IMC Is Unsure About Introducing a 1000cc Toyota in Pakistan

Jawad

11 Sep 2023

996

IMC Is Unsure About Introducing a 1000cc Toyota in Pakistan

Indus Motor Company (IMC) commenced its journey in December 1989 and introduced the first locally assembled Toyota in Pakistan – the 7th generation Corolla sedan in May 1993. However, over more than three decades, with the exception of the Yaris sedan launched in March 2020, IMC has refrained from introducing any other locally assembled Toyota model smaller than the Corolla.

The Cuore Era (2000-2012):

Between 2000 and 2012, IMC sold the locally assembled Cuore hatchback. This early 90s model was equipped with a mid-80s engine under its hood. Nevertheless, the Cuore met its end in 2012 when Pakistan mandated Euro-2 emission standards, and the aging Daihatsu Cuore could not meet the new requirements. Since then, no replacement model has been introduced.

CEO's Perspective:

Despite Toyota's extensive lineup of small cars in other markets, IMC's CEO, Ali Asghar Jamali, has stated that "Toyota does not have expertise in small car manufacturing." He made these remarks during the launch ceremony of the Toyota Hilux Revo and Fortuner in December 2016.

Limited Small Car Options:

While Toyota offers a wide range of small cars in Japan, such as Passo, Vitz, and Pixis, which remain popular through used-JDM imports, many other options available in international markets have not been considered for Pakistan. One such example is the Toyota Wigo, which has been recently launched in the Philippines and Vietnam. This vehicle is offered under various nameplates internationally, including Perodua Axia, Toyota Agya, and Daihatsu Ayla.

Features of the Toyota Wigo:

The Toyota Wigo in Vietnam is equipped with a 1.2L three-cylinder petrol engine, generating 87 hp and 113 Nm of torque, with transmission options including a 5-speed manual or CVT gearbox. Meanwhile, the Indonesian-spec version (Ayla) also includes a 1.0L three-cylinder unit that produces 66 hp and 89 Nm, potentially more suitable for the Pakistani market. The Daihatsu Ayla is nearly identical to the Toyota Wigo/Agya.

Notable features of the new Toyota Wigo include LED headlamps with DRLs, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a reversing camera with rear parking sensors, keyless entry, auto air conditioning, dual airbags, ABS, traction control, and stability control. The higher-spec variant offers speed-sensing door locks, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Daihatsu's Potential Contribution:

Even if IMC's CEO believes Toyota lacks expertise in building small cars like the Wigo, considering Daihatsu's offerings might be worthwhile. Daihatsu is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota and is known for competing vigorously with Suzuki in the Japanese domestic market, offering a range of quality small cars.

The Need for Healthy Competition:

In reality, Toyota's alleged lack of expertise in small cars, as claimed by IMC, appears unfounded. In Pakistan, where Suzuki does not have a presence in sedans or the 1300cc and above segment, both Toyota and Honda have hesitated to explore the small car market.

For the local auto industry to thrive, breaking free from stagnation and fostering genuine competition among manufacturers is essential. Achieving this requires effective government regulations that promote the entire sector rather than benefiting a select few. In a market dominated by a few players and unchecked capacity utilization that perpetuates a demand-supply gap, Pakistan, despite its status as the 5th most populous country, will remain below the 200,000-unit annual vehicle production mark. It's time to take action and break the status quo.

IMCs Toyota Hesitation Toyotas Small Car Expertise IMCs Reluctance in Pakistan Toyota Wigo Market Entry Daihatsu and Toyota Relationship Challenges in Pakistan Auto Industry Cuore Discontinuation History IMC CEOs Statements Yaris Introduction in Pakistan Auto Industry Regulation in Paki

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