Toyota plans to launch Etios Liva in Brazil

This should come as no surprise to us because the Etios Liva was specifically designed for the developing countries. But Toyota doesn’t intend to export the Liva from India, instead it plans to manufacture the Liva in Brazil.

In a filing to the US Securities Exchange Commission, it is stated that Toyota will construct a vehicle plant in Sorocaba, Brazil. This plant is expected to produce the Etios small vehicle introduced in India with an annual production capacity of 70,000 units. The plant is expected to commence production in late 2012.

This will be the third plant in the world that is capable of manufacturing the Etios, the first 2 being in India itself. The demand for the vehicle is so high that Toyota India had to expand its capacity from 70,000 units to 120,000 units.

The Liva would be a perfect car for the Brazilian Auto market because it shares the same characteristics as Indian counterpart. Hopefully, Toyota will launch the Etios and Liva in other BRIC nations as well.

Toyota does not have plans to extend the Etios platform beyond the hatch and sedan at the moment. A small MPV and SUV could be good additions, but we have no confirmation from Toyota who say 2011 and 2012 will fully go into driving Etios into a respectable position in our market. Toyota is ready with diesel technology and said it will introduce it on the Etios “at the right time.”