Toyota Corolla Cross is in the final stages of development.
Toyota Indus Motor Company (IMC) has expedited plans to introduce the domestically produced Corolla Cross Hybrid.
On the condition of anonymity, a trustworthy source informed Pakmatters that the local part development work on the hybrid SUV is nearing completion.
According to the source, who cited a classified document, the vendors are virtually finished creating the local components, and assembly of the Corolla Cross could start as early as late December.
During a media briefing, Toyota IMC CEO Ali Asghar Jamali announced that the domestically produced Toyota Corolla Cross would be available in H1 2023.
He stated that the company intends to introduce its hybrid crossover SUV at a far cheaper cost than the CBU. Given the present economic climate, Toyota IMC will announce its ultimate pricing next year.
Jamali also highlighted the company’s aspirations for the overall localization of hybrid electric cars earlier this year (HEVs). He said the following:
Toyota has already spent $100 million in Pakistan to produce HEVs and expects to introduce electric cars (EVs) in the future when the nation is ready for this technology.
Honda Must Be Cautious
Honda Atlas Cars Limited (HACL) plans to introduce the HR-V in Pakistan to compete in the small crossover SUV category. According to speculation, the HR-V, owing to the popularity of crossovers in general, may wind up cannibalising Honda Civic’s market share if priced similarly.
Toyota IMC, on the other hand, has a trump card up its sleeve that might derail the HR-momentum V’s before it even begins.
The HR-V will only have an internal combustion engine (ICE), but the Toyota Corolla Cross will have a hybrid powertrain that delivers excellent performance and improved fuel efficiency.
With the introduction of the Corolla Cross, the HR-market V’s share seems to be in risk. Although pricing will be a major element in determining whether automobile is successful in Pakistan.
