the […] More

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    Toyota eQ small electric car showcased in India – Range 100km

    Toyota eQ small electric car showcased in India alongside other ‘green’ vehicles Toyota Kirloskar Motor recently showcased a range of green vehicles in the country, including the Toyota Mirai FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), Aqua Hybrid, Camry Hybrid and eQ BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). The Toyota eQ is an all-electric 3-door car based on the […] More