Toyota considers hybrid version of subcompact Etios for Indian market

Toyota will launch its gasoline-powered version of the Etios subcompact in India by the end of this year. With a trial production run set to begin this September, Toyota is now mulling the addition of several alternative fuel options, including a hybrid model, that could eventually join the Etios lineup. Listed among the alt-fuel options are a diesel variant, a CNG and LPG model and the aforementioned hybrid version. Toyota targets production of the gasoline-powered Etios at 65,000 units in 2011, but the addition of alt-fuel variants could yield higher sales for the model. Toyota Motor Asia Pacific president Mitsuhiro Sonoda spoke of the possibility of an extended Etios lineup at the recent Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers convention:

We are looking at every possible alternative to launch 'Etios', apart from diesel and petrol variant, we will study the market and demand for launching the car in other fuel options (LPG and CNG) and hybrid mode. We'll have to discuss the issue of launching with other fuel options with the Government. It will also depend on the availability of infrastructure in the country. We will decide at the appropriate time.

Sonoda also suggested that the Etios could reach additional markets at a later date, though it's still highly unlikely that Toyota's subcompact will ever come to the U.S.

[Source: India Times]