Toyota Fortuner despite being old and overpriced, is the largest selling SUV in its segment. In fact it outsells all the others combined! For reference, Toyota sold 1,065 units of the muscular SUV in August 2015 and in the time period April to August 2015, the number stands at 7,215 units. In comparison, the second best seller, Pajero Sport has sold only 868 units cumulatively.
And this is what appears to be the reason why Toyota has decided NOT to hurry up with the next-generation Fortuner’s launch in India. The new-gen SUV was unveiled back in July and the company is still a long time away from launching it here.
In a recent press conference, N Raja, Senior Vice President and Director, Sales and Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd, confirmed the new Fortuner for India but exclusively told MotorBash.com that it will take 24 to 30 months after its global unveiling! Upon further persuasion, he did say that 2017 looks to be an apt time when we should be able to see the new Fortuner in India. Here is what he said…
“Very clearly there was a plan of making it in India with localisation, vendor development. We see at least 24 months to 30 months to be a leap time from one market to the other. So that will take it to 2017.”
So, if you were waiting for the brawny SUV, it is not coming next year as well, you may proceed with your purchase…
When asked about updating their Indian line-up he, sort of, gave a diplomatic response:
“We have our plans, we continuously keep working on understanding customer needs. Certainly we will come with products. Things are working.”
Also Read: All New Innova: Looks Aggressive in New Rendering
He also revealed that Toyota will be bringing in the new engines which were showcased globally. This includes a new 2.4 litre diesel producing 150 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque. The range will also get the bigger 2.8 litre diesel unit producing 177 PS of maximum power and 450 Nm of peak torque.
