MUMBAI: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) on Tuesday launched its internationally successful premium sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Toyota Land Cruiser.
The eighth generation Land Cruiser, which offers superior four-wheel-drive and is loaded with advanced technology and comfort features, was unveiled here by TKM Managing Director Hiroshi Nakagawa. Mr. Nakagawa said, “not only is the Land Cruiser a global benchmark in automotive engineering, it is also the ultimate lifestyle statement of luxury, comfort and best-in-class safety features. Our aim is to bring to our customers the world’s most admired SUV, backed by Toyota’s countrywide assured sales and service support.”
The new Land Cruiser will be available in two options. One will 9 nine speakers and the other will have an advanced 6 DVD, 14 JBl premium speaker system with EMV screen and a Moonroof. These options will be available at Rs. 81.64 lakh and Rs. 83.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane), respectively.
TKM Deputy Managing Director (Marketing) Sandeep Singh said that in spite of the recent slowdown, the premium SUV segment had witnessed a growth, driven largely by the introduction of new models. “We will execute comprehensive training programmes at our dealerships to provide the necessary sales support and create the desired impact among our high end customers. We will also implement a focussed marketing campaign (including print, magazines, hoardings, direct marketing, web and SMS) to inform all our customers about Toyota’s capabilities in advanced technology and over-powering performance demonstrated in the Land Cruiser.”
The multi-terrain ABS (anti-lock braking system) continually monitors engine revolutions and vehicle speed, instantly adjusting wheel-slippage regardless of surface conditions. The hill assist control further contributes to smooth hill starts making the Land Cruiser suitable for mountainous terrain. And as always, passenger safety and security has been prioritised by providing 10 airbags with seat position sensors, active traction control, vehicle stability control and clearance and back sonar (to assist in cornering/reversing).
The new Land Cruiser has the world’s most advanced four zone air-conditioning system where each passenger has an independent temperature control facility.
TKM is a joint venture of Toyota and the Kirloskar group with Toyota holding an 89 per cent stake. In 2008, the company made 54,327 units. TKM’s plant on the outskirts of Bangalore has a capacity to make 60,000 units and it now makes the Corolla Altis and the Innova. TKM imports the Camry and Prado models as completely built units (CBUs). As of March 2009, the company had 3,287 employees.
