Indian and African Market To Get Toyota-badged Ertiga and Ciaz

The partnership between Suzuki and Toyota is about to get even deeper. While the Toyota-badged Maruti Baleno and Brezza are already in the pipeline, to take this strategic partnership to a new level, some two more Maruti models will be sold by Toyota. This time, the Maruti Ertiga and Ciaz will be rebranded and go on sale in India and Africa under Toyota’s banner. The launch timeline for the Toyota-badged Ertiga and Ciaz is not unveiled yet. However, the Brezza version of Toyota will be manufactured by Toyota Kirloskar Motor at its Bidadi plant in Karnataka from 2022. 

Maruti Ciaz will be rebadged as a Toyota and go on sale in the future

In the near future, Toyota will introduce its own version of the best-selling hatchback, the Maruti Baleno. This version is expected to roll off by the end of 2019. In return, Toyota will provide its Corolla Altis to Maruti, which be sold after the requisite rebadging. However, this project is kept for the post-2020 period. Moreover, the duo will also collaborate in developing a new MPV which will be later supplied to Maruti. Some other models like RAV4 and Corolla will also be available for brand conversion. As a part of the partnership, Toyota will help Suzuki with developing hybrid powertrains. 

Besides India, the partnership will even affect the operations of the two companies in various global markets. For example, in the Kenyan market, the Toyota dealers have already started to sell Suzuki’s models, which are promoted as 'Suzuki by Toyota Kenya’. This scheme includes Alto 800, Omni Cargo, Gypsy and Swift GA, Jimny GA, Ciaz GL and Vitara GL. Most of these models are manufactured in India.

Be updated on the latest car news in India by visiting our website  - IndianAuto.com