New Factory for Toyota Etios Engines

Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts, briefly known as TKAP, will make a new investment in an engine and transmission plant that will be especially aimed at the newly-launched Etios sedan produced by Toyota for the Indian market. The car is currently manufactured at TKAP's second facility in Bidadi and builds up to 70,000 vehicles per year. The engine plant on the other hand has a production capacity of 100,000 units and will be exclusively addressed to the domestic market.

“The domestic production of engines and transmission will enable us to provide the best quality product at a competitive price. India plays a vital role in Toyota’s global expansion plans and this development marks another step towards the company’s growth in India,” Koji Nagata, executive co-ordinator and marketing director, said in a statement.

Toyota today started production of the Etios sedan in India, with the hatchback version to follow in April 2011.

“It is our responsibility to provide high-quality, reasonably priced products to meet the expectations of Indian customers," Toyota Motor Corporation Executive Vice President Atsushi Niimi said in a statement when talking about the newly-released Etios.

The Etios has been introduced onto the Indian market with a 1.5l petrol engine which generates 90 PS and 132 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. A smaller 1.2l engine is also being considered as a good choice for the model.

The sedan comes equipped with just about everything a middle-class consumer would need in terms of safety and features. It is equipped with steering wheel with integrated audio controls, Electronic Power Steering (EPS) with tilt function, SRS airbags and Anti-Lock Breaking System (ABS) with EBD.