Date:05/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/05/stories/2006090520900400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

New Corolla variant out

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Toyota Kirloskar Motors on Monday announced the launch of a new variant of its premium sedan Toyota Corolla, named the Toyota Corolla Executive.

Wider section

The move is aimed at bringing the world's largest-selling car Toyota Corolla within the reach of a wider section of customers, the company said in a statement.

Announcing the launch of the Corolla Executive, A. Toyoshima, managing director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "the Corolla Executive was in response to a definite market need.

Customers keen on buying the Corolla, which is world famous for its safety and reliability features, can now afford it without compromising on the core strengths of the product."

`Best-selling'

The Corolla, launched in Japan in 1966, has retained the best-seller tag for 36 of its 40 years.

It has sold 31.64 million units across 149 countries since launch.

In India, the 9th Generation Corolla has sold 30,000 units since launch in 2003.

The price of the new variant is within the Rs. 9 lakh ceiling on corporate purchases made by senior and middle level executives.