Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced despatch of 8,116 units of cars from its two plants in Bidadi, Karnataka to its dealers across India in the month of September. While the number denotes a 46% increase on a month-on-month basis compared to August 2019’s 5,555 units, they are down 20.45% on year-ago sales (September 2019: 10,203).

The weakened demand and the moving out of models such as the Etios and Liva twins from its BS VI portfolio have been the major factors for the reduced numbers. But to compensate for the void created by the two models, the company, on September 23, also introduced the Toyota Urban Cruiser – its Maruti Vitara Brezza-based compact SUV.

According to Naveen Soni, senior vice-president, Sales and Service, TKM, “We are seeing demand pick up and a lot more confidence in our dealers, thereby witnessing a 14 to 18% growth in orders when compared to the last few months. September has been our best month so far, ever since the pandemic hit us in March 2020. Factors leading to this can be attributed to the pent-up demand amongst customers as well as the onset of the festive season.”

“In terms of production, our manufacturing side has gone back to two-shift production a day, thereby supporting us to keep up with the demand. Another factor leading to such demand could be attributed to the new launches in the market. TKM also announced the launch of Urban Cruiser in September and we have got a very good response from our customers and the market, ever since we opened the bookings for Urban Cruiser. We are grateful towards our loyal customers who have pre-booked the Urban Cruiser as this reiterates their trust and faith on brand Toyota,” he concluded.

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