It seems like Toyota is hesitant on rebadging mores models of Maruti Suzuki to expand its reach in the Indian Market. The brand is after the Jimny SUV and the upcoming new generation Swift. Here’s what we know about this so far!
Jimny, Swift to Toyota, and Fortuner to Maruti?
Maruti Suzuki – Toyota partnership where both these share models and platform turns out to be beneficial for both of the Japanese carmakers as they offer affordable vehicles to capture the audience as a whole. However, Toyota who has rebadged Maruti models such as Baleno as Glanza, Fronx as Taisor, Grand Vitara as Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Ertiga as Rumion; now are keen to add the Jimny and the Swift to their line-up.
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While it’s understandable why they would want Jimny and Swift, Maruti has quietly declined their offer stating, it would be like asking them to let them rebadge the Land Cruiser and Toyota. Maruti says these products are at the heart of their brand and that supplying the rebadged models may damage their reputation for these products.
If we look at this way, Jimny would have been beneficial for Maruti as the SUV sales isn’t the way they expected it to perform. Allowing Toyota to rebadge will also benefit them as it would provide Toyota with another option to sell the 4×4 SUV which is way more affordable compared to the Fortuner which is out of budget for so many people. Also, worth noting that Maruti accounts to about 20 – 25% sales of Toyota Monthly sales and if they have gotten allowance to rebadge those two models, expect the percentage to rise to 30 – 35%.
Tomorrow, the new generation Swift will launch with new design and styling, engine, and features. The new hatch will come with the new 1.2 L Z12E Petrol Engine delivering 81.8 BHP and 112 NM Torque mated to 5 Speed Manual (MT), and Automatic (AT) Gearbox. The power output is down from 88.50 BHP with the old Swift and Torque by 1 NM.
The car gets new features such as 9-inch Infotainment System with Wireless Apple Carplay / Android Auto, Wireless Charging Pad, new 16-inch alloy wheels (different from Japan version), Fog Lamps, LED Headlamps and Tail-lamps, Rear AC vents, 6 Airbags as standard, and so much more.
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