In 2017, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota officially confirmed that both Japanese automakers had agreed to begin specific examinations for the realization of a commercial partnership in areas that include environmental, information and safety technologies, and common supply of products and components. The companies had decided to establish an implementation framework aimed at realizing the points that have been mutually agreed upon. The first product, which is the result of this partnership, is the Toyota Glanza that is based on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Toyota has already started to make fun of the hatchback on its social channels and company believes that the launch of the Toyota Glanza could happen in June 2019.
The following are the five main things you should know about the Toyota Glanza:
Positioning: The Toyota Glanza will be positioned above the Maruti Suzuki Baleno in terms of prices, which could attract a premium of Rs 30-50,000. The Glanza is configured to be available in two settings corresponding to the Zeta and Alpha settings of the Baleno.
Duel-jet BSVI Engine: Maruti Suzuki recently introduced the new 1.2-liter double jet gas engine that meets BSVI in the Baleno with a smooth hybrid system. This system has a torque assistance function and an improved start-stop system. There is also a brake energy regeneration system that recharges the lithium-ion battery in deceleration. The Toyota Glanza could be offered with 1.3 l diesel engine.
Styling: You can see that the Toyota Glanza does not look very different from the Baleno hatchback. However, it is expected that the grille and the front bumper will obtain a design theme similar to that seen in some of Toyota’s premium offerings. It is hoped, you get most of Baleno’s climate control features, such as the rain sensor wipers with push button, a touch screen entertainment with Android Auto / Apple Carplay.
Availability: It is believed that Toyota dealers across the country will begin accepting bookings in a short time, where the launch is expected to take place in June 2019. Toyota could offer its own warranty package, accessories and after-sales services with Glanza.
Rivals: The Toyota Glanza will compete with players like the Hyundai Elite i20, the Honda Jazz, the Volkswagen Polo, the new Tata Motors premium hatchback: the Altroz and also the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Maruti Suzuki has updated its board of directors with the appointment of Shashank Srivastava as the company’s new head of marketing and sales. It is said that this rejection in the top position is in line with the company’s new plans to work with Toyota, as well as with the new emission regulations that will be effective as of next year. In addition, Maruti Suzuki has re-elected Kenichi Ayukawa as General Director of the company. Ayukawa will fulfill his third term as Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, his first position was in March 2013. In another presentation, Maruti Suzuki’s board also approved the manufacture of its compact SUV offer, the Vitara Brezza of Toyota Kirloskar Engine (TKM) in its own facility at the beginning of 2022.
Maruti Suzuki believes that this will help the company save money by investing in a new manufacturing plant. This new version and also the new variants of Vitara Brezza will be sold through the sales channel of Maruti Suzuki and TKM respectively.
Around 3 upcoming Toyota cars like Toyota Corolla 2020, Toyota Rush and Toyota C-HR will be launched in India in 2020. Among these 3 upcoming cars, there are 1 Sedans and 2 SUV.
