The Toyota's Prius is coming to India, perhaps by mid-2009
After Honda, which recently launched the Civic Hybrid in India, Toyota is next up – the Japanese giant wants to launch the Prius Hybrid in the country, as, according to the company, “An answer to soaring fuel prices and growing concerns over emissions.” Oh, really?
‘We are preparing to bring Prius into the Indian market though we have not set any timeline yet,’ says Vikram Kirloskar, Vice-Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Ltd. ‘In the run-up, we have to develop skills to service it and make spare parts available across the country,’ he adds. Kirloskar also admitted that while the Prius is a great car, it’s a bit expensive upfront.
The 2008 Toyota Prius is said to be one of the most fuel efficient and emissions-friendly midsize car in the world. Sold in over 40 countries already, the Prius has become a big style statement for those who want to show the world that they are ecologically conscious.
Like the Civic Hybrid, the Prius runs on both petrol and electricity, switching between the two automatically as needed. It’s a very advanced, high-tech vehicle, with onboard computers that decide when to use the petrol engine and when to switch over to the electric motor.
The Prius will be imported to India as a CBU and is likely to be priced at around Rs 20 lakh.
