Toyota to Unveil New Compact Car Concept in New Delhi

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the Japanese brand's India subsidiary, is set to showcase a new entry-level model at the 10th Auto Expo Automobile Show in New Delhi from January 5 to 11. The vehicle, codenamed EFC (Entry Family Car), will slot in below the Yaris. Production plans are already afoot and are scheduled to materialise from December 2010 at Toyota's planned second plant in India. The company aims to make 70,000 units in the first year.

"Both hatchback and sedan version of concept vehicle of the compact car will be showcased at Auto Expo", TKM Deputy Managing Director Sandeep Singh told the Press Trust of India. "It's a concept vehicle coming from Japan."

Toyota currently has 93 dealerships in India but wants to have 150 by the time the EFC goes on sale in 2011. This is a very important car for the world's biggest automaker as it aims to gain market share over a possible Suzuki / Volkswagen alliance and a hyped-up Tata with its ultra-cheap Nano. India is a fast-growing car market but much of its surge is in the entry-level segments.

The EFC will join other Toyota products sold on that market, including the Corolla Altis, the Fortuner, the Camry, the Prado and the Land Cruiser.