Toyota plans to launch Daihatsu cars in India

Toyota is planning to bring its small car brand Daihatsu in India as part of its expansion drive with launch of new cars, including an all-new mini car by late 2010.

Well aware of the dominance of small cars in India, Toyota has been toying with the idea of getting in Daihatsu. However, unable to take a firm decision, the company decided to opt for a new small car under its own badge.

Daihatsu’s entry would make its small car portfolio formidable, giving the company a multi-product strategy, which is also being followed by other carmakers like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. Toyota, despite its global dominance, has been a late starter in India and has a meagre 3% market share.

Daihatsu is a Japanese manufacturer of cars, well known for its smaller models and off-road vehicles. Daihatsu is 51.2% owned by Toyota.

Daihatsu product line is mainly small cars like Materia, Sirion , Coure/Charade and small SUV like Terios

Source: Economic Times