Toyota launches new Corolla Altis in India, eyes bigger market share

Toyota, which is lagging behind market leaders Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor and Tata Motors in sales, said it also plans to roll out its new small car by 2011. "Regarding the small car that everyone has been waiting for, we aim to start production and sales around the end of 2010 or early 2011," said Vikram Kirloskar, vice chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd (TKM), a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corp and the Kirloskar Group in which Toyota holds 89 percent stake.

TKM has enjoyed enormous success in India with its Corolla, one of the largest selling cars worldwide. Setting the benchmark in comfort and safety in the premium mid-size sedan segment, Corolla earned the No.1 spot in the JD Power IQS rankings for two consecutive years in 2003 and 2004.

"To help everyone become more familiar with this incredibly-advanced new Corolla, we gave it the name 'Altis,' which is derived from the word 'altitudinous,' meaning the absolute superiority. Our goal is to sell an average of 2,000 vehicles a month. And as the name implies, we aim to make the Altis the best-selling car in its class," said Hiroshi Nakagawa, managing director, TKM.

According to Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director, TKM, the new Corolla has a more powerful engine that the earlier model, delivering a maximum power of 130 HP. "Addition of features like electric power steering, optitron combination meter, multi-information display, steering wheel with audio controls & MID switch" enhance the driving pleasure, Singh said.

The new Corolla Altis, said Yasuyuki Kawamoto, chief engineer, Toyota Motor Corp, has "indisputable quality and dignity, which is beyond any other car in its segment."

"For Indian customers, we set two priorities. The first was styling. We wanted to create a dynamic and distinctive feel for outstanding presence. The second priority was luxury and advanced features. I am confident that we have created a 'one class above' vehicle for the Indian customers," he said.

"Corolla's good acceptance has also inspired several auto majors to explore the possibility of introducing models in the premium mid-size sedan segment," a company official said.

The main selling point of Altis, the official said, is Toyota's unparalleled quality and its intense passion for detail and perfection.

The new model is priced between Rs.10.83 lakh and Rs.12.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).