MUMBAI: Automobile major Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has crossed the 100,000 vehicle production milestone in India. The automobile manufacturer has announced the launch of a special limited edition Qualis with enhanced features to commemorate the occasion. The company will embark upon a month-long multimedia campaign between 15 September to 15 October 2003.
At a press conference held in Mumbai's suburban hotel JW Marriott, TKM managing director Atsushi Toyoshima proudly announced that the joint venture company has rolled out its 100,000th domestically produced vehicle within three years of its launch in India.
"At present, we produce and sell around 45,000 vehicles per annum and expect to cross the 200,000-mark within two years. We might considering launching a large-volume small car in the near future but the present focus will be on the Qualis, Corolla and Camry," adds Toyoshima. He also claims that the JV company currently employs 2,300 employees as compared to 850 in 2000.
Starting today, TKM will launch a special ad campaign for selling 1,000 units of the special limited 8-seater Qualis FS edition that will cost Rs 632,310 (ex showroom; L3 model without EGR) and Rs 655,320 (ex showroom L4 with EGR). A press release states that the Qualis FS limited edition comes with a sleek new full-body stripe to add a touch of style; imposing front grill guard for a powerful front profile; silver metallic dashboard panelling; high mount stop lamp; imported sunshades amongst others.
While unveiling the Qualis FS, TKM vice chairman Vikram Kirloskar stated: "Customer-focus and quality are the two pillars on which our success story rests on. Our company still conducts extensive market research programmes."
When questioned about the growth in the automobile industry, Kirloskar says: "The reductions in the excise duties announced during Budget 2003-04 and good monsoons have fuelled growth in the automobile industry in India. In fact, the domestic auto industry has grown by 17 per cent. By 2010, the Indian market will touch volumes of 1.7 million units and TKM will be well-positioned to grab a sizeable chunk of the market. Globally, Toyota Motors has set a target of grabbing 15 per cent of the world automobile sales by 2010."
TKM director marketing Satoshi Aoki adds: "We have sold 20,055 units of Qualis between January and August 2003 and has a 33 per cent market share of the multi-utility vehicle segment at present. The target is to touch the 34,000-mark in 2003 and grab 40 per cent of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market."
The recently launched Toyota Corolla (C segment) has clocked sales of 5,248 units between February and August 2003. The Camry, Toyota's three-box sedan, launched in October 2002 has sold 812 units till date.
As part of its effort to pamper customers, the company has chalked out a month-long celebration plan for its existing and prospective customers nationally. "These would include exclusive entertainment shows featuring prominent artistes like Sonu Nigam and SP Balakrishnan, service camps special offers and exciting promotions," adds TKM deputy managing director KK Swamy.
Looks as if the celebration has just started for Toyota owners.
