Toyota shuts down plant: Toyota Indus Motor Company (IMC), one of the leading automakers in Pakistan, has announced a series of non-production days (NPDs) due to inventory shortage and low demand.
In an official notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company stated that it would shut down its car assembly plant from August 25 to September 6, 20232. The notification also mentioned the lowered sales as a reason for the diminished demand.
According to the data released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), Toyota IMC sold 1,368 cars in July 2023, reporting a 26% month-on-month decrease in sales. The main reason for the decline is the considerably poor sales of Toyota Hilux and Fortuner which went down by 63% last month.
Corolla Cross
Yet, there’s a silver lining for Toyota IMC, as the automaker is on the brink of introducing its inaugural locally assembled hybrid electric crossover SUV in Pakistan. Observers in Karachi have recently sighted a test unit of the Corolla Cross Hybrid, adorned in a black and blue wrap. Although Toyota IMC has not made an official announcement, reports from industry observers suggest that the company has begun road-testing the crossover hybrid SUV.
Some sources indicate that Toyota plans to launch the Corolla Cross Hybrid in November 2023. The vehicle’s power will come from a 1.8-liter petrol engine and an electric motor, which together will generate a combined output of 121 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque. The vehicle will also feature a CVT transmission, LED headlights and taillights, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and various safety features.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is set to revolutionize both Toyota IMC and the Pakistani auto market, marking the country’s inaugural locally assembled hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle will offer better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and higher performance than conventional vehicles. The vehicle will also compete with other crossover SUVs in the market, such as Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, MG HS, and Proton X70.
Toyota IMC is facing some operational challenges and economic difficulties due to inventory shortages and low demand. However, the company is also preparing to launch a revolutionary product that will set new standards for the auto industry in Pakistan. The Corolla Cross Hybrid will be a milestone for Toyota IMC and a boon for Pakistani car enthusiasts.
