Toyota to launch Innova CNG next month; Now Launched

:) Hey guys!!Toyota Kirloskar Motor plans to launch a compressed natural gas (CNG)-based variant of its multi-utility vehicle, Innova, by January end, hoping to stir demand amid sagging sales. The company is conducting trials of the model.

It will tie-up with Minda Industries to provide CNG kits for its model. “The CNG Innova should be launched commercially some time in January end. At present, we are conducting test trials of the model,” said Mr Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director (Marketing), Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd.

Mr Singh said the CNG Innova would cost about Rs 75,000-90,000 more. This will include warranty and installation costs. “Since the kit has to be approved by Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan, and there is a difference in the installation procedure, our CNG kits will cost more than the usual,” he explained.

Mr Singh was talking at the sidelines of the launch of the company’s express maintenance service at one of its dealerships. It claims to provide service to Toyota’s customer in an hour.

Sale plan :

With regard to sales, Toyota is aiming to boost Innova’s demand, especially in the commercial segment. Toyota’s sales in November were 48 per cent lower at 2,087 units. In April-November, sales remained flat at 35,533 units.

“About 15-20 per cent of the demand for Innova is met through tour operators and radio taxis amongst others. Considering the running cost of CNG to be one third of petrol, we expect sales to boost up,” Mr Singh added. When asked if the company intended to launch such variants on its other models, he said , “at the moment we are considering it only for Innova.” :yup:

Hmmm Cool Move from Toyota :)

Why cant they come up with some other car in MUV Segment

Rather than jus adding up new items in Old Model :)

It really looks like Old Wine in a New Bottle :)

I think this move is in respect of the upcoming Xylo also.

@vibhor, CNG can be installed only in petrol right? Any info about regarding the price, that is the Rs. 90k increase is over petrol Innova or diesel Innova. If it is over the petrol Innova, then after 90k increase it'll be par on Diesel Innova. Which is cheaper to run, Diesel or CNG?

@zinam, Not even a new MUV is required, if they launch Qualis with a face lift, definitely it'll sell. It has still great value. It is the only car, whose resale value went high after the model was stopped. :)

Guys, Toyota will be launching its Innova CNG by February '09 End, and the price difference will be about Rs.90,000 from its petrol counterpart. :)

Great news vibhor but I have no idea about CNG.

What is the price of CNG per litre(or kg)?

How much will the mileage differ from Petrol?

Is it more economical than Diesel?

And last how will be the NVH and Pick-up?

Oh! this is really bad new where CNG version of any vehicles is only for delhi & we can't drive it here :(

CNG will be 50% cheaper than petrol & you can expect the same mileage CC buddy!

dont know this is a good move as all other companies are thinking of cng/lpg variants, but on a bigger car like this, if i am looking for longer drives i anyday would go for its diesel engine as is easier anyday.I have seen issues with 2-3 years cng/lpg cars having some problems with their fittments and engine.

TOYOTA LAUNCHES INNOVA CNG IN INDIA!

Toyota India has launched the CNG version of its popular MPV, Innova in the Indian market. Doing so, Innova has become the first energy efficient MPV in the country.
The CNG version will be available with all grades of the Petrol Innova and comes with 12 Kg fuel tank. The engine in question is a 2.0 Litre VVTi unit which can run either on CNG or Petrol at the flick of a manual selector switch. The estimated running cost is Rs 1.6 per kilometer. Taking into account the increased mileage, increased engine oil life and reduced maintenance costs, the CNG version claims to offer about 50% in savings over the diesel variant in running costs.
Announcing the launch of the first ever CNG Innova in India, Hiroshi Nakagawa, managing director, TKM, said that Toyota is an environment conscious company committed to the cause of nurturing and protecting nature in its myriad forms. With CNG having established itself as an eco-friendly, reliable and economic fuel, TKM is pleased to announce India’s first ever energy efficient MPV in India. This is yet another step in our efforts to make the environment more inhabitable.

Toyota Kirloskar Motors have tied up with Minda Auto Gas Ltd. to supply and retrofit the CNG kits. The kit is an sophisticated unit in itself and comes with an advanced lambda control system to ensure that it meets the EURO III emission norms along with increased mileage and performance.
The CNG Innova will only be available in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad during it first phase of launch. All Toyota dealers in the cities mentioned are equipped to sell and service the CNG Innova.
Toyota Innova was launched in the Indian market in 2005 and has been the market leader ever since with cumulative sales of more than 1.62 Lakh units. Toyota has launched the facelifted version of Innova recently in India.
The CNG Innova will cost approximately Rs. 85,000 over the equivalent petrol version.

(Cubiccapacity)

Just 85K over petrol variant is quite cheap for such a good vehicle.

This shows that they are attempting to grab buyers even in recession

Very true, Its really nice move by toyota.
BTW, Does this CNG comes in facelifted version or older one? ;)

This should attract more taxi drivers in cities like Delhi, where CNG is available.

CNG option is a good move by toyota as well as other players thinking the same, as running costs really gets down as compared to petrol, but i think that for a longer run, say by spending 85K for its kit ill have to run that much firstly to rebate this extra paid for cng kit, and also heard few hiccups with cng kits and engine problems, which gets one to think for going for diesel engine if running is on the higher side, as seen on most of the vehicles/owners.