Toyota Innova records 50,000 unit sales within 17 months

Mumbai, Aug 21 (UNI) Toyota Innova, launched by Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Toyota's global IMV platform, claims to have clocked record sales of 50,000 units in just 17 months since launch.

This makes the Innova the fastest-selling vehicle to reach the 50,000-unit landmark in the Rs 5 lakh and above category in the Indian industry, said a TKM press release here.

The 50,000 landmark for Innova has been achieved by sales in both the MPV and the sedan category. TKM has sold over 22,700 vehicles between the period January-July 2006, registering a growth of 26 per cent over the same period last year, the release added.

TKM's Managing Director Atsushi Toyoshima said, ''The success of Innova is a confirmation of the belief that the Indian auto industry has matured and customers want global products. Customer feedback affirms that the Innova scores on par with international expectations on performance, versatility, innovative comfort and perfect luxury.'' It launched India's first 3-row seating passenger car, Toyota Innova in March 2005. The Innova is totally available in 10 grades including both petrol and diesel variants and in 7-8 seating capacities.

Innova is a result of the unique IMV project that has broken new grounds in the way automobiles are created. It is built in ten countries, including India, across three continents: Asia, Africa and South America. Innova is a first generation vehicle on the IMV platform of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Commenting on the success of Innova, Mr K K Swamy, Deputy Managing Director, TKM said, ''Innova is a category creator in India as it addresses the contrasting needs of customers offering space with style, sophistication with reliability, and elegance with sturdiness in one car. As a result, you get sedan like comfort and MPV like versatility.'' UNI SN MAZ AG2052